In my eyes, the best gift is a practical one. It’s useful and won’t rot in the back of someone’s closet for years; they’ll think of you whenever they use it; and you get major brownie points for introducing a magical, miracle product into their life. And what’s better than being known as someone who reliably gifts reliable products? I may still get made fun of by family for my history of wanting practical gifts (including lead refills for my mechanical pencil), but the gifts I treasure most often get the most use in my home. These are some of the best practical gear you can give to friends and family members who value utilitarianism over flash and fluff.
Best flashlight: OLIGHT Baton4 Pro EDC FlashlightOLIGHT Baton4 Pro EDC Flashlight $63
OLIGHT
See ItThe OLIGHT Baton4 Pro rechargeable flashlight is a $63 flashlight that’s well worth the cost. They’ll never need another flashlight, and they’ll struggle to find one as bright and powerful as this. This torch clocks in at 1600 lumens, and its beam reaches 200 meters long, with a cool white color that cuts through the darkest sky. Dual switches—a side switch and tail switch—allow for one-handed mode selection (choose from high, turbo, and momentary on). Use it hands-free with an included L stand that sticks to metal surfaces, and know it will stay cool and comfortable in hand, even in Turbo mode. Charge it with the included magnetic charger, or unscrew the tailcap to reveal a USB-C port for universal charging anywhere. Your next power outage, camping trip, and attic exploration mission will thank you for this gift.
Best multitool: LEATHERMAN Wave Plus 18-in-1 Multi-ToolLEATHERMAN Wave Plus 18-in-1 Multi-Tool $130
LEATHERMAN
See ItCarry an entire box’s worth of tools in your hand with this $130 LEATHERMAN Wave Plus 18-in-1 Multi-Tool. Standouts and crowd-pleasers include regular pliers, needle-nose pliers, replaceable wire cutters, knives, a saw, a can opener, a bottle opener, spring-action scissors, and three driver sizes. This multitool is made to be portable, reliable, durable, and multifunctional, all ingredients for one practical gift.
Best oil for phenol-menal flavor: Primis Imports Early Harvest EVOO – Koroneiki, Messenia GreecePrimis Imports Early Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Koroneiki, Messenia Greece $35
Primis
See ItMade from 100 percent Greek Koroneiki olives, this single-varietal, cold-extracted, early harvest extra virgin olive oil adds zest to whatever you love best. From a bowl of simple greens to artisan bread, grilled fish to wood-fired vegetables, you’ll love the grassy, sassy brightness it brings. And that’s how you also know it’s packed with plenty of polyphenols, so you can fight free radicals—reducing inflammation while elevating taste. Combine it with basil and black olives for the kind of flavor the foodies in your life will want to put on a pedestal (not included).
Best aromatherapy with attitude: Hand-crafted candles by FRET12Hand-crafted candles by FRET12 $12 – $48, plus graphic tees $36
FRET12
See ItBeing backstage at a show is a vibe. Sometimes weird, sometimes wild, but always an interesting mix of calm and chaos. Chicago’s FRET12 brand aims to capture the smell of decompression and anticipation and bring it home with its hand-poured “Green Room” candle, which blends birch, bark, fig, and bergamot into something restful and ripe you can gift the joint audiophile-aromaphile in your orbit. For something more after-hours and intimate, try “Deep Cuts,” or spark up “Campfire Acoustic” and bask in wafts of sweet, warm smoke and vanilla. Available in 3-, 8-, and 10-ounce sizes. And while you’re at it, pick up a custom-designed and -printed T-shirt and other garb for that special member of your personal road crew who wants to celebrate their love of all things analog while they shop for some M&M’s (no brown ones) and white tube socks.
Best golf accessories: Mileseey GenePro G1 Touchscreen Rangefinder & GeneSonic Pro Golf Speaker + GPS HandheldMileseey GenePro G1 Hybrid GPS Laser Rangefinder $499 & GeneSonic Pro Golf Speaker + GPS Handheld $299
Mileseey
See The Rangefinder Feel The SpeakerThe Mileseey GeneSonic Pro and GenePro G1 give you what you want for a casual round with friends, and what you need if you still want to know that carry number or feel confident before you even swing a club in more serious competition. The IP65 GenePro G1 delivers accuracy on par with top-of-the-line rangefinders on the market today, while also giving you a full view of the hole. It offers front/center/back yardages, Ball-to-Pin distance, 600-yard flag-lock, SmartSlope compensation, and more. And the IP67 magnetically mounted GeneSonic Pro speaker delivers quality sound and a built-in detachable GPS with 43,000+ preloaded advanced course views for those pesky cart path-only days. Plus, it’s a 30W power bank, so you can get out and continue to jam out, no matter what the weather brings or how you swing. Whichever one suits your game, you can’t go wrong, and they make a great gift for the golfer in your life.
