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. A
great gift idea
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 make your giftee’s life easier and more enjoyable by solving everyday problems year-round.
SKIP AHEAD
The best practical gifts in 2024
|
Why trust NBC Select?
Selected.
-
Best overallCourant Mag:2 Classics Wireless Charging Stand
$127.49$149.99Amazon
Learn more
-
Best gift for busy familiesSkylight Calendar
$undefined$319.99Amazon
Learn more
-
Best gift for homebodiesThe North Face ThermoBall Traction Mule V Slippers
$undefined$48.95Amazon
Learn more
-
Best for wellnessHey Dewy Wireless Humidifier
$52.96$59.95Amazon
Learn more
The best practical gifts in 2024
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 AirTag
Apple AirTag
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 or track items and pets via GPS using the Find My app. They have built-in privacy features and the
replaceable battery
lasts over a year, according to Apple.
Bodum Latteo Manual Milk Frother
Bodum Latteo Manual Milk Frother
This manual milk frother uses a push-top plunger mechanism to create airy foam in under 30 seconds, according to the brand. The borosilicate glass holds up to 8 ounces, has a handle and spout for easy pouring and is microwave-safe to warm the milk foam. It has a 4.3-star rating from over 3,500 reviews on Amazon.
Ototo Mon Cherry Measuring Spoons Set
Ototo Mon Cherry Measuring Spoons Set
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 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.”
Hatch Restore 2
Hatch Restore 2
The Hatch Restore 2
sunrise alarm clock
makes waking up more enjoyable, according to NBC Select associate updates editor
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 the rising sun, 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.
Coravin Pivot Wine Preservation System
Coravin Pivot Wine Preservation System
Coravin makes one of the
best aerators and wine preservation systems and
its Pivot model is a lower-cost alternative to the brand’s $250 version, so you can gift it to your favorite casual wine drinker. Using two included stoppers and a gas-capsule-powered device, this two-in-one gadget both aerates wine while pouring to open up the flavors and preserves open bottles for up to four weeks, according to the brand.
Clipa2 The Instant Bag Hanger Collection
Clipa2 The Instant Bag Hanger Collection
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.
Cozy Earth Long Sleeve Bamboo Pajama Set
Cozy Earth Long Sleeve Bamboo Pajama Set
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.
Steamery Cirrus 3 Handheld Clothes Steamer
Steamery Cirrus 3 Handheld Clothes Steamer
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 Cloud X3 Sneakers
On Cloud X3 Sneakers
NBC Select commerce editor
Jordan Bowman
had a “Cinderella moment” when lacing up
these On Cloud X3 sneakers
for the first time. They 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.
Dorai Home Bath Stone Mat
Dorai Home Bath Stone Mat
This non-traditional stone mat was an
NBC Select Bed and Bath Awards winner
and one of the
best bath mats of 2024
. Instead of mildew-trapping fabric, it’s made from diatomaceous stone minerals and recycled paper, so it absorbs and evaporates moisture quickly, according to the brand. Get it in two patterns and four color options.
Sony HT-S2000 Soundbar
Sony HT-S2000 Soundbar
One of the
best soundbars in 2024
, the Sony HT-S2000 gives your recipient an immersive audio experience. It’s compatible with Dolby Atmos sound and has enhanced bass, three front speakers and a section that’s specifically designed to emit clear dialogue, according to the brand. Your giftee can manage it via an accompanying app (and use their smartphone as a remote control). It’s also Bluetooth-compatible so they can use it to play music from their devices.
Mark & Graham Fillmore Vegan Leather Passport Case
Mark & Graham Fillmore Vegan Leather Passport Case
This Mark & Graham passport case is a thoughtful, useful gift for your favorite traveler. It’s one of our
top-rated travel wallets
because you can customize it with a printed or foil-debossed monogram in a design that suits their personality. It’s made from vegan leather and comes in 15 colors and patterns.
Google Nest Hub
Google Nest Hub
The Google Nest Hub is one of our
favorite smart home hubs of 2024
. 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 Essential Apron
Hedley & Bennett Essential Apron
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.
Bala Bangles
Bala Bangles
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. They’re available in four colors and three weight options: 1 pound, 2 pounds and 3 pounds.
Dagne Dover The Hunter Toiletry Bag
Dagne Dover The Hunter Toiletry Bag
NBC Select managing editor Leah Ginsberg is
obsessed with this Dagne Dover toiletry bag
because it 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.
Stendig 2025 Wall Calendar
Stendig 2025 Wall Calendar
This Stendig wall calendar is a practical office accessory and a classic art piece in one. Measuring 3 feet by 4 feet, it’s printed on heavyweight paper and inspired by Massimo Vignelli’s 1966 minimalist calendar design, according to the brand. The calendar begins in January of 2025 and spans 12 months.
Leatherology Jewelry Organizer
Jewelry Organizer
“I love Leatherology and think it’s a great place to shop for gifts,” says NBC Select editor
Lindsay 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.
Hey Dewy Wireless Humidifier
Hey Dewy Wireless Humidifier
To use this portable, wireless humidifier, all your giftee will need to do is add water — its battery lasts up to eight hours on a single charge, too, according to Hey Dewy. “I keep this little humidifier on my nightstand or next to me while I’m working, and the mist helps hydrate my frequently dry skin,” says Malin. “It’s quiet, so it’s not disruptive at all.” It’s also a great option for people that experience dry skin, hai, eyes or allergies.
