It can be difficult to come up with ideas for practical gifts for adults. You might wonder, “What’s considered a thoughtful gift?” or “What would a practical gift be?” It can be helpful to consider thoughtful, practical gifts that are functional, don’t add clutter, and that will actually be used. We’re sharing our 30 top picks for practical gifts for adults. These are items that almost anyone could use, but that not everyone already has. We hope it helps to inspire your practical gifts giving this holiday season!
What is considered a practical gift? A practical gift is something the recipient can use in their every day life on a regular basis. It could be something that makes their life a little easier, but they might not purchase for themself. Here are some of our favorite practical gift ideas:
Related: Need MORE gift ideas? Check out our Amazon Storefront: Family Games
Gifts for the Kitchen
Air Fryer
Our family recently got our first air fryer, and we love using it for quick and easy meals! It lives on our kitchen counter, and we use it to air fry foods like veggies, potatoes, and even bacon. It’s also great for reheating leftovers and cooking frozen food. We have the 5 quart size. Grab a pack of air fryer parchment paper liners or a silicone air fryer liner to make clean up easy too!
Clear Fridge Bins
This set of bins instantly makes any fridge tidier and easier to navigate. They are clear and stackable, so you can easily maximize space and see what’s inside. We have these in our fridge, and it’s an easy way to store items by category. Give the gift of an aesthetically organized fridge!
Lazy Susan Turntable
This simply Lazy Susan turntable can easily organize so many different areas in a home! It could be used in a kitchen cabinet, on a kitchen counter or inside a fridge. It could go in the pantry, under the sink, in the bathroom, or more! This is a practical gift with lots of options!
Food Huggers
These reusable silicone food savers “hug” cut produce. The silicone is thick, durable, and rip resistant. This 5-pack has a variety of sizes, which stretch to fit around various fruits or vegetables, creating an air tight seal to keep it fresh longer. It’s such a smart way to store extra produce!
Avocado Huggers
This is a similar concept to the Food Huggers above, but designed specifically for the unique shape of avocados. The 2-pack includes one small size and one large size. Flexible silicone forms an air tight seal around the avocado half with or without the pit. Without the pit, press the middle circle into the avocado to keep it fresh.
Glass Bowl Lids
This set of 3 flexible silicone and glass bowl lids can replace the missing lids on a variety of bowls. The silicone stretch lids fit around the top of glass storage containers as replacement lids. They form an airtight seal, without the need for plastic wrap. This solves a common problem!
Gifts for the Home
Artwork Frame
This is a great gift for anyone who has kids or grandkids, nieces or nephews, or any other kids in their life. The artwork frame can hold up to 100 papers inside! It opens like a book with interior elastic straps for artwork storage. Easily display a rotation of artwork, without the clutter!
Digital Alarm Clock
This modern alarm clock displays the time and can be set as an alarm, but it can also be used as a makeup mirror and has 2 USB ports for charging devices. It’s a perfect addition to a bedroom or office, and is definitely a functional, practical gift!
Comfortable Pillow Set
This is such a comfortable pillow set! They are filled with a soft down alternative, and can be washed in the washing machine. They are comfortable for back, side or stomach sleepers. This could make a great gift for ANYONE!
Silk Pillowcase Set
Did you know that a silk pillowcase can help with smooth skin and hair health? It’s true! Choose from 5 colors, and maybe even pair this set of silk pillowcases with the set of pillows above. Give the gift of a comfortable night’s sleep!
Laundry Hooks
These unique hooks/clips can be used to either hang items or clamp items. They can be placed anywhere where you need some extra hanging space. We use ours all the time, especially to dry small items like washcloths or swimsuits.
Gifts for Easy Charging
Magnetic Cord Holder
This cable wrangler easily helps organize chargers on a desktop, nightstand, or side table. It has a grippy bottom and a magnetic top, so the cords don’t fall to the floor. Pair it with a fast charging cable and/or a 3-in-1 charging cable.
