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36 Practical Gifts If The Reaction You’re Going For Is, “Wow, I Actually Needed This”
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. A coffee maker, microfiber hair towel, remote control pillow, and 31 other things that make for impressively practical presents. You're gonna have to trust me about that remote pillow, I know – check it out. There are only four buttons to keep track of: hour, minute, program, brew, and on/off (and it'll automatically turn off after two hours). My favorite bit? This includes a reusable filter basket and scoop, so there's no paper waste. Promising review: "This machine is perfect! Doesn’t take up a lot of room, and the oat color is so pretty in person. Was so easy to set up, program, and use. And made the perfect cups of coffee! Definitely recommend!" —Bree Lynn Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in four colors). Promising review: "There are people who have this butter bowl, and then there are savages. It’s like Zeus made a statue of himself and then carved the butter bowl out of that. I feel like society moved one step closer to true enlightenment with this invention. It really is the cat's meow, and keeps our cat from licking the butter!" —Mike Get it from Amazon for $24.85+ (available in five colors). BTW, Cup Cozy Pillow is a family-run small business. Promising review: "We have a sectional sofa with an area that has a chaise lounge section I like to lie on, but that puts me far enough from the coffee table that I don't have a good place to put my drinks. I bought this pillow to put next to me to hold my drinks, and I love it. It lets me keep my drinks nearby without having to constantly hold them while lounging and watching TV. Stable without being too bulky or heavy." —Holly M. Paddock Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in nine styles). Read more about how dry brushing exfoliates and helps promote circulation at Cleveland Clinic. And read more about lymphatic drainage at the Cleveland Clinic, too. To use, use gentle stroking motions in an upward direction following lymphatic pathways. Promising review: "As an aesthetician I know how beneficial lymphatic drainage can be, however, I was skeptical about this one. I stand corrected! I love it. The bristles are soft and device is easy to use. It’s relaxing and feels like a mini massage. Cleaning it is a breeze. This will now be a stable in my beauty routine! Highly recommend. My only regret is that I didn’t buy a pair. For the price and the benefits you get — don’t wait!" —Alexa M Gintoff Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available as a two-pack). Promising review: "I love it! I'm very happy with the thickness and how very soft it is. It does a good job getting the moisture out of my hair and dramatically cuts down my drying time. The size is very large, which I really like because I have long, thick hair, and it does a good job wrapping up without falling out. I will be purchasing a few more!" —Daniela Get it from Amazon for $23+ (available in three styles). They can even personalize their "bedtime routine" each night to train their brain to recognize sleep cues and get a better night's rest. Options include changing the light settings to more amber tones to help produce melatonin for sleep, soothing noise options, and sleep meditations and sleep stories available in the Hatch app. Promising review: "I’ve been using the Hatch 3 for a few weeks now, and I must say, it has completely transformed my mornings. The customizable sounds and soothing noise options create such a calming, peaceful atmosphere that makes waking up feel like a pleasant experience rather than a jarring event. I’ve found myself waking up feeling more relaxed, with the gradual transition from soft sounds to more lively tones gently guiding me out of sleep. The app is another great bonus. It allows for full customization of the wake-up and wind-down routines, so I can set the tone of my day from the moment I wake up to when I’m getting ready for bed. The soft, warm light feature is also fantastic. It mimics the sunrise, gradually brightening the room and helping to regulate my circadian rhythm. Overall, the Hatch 3 is not just a smart alarm clock; it’s an experience." —Nate Get it from Amazon for $169.99 (available in three styles). Promising review: "Well made, pretty tray that fits all the way across my tub. Has a support for a book or IPad, which is great." —Jolene Saiz Get it from Amazon for $35.15+ (available in two materials). Check out a TikTok of the Beast Blender in action. Here's what BuzzFeed Shopping editor Maitland Quitmeyer — who has used it to make crepe batter, thick smoothies, and crushed ice — has to say about it: "If you like to start your day with a smoothie, like whipping up not-huge amounts of blended sauces or soups, or just hate dealing with (and washing) a full-size blender, the Beast Blender really might be the perfect one for you." Check out her full review of the Beast Blender for more deets! Get it from Amazon for $149 (available in five colors and three styles). Promising review: "I have a few of these, and let me tell you, family, friends, friends of friends? Everyone is getting