While you may be tempted to buy another ornament or festive trinket for your loved ones, practical gifts are likely a better use of your holiday budget. One of the best types of gifts is one your recipient will consistently reach for because it serves a functional purpose — and not just during the holiday season. Whether they’re a foodie, fitness enthusiast, traveler or someone who could use some self care, these items will make your giftee’s life easier and more enjoyable by solving everyday problems year-round.
The best practical gifts in 2025
Since tastes and interests vary, we included gifts from a range of shopping categories, such as kitchen essentials, tech gadgets, clothing, travel items and more. Every item on this list is either an NBC Select Award winner, a highly rated top-seller from previous gift guides or a product that our editors love and reach for in their own lives.
Apple AirTags help your forgetful loved ones find their missing keys, wallet, luggage and more. When prompted, these coin-sized trackers play a sound from the built-in speaker and they track items and pets (using a harness with an AirTag holder) via GPS using the Find My app. They have built-in privacy features and the replaceable battery lasts over a year, according to Apple. NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez loves his AirTag and doesn’t travel anywhere without it. “I have an AirTag attached to my suitcase, work tote and even my wallet — yes, I love them that much,” he says. “They bring me so much peace of mind, especially when I’m traveling abroad.”
Yeti may be best known for their reusable water bottles, but the brand makes a variety of other products too — including this French press. Rather than the typical glass body, this one has a stainless steel exterior with a double-wall vacuum-insulated interior to keep coffee hot for as long as possible. Fernandez tested this French press and says it kept his coffee warm for hours after making it. He also found it tends to make coffee that is on the stronger side, so it is a great gift for the true java lovers in your life.
These measuring spoons are a practical addition to any chef or baker’s kitchen — but they’re also undeniably fun. The set includes four spoons to measure liquid and dry ingredients, plus a leaf that doubles as an egg separator. They’re made from BPA-free, dishwasher-safe material and come on a ring that keeps them organized inside your giftee’s drawer. “These just make me happy — plain and simple,” says NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider, who received them from the brand. “I also use the egg separator to catch seeds whenever I need to get juice from a lemon or lime.”
The Hatch Restore 2 sunrise alarm clock makes waking up more enjoyable, according to NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin, which is why she recommends it to anyone who has trouble regulating their sleep cycle. Since it mimics the gradually brightening light of a sunrise, it rouses your recipient so they can gently transition from deep sleep to consciousness, according to the brand. It has a curved, sleek design, and comes with a built-in noise machine and 13 gentle wake-up sounds, including rain, waves and flutes.
These high-traction slippers from The North Face are one of our favorite gifts for homebodies. They have a cozy fleece collar, heat-retaining insulation and a water-resistant rubber outsole, so your giftee can wear them indoors and out. They also have a flexible collar with elastic goring so they’re easy to slip on, according to the brand.
The Clipa2 is my go-to gift when I don’t know what to get someone. Your giftee can hook their belongings over bathroom stalls, chair backs and car headrests with this bag hanger. Made from metal alloy, it supports up to 33 pounds and has non-slip pads that grip the edges of tables and bars, so your giftee doesn’t have to put their bag on a dirty floor, according to the brand.
These Cozy Earth bamboo pajamas are by far my favorite sleepwear. I’m under 5 feet tall, and they’re the only pajamas I’ve ever owned that fit properly because they come in petite lengths (as well as regular and long). They’re made from 95% bamboo and 5% spandex, so they’re extremely soft, stretchy and breathable. I also love the functionality of the pockets and the classic look of the contrast piping. When I packed them for a bachelorette weekend, I got tons of compliments.
A hybrid iron and steamer, the Cirrus 3 is one of the best travel steamers to keep clothes wrinkle-free on the go. Its tank has a capacity of 90 milliliters and it heats up within 25 seconds to soften wrinkles and kill odor-causing bacteria, according to the brand. You can get it in three colors: beige, black and green.
On is one of our absolute favorite running shoe brands at NBC Select, and one that we’ve tested for years. The On Cloud X3 sneakers won an NBC Select Wellness award due to their foam-infused cushioning, supportive heel caps, wide platforms and breathable mesh uppers, making them a no-brainer gift for your favorite athlete. They also have reflective panels for safety, according to the brand. These sneakers are available for both men and women.
This non-traditional stone mat won an NBC Select Bed and Bath Awards and we even included it in our roundup of the best bath mats. Instead of mildew-trapping fabric, it’s made from fast-drying diatomaceous stone minerals and recycled paper, so it absorbs and evaporates moisture quickly without leaving behind bacteria or smells mold, according to the brand. Get it in two patterns and four color options.
The Google Nest Hub is one of our favorite smart home hubs. NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez uses it to control her smart bulbs, check the weather, watch TV shows or read recipes while she’s cooking. It has both a 7-inch touchscreen and voice controls, so your giftee can navigate it with their finger or their voice.
Hedley & Bennett is one of our favorite women-owned and Latino-owned businesses and is best known for its aprons. Its Essential Apron has brass hardware, reinforced stitching and is made from a 100% cotton twill construction; plus it has multiple roomy pockets and a utility loop to hold tools and essentials, according to the brand. The apron comes in various colors and is designed to fit most people due to its extra-long ties and adjustable neck strap.
