25 Actually Useful (But Not Boring) Gifts
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A lot of the gifts we recommend at the Strategist are downright delightful and playful, often luxurious, or even weird and surprising. But sometimes, it just makes sense to give a truly useful gift. That designation is vague, I know. But what I’ve gathered here are the absolute nicest versions of everyday items — less cashmere sweaters and more fancy office and bathroom essentials. Some of these are upgraded versions of items your recipient might own already: They’re high-quality and good-looking enough to make them truly great presents, things that feel practical but far from boring.
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This small wooden broom and dustpan can clean up toaster crumbs, coffee grounds, and any other pesky bits that end up on your countertops. And it can be hung up on the wall for easy access.
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A nice watering can will make the chore of caring for plants much easier than if they have to lug pots to the sink or bath.
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If they’re big into home improvement, they likely already own tools — or have a set idea of what serious ones they want. If they’re simply the occasional furniture-assembler and picture-hanger, a cohesive, compact toolbox would make a welcome present.
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For anyone who lugs a tote bag full of tote bags to the grocery store and farmers market, consider this chic upgrade that has pockets on the outside for bottles and jugs and jars.
The other day my colleague, Strategist weekend and holiday writer Martha Tuber, pointed out how many great Penco items there are at Los Angeles’ High Tide Store. A bundle of these industrial-looking desk supplies would please anyone who works from home.
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Here’s a retractable charger for the neat freak in your life.
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And a face-up to-do list pad for the person who isn’t into personal planners (but is attempting to be more organized in 2026).
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It’s not like letter-writing is so common these days — which is why I never have a stamp when I need one. Give this to someone who you think might find themself in the same situation throughout the year. I think the fact that this sheet is mail-delivering themed — and drawn by renowned comic book artists Chris Ware —is especially cute (but you can shop around).
Most kitchen tools technically fall under the label of “useful” — but I like the idea of gifting some more unexpected utensils they’re not likely to already have and are sure to get a ton of use out of. Some favorites: a flat sauté for stirring and flipping, a tasting spoon (that also drizzles and measures serves), and a set of tweezer tongs for delicate maneuvering.
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A SAD lamp is a thoughtful gesture for anyone in your life who complains about seasonal depression as we head into the post-holiday deep winter stretch.
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Slip Sleep Mask
A top-tier silk sleep mask is a thoughtful gesture for anyone in your life who complains about not sleeping well.
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And if you’re the one who doesn’t sleep well, an amber book light for the person next to you.
For the men in your life, here’s some high-end but practical bathroom and grooming supplies, including a leather dopp kit, a time-tested beard trimmer, and a new-to-their-lineup trio of nice-smelling body washes from OffCourt, as recommended by our resident expert.
And some cosmetic essentials for women, too: the GOAT hairbrush, a set of really good and sleek-looking makeup brushes, and a nourishing lip balm with SPF that actually goes on glossy.
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MiiR Flip Traveler
This is our preferred insulated travel mug for carrying around hot beverages.
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Any of our favorite umbrellas would make a great gift, but I think the classic compact Duckhead is especially sweet.
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More From The Strategist
- Hark, the Advent Calendars Arrived (Very) Early This Year
- The Best Things Strategist Editors Have Bought This Year (So Far)
- 63 Things You Should Never Buy Full Price
- The Strategist Fall 100
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
