Practical but fun gift guide
Practical gifts are becoming increasingly popular, and gifting your loved ones something they need is usually money well spent. However, it can sometimes be hard to find things that are practical but also fun – gifts they’ll actually enjoy opening and using.
It’s also far better for the environment to avoid novelty plastic tat, and give something that has a longer lifespan. But where do you start? Have a look at all these ideas for some festive inspiration.
The Self Care Planter by Pikkii | £19.99
We all know somebody who just loves the idea of owning plants, then always forgets to water them. This self-watering planter saves their greenery and looks super-cute in the process, with a water reservoir that lasts up to eight weeks.
FIND AT >> Find Me a Gift, and Waterstones
For a smaller stocking filler present, you might also like the Gift Republic self-watering yoga cat dispenser spike, £6.99 at Waterstones.
The Oodie Original in ‘Love Heart Candies’ design | £32.00 (in sale)
If you want to make sure someone’s warm and comfortable at home, a classic Oodie is the original and still the best cosy hoodie-blanket. Available in multiple plain colours and a huge range of fun prints, there’s something to suit most personalities and tastes.
MORE HERE >> The Oodie
George Asda Just Wellness Bamboo Functional Bath Tray | £16.00
Turn an ordinary bath into a luxurious soak in the tub with this wooden bath tray from George. The clever design adapts to fit the exact width of their bath, with secure spaces for bathing goodies, candles, a mug of tea or a glass of wine. Plus there’s a stand section that folds out to hold a book, magazine or tablet. Perfection.
FIND HERE >> George at Asda
Magnetic Memo Magnets kit | £10.00
Super-organised someone, or forgetful friend or relative? Make sure their reminders stand out on the fridge with these ten attractive color block memo magnets. The set comes with a useful magnetic dry erase black pen, so they can be wiped clean and used over and over again.
FIND AT >> Oliver Bonas
By the way, the whole gift section at Oliver Bonas is good this year. Lots of affordable stocking fillers and thoughtful things to choose from. Worth a trawl.
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SuckUK Raining Cats And Dogs colour change umbrella | £25.99 – £30
Yes, a good umbrella is very practical for the British weather at this time of year, but they can also be lots of fun. Uh huh, trust me. Case in point: a colour changing design that goes from monochrome to full colour when the rain hits it.
BUY AT >> Waterstones and Amazon UK
They also have a simpler rainbow raindrop umbrella design that’s very likeable.
PS Paul Smith Collection No.1.11 Grooming Kit | £16.00 (£12 in offer)
This is one of those ‘buy it once, keep it forever’ gifts, with a glass nail file, tweezers, scissors and clippers. Well made and nicely designed, all kept together tidily in a decorated silver tin. Technically marketed for men, but I’d be more than happy to get one of these in my Crizzy stocking.
FIND AT >> Boots
V&A kimono cranes lined A5 notebook | £10.50
There’s something very special about being gifted a beautiful notebook, and there are so many options from V&A. With 160 lined pages, lay-flat binding, and colour endpapers. The cover designs include this beautiful wedding kimono print above, water lilies, and graphic pops of colour.
FIND AT >> Waterstones, V&A Shop, plus other designs at Ohh Deer
OddBalls socks subscription | £27 for 6 months
If you’re looking for a gift that keeps on giving, how about a subscription that sends them a new pair of socks every month? There’s a choice of different shoe sizes, and they can pick between patterned or plain each month.
FIND AT >> OddBalls Apparel
They have plenty of other subscriptions available, including all shapes of underwear, bamboo undies and socks, and different lengths of subscription for the socks.
