Useful Gifts for All the Practical People On Your List

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Hands-On Gifts

Sure, people like getting gifts. But there are people out there — and probably one or two on your list — who would rather not receive a gift at all than receive something that will end up in the dark recesses of a cabinet or closet collecting dust. For those folks, we present this gift guide of practical products and empirical items that can be put to good use.


Prices and availability are subject to change. 


Related: Boring Gifts Your Significant Other Doesn't Want — and What to Buy Instead

Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer
Amazon
Mark & Graham Leather Charger Roll Up, Blush and Three More Colors
Mark & Graham

Mark & Graham Leather Charger Roll Up

$49 from Mark & Graham

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There probably isn't a person alive who couldn't use some help with those cords, cables, and chargers that dominate our modern life. They can keep them all neatly organized with one of these leather cases. Available in 8 colors with optional monogramming.

Blue Light-Blocking Glasses
Amazon
Lasko Heating Space Heater
Amazon

Lasko Full Circle Ceramic Space Heater

$89 from Amazon
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If you live with someone who's constantly fighting off a chill, this tiny, portable gadget will help them in their quest to stay warm.

WorkEZ BEST Adjustable Laptop Stand Lap Desk, Black
Amazon
Catch:3 Essentials Charger and Accessory Tray
Amazon

Catch:3 Essentials Charger and Accessory Tray

$80 from Amazon

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This charger and accessory unit is wrapped in Belgian linen for a chic touch that fits right into a home or office. It features multi-coil, single-device wireless charging capability, and three coils allow for faster charging.

Furmax Office and Gaming Chair
Amazon

Furmax Office and Gaming Chair

$65 from Amazon
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Is there any more functional gift than a chair? In this case, it's one for gamers that’s comfortable enough to settle in for long playing sessions and it's Amazon’s top seller. Translation: Usability high.

Glass Bottle Plant Mister
Amazon
Billy Jealousy Beard Envy Kit
Amazon

Billy Jealousy Beard Envy Kit

$25 on Amazon
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Got someone will stellar facial hair on your list? This kit includes beard wash, beard oil, and a bristle brush, and it comes with a beard-dude-approved 4.4-star rating.

Highwave AutoDogMug
Chewy

AutoDogMug Dog Bowl Water Bottle

$20 and from Chewy
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Know someone who hikes with their dog regularly? They'll love this all-in-one water bottle and bowl that'll guarantee their pup stays hydrated on hot and sunny treks. Available in five colors.


Related: Gifts for Dog-Obsessed Humans

Joby GorillaPod 3K Kit
Amazon
Moisture Meter
Amazon
MightyNest Natural All-Purpose Cleaning Set
Amazon

MightyFix Ecofriendly All-Purpose Bundle Kit

$66 from Amazon

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This bundle of sustainable household products includes an all-purpose cleaner, wool dryer balls, silicone food savers, and compostable-yet-stylish Swedish dishcloths.

WateLves Memory Foam Slippers
Amazon

WateLves Memory Foam Slippers

$17 and up from Amazon
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If the past year and half has been anything other than the pandemic and crazy news cycles, it's been the era of comfort. Let your loved one embrace this silver lining with a pair of these well-reviewed slip-on house shoes, which are lined with fleece but have rubber soles for good traction.

Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker
Amazon

Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker

$30 from Amazon
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If the pragmatist in your life really likes breakfast, he or she can make breakfast sandwiches at home in just five minutes. The removable nonstick parts can be cleaned in the dishwasher.

Boston Warehouse Monkey Vegetable Peeler, Orange
Amazon
Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Standard Mouth Water Bottle
Amazon
AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge, Silver
Amazon

Electronic Tire-Pressure Gauge

$12 from Amazon
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Let them forget those old pencil tire-pressure gauges, which aren’t especially accurate anyway. Many sport a built-in LED light for easy viewing and some even come with carrying cases. This stocking stuffer is especially useful for a driver with an older car that lacks a built-in tire-pressure monitor — remember, properly inflating tires extends tread life and helps with gas mileage.

Always Pan 2.0, Steam
Our Place

The Always Pan

$99 from Our Place

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Noone can argue with a pan that is "designed to replace 8 traditional pieces of cookware." With a sturdy aluminum body and handsome ceramic coating — available in 10 colors — it's sure to win over the pragmatist in your life.

Harding Lane White Whale Baseball Hat, New England Red
Harding Lane

Embroidered Baseball Hat

$38 from Harding Lane
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Baseball hats get used, especially when they're high quality, have a cool design, and will last a long time. These needlepoint-logo hats are all that and more, and they're available in nearly five dozen designs, including athletic and nature themes and the U.S. flag.

LEATHERMAN Wave+
Amazon

Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool

$105 from Amazon
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This multitool includes 18 tools in total, including screwdrivers, scissors, a saw, wire cutters, and more. Will it get used? Yes, and probably in a multitude of ways. Order direct from Leatherman and you can have it personalized.


Related: Cheap But Cool Gifts for Men

InvisaWear Jewelry
InvisaWear

InvisaWear Jewelry

$119 and up from InvisaWear
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Jewelry, when loved, will always get used, but a piece of jewelry or an accessory with life-saving technology? Now that's functionality. InvisaWear's bracelets, scrunchies, necklaces, keychains, and other pieces feature a built-in panic button that will initiate an S.O.S and send an alert to ADT. ADT’s professional 24/7 monitoring services can notify emergency contacts, alert authorities, and share their location to get them the help they need.