Portable Charger
This is such a great gift! Whenever your phone or tablet starts losing a charge, just pull out your portable charger and you can charge even when you don’t have access to an outlet. The charger can fit into a pocket or purse. This is a very practical gift for anyone who is on-the-go!
Charging Cord
This lightning charging cord is 4 feet long with a braided cable wrapped in nylon, so it doesn’t get tangled. It charges quickly, and even protects devices from overcharging and power surges.
Gifts for Spa Night
Cloud Socks
These warm and cozy unisex sleep socks are a great winter gift. Slipping on a fuzzy comfortable pair of socks can feel so luxurious and relaxing! These cloud socks are also available in a brown jacquard print, or a solid 2-pack or in a 3-pack.
Collagen Face Masks
These collagen face masks are perfect for an adult at-home spa night. Pamper your skin with a hydrating facial treatment! It comes in a pack of 5, so it could be shared as stocking stuffers for multiple adults, and even keep one for yourself!
Lip Sleeping Mask
This overnight lip mask hydrates and restores dry, chapped lips. It provides intense moisture and nourishment to lips, soothing and repairing them while you sleep. Easy adult stocking stuffer!
Nourishing Lip Balm
This nourishing lip balm provides a lightweight layer of lip hydration. It soothes and nourishes chapped lips, which is especially important in the winter, when they tend to get dry. It glides on smoothly, and leaves lips looking glossy.
Eye Masks
These eye masks help to reduce puffy eyes, dark circles, under eye bags, and fine lines. We like to keep a box in the fridge, as it’s very soothing to put the eye mask on when it’s cool. You just wear them for 20 minutes, and then feel (and look!) refreshed. This 20 pack comes with individually wrapped pairs, so it’s another gift that could be split into stocking stuffers for multiple adults!
Foot Peel Mask
This foot peel mask exfoliates feet and leaves them feeling soft and smooth. It comes with 2, 3, 4, or 8 pairs of foot mask socks. You simply slide your feet in, wait 60 minutes, and then remove. It also comes in lots of different scent options!
Weighted Blanket
This isn’t an ordinary throw blanket. It is a weighted blanket filled with micro glass beads. The gentle pressure of a weighted blanket is designed to offer warmth and comfort and reduce tossing and turning. There is a chart to help you find the right weight. The blankets also have a removable, machine washable cover.
Gifts for Easy Cleaning
Steamshot Steam Cleaner
This Steamshot steam cleaner is so much fun to clean with! It removes dirt, grime, grease and more from hard surfaces using high pressure steam power. It also comes with a variety of detailing tools. If you’re looking for a steamer that can be used on carpets and upholstery, check out this portable LittleGreen cleaner.
Emergency Stain Remover
This emergency stain remover spray is the perfect size to keep in your bag, in your car, or in your office desk drawer. It can quickly remove most stains (food, coffee, blood, grass, mud, grease, oil, etc) from clothes, upholstery, carpet and more. Grab the 3-pack and keep it on hand!
Swedish Dishcloths
These dishcloths are like a mix between a super absorbent paper towel and a reusable sponge. They are great for cleaning in the kitchen and other areas around the house. The 10 pack comes in a variety of colors, so that you can use different ones for different cleaning purposes.
Force of Nature
A cleaning product may not be the first thing on your mind for gifting, but Force of Nature is more of a wellness appliance. The electrolyzer converts tap water, and a capsule of salt, water, and vinegar into a disinfectant. It kills 99.9% of germs and is free from all toxins. Use code TIDYDAD for 30% off a starter kit, or use code TIDYDAD40 for 40% off bundles + free shipping.
Car Vacuum
This car vacuum helps us easily clean all of the little nooks and crannies of our car where dirt and crumbs hide. It has a 16 foot cord, so it can reach to the back seat and even the trunk. It has various attachments that all fit inside the storage bag, and plugs into the 12V outlet in the car. This could be a great gift for teenage drivers, young adults, families with kids, or anyone who drives!
