Extremely practical gifts most people would appreciate

[Anonymous]

You could buy them some wreathes or holiday centerpieces for their tables.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Great gifts for cold climates
Car battery jump starter
Car ice scraper/brush
Portable snow shovel for the car

Handy gifts
Set of Allen wrenches
Jeweler’s screwdriver set
Nonstandard batteries that fit smoke alarms
Multi tool that cuts through thick plastic blister packaging
Label maker
Duct tape of different colors

Random entertaining stuff that is good to have on hand, but does not occur to people to buy
pie server
cheese knives
serving tongs
big platters and serving bowls
tiny spoons and forks for charcuterie
cocktail napkins and holder
Large serving utensils
Wine chiller

these are great ideas! actually even better if in not-so-snowy climes--you never know when you might need the snow scraper!

Speaking of cheese knives, has anyone ever bought/used a butter spreader with the little holes (Williams Sonoma has one). Looks cute but wonder if it's useful and also I hate to say many people nowadays buy tubs of whatever is not actually butter...

A few years ago, I just gave up on the whole cold-butter struggle and started keeping my butter in a butter dish on the counter. (Used one of those butter bells with the water as a first half-measure, but I hated it.) I usually slice off a reasonable amount, but I’ve put out a whole stick before and taken up to a month to use it, and no problems so far. I do prefer salted butter for toast, which may factor in a little to the longevity.

[Anonymous]

My mother is the Queen of practical gifts, and two of her best have been a really good travel toothbrush holder (just plastic, but more attractive and well-made than most), a pottery colander in a small size that’s perfect for one container of berries, and a pretty drawstring bag that had all the essentials for mending (small foldable scissors, felt piece with 5 or 8 needles, thimble, and maybe a dozen extra-small spools of thread). The key was that they’re genuinely useful and were much nicer versions than a person would generally buy for themselves.

Things that came up on here that I can second based on experience: tool kit with basic tools (got a very cheap version at age 18, used it for all my young adulthood, and still use it now when I’m lazy because it’s easier than digging out our better tools) and very good metal scissors (I use a pair that I stole from my mom in 1989, think she bought it in the 70s).

My biggest successes as a giver:

“Swedish dishcloths” — $10-20 for a set, reusable and easy to wash, come in cute patterns or more simple colors, the thicker more expensive ones are best

Nice, heavy wooden cutting board from an Etsy seller

Key hooks to hang near the front door — either a fancy/elegant/modern one (which can be hard to find) or something adorable like the squirrels my mother hangs by her door

Cleaning materials from Thrive Market — it’s a membership model store, but you can quit after a trial month, last I knew they had a great duster with a washable cloth, nice super-thick dish towels, and attractive glass spray bottles that you can use to hold DIY or dilute-your-own spray cleaners

Marvis toothpaste, a fun luxury if they like strong mint (ideally with a cool-looking toothbrush if I can find one)

If you know them well enough to know they have a cheap version of something practical they use often, find a fancier/better-made version. The key is knowing it’s something they already use.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My mother is the Queen of practical gifts, and two of her best have been a really good travel toothbrush holder (just plastic, but more attractive and well-made than most), a pottery colander in a small size that’s perfect for one container of berries, and a pretty drawstring bag that had all the essentials for mending (small foldable scissors, felt piece with 5 or 8 needles, thimble, and maybe a dozen extra-small spools of thread). The key was that they’re genuinely useful and were much nicer versions than a person would generally buy for themselves.

Things that came up on here that I can second based on experience: tool kit with basic tools (got a very cheap version at age 18, used it for all my young adulthood, and still use it now when I’m lazy because it’s easier than digging out our better tools) and very good metal scissors (I use a pair that I stole from my mom in 1989, think she bought it in the 70s).

My biggest successes as a giver:

“Swedish dishcloths” — $10-20 for a set, reusable and easy to wash, come in cute patterns or more simple colors, the thicker more expensive ones are best

Nice, heavy wooden cutting board from an Etsy seller

Key hooks to hang near the front door — either a fancy/elegant/modern one (which can be hard to find) or something adorable like the squirrels my mother hangs by her door

Cleaning materials from Thrive Market — it’s a membership model store, but you can quit after a trial month, last I knew they had a great duster with a washable cloth, nice super-thick dish towels, and attractive glass spray bottles that you can use to hold DIY or dilute-your-own spray cleaners

Marvis toothpaste, a fun luxury if they like strong mint (ideally with a cool-looking toothbrush if I can find one)

If you know them well enough to know they have a cheap version of something practical they use often, find a fancier/better-made version. The key is knowing it’s something they already use.

That’s all junk and stuff I would trash. I think you should get something like a nice set of crystal salt/pepper shakers or a pretty vase for flowers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hate all of these ideas. My parents or MIL have given us most of them and we have returned or donated their bomba socks, first aid kits, decorative crap, bidets and a lot of other suggestions I see here. We are adults. We have first aid kits. We will NEVER use a bidet. I don’t want those overpriced socks.

Know the person you are buying for. A practical gift I’d use is a case of toilet paper, method cleaning spray, tooth paste… something consumable that the family goes through a lot. Please don’t clutter my house with stuff you think I need.

You’ll never use a bidet? Gross. How do you properly clean yourself? Dry tissue doesn’t clean it all!!!!

Yes. I’m gross, like most people. Only in DCUM land and other countries are bidets normal. I’ve been to many houses and see them installed in only one, my SIL, who gave us ours for last Christmas. It’s long gone already. No one else has them except her and everyone reading this thread.