them! Iced coffee run? JavaSok. Trying the new local frozen lemonade? JavaSok. That large soda you got 'just because?' JavaSok. This is the best purchase I have made on Amazon. By far. I know they can get a little bit pricey, but it’s sooo worth it! So many fun designs, so many choices. My drink stays cold for so long – the quality is amazing. Not to mention the fit is perfect and durable!" —Hayley Rardin Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in five sizes and several styles). Promising review: "I have had this wine bottle opener for over two years and I'm so happy with this purchase. I love the aesthetic and that I can leave it on the counter. When you receive the product, you just have to plug it in to charge, and then it’s ready to use. It’s convenient to have the foil cutter. It’s also still sharp after two years. In just a few seconds, the bottle is opened, and I’m ready to enjoy a glass of wine!" —Rebecca Anne Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three colors). Promising review: "Makes life so much easier. I can't imagine chopping onions or bell peppers by hand anymore, and it does so much more. This requires very little effort to cut through the food, and it has a generous container." —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $26.72+ (available in six styles and four colors). See it in the same TikTok as above about multisticks! When I say it feels nourishing, it's not just a coincidence. This is made with shea butter, softening avocado oil, and a protective (breathable!) orange peel wax. Promising review: "I have been lazy with my makeup routine as of lately, so having a multi-stick and not having to whip out a brush and brush has been so helpful. I like how I can just swipe this on my cheeks and rub it in with my fingertips. It gives a beautiful flush to the cheek area. This product has no smell that I can tell, which I am happy for. I love that this product is clean, and I can feel good about using it. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a beautiful and well-made product that is not only good for the world, but good for the face." —Brittany0890 Get it from Sephora or Amazon for $36 (available in 12 shades and radiant or shimmer finishes). If I could marry this hand soap I would, because I want us to share a long and happy life together. Promising review: "This is worth every penny. You won't be disappointed. The smell is amazing, and it leaves my hands clean but not dried out. The fragrance keeps me buying for years to come." —Vicki Aukerman Get it from Amazon for $34 (available in four scents). Promising review: "I love my candle in this scent, so when I saw the hand soap, it was a no-brainer. Leaves your hands feeling clean, moisturized, and smelling great." —shannon Get it from Amazon for $23 (also available in "Apple Cider Social" and "Pumpkin Dulce" scents) Promising review: "This putty is great as a fidget toy and stress reliever. All I need to do is smush some around in my hand, and I feel the stress start to melt away. I also love the indigo color. I know some people complain about how the magnet strength isn’t so strong, but this doesn’t bother me — the pieces stay together enough for you to play with them as putty." —NR Get it from Amazon for $15.95 (available in three sizes and eight colors). A half-frame camera means twice as many photos for each roll of film! Promising reviews: "I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, and this camera made everything so simple! I bought it for my trip to Portugal and could not be happier with the quality of the photos. The half-frame look really is so unique! Plus, you get double the photos, making film photography a slightly less expensive hobby. 10/10." —Amazon Customer "I bought this camera for my daughter, and she loves it! She wanted a camera that she could carry around and snap quick, fun pictures in her dorm or outside on campus. She loves getting the pictures developed and the authentic feel of a real picture and not one on her phone! She loves the color and light weight. Reasonably priced and a great buy." —Just Jenny Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in five colors). You can get some Kodak film to go with it, too! Promising review: "These are the best for half of any round fruit or vegetable. I'm loving them and [that there's] no more messing around with so many small plastic bags. They don't seem to pick up the smell of onions either, which is a big plus! Easy to open and close, keep food fresh, and seem to be durable. I've had them for a few months now, and I'm going to give some away as gifts to family and friends!" —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in three styles). Larq is a small business that specializes in water purification products. Promising review: "We fill large bottles up every day and keep them cold in the fridge. The quality is outstanding. We love them. We had very bad-tasting water, and this made it taste great. It doesn't smel,l and it is easy to hold. The smaller one is good for travel. These also saved a lot of money because we didn't have to buy bottled water." —Mary Ann Get it from Amazon for $99 (available in five colors and two sizes). Promising reviews: "This item