Gifts for Staying at Home
Train of Thought Game
Skillmatics has lots of fun games for family game nights! This Train of Thought game is a unique one that is focused on meaningful conversations through engaging questions and answers. This could be a great game to play with grandparents also, and foster connection across the generations. Check out the full line of Skillmatics games and use code TIDY20 for 20% off on their website. (also available at Amazon)
Puzzle Mat
Our family enjoys doing puzzles together, but sometimes we need more time to finish larger ones. This puzzle saver mat lets you easily roll your puzzle up, transport it, and then store it for later. It fits jigsaw puzzles up to 1500 pieces!
Fun Mini Planter
We love adding pops of indoor greenery in our home! This faux succulent houseplant comes in a mini planter that looks like Sophia Petrillo from the Golden Girls. It’s a fun (and funny) little conversation piece that is super easy to care for!
Gifts for Going Out
Bamboo Crew Socks
These soft bamboo crew socks come in a gift box with 6 pairs inside. The socks have a seamless toe and reinforced heel, so they are comfortable and durable. This is a practical gift that can replace any old, worn out socks and will be used! (Available in sets for women’s & men’s sizes)
Windproof Umbrella
This is the best umbrella we have found to use on windy, rainy days without flipping inside out! It is lightweight, compact, and easy to open. It is designed with a double canopy that lets air pass through without letting water in! It is a practical gift and comes in a variety of solid color options.
Thanks for pinning: Practical Gifts for Adults
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission for purchases made, with NO additional fee to you.
Related: Need MORE gift ideas? Check out our Amazon Storefront!
MORE IDEAS FROM THE ARCHIVES:
Need ideas for kids?
Hi, I'm Tyler!
I'm a NYC teacher, writer, and dad of 3 girls. My wife and I live with our daughters in a
750-square-foot apartment in New York City. I'm on a journey to tidy up my life. I share practical, routine-driven approaches to tidying, because I believe the process of tidying can make space for what matters.
November 20, 2023
Practical Gifts for Adults
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It can be difficult to come up with ideas for practical gifts for adults. You might wonder, “What’s considered a thoughtful gift?” or “What would a practical gift be?” It can be helpful to consider thoughtful, practical gifts that are functional, don’t add clutter, and that will actually be used. We’re sharing our 30 top picks for practical gifts for adults. These are items that almost anyone could use, but that not everyone already has. We hope it helps to inspire your practical gifts giving this holiday season!
What is considered a practical gift? A practical gift is something the recipient can use in their every day life on a regular basis. It could be something that makes their life a little easier, but they might not purchase for themself. Here are some of our favorite practical gift ideas:
Related: Need MORE gift ideas? Check out our Amazon Storefront: Family Games
Gifts for the Kitchen
Air Fryer
Our family recently got our first air fryer, and we love using it for quick and easy meals! It lives on our kitchen counter, and we use it to air fry foods like veggies, potatoes, and even bacon. It’s also great for reheating leftovers and cooking frozen food. We have the 5 quart size. Grab a pack of air fryer parchment paper liners or a silicone air fryer liner to make clean up easy too!
Clear Fridge Bins
This set of bins instantly makes any fridge tidier and easier to navigate. They are clear and stackable, so you can easily maximize space and see what’s inside. We have these in our fridge, and it’s an easy way to store items by category. Give the gift of an aesthetically organized fridge!
Lazy Susan Turntable
This simply Lazy Susan turntable can easily organize so many different areas in a home! It could be used in a kitchen cabinet, on a kitchen counter or inside a fridge. It could go in the pantry, under the sink, in the bathroom, or more! This is a practical gift with lots of options!
Food Huggers
These reusable silicone food savers “hug” cut produce. The silicone is thick, durable, and rip resistant. This 5-pack has a variety of sizes, which stretch to fit around various fruits or vegetables, creating an air tight seal to keep it fresh longer. It’s such a smart way to store extra produce!
Avocado Huggers
This is a similar concept to the Food Huggers above, but designed specifically for the unique shape of avocados. The 2-pack includes one small size and one large size. Flexible silicone forms an air tight seal around the avocado half with or without the pit. Without the pit, press the middle circle into the avocado to keep it fresh.
