Useful Christmas Gifts

[Anonymous]

There are lots of lists for people who “have everything” but I have several adults who I buy Christmas gifts for who aren’t well off. They aren’t destitute, and giving cash or gift cards is not appropriate. But I want to give things that are genuinely useful. In the past I’ve done fleeces, water bottles, calendars, etc. I don’t know them well enough to know exactly what they might need at a given moment. A few have dietary restrictions so I’m looking for some non-food gifts. Any good, general ideas? I spend about $50 per person or $100 per couple. Appreciate any suggestions!

[Anonymous]

Fire blanket (I haven’t used one but they seem like they should work and I have them in my kitchen, garage, etc.)

Then other useful things like a strong flashlight that is a magnet and can stick to the fridge. So, a variety of useful items. Bunch of gloves they could keep in the car maybe? Really great umbrella?

[Anonymous]

Holiday decor...never would spend scarce dollars on it but fun and festive to have. Fresh dishtowels and pot holders? Bathroom soaps?

[Anonymous]

A gift receipt so they could return the gift and get something useful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A gift receipt so they could return the gift and get something useful.

Pp again. Op, if you know where they shop, like Costco or Target or Macy’s or Amazon, then just make sure that the gift includes a receipt, so they could exchange it. The issue with “useful” items is that it’s hard to guess which one they need at a given time. Kitchen wares / blankets etc are all useful but they tend to last a few years.

[Anonymous]

Portable cell phone charger, fruit basket, gift card to a local restaurant or movie theater.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A gift receipt so they could return the gift and get something useful.

Here's a list of things that my recipients have liked. Some are more thoughtful/personal vs. useful but aesthetics and a personal touch are also good gifts to receive.

Do you know them well enough to understand their lives? Do you know what they have or don't have in their houses? Are they seniors?

Here are a few things that worked over the years for me:

-Personal recommendations (mainly books)

-A donation to Donor's Choose "in honor of" that generated a fun thank-you letter from a class that received a bookbinding machine

-IKEA collapsible nylon fabric drawer organizer bins

-New Pyrex refrigerator organizer containers

-fun or joke gift that is personalized (ex: solar-powered waving statue)

-computer peripherals - new mouse, ring light

-Lego for grownups (there are floral arrangements now). These are a nice break for people who do jigsaws regularly.

-Seasonal flower arrangement with evergreens

[Anonymous]

Heated vest! Love mine.

[Anonymous]

We love gift cards to restaurants we might not spring for ourselves. A $100 gift card to a nice restaurant is a gift anyone would enjoy. Truly.

[Anonymous]

Touchscreen gloves
Throw blankets
Slippers
Hand Warmers
Battery powered fluorescent lantern
AAA membership
temporal thermometer

[Anonymous]

Forever stamps
Gift card for Omaha steaks or similar
New equipment for whatever hobby they enjoy
Wireless earbuds
Cell phone battery charger
Pendleton blanket/throw blanket
Tickets to a sporting event
Firewood if they enjoy using their fireplace

[Anonymous]

A fancy art jigsaw puzzle. I like Pomegranate brand, Ravensburger or Galison. They can donate or swap it when they're finished.

[Anonymous]

I feel like you should ask the spouse or someone close to them for specifics. None of the above things would be useful to me.
I just had to pay for 4 new tires and that would have been a lovely Christmas present. I know tires are more than $100 I’m just telling you about what’s useful vs a heated vest.

Airfryer if you know they have the space and would use it.
If they have kids a family game?

[Anonymous]

We got my brother a battery organizer filled with all the batteries-super helpful and practical but also doesn’t feel lame

[Anonymous]

I’m getting someone two canvas tote bags. You think everyone has tons, but sometimes they’re ugly or cheap and falling apart and not cute. One will have a saying she’ll think is funny and the other will have a design she likes, both will have inside pockets.