22 Gifts That Are Wildly Practical Without Being Boring

Gift-giving is truly its own love language, and best case scenario, your present shows love and affection while still maintaining practicality. That way, you can brighten up your recipient’s day while making their life a little easier going forward with something they can actually get great use out of.
All these picks are designed to do just that. Ahead, you’ll find with some practical items with a twist — including several finds that have a little baked-in, whimsy fun. Read on for some of our favorite handy gifts that your loved ones will be so glad they received this holiday season.
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Excel spreadsheets can mystify the best of us. This dishwasher- and microwave-safe porcelain mug contains all sorts of spreadsheet shortcuts, from filters and formats to functions and more. It’ll prove handy for all levels of Excelers, according to reviews, with shortcuts that’ll still be new to aficionados. And the most important part, of course: Coffee — 12 ounces of it.
Promising review: “Gives new meaning to ‘utilitarian.’ Reliable mug for coffee, tea, etc. Much longer lasting than a Post-It with your Excel shortcut keystrokes.” — Knoll
Make meal prep a little more fun with this multicolored five-piece cooking set from Gir, the kitchenware brand best known for its viral spatial design. Designed to include the very essentials, the kitchen tools are made with pharmaceutical-grade silicone that’s dishwasher-safe and BPA-, BPS- and phthalate-free.
This bestselling vampiric mincer can crush garlic like the best of them, plus quickly prep ginger, nuts and tons of different spices.
Promising review: “Bought this on a whim when I was browsing one day. We use a LOT of garlic in our house. I cheat and use the chopped kind in the jar in a pinch. But let’s be honest, it ain’t the same. For full delightful effect ya gotta use fresh. And anything that makes that easy is gold in my book. Well-designed, a snap to clean, and takes up very little space. Come to think of it, this is so darn cute I think I might keep it out. At the end of a hard workday, everyone could use something that makes them smile while prepping dinner! Now I can :-)” — amazon mamma of two
Adult Lego lovers can make and remake their own unique drinkware with this cool and actually-functional building blocks mug. Available in nine base colors, the piece comes with toy bricks that you can build onto the sides and handle. (You can also utilize whatever Legos you already own.)
The mug is BPA-free and can hold both cold and hot beverages, though it should not be put into the dishwasher!
Promising review: “I bought this from my husband and he loved it for his birthday. The sizes grade. The quality of it looks amazing. It’s worth the money and it’s super fun for anybody who loves to build.” — Jasmine Sada
A toothbrush may not feel like world’s most innovative gift, but the practical person on your list could be as blown away as we are by this double-duty electric toothbrush that also dispenses a stream of water for flossing. The water reservoir holds almost four ounces, and the lithium battery is designed to last for 24 hours before needing a re-charge. Clip the on-page coupon for an extra $10 off for the white toothbrush hand and an extra $20 for the black option.
This miniature medication holder is just under four inches in length and offers a inventive way to store vitamins and pills. The plastic vessel has a single interior compartment and a snap closure. Reviews indicate that the latch is very secure and it only takes up a “lipstick-tube’s-worth of space.”
Shark Tank-featured brand Bombas is famous for their buttery-soft socks, but one of its coziest hidden gems is the Sunday Slippers.
Deemed the brand’s most supportive slipper, the ultra-soft slip-ons are made with fluffy, plush fleece and a cushiony memory foam footbed that’ll make tired feet sing. They’re impressively sturdy, too, with rubber outsoles that’ll withstand chores and taking out the trash.
Available in men’s and women’s versions, the slippers are designed to “slip on and stay on,” with a slightly raised back heel that keeps feet secure yet comfy.
You can grab them in multiple colors, in men’s sizes 7-13 and in women’s sizes 5-11.
If you’re a first-timer shopping at Bombas, then you can get an extra 20% off using the “COMFORT20” discount code.
This sleek Adidas utility tote is intensely practical yet impressively chic, with a vibrant teal color (it’s also available in black), multiple zippered pockets and a handy luggage trolley strap. It can be worn crossbody or used as a tote, and even has a water bottle pocket that fits thermoses up to 1 liter (a feat in comparison to typical sized bottle holders). Reviewers also report using the water bottle pocket for umbrellas.
The piece is a real favorite among reviewers, too: Folks have given it 4.8 out of 5 stars, and rave about its thoughtful design and handy storage.
Promising review: “Great tote. Roomy, perfect for carrying a laptop or tablet and odds and ends for work. Beautiful color.” — aimeecj
This practical multitool is a perennial holiday bestseller for a reason. Equipped with seven Allen keys and three different screwdriver heads, it’s a perfectly practical item for anyone to keep on hand; whether they’re a DIY-er, aesthetically minded, or both.
These cute loose tea steepers will help brew your loved one’s drink to perfection. The neck functions as a steeping spoon and an easy stirring tool, while the body sits in their mug to infuse ground or powdered teas.
Available in multiple styles — like a lake monster Baby Nessie, a tulip and a crab — the infusers are dishwasher-safe and made with BPA-free, food-grade silicone.
While this gift has the potential to crack someone up or completely gross them out, there’s no denying that most of the people in your life could always use an extra set of nail clippers. This stainless steel set contains a foot-shaped clipper that’s a little over three inches long, and a smaller, 2-inch clipper in the shape of a hand. (PS: Once Amazon saw that we were interested in novelty nail clippers, we were presented with this mermaid-themed set and one adorned with some choice emoji. Feel free to go down this rabbit hole.)