Glass Bowl Lids
This set of 3 flexible silicone and glass bowl lids can replace the missing lids on a variety of bowls. The silicone stretch lids fit around the top of glass storage containers as replacement lids. They form an airtight seal, without the need for plastic wrap. This solves a common problem!
Gifts for the Home
Artwork Frame
This is a great gift for anyone who has kids or grandkids, nieces or nephews, or any other kids in their life. The artwork frame can hold up to 100 papers inside! It opens like a book with interior elastic straps for artwork storage. Easily display a rotation of artwork, without the clutter!
Digital Alarm Clock
This modern alarm clock displays the time and can be set as an alarm, but it can also be used as a makeup mirror and has 2 USB ports for charging devices. It’s a perfect addition to a bedroom or office, and is definitely a functional, practical gift!
Comfortable Pillow Set
This is such a comfortable pillow set! They are filled with a soft down alternative, and can be washed in the washing machine. They are comfortable for back, side or stomach sleepers. This could make a great gift for ANYONE!
Silk Pillowcase Set
Did you know that a silk pillowcase can help with smooth skin and hair health? It’s true! Choose from 5 colors, and maybe even pair this set of silk pillowcases with the set of pillows above. Give the gift of a comfortable night’s sleep!
Laundry Hooks
These unique hooks/clips can be used to either hang items or clamp items. They can be placed anywhere where you need some extra hanging space. We use ours all the time, especially to dry small items like washcloths or swimsuits.
Gifts for Easy Charging
Magnetic Cord Holder
This cable wrangler easily helps organize chargers on a desktop, nightstand, or side table. It has a grippy bottom and a magnetic top, so the cords don’t fall to the floor. Pair it with a fast charging cable and/or a 3-in-1 charging cable.
Portable Charger
This is such a great gift! Whenever your phone or tablet starts losing a charge, just pull out your portable charger and you can charge even when you don’t have access to an outlet. The charger can fit into a pocket or purse. This is a very practical gift for anyone who is on-the-go!
Charging Cord
This lightning charging cord is 4 feet long with a braided cable wrapped in nylon, so it doesn’t get tangled. It charges quickly, and even protects devices from overcharging and power surges.
Gifts for Spa Night
Cloud Socks
These warm and cozy unisex sleep socks are a great winter gift. Slipping on a fuzzy comfortable pair of socks can feel so luxurious and relaxing! These cloud socks are also available in a brown jacquard print, or a solid 2-pack or in a 3-pack.
Collagen Face Masks
These collagen face masks are perfect for an adult at-home spa night. Pamper your skin with a hydrating facial treatment! It comes in a pack of 5, so it could be shared as stocking stuffers for multiple adults, and even keep one for yourself!
Lip Sleeping Mask
This overnight lip mask hydrates and restores dry, chapped lips. It provides intense moisture and nourishment to lips, soothing and repairing them while you sleep. Easy adult stocking stuffer!
Nourishing Lip Balm
This nourishing lip balm provides a lightweight layer of lip hydration. It soothes and nourishes chapped lips, which is especially important in the winter, when they tend to get dry. It glides on smoothly, and leaves lips looking glossy.
Eye Masks
These eye masks help to reduce puffy eyes, dark circles, under eye bags, and fine lines. We like to keep a box in the fridge, as it’s very soothing to put the eye mask on when it’s cool. You just wear them for 20 minutes, and then feel (and look!) refreshed. This 20 pack comes with individually wrapped pairs, so it’s another gift that could be split into stocking stuffers for multiple adults!
Foot Peel Mask
This foot peel mask exfoliates feet and leaves them feeling soft and smooth. It comes with 2, 3, 4, or 8 pairs of foot mask socks. You simply slide your feet in, wait 60 minutes, and then remove. It also comes in lots of different scent options!
