20 useful gifts that no one would buy for themselves
Perhaps the most underrated gift category? Gifts your recipient didn't know they needed.
As The Atlantic cited in 2014, many gifts fall flat because the giver focused too much on sentimentality and not enough on practicality. In fact, the gifts people prefer seem to be the ones that are the easiest to use.
But sometimes those gifts are boring as hell, right? There's a reason that socks -- while wonderful -- are the stereotypical "bad gift."
But practical and lovely don't have to be mutually exclusive. Here are 20 gifts that are both useful and beautiful -- and, most importantly, that no one is likely to buy for themselves.
1. A wine tote
Hopefully, this will encourage your loved ones to bring wine over to your home. And it's not unspeakably ugly, either -- a nice plus.
2. A gorgeous cheese board
Anything laden with cheese is always beautiful, but this a marble board will make your cheese plates even more Instagram-ready.
3. A lifeline for your favorite seltzer fan
You know that person who buys La Croix in bulk on Amazon? Help them save a few bucks. (If that person is you, feel free to gift this to yourself.)
4. A sleep mask
It's hard to justify buying a luxurious silk sleep mask for yourself. It's easier to justify buying one for someone else.
5. A truly fancy candle
Candles are a nice thing to have around the house, especially in small apartments where your cooking smells permeate everything. Buying a Diptyque candle for yourself when Yankee Candle exists is nearly impossible, but you can deliver some luxury smells to someone else for the cost of $64 and significantly less guilt.
6. An apron that will hide stains
For anyone who loves to cook, but also loves to splash tomato sauce everywhere.
7. A way to get rid of garlic smell
This magical stainless steel bar of soap would make a delightful and slightly confusing stocking stuffer.
8. A cold brew maker
Keep your caffeine-craving friends satisfied in the summer months. (Or whenever they want cold brew. We're not here to run anyone's life.)
9. A personalized luggage tag
Great for the person who travels constantly or the person who always loses things. Perfect for the person who does both.
10. A label maker
Who doesn't want a GD label maker? Label away!
11. A pair of nice slippers
Each time your recipient avoids the treachery of their cold floors, they'll think of you.
12. A beautiful watering can
It won't look weird next to their carefully curated shelf decorations.
13. A bed for your kitchen sponge
It's cute, okay? And, technically, it's also useful. Don't fight us on this.
14. An array of salts
Amazon reviewers call this gourmet salt variety pack "a nice variety" and "a lot of fun." Seems good!
15. A sturdy umbrella
To be fair, this is a pretty boring gift. Save it for someone who has expressed anger at their own, flimsy umbrella. They'll appreciate it more than words can express.
16. A multi-tool
Pliers! Wire cutters! Screwdrivers! Bottle openers! This useful gadget has them all.
17. A lip balm in a nice little tin
A pleasing stocking stuffer that is sure to become a purse mainstay.
18. A classic cookbook
Bonus: you'll have a fantastic experience the next time you're invited over for dinner.
19. A super compact blanket
A pocket blanket in a fun, bright color is the perfect gift for the camping enthusiast in your life.
20. A Roomba
Never has there been a cleaning gift more delightful than the Roomba. It's cute, it's compact, it's exceedingly practical -- plus, it's an invitation for your recipient to channel their inner Tom Haverford.
Chloe was the shopping editor at Mashable. She was also previously a culture reporter. You can follow her on Twitter at @chloebryan.
