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.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by us. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, we may earn a commission.
Pott’d Home Air-Dry Clay Pottery Kit, £34
We’re starting strong with a gift you know they’ll use and (hopefully) enjoy making. Every time they look at their DIY creation, they’ll think of you.
Pott’d Home Air-Dry Clay Pottery Kit, $, available at Pott’d
DK Active Zuki Crop, £79.95 & Harlow Tight, £109.95
What better for a new year refresh than swanky new activewear? Australian brand DK Active is on the pricier side but it’s great on the sustainability front and every one of the pieces we’ve tried is high quality and super comfortable.
DK Active Zuki Crop, $, available at DK Active
DK Active Harlow Tight, $, available at DK Active
The Dairy Personalised Laptop & iPad Sleeves, £34.95
Now many of us are back in the office or in flexible work situations, a personalised laptop or iPad sleeve is especially handy. It’s a great way to brighten up a dull office or a long commute.
The Dairy Personalised Laptop & iPad Sleeves, $, available at The Dairy
The Dairy Custom Cable Cord Management Wrap, £19.95
Naturally, they’ll also need a personalised cable cord wrap to match. These things are so helpful when carting around your laptop wire, phone charger and headphones all at once.
The Dairy Custom Cable Cord Management Wrap, $, available at The Dairy
Pantherella Rose 3-Pair Gift Box, £40
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
Jabra Elite 3 In-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, £79.99 £75.32
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
Hard Lines Coffee Club Monthly Subscription, £11 a month
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
Toyo Steel Y-350 Camber-top Toolbox Blue, £35
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!
Toyo Steel Y-350 Camber-top Toolbox Blue, $, available at Couverture & The Garbstore
Once Upon A Tuesday 2023 12 Month Hanging Calendar, £16.50
Fun, funky and less than £20.
Once Upon A Tuesday 2023 A4 Checks & Stripes | 12 Month Hanging Calendar, $, available at Once Upon A Tuesday
The Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask, £69
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
Shepherd of Sweden Chestnut Sheepskin Hot Water Bottle Cover, £28
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
Ikea Garlic Press, £6
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.
IKEA IKEA 365+ VÄRDEFULL, $, available at IKEA
Attirecare Ultimate Shoe Care Kit, £40
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
Ruggable Jonathan Adler Tiger Emerald Rug, £119
The brilliant thing about this rug — and every rug from Ruggable — is that it is entirely machine-washable, as well as kids- and pet-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
Pyrex Round Casserole Dish, £71.99 £51.99
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.
Pyrex Round Casserole Dish, $, available at House of Fraser
Sandqvist Hege Metal Hook, £225
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
Steamery Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer, £150
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
Columbia Women’s Omni Heat™ Lazy Bend™ Moc Slippers, £65
These lightweight, foldable slippers are perfect for frequent fliers and those always on the go. The reflective lining and Omni Heat™ insulation will keep feet toasty while the rubber sole gives great grip.
Columbia Women’s Omni Heat™ Lazy Bend™ Moc Slippers, $, available at Columbia
Monograph Brass Finish Garden Scissor, £21.49
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
Baggu Puffy Laptop Sleeve 16″, £36
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 16″ Trippy Swirl Salmon, $, available at Earl of East
Dimoo Portable Electric Lint Shaver, £49.99 £19.99
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
ZeroWater LYT Bottle 500ML, £49.99
Yes, we know £50 for a water bottle is a lot but this one from ZeroWater is more than worth it. Built into the cap is an ultraviolet light on the same wavelength as the UV used to sanitise operating theatres and water treatment plants, which destroys any unwanted micro-organisms in the water.
ZeroWater LYT Bottle – 500ML, $, available at ZeroWater
Columbia Women’s Archer Ridge™ II Sherpa Jacket, £115
You can’t beat a cosy fleece and Columbia makes some of the best.
Columbia Women’s Archer Ridge™ II Sherpa Jacket, $, available at Columbia
Shark Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Pet Vacuum, £429.99 £299.99
Shark’s latest invention is cordless, light enough to carry easily, foldable for storage and designed specifically for pet owners with an anti-hair wrap that removes hair from the brush roll so you don’t have to.
Shark Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Pet Vacuum, $, available at Shark
Colmar Long Down Jacket In Waterproof Fabric, £595
Shopping for a skier, a walker or just someone who loves the great outdoors? A Colmar coat is definitely a big investment but it will keep them warm and dry for years to come. We especially like how sleek and stylish this one looks.
Colmar Long Down Jacket In Waterproof Fabric, $, available at Colmar
FitFlop Wonderwelly Tall Wellington Boots, £90
FitFlop has already saved our feet from plenty of pain in summer with its biomechanically designed platforms; now it’s doing the same with wellington boots. The Wonderwelly has a contoured sole to help evenly distribute your body weight, the heel is filled with the brand’s innovative honeycomb design to absorb ground impact and high-rebound micro ‘springboards’ have been placed in the forefoot for an extra spring in your step. They’re super lightweight, too.
FitFlop WONDERWELLY Tall Wellington Boots, $, available at FitFlop
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