Malin has used Bala Bangles for years to add resistance to her workouts. She calls them her “most-used fitness accessory” and loves their sleek, comfortable design. They’re made from weighted steel, wrapped in soft silicone and are designed for use around the wrists or ankles. The weights, which also won an NBC Wellness Award for best equipment, are available in four colors and three weight options: 1, 2 and 3 pounds.
This toiletry bag has plenty of zippered pockets and pouches, plus the neoprene material is lightweight and easy to clean. It comes in both small and large sizes in several colors, or you can opt for a mesh fabric made from recycled water bottles. It’s also hand washable and tear resistant, according to the brand.
“I love Leatherology and think it’s a great place to shop for gifts,” says Schneider, who received this jewelry set from the brand years ago. “The medium version of this organizer is that perfect Goldilocks size — it doesn’t take up too much space on my counter, but it’s definitely more spacious than it looks and holds a lot more than I initially expected. The pebbled leather is really soft and has held up well over the years.” You can get it in more than 10 signature leather colors or opt for four premium leathers if you’re looking to splurge.
This Parachute Linen Box Quilt is a great lightweight option for any hot sleepers in your life. It’s considered a medium-weight option, so they can layer it as needed. It comes in eight colors and three sizes to match your giftee’s bedding and room.
Several people on your gift list probably spend the day hunched over a computer. This laptop stand is one of the best products to minimize neck pain because it raises the height of laptop screens, improving posture by creating a more ergonomic viewing angle. It also prevents accidentally spilling a drink over your laptop. It’s made from aluminum to support devices between 10 and 15.6 inches, according to the brand. It also comes in six color options.
One of our favorite last-minute gifts for anyone who loves to cook, Brightland’s The Artist Capsule includes four 12.7-ounce bottles of cold-pressed olive oil infused with tasty flavors: peppers, garlic, lemon and basil. “I use these on everything — salads, pizza, pasta, fish — they’re super tasty and incredibly versatile,” says Schneider. Plus, they come in recyclable glass bottles that are UV-coated to protect the oils from light damage, according to the brand.
Made from organic cotton, this waffle robe is one of our favorite bathrobes and an NBC Select Bed & Bath Awards winner. Multiple Select editors love it because it’s soft, cozy and absorbent, yet lightweight and breathable. It comes in three colors and three sizes with pockets and a waist tie. “The waffle material is light enough that I don’t feel overheated when wearing it for long periods of time,” says Rodriguez, who received the robe from the brand. “I’ve had this robe for over a year and it has been through multiple washes but still feels brand new.”
Yeti makes some of the best coolers, but the brand’s Hopper backpack is more portable than most. It’s one of our favorite beach essentials because it keeps food and drinks chilled for hours and it’s easy to carry with its cushioned straps. It holds up to 20 cans or 12 pounds of ice without leaking and has a grid system and a kangaroo pocket to store other essentials, according to Yeti.
To use this bedside organizer, your recipient can attach this to their mattress or sofa cushion, that way, their essentials are always within reach, even if they sleep in a bunk bed or don’t have space for a side table. It has four pockets to hold their phone, tablet, remote controls, charging cables, glasses and reading materials.
Souper Cubes
This top-rated kitchen gadget is a staple in my own kitchen because it streamlines my meal-prep process and minimizes food waste. Souper Cubes is a freezer tray that holds 1-cup servings of sauce, soup, meat or leftovers, so you can pop out a single cube without defrosting all of it. Since it’s made from heat-resistant silicone with a leak-minimizing lid, the tray is freezer-, oven- and dishwasher-safe, according to the brand.
A functional gift for busy families, the Skylight Calendar is a Wi-Fi-connected touchscreen that displays everyone’s schedules, chores, meal plans and responsibilities in one place. Your giftee can add events directly on the device or sync their kids’ and spouse’s phones so the calendar populates automatically. Since it’s slim, compatible with most popular calendar apps and has customized views with the ability to color-code by family member, it’s intuitive and easy to use, according to the brand.
Fernandez loves the Pillowcube because of its breathable cover, structured foam and high loft that’s specifically designed to support side sleepers. “This pillow is unbelievably comfortable and it’s extremely cooling, which surprised me in the best way,” he says. Other NBC Select editors who’ve tried it also love it say that it minimizes neck pain and movement throughout the night.
Some of the best bed sheets we’ve tried, these Sijo AiryWeight sheets are hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking and cooling, according to Sijo. As a result, they’re a great gift for the hot sleeper in your life. NBC Select senior social media editor Rosalie Tinelli, who considers herself a hot sleeper, found herself “consistently missing the cooling effect of these” after the brand sent her a sample for testing. Available in 14 color options, the set of four includes a fitted sheet, a top sheet and two pillowcases.
At under $10, these wooden soap dishes are a great affordable gift for someone you don’t know well. Made from water-resistant wood, the ridged design pulls moisture away from the soap and helps it automatically drain back into the sink, according to the brand. They also have two silicone pads on the bottoms to prevent slipping and increase the slope to promote drainage.