works great. My first one was gifted to me, and I love it so much that I bought one for another room. The timer can be set for 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours! It also has a night feature that provides a glow. It was purchased for my living room because I wanted it to help reduce pollen, dust, or scents that linger after cooking. It also provides a little cool air when you’re sleeping. I definitely recommend this product." —Lynne Get it from Amazon for $69.98+ (available in two colors). Promising review: "10/10 recommend to everyone and their mom. The quality of the material is wonderful! My friend had it in cream and loved the way her bed looked, so I got one. My mom came over and fell in love with my setup and also got one. The material is thick enough that the bed looks smooth and uniform, but not too thick. My kids are also obsessed and say that I have the coziest room ever and want to snuggle on the bed all the time." —Raquel Brown Get it from Amazon for $69.99+ (available sizes Twin/Twin XL– King/Cal King and in 28 colors). I did not set out to become the kind of person who only wears one brand of shoes. But here we are. The picture above, right, is of my very first pair of Kiziks. Usually, I'd show a review photo of shoes that are brand new. Not today! I want you to see the most lived-in pair of shoes I've ever owned, because they've held up like champs. I live in Brooklyn, so everyone takes their shoes off when going into someone's apartment, and that inevitably means squatting down while awkwardly balancing against a wall, trying to yank off your shoes with your dignity intact. I also have a toddler, so putting my shoes on (hands-free) became a must. I love other shoes, I really do. And yet I will likely never, ever wear any other shoes. These are *so* comfortable for walking around the city. And getting them on and off is so effortless; I don't know how other companies can't catch up. But they haven't, so here I am. With My Kiziks. ONLY my Kiziks. Sigh, it's hard to love something this much. Promising review: "Five stars. LOVE Kizik shoes. Never disappoint." —Amanda Get them from Kizik for $99.95 (available in women's sizes 5–13 and in several styles) or From Amazon for $69.95 (available in the first Madrid version in women's sizes 6–16.5W and in eight colors). What's included: Dream Cooker, cooker base, locking lid, inner cooking pot, condensation collector, and detachable power cord. Promising review: "The Dream Cooker is so easy to use, and I was able to try a recipe that I had never made before. It was delicious and came together very quickly. Amazing for a new mama! Cleaning up the Dream Cooker is also easy, and it can easily be stored on the counter or down below! The many features are explained in detail, and I was able to utilize each one seamlessly. Wonderful!" —Missy P. Get it from Our Place or Amazon for $199 (available in four colors). I have one of these springboards! This kid-friendly daily calendar is a gift for A-type parents and unorganized souls alike. The illustrated tiles (and custom tiles!) are kid-friendly, so they can put their activities on the board all by themselves. Discuss the day with your kiddo as they put it together — this added control helps them feel in charge of their schedule, making changes throughout the day feel less daunting. Get it from Charmspring for $295 (available in starter packs, two sizes, and multiple styles). The set includes a 6” chef knife, 5.5" Santoku knife, 6" bread knife, 4.5" utility knife, and a 3.5" paring knife. Promising review: "These are so pretty and functional. The packaging was beautiful. Truly timeless appearance. I picked the blush pink set. I love that the knives are of good quality and easy to use. Space-saving, which I love. I hated getting rid of the box; that’s how pretty it was. It was blush pink and had such a pretty interior. The knives are thick and very sharp. I love that they are very practical and functional while having a beautiful appearance all at the same time. Definitely worth the price. Really worth it." —Simple shopper Get it from Amazon for $199 (available in three colors). This includes three soil power packs, and air-pruning soil bag, water water-wicking filter, and two ceramic vessels (one with a nonslip rubber ring). I have a Tendril planter, and I *love* it. My husband is a big plant person. I am very good at appreciating them... and terrible at caring for them. If it weren't for this planter, our Calathea would not survive his weekend work trips. The most satisfying thing about this planter is that the design is both aesthetic and functional — the top sinks into the bottom as the water absorbs, both allowing the plants to drink when they need *and* letting you (ahem, me) know when it needs to be refilled. There's even a water level indicator with a poem from your plant's POV. Cute. Get a small size from Tendril for $129 (also available in two other sizes, both on waitlists). Promising review: "Feel like expensive high-end hotel sheets. I normally use flannel sheets year-round because it’s the only material I like, but these are my new favorite. Very soft and cooling. Fit our bed perfectly. I purchased both for our bed and our spare room and