Best air purifier: Levoit Core300-P Air PurifierLevoit Core300-P Air Purifier $98
LEVOI
See ItI’ve sung the praises of this $98 Levoit Core300-P air purifier for years. It’s one of our best budget air purifiers, and there are currently two of them in my home: one in the primary bedroom and another in the living room. The replaceable filters aren’t prohibitively expensive, and they’re whisper-quiet at their lowest speeds. I’ve tested many air purifiers, and this one easily beats its more expensive competitors. My asthmatic cat loves this air purifier, my fiancé, who hasn’t gotten sick in years, loves it, and I love it. I’d buy it for all my friends if I could.
Best dehumidifier: Midea Cube 20 Pint DehumidifierMidea Cube 20 Pint Dehumidifier $180
Midea
See ItGood things come in small packages, including this $180 Midea dehumidifier, which is two feet high and a little over a foot wide. This small dehumidifier holds 3.2 gallons of water and can cover 1,500 square feet, making it perfect for apartments, bathrooms, and even damp walk-in closets. Control it via app or voice, or use the built-in buttons. A side window shows when it’s time to empty the water tank, and a handle makes it easy to carry. The dehumidifier is also on wheels, so you don’t even have to carry it in some cases.
Best humidifier: Carepod One Stainless Steel Humidifier for Large RoomCarepod One Stainless Steel Humidifier for Large Room $279
Carepod
See ItOther humidifiers quickly get gross and grody. The Carepod One is a splurge at $279, but this high-end humidifier stays mold-free thanks to a sterilizable, dishwasher-safe stainless steel basin. It has only three parts to clean: the white wand, stainless steel water tank, and stainless steel inner lid. The humidifier runs for up to 30 hours and includes a built-in timer for hassle-free use. It’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances-certified, meaning it’s free of hazardous substances like lead and mercury.
Best handheld vacuum: Shark Cyclone PET Handheld VacuumShark Cyclone PET Handheld Vacuum $80
SharkNinja
See ItSometimes, a mess isn’t messy enough to warrant breaking out the big, heavy vacuum, and there is no other pleasure like having a tool for a very specific task. This $80 handheld vacuum from Shark is excellent for cleaning pet hair off couches or collecting the crust from your car. An extra-large dust cup means you can clean all these small messes in one go or have extra room for pet hair when the couch gets particularly fuzzy.
Best drying rack for water bottles: KuppyKuppy $20
Kuppy
See ItRegardless of water bottle allegiance, the $20 Kuppy Silicone Water Bottle Drying Rack helps reusable bottles of all sizes, wine glasses, and even silicone snack bags dry thoroughly to prevent odor from trapped water. They’re stackable for storage in the water bottle section of a kitchen (Everyone has a Water Bottle Kingdom somewhere in their home). Best of all, they take up less space than traditional dish racks.
Best shower filter for clean freaks: Aquabliss SF100 Daily Revitalize Shower FilterAquabliss SF100 Daily Revitalize Shower Filter $37
Aquabliss
See ItThis $37 Aquabliss SF100 Daily Revitalize Shower Filter is for the person in your life who has a codependent relationship with their Brita pitcher. This budget shower filter fits standard fittings and works with fixed, rain, handheld, and combination shower heads. It also adds three to four inches to an existing shower arm and maintains water pressure for cleaner water without weaker streams. The filter cartridge takes two minutes to replace and lasts three to six months depending on water quality.
Best electric toothbrush: Philips Sonicare Prestige 9900Philips Sonicare Prestige 9900 $380
Philips
See ItThe Philips Sonicare Prestige 9900 is a $380 rechargeable toothbrush that provides dentist-level cleaning every day. Sonic technology and multi-angle bristles remove plaque regardless of brush technique. SenseIQ Technology automatically adjusts intensity and flashes when it detects too much pressure. This toothbrush comes with five modes, plus three intensity levels. The Oral-B iO Series 3 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush is a cheaper option that’s still just as giftable.
Best water flosser: Waterpik Aquarius Countertop Water FlosserWaterpik Aquarius Countertop Water Flosser $100
Waterpik
See ItA water flosser is the bedrock of a well-rounded oral care routine. The Waterpik Aquarius Countertop Water Flosser is a $100 countertop water flosser that’s more like a power washer for mouths. Choose from 10 settings for extra pearly whites, including a massage mode that helps stimulate gums. Although it’s not a replacement for floss, it’s excellent for getting the job done after a late night. I personally use mine after flossing and add a bit of mouthwash to the reservoir to get fluoride where my teeth need it most.
Best clothing iron: Nori Press Travel Steam IronNori Press Travel Steam Iron $120
Nori
See ItThe Nori Press Travel Steam Iron is a $120 handheld iron that resembles a giant hair straightener. If your gift recipient is like me and has ironed out my polo collars with a hair straightener, this iron should feel familiar. Two heated plates iron the front and back of a garment at once, removing wrinkles without an ironing board. The compact iron also includes a built-in steamer to remove wrinkles from more delicate fabrics. At 14 inches long and weighing a little under 1.5 pounds, it’s packable for clothing emergencies.