If your loved one is in need of an air purifier, why not wow them with this versatile option that will complement spaces both large and small? This 10-speed appliance is equipped with a HEPA filter and suitable for rooms up to 1,517 square feet in size, and its quiet performance won’t exceed 20 decibels. If table space isn’t a priority, the brand also makes an option that doubles as a planter.
Store any and all paperwork in this bright expanding accordion filer. The pro-level organizational tool sports 12 vibrant sub-folders that’ll keep track of every layer of your life in one fall swoop.
The folder is available in two sizes and two colorways.
These rainbow Swedish dishcloths are a beloved eco-conscious alternative to paper towels. Made with ultra-absorbent cellulose and cotton, they become soft to the touch while wet but are gritty enough for scouring while dry.
They’re reusable, biodegradable and completely machine-washable — and they’re available in a number of stylish prints and patterns that makes this extremely practical item feel a little more festive and giftable.
Note: Clip the coupon for an added discount at checkout.
Allow these dinosaurs to lend a hand — or a spine — to make chowing down on hard-shelled tacos easier and even more fun. Nicknamed “Tacosauros” and “Tricerataco,” these durable holders are designed to hold two tacos at once. They can also help safeguard sandwiches, bagels, waffles and more.
Promising review: “Oh this product as been on my radar for well over a year. I knew this was needed to be gifted for my brother, a classic taco connoisseur. Functionally it does it’s job very well with many laughs and jokes, it is easy to clean and storage isn’t really great but it’s a nice center/conversation piece in the kitchen. Get this for its functional use and for the humor that comes along with it!!” — Melissa
Make locating easily-lost objects a little cuter with these colorful Bluetooth Tile trackers. Just clip the Tile onto keys, pet collars and more — and then track items up to 250 feet away, see past locations once out of Bluetooth range and send sound alerts for added audio assistance.
They’re available in multiple colors and pack sizes.
This two-in-one Splitflask tumbler will prove incredibly convenient for anyone sick of carrying around separate coffee and water bottles (as Drew Barrymore puts it: having to “double-fist” drinks).
This stainless-steel gizmo lets you store two drinks side by side in the same container, freeing up hands and reducing clutter for folks often on the go. It’s also legitimately leakproof (I own one that I have knocked over many times without a spill).
The tumbler can hold both hot and cold drinks, and is dishwasher-safe and BPA-fre. Plus, the Splitflask’s assortment of colors add a little extra fun.
Promising reviews: “Many times I’m leaving the house with my hot coffee mug and a bottle of water. This definitely has changed my life. The insulation is pretty good, keeping hot, hot and cold, cold.” — Annie O
“I had my eye on this cup for a while and I finally took the plunge and excited I did! I love having multiple drinks but can usually only carry one and I love to put them in my bag. I’m a mom of 4 kids and my hands need to be free. I used it this morning for hot coffee and cold ice water and the coffee stayed hot for about 6-7 hours and the it held the ice for about 8 (I dumped it out to replace the drink so it could have went longer!). You also have to factor in I kept opening and closing to drink my coffee and I add cold milk. I would say that’s pretty amazing! Now I have two cold drinks in it (strawberry margarita and regular margarita ha ha). I soft tossed it to my bed because I was doing laundry and my hands were full and no leakage at all! I love this cup and I’ve already told a few people about it!” — Tiffany G
This handy little rechargeable electric lighter is ideal for anyone who loves candles and incense or who otherwise goes through disposable lighters and matches quickly. It’s intuitive to use and easy to charge, so it’ll serve your recipient well for a long time to come. Plus, it’s wind- and splash-proof so it can keep up with indoor or outdoor activities.
The electric lighter is available in six colors, including a fun bright green, deep blue and champagne gold.
Dishwasher-safe and hand-painted in Thailand, these ceramic salt and paper shaker cats will steal the show during gift-giving season and forevermore at their dining table.
We’re also entranced by these positively cloud-like fleece-lined booties, which will feel divine to slip feet into after a long day. (That’s useful in and of itself.) They also have grippy soles so you can move around in them without fear of slipping and falling.
The plush ankle slippers comes in multiple fun colors, in women’s sizes XS-L and in men’s sizes S-XL.
Your loved one will be the only one with an apron this cool. This colorful dessert puppies apron is made out of comfy cotton and features a handy front pocket and adjustable waist.
Promising reviews: “The quality is sturdy and the print is beautiful and makes me chuckle everything I wear it.” — Jennie
“As pictured. Vibrant colors, fits easily, of course. Recipient loved it. I didn’t want to part with it, truth be told.” — Conman the Contrarian
These adorable sports-inspired bowls can be used for cereal, ice cream, mac ‘n’ cheese, snacks or drinks — and your loved one can practice their skills tossing their toppings into the designs’ hoops, goal nets and gloves!
Each piece holds 14 ounces of liquid and is dishwasher- and microwave-safe!
Promising reviews: “My brother’s birthday was coming up, and he is a golfing madman. When I saw the golf mug, I just knew it would be perfect. He was in tears. Tremendous product.” — David Knutson
Brighten their dishwasher situation while helping them keep track of whether their load is dirty or clean with this adorable magnetic dishwasher sign.
They can just flip the sign over as needed, and the piece’s sweet illustration and nostalgic vibe will help the chore feel a little less tiresome. You can grab it in two styles: A outdoorsy version and a cute yet chaotic study night option.
Promising reviews: “I love the look of these magnets and they’re already so helpful” — Liana Zorn
“I have one of my own already. My grandmother saw it and wanted one herself, so this is a gift for her.” — Kassandra Bayer
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