have only gotten compliments from guests. Great sheets without the huge sticker price." —Anna Greenlun Get it from Amazon for $34.97+ (available in 15 sizes and 45 colors). New England Stories is a small business that specializes in home and kitchen products. Promising review: "These are worth the money! There are labels for almost every basic syrup, as well as blanks, so you can label them yourself. If you get a regular-sized Torani syrup bottle, it will hold the whole bottle, so you don't need to worry about storing a quarter of the bottle of syrup. SO AESTHETICALLY PLEASING, TOO." —Naomi Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (for four; available in three colors and in two- and six-packs). This safely supports multiple cats up to 15lbs. Promising review: "This is a beautiful piece of furniture that I personally love looking at in our living room. I love it so much I thought that even if the cats didn't like it, it would still be great to have as a decorative piece. However, the cats (especially our smaller, young cat) love sitting on the top level and playing with the rope! Gorgeous design, as are all Mau products, and functional. I love this purchase for our cats and for us!" —Beth S. Get it from Mau or from Amazon for $189 (available in three colors). Promising review: "I was so impressed with the quality of this half zip. It's really comfortable. They have a lot of color options, and the colors are really vibrant in person. It is slightly oversize, so you don't need to size up for the oversize look unless you like it to be really oversize." —Lauren Meyers Get it from Amazon for $42.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and 33 styles). Promising review: "I LOVE these dispensers!!! They look so cute and make me feel so organized. They dispense liquids really well and do not leak. They come with almost every label you would need." —Tara Foster Get them from Amazon for $22.95+ (available in two sizes, sets of one, two, or four, and in three styles). We use this cookbook constantly. In fact, I thought to feature it in this frame because I'll be making the rolls for a family dinner this weekend (nothing on this little earth tops these dinner rolls). The chocolate sourdough is *life-changing.* This book is nothing but hits! It's our family's go-to recommendation now — both for people specifically looking to make bread and as a weekly cookbook, we think everyone should have in their home. Promising review: "Wow. This is an awesome, beautiful book. King Arthur really went above and beyond. Everything is explained in such detail, and the pictures are phenomenal. This book explains everything you need to know to become a wonderful bread maker. It's easy to read and includes pictured explanations for bakers of all levels. Honestly, this belongs in all homes — from a beginner bread maker to a professional! The book is huge and well worth the money. Highly recommend!" —Lindy Promising review: "Over the years I think a lot of people have become accustomed to getting their recipes online. There's nothing wrong with that, but I'm telling you, you're going to want this cookbook in your actual hands! The other day I made her enchilada skillet recipe from the cookbook. One of the things I love best about her is her easy breezy personality. If you don't have a certain ingredient she's quick to suggest others in the cookbook and time savers. With the enchilada skillet I decided to use microwavable rice and I didn't have a oven-proof pan so I just did it on the stove top. It turned out wonderfully and the leftovers were exceptionally good too! I can't tell you the last time I bought a cookbook but this one is amazing: from the way she writes, the beautiful pictures, even how she indexes her recipes (I won't spoil it but it's genius). Thank you for helping me find my cooking mojo again!" —Jessica Hornik Promising review: "We bought a Dewalt boombox years ago for a job site, and it's still as good as it was 20 years ago. This is the next best thing great gift for somebody who works outside. Fabulous battery life as with everything I’ve ever bought from DeWalt, awesome!!!" —Mikki D Get it from Amazon for $46.06+ (available in two colors). Be sure to check out the different cards and adventure jackets available! Promising review: "I can’t rave about this enough! The Yoto has been a huge win in our home. Our son wasn’t a huge fan of the Tonie Box, so I was a bit worried he wouldn’t use the Yoto. I was SO wrong. He listens to the Yoto Daily podcast almost every day and has become a fun morning activity in our home. It’s pretty easy to use once you figure out what each button does. My son has no issue using it at four years old. It’s come in handy when traveling, as it's very easy to bring along on the go. If you are on the fence, do it! My son’s screen time has decreased drastically since we got the Yoto. It has also really helped him play more independently in his room." —MacKenzie Blackman BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. Mallory Mower has been a BuzzFeed Shopping writer since 2017, with a focus on unique, practical products, up-to-date parenting finds, and up-and-coming home decor. Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.