15 Sensible Gifts Practical People Will Appreciate (& Actually Use)
‘Practical’ as a gift concept conjures up an image of something dull but ultimately appreciated: money towards your car MOT, storage solutions for your overflowing beauty shelf or – the classic – socks.
But that dismisses two crucial things. One: gifts like these honestly do slap. And two: you can push the limits of ‘practicality’ far beyond the realm of dull and into the fun, the unexpected and even the frivolous.
That is exactly what we set out to do with this gift guide. Whether you’re buying for a loved one or a colleague, we have you covered.
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Okay, let’s get one thing out of the way. The stereotype that socks are a crap gift is just that: a stereotype. The right socks for the right person can be an incredible gift: you’re always going to need them and as long as they are chosen well, they can make an outfit.
That said, you probably can’t just grab any old pair from the high street. Instead, make this practical gift a little more luxe by splurging on the “world’s finest merino wool socks”.
Pantherella 5X3 Rib Merino Wool Women’s Socks, $, available at Pantherella
Wireless earbuds go from novel to essential for many people from the moment they try them, this writer included. They make everything from working out to vacuuming to answering the door much, much easier. It’s hard to go back to wired once you’ve had a couple of wire-free hours, to be honest.
This particular model has great sound quality, holds a charge for hours and hours, and is incredible at blocking out sound. Plus, it has a hear-through functionality so you can unmute the world around you without pausing your playlist.
It’s the perfect present for the family member who loves to tune you out and get stuff done.
Jabra Elite 3 In Ear Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, $, available at Amazon
Subscriptions are always worth exploring as a gift that people will actually use, and a regular supply of good coffee won’t go amiss for most people. Hard Lines will provide the most exciting new coffees, whether you prefer whole bean or pre-ground.
Hard Lines Coffee Club Monthly Subscription, $, available at Hard Lines
If your practical person is someone who got really into DIY in recent years, they probably already have the key tools. But do they have a chic, cobalt home to store them in? Not yet!
Everyone deserves a good night’s sleep but it’s especially important for our efficient friends and loved ones who keep the world spinning. A luxe sleep mask that makes your face feel like it’s being hugged* is a gift that keeps on giving, night after night.
*in a good way
Drowsy Sleep Co The Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask, $, available at Drowsy Sleep Co
Better yet, pair it with a hot water bottle in a gorpcore fleece to keep them toasty even when the heating’s off.
Shepherd of Sweden Chesnut Sheepskin Hot Water Bottle Cover, $, available at Trouva
Sure, a lot of people already have a garlic press. But do they currently have a good one that’s incredibly easy to clean? Exactly.
Unless you’re a sneakerhead you’re not likely to keep shoe care top of mind at all times. That makes this a great gift for your particularly well-dressed friend who didn’t know this is exactly what they need to help preserve their shoes.
ATTIRECARE Ultimate Shoe Care Kit 250ml, $, available at Selfridges
The brilliant thing about this rug – and every rug from Ruggable – is that it is entirely machine-washable, as well as kids- and pets-friendly. Making this a piece of home decor that can weather the day-to-day business of life without becoming a cleaning burden on the owner.
Ruggable Jonathan Adler Tiger Emerald Rug, $, available at Ruggable
For the home chef who might want a Le Creuset but can’t yet stretch to it. This one from Pyrex is just as robust and looks great too, while its dimpled lid prevents any unwanted moisture loss.
It can be hard to find a practical bag that’s also stylish. Well, only if you don’t know where to look. This Sandqvist backpack is deceptively roomy without being too bulky, making it sensible without turning you into a tortoise.
Sandqvist Hege Metal Hook, $, available at Sandqvist
Is there anything more sensible-sounding than the ability to make your clothes look like new, or more gratifying than making that process easy? Ironing can take a hike; it’s all about steaming now.
Steamery Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer – Sand, $, available at Steamery
Not all snips are created equal, nor are they interchangeable. This pair of sleek garden scissors will not only be a thoughtful, useful gift for any green-fingered friends but will double as decor, too.
Monograph Brass Finish Garden Scissor, $, available at Trouva
Laptop cases are one of those non-essential essentials. Technically you don’t need one but it makes everything easier when you do – from protecting your laptop from your jostling as you run for the train to being a convenient storage place for loose but important paperwork.
Baggu Puffy Laptop Sleeve 13″ Trippy Swirl Salmon, $, available at Earl of East
And finally, a fabric shaver that will gently get rid of all the bobbles on your knitwear AND is USB-charged. Game-changer.
Dimoo Portable Electric Lint Remover Fabric Shaver, $, available at Dimoo
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