Best hair dryer: Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair DryerDyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer $450
Dyson
See ItThe Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer is a $450 hair dryer designed to maintain healthy hair and a healthy scalp. It’s also engineered to reduce flakes and shedding and balance hair oils. This smart hair dryer reduces airflow and deactivates the heater when set down; a Hall sensor recognizes each attachment as it’s used and automatically adjusts settings based on the attachment; and intelligent heat control monitors airflow to prevent hair damage. It also dries hair fast, a plus for practical friends who hate going to bed with wet hair.
Best head shaver: Wahl Baldscaper Head & Body ShaverWahl Baldscaper Head & Body Shaver $69.99
Wahl
See ItYour most practical friend is most likely a Virgo or Capricorn. Popular Science’s resident Virgo and Managing Editor, Gear & Commerce, enjoys using this Baldscaper to keep his head smooth without causing physical/emotional damage to himself and his loved ones. Four floating shaver heads contour to the head, face, and body for a smooth shave, cutting it close sans nicks and razor burn. It’s fully waterproof, rinses clean with just water, and can be used wet or dry. A powerful motor and 90-minute battery life cut through coarse hair without dying halfway through a head shave.
Best bidet: TUSHY Classic 3.0 BidetTUSHY Classic 3.0 Bidet $124
TUSHY
See ItThe TUSHY Classic 3.0 Bidet is a $124 starter bidet that helps your gift recipient feel cleaner than using toilet paper alone. It includes all materials needed for installation, which takes less than 10 minutes. A Schmutz Shield (actual name for this feature) blocks grime from escaping past the toilet lid, and a self-cleaning nozzle means this bidet won’t cause more cleaning-related headaches your practical friend may experience daily.
Best cordless vacuum: Shark PowerPro Flex Reveal Plus Cordless VacuumShark PowerPro Flex Reveal Plus Cordless Vacuum $380
SharkNinja
See ItShark makes some of the best cordless vacuums, and this $380 option includes some of our favorite features in a vacuum cleaner, including a MultiFLEX wand that makes it infinitely easier to reach under furniture, a light that reveals missed spots, and Floor Detect technology that adjusts brushroll speed depending on the surface. It also doubles as a handvac and comes with tools for crevices and upholstery. With 50 minutes of runtime, HEPA filtration, and an anti-allergen seal, dust busting won’t involve a sneezing fit.
Best smart hub: Aeotec Smart Home Hub2Aeotec Smart Home Hub2 $130
Aeotec
See ItGive the gift of a fully connected home with the $130 Aeotec Smart Home Hub2, which can be used as a SmartThings Hub and supports Zigbee and Matter Gateway protocols. It’s also compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Wi-Fi. Although it’s not Z-Wave compliant, it offers wider device compatibility and stronger security than some competitors.
Best electric blanket: Westinghouse Electric Blanket Heated ThrowWestinghouse Electric Blanket Heated Throw $50
Westinghouse
See ItThe best electric blankets provide warmth without turning up the thermostat. This $50 electric throw blanket from Westinghouse is reliable and heats evenly. Plus, it protects itself from overheating and includes an auto-off function for peace of mind when a nap strikes. A weighty smart digital controller cycles through six heat settings and a timer up to 10 hours. Throw it in the washing machine and hang it to dry between seasons.
Best outdoor blanket for sports fans: Rumpl Gametime Puffy BlanketRumpl Gametime Puffy Blanket $100
Rumpl
See ItThe Rumpl Gametime Puffy is a $100 2-in-1 stadium accessory made for overtime, any time. It packs a full-size 50×70″ insulated blanket into a TPU-laminated storage case featuring an adjustable, removable shoulder strap and an integrated 1-inch insulated foam pad to sit on when you pull the blanket out (and it’s an extra-padded 4” cushion with the blanket in). The shell and case have a PFAS-free water-repellent finish, and the blanket keeps you warm down to 45 degrees, making it great for football games, soccer matches, and club tournaments.
Best drill: Greenworks Pro PowerAll 24V 530 in-lb Drill Driver & 2,200 in-lb Impact Driver Combo KitGreenworks Pro PowerAll 24V 530 in-lb Drill Driver & 2,200 in-lb Impact Driver Combo Kit $169
Greenworks
See ItI’ve assembled my fair share of furniture from a multinational home furnishings store, and let’s be real: Sometimes those Allen wrenches don’t cut it. Enter the Greenworks Pro PowerAll 24V Drill Driver and Impact Driver Combo Kit, a $169 bundle that gives you two handy tools for the price of one. The drill driver and impact driver use brushless motors and 24-volt batteries, and run 20% longer than 18- and 20-volt counterparts. It’s compact, lightweight, and easy to use in tight spaces, making it an excellent gift for DIY-minded friends and family.
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