Bellroy Slim Sleeve Wallet
Amazon

Bellroy Slim Sleeve Wallet

$79 from Amazon
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These slim, attractive, long-lasting bifold wallets are made of top-grain leather, are available in seven colors, and come with a three-year guarantee.


Related: Great Gifts for Brothers

Madewell The Medium Transport Tote, English Saddle
Madewell

The Medium Transport Tote

$168 from Madewell
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An attractive and roomy tote in sumptuous leather with the option for a classic monogram in 10 colors? Yep, this one will be used and used proudly.

HoMedics UV Clean Phone Sanitizer
Amazon

HoMedics UV Clean Phone Sanitizer

$6 from Amazon
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Cellphones are basicall petri dishes because we are always touching them. With this UV-light sanitizer, they can zap those invisible germs into oblivion. It's rechargeable and collapses for travel.

Westmark Germany Hermetus Steel 3-in-1 Resealer Beer Bottle Opener
Amazon
BLUEAIR Air Purifier Large Room
Amazon

Blueair Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier

$50 and up from Amazon

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The pandemic has made a lot of people re-evaluate the way they live, particularly when it comes to health. Not surprisingly, demand for home air purifiers has skyrocketed this year. There are numerous models available; Blueair's air purifiers get some of the best reviews from professional testers like Wirecutter and consumers alike.

La Chatelaine Hand Cream Gift Set for Women
Amazon

La Chatelaine Deluxe Hand Cream Collection

$29 from Amazon
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Winter weather means dry skin, so a gift of these French-made, well-reviewed hand creams — available in seven options — will be a welcome gift.

Instant Pot Pro Plus 6-Quart Multicooker With WiFi
Best Buy

Instant Pot Pro Plus 6 Qt. Multicooker With Wi-Fi

$150 from Best Buy

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The brand behind the original line of multitasking multicookers just released this new Instant Pot that trumps all others. Why? When connected to the Instant Brands Connect app, home chefs can access a library of more than 1,500 smart recipes. Once a recipe is chosen, the app acts like a sous chef, guiding you through each step of the Instant Pot cooking process until dinner is ready for the table. Other features include mobile monitoring, a delayed start time, and more.

Yeti Hopper Flip Portable Cooler
Amazon

Yeti Hopper Flip Portable Cooler

$250 from Amazon
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If the loved one you're shopping for loves the outdoors, this Yeti cooler, which holds up to a dozen cans and 15 pound of ice, can be used for camping, fishing, picnics, and more. It’s available in more than a dozen colors.


Related: Awesome Gift Ideas Under $250

Nature Lovers Spiral Notebook Bundle
Decomposition
Cuisinart Drip Coffee Maker
Amazon
Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillows
Amazon
Compact Swivel Cheese & Tapas Board
Uncommon Goods

Compact Swivel Cheese and Tapas Board

$88 from Uncommon Goods
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We have a tough time believing this bamboo bowl and cutting board set won't get used on the regular, especially if the recipient in question entertains often. On the plus side, when not in use, it folds into quite a small footprint, meaning it won't take up a lot of space in the kitchen cabinets.


Related: Special Gifts for Hosts and Hostesses

Snowfox Stainless Steel Cocktail Glasses
Amazon

Snowfox Stainless Steel Cocktail Glasses

$35 from Amazon
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Just because we're doing more of our cocktail hours at home doesn't mean we can't do them in style. Buy these for your favorite COVID-bubble peeps, then invite yourself over to help them get used. Available in tumbler and martini styles.


Related: Boozy Gifts That Don Draper Would Endorse

Jabra Elite 8 Active
Amazon
OXO Good Grips Adjustable Measuring Cup
Amazon

OXO Good Grips Adjustable Measuring Cup

$15 from Amazon
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Finally, a measuring cup that gets everything out, without the need to reach for a spatula or spoon. To use, simply twist the bottom of the cup and dispense your ingredient into the bowl. The magic is a silicone disk that acts like a plunger. The gadget is fully adjustable, can hold up to 2 cups, and can be cleaned in your dishwasher.


Related: Kitchen Gifts They'll Actually Use

Authenticity 50 Essential Cotton Towels
Authenticity50

Authenticity50 Essential Cotton Towels

$180 from Authenticity50
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Made from California-grown Supima cotton, Authenticity50's plush bath towels are also stitched in the U.S.A. And, at 62-by-30 inches, they're also bigger than a standard towel for spa-like luxury.

Master Maison 19-Piece Knife Set with Wooden Block
Amazon

Master Maison 19-Piece Knife Set

$94 and up from Amazon

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At some point, just about everyone needs a set of knives, and this one comes with a chef's knife, two bread knives, a carving knife, two Santoku knives, utility and paring knives, and eight steak knives. The set also includes a sharpening tool and comes in a few color choices.

Mighty Bliss Deep Tissue Massager
Amazon

Mighty Bliss Deep Tissue Massager

$54 from Amazon

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This cordless handheld massager helps those with pain in their back, shoulders, neck, and more. Comes with six different massage heads and a lifetime warranty. Offers two hours of massage time on a single charge and can be recharged in around one hour.

Sousvide Art Air Fryer Lid for InstaPot
Amazon

Sousvide Art Air Fryer Lid for InstaPot

$78 from Amazon

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This gadget can turn a six- or eight-quart InstaPot into an air fryer — and save the precious counter and cabinet space. The kit includes the lid, a mesh frying basket, steam rack, silicone mat, tongs, cookbook, and more.