Holiday Gifts·10 min read

Practical Gifts People Will Actually Use

Useful things that won't wind up in the back of a closet.

Practical Gifts People Will Actually Use
Design: theSkimm | Images: Kitsch, Material Kitchen, Dagne Dover, Sephora
October 13, 2026

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We would argue that the most thoughtful gifts are the ones that actually get used. If you’re determined to strike the right balance between intentional and exciting, we can help. This list is full of return-proof presents that will never get “lost” in storage for the better part of a decade.

To shop more holiday gifts, click here.

QL-1100c Wide Format Label Printer

Brother

QL-1100c Wide Format Label Printer

A nifty label printer…

It might not be the sexiest gift, but a label maker is more useful than you might think. This one will print barcodes, return labels, images, QR codes, and more with ease. It uses direct thermal printing, so no inks or toners are required. 

Ember

ember

Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

A temperature-controlled coffee mug…

We’ve tested this mug personally and love how quick and effective it is. It’s controlled via an app where users can set the desired temperature based on their beverage, or choose from recommended presets. As far as devices go, it’s very sleek and won’t hog desk or counter space. 

LifeStraw

LifeStraw

Glass Water Filter Bottle

Proof that practical gifts can also be aesthetically pleasing…

This handblown glass bottle has two-stage filtration built right in, so tap water from the office, gym, or airport gets filtered as they sip. It removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, and reduces chemicals, chlorine, and odors. The silicone sleeve adds grip and protection, and it's dishwasher safe (minus the filters). It's a one-of-a-kind gift that's both stylish and useful.*

Luggage tag

JMTcollectionsByMary

Personalized Luggage Tag

A personalized luggage tag…

For any jet-setters or weekend-getaway-ers, a luggage tag is not only useful, but it’ll also add a personal touch to their bags. Adding their initials in rose gold, silver, or gold lettering will take it to the next level. 

Ban.do Stacking Highlighters

ban.do

Stacking Highlighters - Shapes

Whimsical highlighters that will dress up any desktop…

Office supplies that double as decor are our favorite kind, and these stackable highlighter spheres are near the top of our list. They’re bright and vivid and just plain fun. 

LunaFro Rechargeable Milk Frother

Maestri House

LunaFro Rechargeable Milk Frother

A rechargeable milk frother…

This handheld frother is an easy under-$30 hack for elevating their coffee, matcha, or smoothie game. It can last up to three months on a single charge, and it’s a dream to clean thanks to its removable whisk.

Essentials Card Box

Rifle Paper Co.

Essentials Card Box

A box of stationery that will always be in style…

A solid set of stationery makes a great last-minute gift because it always comes in handy. This boxed set isn’t just pretty to look at, it also includes 15 cards for a variety of occasions, like birthdays, thank-yous, and sympathy.

Rose Quartz Gua Sha

Sephora

Rose Quartz Gua Sha

A gua sha for the beauty lover…

This gua sha is made with rose quartz stone for an impactful and effective face sculpting session, minus the salon appointment price tag. We love this as a stocking stuffer.

The MK Free Set

Material

The MK Free Set

A plant-based cutting board…

Whether they’re avid cooks or simply like to keep a plastic-free kitchen, this plant-based cutting board duo will be a much-welcomed gift. It’s non-slip and dishwasher-safe, so they can rest easy knowing they’re using a clean board every time.  

Bath Pillows for Tub

GORILLA GRIP

Bath Pillows for Tub

A bathtub pillow for self-care nights…

Give the gift of a long, relaxing long soak (without neck pain) with this waterproof pillow. It’s cushioned and extra-grippy, so they won’t stress about a mid-soak slip. 

Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover

Hunter Neoprene Toiletry Bag

A toiletry bag that will last them years…

This neoprene toiletry bag is sleek, water-resistant, and super spacious. It also comes with a small mesh bag for tinier items that tend to get lost, like lip balm or medicines. 

Dish towels

WMTOKK

2026 New Cotton Dish Towels

An embroidered set of kitchen towels…

Skip the thin, kitschy towels that are purely for decoration and go for this set of high-quality waffle kitchen towels. They’re designed to absorb moisture faster than most kitchen towels and are just as cute. Plus, they’re under $15.

Fanny pack

Baggu

Fanny Pack

A fanny pack that won’t ruin an outfit…

This belt bag is spacious enough to fit a book or e-reader, phone, wallet, sunglasses, and more, without looking like a total eyesore. A miracle. Did we mention it’s machine-washable?

Hangers

Kangaroo™

Space Saving Closet Organizer Hangers

Quality clothes hangers that lock clothes into place…

Another unsexy gift, but no less useful, especially when it can double their closet space. These 100% recycled (and recyclable) hangers are specifically designed to prevent shirts, pants, knits, and strappy tops or dresses from slipping off and creating a wrinkled mess. They’re ultra-thin, too. Trust us when we say they’ll thank you for it. 

Satin pillowcase

Kitsch

Satin Pillowcase with Zipper

A satin pillowcase for smoother skin and hair…

Gifting this satin pillowcase is like gifting them skincare, hair care, and home decor all in one. The shiny material gives luxury hotel bedding at its finest, while also preventing breakage and breakouts.

Upcycled Record Coasters

Uncommon Goods

Upcycled Record Coasters

A set of coasters for music lovers…

These coasters are expertly cut from the center of old vinyl records, making each one genuinely unique. They’re sealed so moisture from a sweaty glass won’t seep through. Plus, they’re a great conversation starter. 

Kindle holder

Strapsicle

Hand Straps for Kindle Paperwhite & Kobo Aura H2O

A bestselling holder for e-readers…

These ergonomic e-reader straps are ideal for reading one-handed or while lying in bed, and won’t make the device feel bulky. They’re viral for a reason.

Bombas

Bombas

Women's Everyday Compression Knee High Sock 3-Pack

Compression socks that aren’t ugly…

Anyone who travels, runs, or is up on their feet all day will greatly appreciate these compression socks. The mid-level compression helps reduce fatigue and soreness. If you’re not a fan of the floral designs, they have a striped option as well. 

*This denotes a sponsored product.

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