Candles aren’t the most original holiday gift in the book, but they are always a crowd pleaser. This three-piece care set helps them properly maintain their collection. They’ll get a trimmer to keep wicks at an optimal length, a wick pusher to encourage a more even burn and a snuffer that extinguishes the flame while minimizing smoke and wax splatter, according to the brand. These tools are made from stainless steel with a gold-tone finish and come in a ready-to-gift box.
NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio likes her coffee piping hot and says the Ember mug helps keep her beverage at her preferred temperature — even on mornings when she gets distracted. The high-tech mug pairs with an app that allows you to select what temperature you’d like to keep your drink at. It’s made from stainless steel and has a scratch-resistant ceramic coating, according to the brand. It also includes a charging coaster that is both practical and functional.
Ltsumi Watering Can
Available in eight colors, this watering can is made from stainless steel with a Teflon coating and a wooden handle. Its long spout helps your giftee water indoor houseplants and herbs without crushing their delicate leaves.
Multiple NBC Select editors call this Owala water bottle a favorite. “I have the Owala water bottle that I use for working out, the FreeSip and the tumbler on my desk at work, so I’m definitely a loyal fan,” says Fernandez. “The bottles look modern and stylish and they keep my drink cold for hours." It has dual-wall insulation to keep your drink cold for up to 24 hours and comes in over 25 different colors and four sizes — 16-, 24-, 32- and 40-ounces.
If you have a baby on your list, consider making their parents’ life easier with this dishware set. “Toys are great for older kids, but infants don’t play with toys, so I love when we receive stuff that makes my life easier,” says NBC Select writer Bethany Heitman. “This set is a great example of that — it comes with a bib, bowl, utensils and cup and is made from BPA-free, microwave-safe silicone, which is easy to wash.” The bowl comes with a lid so you can save leftovers and the cup can be used with the straw top or without it. “I also love that the utensils encourage self-feeding,” says Heitman.
NBC Select associate reporter Ashley Morris tested the AeroGarden Sprout and likes how easy it makes growing fresh herbs right in your kitchen. “The lights and watering system are all automatic, so it’s really low-maintenance,” she says. It also has a refill monitor that tells you when it is time to add water or plant food. You can grow up to three plants at a time and it comes with pre-seeded pods and plant food.
The Paperwhite is one of the more popular Kindle models available — and a favorite amongst NBC Select editors. The glare-free screen means you can easily read outside and it has the longest battery life of any Kindle, according to the brand. It also has an adjustable backdrop, allowing you to make the hue warmer or cooler.
“This toothbrush is one of the best presents my husband has ever given me,” says Heitman. “The charge lasts me an average of two weeks and the vibrations feel gentle while also leaving my teeth feeling deep cleaned.” It also has an ergonomic handle and comes in three different colors.
One of our favorite cordless vacuums, this option is particularly helpful to pet owners because it has rubber bristles that easily pick up hair, according to the brand. It also has two speeds and a boost button that increases suction. The handheld vacuum comes with an extra-long crevice tool that is great for corners and in between couch cushions.
“I’m an avid cook and this is by far my favorite pan,” says Heitman. “I particularly appreciate how multi-functional it is and have given it to a pal with a small kitchen and a recent college grad who is living on her own for the first time ever.” It’s deep enough for sauces or even soups, but shallow enough to scramble eggs. It comes with a steam-release lid, steamer basket and wooden spoon.
It doesn’t get much more timeless than this canvas tote bag from L.L. Bean. Schneider, who uses it as a weekender bag, says it holds a surprising amount. It comes in four sizes — small, medium, large and extra large — and it comes in 12 different access colors. You can even go the extra gift-giving mile by having a monogram or name added to it (just be aware that will add extra shipping time).
At under $20, this nail kit is one of the more affordable items on our list. It comes with 16 pieces — including clippers, peeling knives, cuticle trimmers, a file, a v-shaped push stick, tweezers, multi-purpose scissors and more.The tools come in a matte black and are encased in a sleek kit made from faux leather for a polished look.
Native’s natural deodorant is a favorite amongst NBC Select editors. The brand currently has holiday-scented items up for grabs — including this hand soap duo that would be a good hostess gift or stocking stuffer. It features a sugar cookie scent that has notes of lemon zest and caramel and a winter cashmere scent that is a blend of nutmeg, rosemary and wood. The soap is free of sulfates, dyes and parabens.
When this toiletry bag is unzipped, it opens up so the bottom lays flat and you can see everything inside. There’s a divider with a zippered pocket that runs down the center of the bag and each side has pockets to fit makeup, medication or anything else you need. A fun idea? Fill it with some of your favorite travel-sized items for someone who has a big trip planned in the new year.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m an commerce writer and editor whose written gift guides for Bustle, Elite Daily, Food & Wine, The Zoe Report, Allure and more. This is my third year writing holiday shopping content for NBC.
Bethany Heitman is a weekend editor at NBC Select who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle. She’s written about beauty launches at Sephora, travel apparel at Amazon and product recalls.
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