[Anonymous]

So many people I know are trying to get rid of things, not add more. How about a gift of taking unneeded stuff away?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A bidet

I would love one of these, especially if it warms the water; bonus points if it blows warm air to dry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Electric kettle

Yes to this.. Just bought myself one for Xmas

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My mother is the Queen of practical gifts, and two of her best have been a really good travel toothbrush holder (just plastic, but more attractive and well-made than most), a pottery colander in a small size that’s perfect for one container of berries, and a pretty drawstring bag that had all the essentials for mending (small foldable scissors, felt piece with 5 or 8 needles, thimble, and maybe a dozen extra-small spools of thread). The key was that they’re genuinely useful and were much nicer versions than a person would generally buy for themselves.

Things that came up on here that I can second based on experience: tool kit with basic tools (got a very cheap version at age 18, used it for all my young adulthood, and still use it now when I’m lazy because it’s easier than digging out our better tools) and very good metal scissors (I use a pair that I stole from my mom in 1989, think she bought it in the 70s).

My biggest successes as a giver:

“Swedish dishcloths” — $10-20 for a set, reusable and easy to wash, come in cute patterns or more simple colors, the thicker more expensive ones are best

Nice, heavy wooden cutting board from an Etsy seller

Key hooks to hang near the front door — either a fancy/elegant/modern one (which can be hard to find) or something adorable like the squirrels my mother hangs by her door

Cleaning materials from Thrive Market — it’s a membership model store, but you can quit after a trial month, last I knew they had a great duster with a washable cloth, nice super-thick dish towels, and attractive glass spray bottles that you can use to hold DIY or dilute-your-own spray cleaners

Marvis toothpaste, a fun luxury if they like strong mint (ideally with a cool-looking toothbrush if I can find one)

If you know them well enough to know they have a cheap version of something practical they use often, find a fancier/better-made version. The key is knowing it’s something they already use.

That’s all junk and stuff I would trash. I think you should get something like a nice set of crystal salt/pepper shakers or a pretty vase for flowers.

Like the adorable squirrel hooks.😂

[Anonymous]

A solar phone charger is good if you are building a hurricane kit

[Anonymous]

I received an ikea type toolkit (i think it’s actually Rubbermaid branded) in a gift exchange 20 or so years ago and still use it all the time. Like, multiple times a week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hate all of these ideas. My parents or MIL have given us most of them and we have returned or donated their bomba socks, first aid kits, decorative crap, bidets and a lot of other suggestions I see here. We are adults. We have first aid kits. We will NEVER use a bidet. I don’t want those overpriced socks.

Know the person you are buying for. A practical gift I’d use is a case of toilet paper, method cleaning spray, tooth paste… something consumable that the family goes through a lot. Please don’t clutter my house with stuff you think I need.

You’ll never use a bidet? Gross. How do you properly clean yourself? Dry tissue doesn’t clean it all!!!!

Yes. I’m gross, like most people. Only in DCUM land and other countries are bidets normal. I’ve been to many houses and see them installed in only one, my SIL, who gave us ours for last Christmas. It’s long gone already. No one else has them except her and everyone reading this thread.

Bidets are useful if you don’t shower everyday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hate all of these ideas. My parents or MIL have given us most of them and we have returned or donated their bomba socks, first aid kits, decorative crap, bidets and a lot of other suggestions I see here. We are adults. We have first aid kits. We will NEVER use a bidet. I don’t want those overpriced socks.

Know the person you are buying for. A practical gift I’d use is a case of toilet paper, method cleaning spray, tooth paste… something consumable that the family goes through a lot. Please don’t clutter my house with stuff you think I need.

I was feeling like such a high-maintenance B for the past couple days, thinking wow, all these ideas really suck. With the exception of just a couple things, there was absolutely nothing on this thread I'd love. I'd appreciate the thought, but the gift would just be clutter and likely go on our buy nothing page by next Christmas.

Then no one would buy them for you. Know your audience and if you’re an anti everything person, people will just buy you a gift card to the used bookstore. These ideas are for other people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hate all of these ideas. My parents or MIL have given us most of them and we have returned or donated their bomba socks, first aid kits, decorative crap, bidets and a lot of other suggestions I see here. We are adults. We have first aid kits. We will NEVER use a bidet. I don’t want those overpriced socks.

Know the person you are buying for. A practical gift I’d use is a case of toilet paper, method cleaning spray, tooth paste… something consumable that the family goes through a lot. Please don’t clutter my house with stuff you think I need.

I was feeling like such a high-maintenance B for the past couple days, thinking wow, all these ideas really suck. With the exception of just a couple things, there was absolutely nothing on this thread I'd love. I'd appreciate the thought, but the gift would just be clutter and likely go on our buy nothing page by next Christmas.

Well, that’s really the point of gift giving, isn’t it? Especially as we get older. As a kid, getting the shiny bike made us happy, but as older and wiser adults, knowing that someone cared enough to give us something is everything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hate all of these ideas. My parents or MIL have given us most of them and we have returned or donated their bomba socks, first aid kits, decorative crap, bidets and a lot of other suggestions I see here. We are adults. We have first aid kits. We will NEVER use a bidet. I don’t want those overpriced socks.

Know the person you are buying for. A practical gift I’d use is a case of toilet paper, method cleaning spray, tooth paste… something consumable that the family goes through a lot. Please don’t clutter my house with stuff you think I need.

I was feeling like such a high-maintenance B for the past couple days, thinking wow, all these ideas really suck. With the exception of just a couple things, there was absolutely nothing on this thread I'd love. I'd appreciate the thought, but the gift would just be clutter and likely go on our buy nothing page by next Christmas.

Well, that’s really the point of gift giving, isn’t it? Especially as we get older. As a kid, getting the shiny bike made us happy, but as older and wiser adults, knowing that someone cared enough to give us something is everything.

Pp. Adding that I like to give sheets of forever stamps as a practical gift. Postage stamps don’t usually evoke cries of “I love those!”, so I’ll make a note to leave you off my list!