50 Actually Useful Gifts That Can Make Anyone’s Life Easier 2023

It’s hard to pinpoint the best gifts for your loved ones, especially if they have utilitarian tastes or tell you they don’t want more stuff. That’s where a useful gift comes in—a.k.a. a thoughtful, creative present that isn’t merely decorative, doesn’t add clutter, and is maybe something they never knew they needed. While there are a ton of functional items that technically fall under this umbrella (think: socks, phone chargers, and gift cards), these can sometimes be so meh they wind up gathering dust, getting regifted, or thrown in a donation box. They’re sensible, sure, but do they inspire genuine delight and appreciation? Arguably not! We recommend focusing instead on truly unique gifts for your family, partners, friends, coworkers, or even yourself. From time-savers to tech gadgets, we’ve scoured retailers like Amazon, Uncommon Goods, Nordstrom, REI, and Target to round up practical gifts that still feel special (many of which are under $25 or under $50).

For more present picks, check out all of the best gift ideas of 2023.