Weighted Blanket
This isn’t an ordinary throw blanket. It is a weighted blanket filled with micro glass beads. The gentle pressure of a weighted blanket is designed to offer warmth and comfort and reduce tossing and turning. There is a chart to help you find the right weight. The blankets also have a removable, machine washable cover.
Gifts for Easy Cleaning
Steamshot Steam Cleaner
This Steamshot steam cleaner is so much fun to clean with! It removes dirt, grime, grease and more from hard surfaces using high pressure steam power. It also comes with a variety of detailing tools. If you’re looking for a steamer that can be used on carpets and upholstery, check out this portable LittleGreen cleaner.
Emergency Stain Remover
This emergency stain remover spray is the perfect size to keep in your bag, in your car, or in your office desk drawer. It can quickly remove most stains (food, coffee, blood, grass, mud, grease, oil, etc) from clothes, upholstery, carpet and more. Grab the 3-pack and keep it on hand!
Swedish Dishcloths
These dishcloths are like a mix between a super absorbent paper towel and a reusable sponge. They are great for cleaning in the kitchen and other areas around the house. The 10 pack comes in a variety of colors, so that you can use different ones for different cleaning purposes.
Force of Nature
A cleaning product may not be the first thing on your mind for gifting, but Force of Nature is more of a wellness appliance. The electrolyzer converts tap water, and a capsule of salt, water, and vinegar into a disinfectant. It kills 99.9% of germs and is free from all toxins. Use code TIDYDAD for 30% off a starter kit, or use code TIDYDAD40 for 40% off bundles + free shipping.
Car Vacuum
This car vacuum helps us easily clean all of the little nooks and crannies of our car where dirt and crumbs hide. It has a 16 foot cord, so it can reach to the back seat and even the trunk. It has various attachments that all fit inside the storage bag, and plugs into the 12V outlet in the car. This could be a great gift for teenage drivers, young adults, families with kids, or anyone who drives!
Gifts for Staying at Home
Train of Thought Game
Skillmatics has lots of fun games for family game nights! This Train of Thought game is a unique one that is focused on meaningful conversations through engaging questions and answers. This could be a great game to play with grandparents also, and foster connection across the generations. Check out the full line of Skillmatics games and use code TIDY20 for 20% off on their website. (also available at Amazon)
Puzzle Mat
Our family enjoys doing puzzles together, but sometimes we need more time to finish larger ones. This puzzle saver mat lets you easily roll your puzzle up, transport it, and then store it for later. It fits jigsaw puzzles up to 1500 pieces!
Fun Mini Planter
We love adding pops of indoor greenery in our home! This faux succulent houseplant comes in a mini planter that looks like Sophia Petrillo from the Golden Girls. It’s a fun (and funny) little conversation piece that is super easy to care for!
Gifts for Going Out
Bamboo Crew Socks
These soft bamboo crew socks come in a gift box with 6 pairs inside. The socks have a seamless toe and reinforced heel, so they are comfortable and durable. This is a practical gift that can replace any old, worn out socks and will be used! (Available in sets for women’s & men’s sizes)
Windproof Umbrella
This is the best umbrella we have found to use on windy, rainy days without flipping inside out! It is lightweight, compact, and easy to open. It is designed with a double canopy that lets air pass through without letting water in! It is a practical gift and comes in a variety of solid color options.
Thanks for pinning: Practical Gifts for Adults
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission for purchases made, with NO additional fee to you.
Related: Need MORE gift ideas? Check out our Amazon Storefront!
MORE IDEAS FROM THE ARCHIVES:
Need ideas for kids?
November 20, 2023
Practical Gifts for Adults
About me
Hi, my name is Tyler Moore. My wife and I live with our three young daughters in a 700- square-foot apartment in New York City. I began my tidying journey when an early-30’s crisis invited me to reflect upon, challenge, and change my patterns of daily living. I quit my job as a school administrator, returned to teaching, and started Tidy Dad to help others tidy, simplify, and find joy in their lives. I firmly believe the tidying process can transform your life. I’d love for you to join me in exploring ways that tidying can make room for what’s important in life.
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