Parachute Linen Box Quilt
Parachute Linen Box Quilt
This is a great lightweight quilt for any hot sleepers in your life. Parachute considers it a medium-weight option so your recipient can layer it as needed in the colder months. It comes in eight colors and three sizes to match your giftee’s room.
Besign Aluminum Laptop Stand
Besign Aluminum Laptop Stand
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. With an average 4.8-star rating from over 17,000 reviews, 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.
Brightland The Artist Capsule Cold-Pressed Olive Oils
Brightland The Artist Capsule Cold-Pressed Olive Oils
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.
The Citizenry Mara Organic Waffle Robe
The Citizenry Mara Organic Waffle Robe
Made from organic cotton, this waffle robe is the
best overall bathrobe of 2024
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 Hopper Backpack
Yeti Hopper Backpack
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.
Zafit Bedside Storage Organizer
Zafit Bedside Storage Organizer
This bedside organizer has a 4.5-star rating from over 10,000 reviews on Amazon. To use it, 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
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.
Lume Candle Warmer Lamp
Lume Candle Warmer Lamp
This
candle warmer
doubles as decor and is a safer alternative to lighting candles, especially since it turns off automatically after a few hours, according to the brand. Using a heated bulb and a height-adjustable gooseneck, it melts the wax inside of most candles so your giftee can enjoy the scent without an open flame. It’s made from metal and comes in three colors: white, black and dark green.
Skylight Calendar
Skylight Calendar
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.
The North Face ThermoBall Traction Mule V Women’s Slippers
The North Face ThermoBall Traction Mule V Slippers
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.
Courant Mag:2 Classics Wireless Charging Stand
Courant Mag:2 Classics Wireless Charging Stand
Help your favorite techie streamline their bedside table with this two-in-one charging stand. It has a magnetic snap charger for MagSafe iPhones and a base that doubles as a wireless charger for AirPod cases. The charging plates are wrapped in Italian leather that comes in your choice of eight colors. The set also includes a USB-C cable made from braided nylon for durability, according to the brand. “I love my Courant — it looks so much sleeker than any other charger I’ve ever used,” says Schneider.
Pillowcube Side Cube
Pillow Cube Side Cube
NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez
loves the Pillowcube
because of its breathable cover, structured foam and high loft that’s specifically designed to support side sleepers. Other Select editors who’ve tried it also love it say that it minimizes neck pain and movement throughout the night.
Uncommon Goods Travel Cord Roll
Uncommon Goods Travel Cord Roll
College students, frequent flyers and commuting professionals may appreciate this travel cord roll, which comes in black or aqua. When flat, it has multiple straps and pockets that hold wrapped cords, charging bricks and wired headphones, so your giftee can prevent tangles and see their entire collection at a glance. When it’s time to hit the road, they can roll it up and tie it shut for compact portability.
CNBC Make It Online Class: How to Earn Passive Income
CNBC Make It Online Class: How to Earn Passive Income
If your giftee wants to start a business or simply wants a side hustle to help bring in a little more money, they can learn how to make passive income using this online course from
CNBC Make It
. It has 90 minutes of instructional video, a workbook with tips, case studies and advice from entrepreneurs. Since it includes pre-recorded video and full access, they can move through the course at their own pace. You can also gift them
other courses
from CNBC Make It to go alongside this, including classes on
negotiating higher salaries
,
growing your wealth
,
becoming an effective communicator
and more.
Atelier Saucier The Toucan Cocktail Napkins
Atelier Saucier Tie-Dye Linen Napkins
Atelier Saucier’s table linens serve as
functional decor
and come in a variety of colors and patterns to elevate your favorite entertainer’s tablescape. These reusable cocktail napkins are made from canary-yellow reclaimed fabric and trimmed with tropical-inspired shades: banana yellow, tangerine orange, oceanic blue and lime green.
Sijo AiryWeight Tencel Sheet Set
Sijo AiryWeight Tencel Sheet Set
Some of the
best bed sheets of 2024
, 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.
Subekyu Wooden Soap Dishes
SUBEKYU Wooden Soap Dishes
With a 4.5-star average rating from more than 3,400 reviews on Amazon and at $5.99, 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.
Threshold Candle Care Set
Threshold Candle Care Set
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.
Ohom Ui 3 Self-heating Mug Set
Ohom Ui 3 Self-heating Mug Set
Available in seven color options, this self-heating ceramic mug comes with a lid and coaster-style base that uses electromagnetic energy to keep beverages warm, according to the brand. The base also doubles as a wireless charger to power Qi-compatible phones and earbuds. It’s a great gift for people who take a while to finish their tea or coffee and want to keep it hot over the course of a few hours.
Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush
Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush
One of the
best dermatologist-recommended scalp brushes
for better hair, this handheld brush promotes circulation and removes flakes and product buildup while shampooing. It has thick silicone bristles with a rounded shape that fits in the palm of your hand, and it comes in three color options.
Ltsumi Watering Can
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
. It holds up to 35 ounces and has a 4.7-star rating from over 1,000 reviewers on Amazon.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m an
e-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.
Bianca Alvarez is an
associate reporter
for NBC Select who curated the gifts in this article. She chose items based on NBC Select’s previous coverage and reporting, NBC Select-staff favorites and highly rated items from brands we love.
Disclosure: CNBC Make It and NBC Select are both owned by NBCUniversal.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of
personal finance
,
tech and tools
,
wellness
and more, and follow us on
Facebook
,
Instagram
,
Twitter
and
TikTok
to stay up to date.
Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!