We all want to be the best gift-givers, but more than that, we want to give our friends and family useful gifts that they’ll truly appreciate. So before you go out and buy another sweater or scented candle, consider these useful gifts for anyone on your list!
A Book of Life Hacks
Did you know you can remove a red wine stain with wine? Even the most resourceful person might not know all of the life hacks out there! Get your recipient this book, which is chalked full of life hacks to make even the easiest of tasks easier.
A Custom to-do List
There’s no better way to make life easier than by writing things down. You’re less likely to forget something if it’s on paper, and you prioritize your tasks much easier than if they’re all floating around in your head. Award your friend or family member with a custom to-do list so they can keep themselves organized during the holiday season and throughout the year.
A Portable Power Bank
Why is it that phone batteries always seem to die at the most inconvenient times? Prevent your friend or family from having that debacle by gifting them a portable external charger. With the capability to charge your phone several times over or multiple devices at once, this gift is a great one to have on hand, even if you never expect that they’ll have to use it.
A Multi-Use Pocket Tool
What’s better than one tool? A multi-use tool! For the handy person in your life, gift them a tool that will have them prepared for almost any scenario that may befall them.
A Breakfast in Bed Tray
There’s nothing better than enjoying a relaxing breakfast in bed on the weekend! Get your friend or family member a well-crafted tray so they can have their coffee or read their favorite book on a well-supported tray. Pro tip: If you know anything about the decor of your recipient’s home, try and get a tray that coordinates with it!
A Car Seat Gap Filler
A seat gap filler is an item you don’t know you need until you have one, when you can’t imagine how you ever lived without it! A great gift for anyone, a seat gap filler is sure to make their car-life a little easier. Say goodbye to dropping a phone or keys in that small annoying space for good!
A Couch Caddy
Everyone has lost their television remote at one point or another. Prevent this ever-annoying scenario by gifting your friend or family member a couch caddy. They can keep their remotes, books and other entertainment items close at hand, while also decluttering their coffee table.
A Cookbook Holder
For the chef in your life, make their life easier by gifting a cookbook holder! These holders look as good as they are functional, so your cooking-fiend-friend will place it on their counter proudly. Pro tip: For a more techy chef, they can use the same holder for a tablet to easily see their recipes online.
A Purse Magnet
A gift every lady will love is a purse magnet. Public restrooms, restaurant floors and even grocery carts are notoriously dirty, and this gift idea will enable your friend or family member to avoid placing their purse down on them. Simply attach the magnet to your purse, and whenever you want to put your purse down, just look for a magnetic place to attach it to. Your purse will no longer carry around the dirty germs that you’ll inevitably bring back into your car or home. Get one for yourself while you’re at it!
Gift-giving is a big part of the holiday season, and it can be tough to come up with a gift that your recipient will actually use. Sweaters, fuzzy socks and gift cards are all well and good, but for some people on your list, you really want to go above and beyond to give them something truly useful. Whether it be your dad, a co-worker or a friend, there’s something really special about gifting them something you just know will be used for years to come. If you’re feeling stuck in this tricky position, consider one of these useful gift ideas for someone on your list! Do you have any other useful gift ideas to share? Post them in the comments below!
Erika focuses on email marketing, copywriting and merchandising at Zazzle, but she has a secret obsession with all things wedding! During the week you can find her writing punny subject lines while also pinning the latest wedding trends, and outside of the 9-5, she is usually cheering on the San Jose Sharks, reading a good murder mystery, or hunting for the best Philly Cheesesteak in the Bay Area.
