What would your reaction be if I suggested gifting sheets, laundry detergent and soap this holiday season? I will admit - I am gifting some of those items this year. One of my goals when giving is that the item is useful to my recipient. Do I always achieve that goal or follow that rule? Of course not! Some gifts are meant to be fun, frivolous objects. But today I want to share with you some of my top practical gift ideas - with a twist!
There are a couple of people in my family that are very difficult to buy for - I mean, every year it's a struggle. One year, a particular couple was moving from one house to another right after the new year. Do you know what we gave them for Christmas? Bubble wrap, packing tape, sharpies and labels. Their reaction? Complete joy. What was our last-ditch attempt at figuring out a good gift probably turned out to be the most used and appreciated items we've ever given them.
So I present to you some ideas for practical, yet gift-worthy items:
All photos courtesy of product websites (clockwise): Humphreys Street, Emi Jay, Red Land Cotton, Roux Maison, Music City Suds, Mason Pearson and Nash+Jones.
- Soap: Humphreys Street or Local Economy hand soaps or all-natural bar soaps from Nash+Jones, Humphreys Street, Music City Suds or Little Seed Farm make great gifts. I'm currently digging the honey almond bar from Nash+Jones and the peppermint bar from Humphreys Street.
- Hair ties: The "Hair Candy" line from Emi Jay is fun and makes a great stocking stuffer.
- Brush and comb: The ones pictured above from Mason Pearson are a splurge but the Rake Comb is my absolute favorite!
- Sheets: The husband and I treated ourselves to a set from Red Land Cotton recently and they are by far the best sheets I've ever had. Apparently I should have been buying quality 100% cotton sheets from the beginning. They also offer sets of dinner napkins and fun tea towels which would make great hostess gifts.
- Room spray: Who doesn't need a room spray from time to time?! Conway Minty by Music City Suds is my go-to and has been gifted to others on more than one occasion.
- Laundry detergent: Roux Maison's delicate detergent and stain remover are part of my laundry arsenal. They have scented and non-scented detergents and also specialty detergents for swimwear and sportswear.
There you go! Don't be afraid to treat someone to some specialty "practical" gifts this holiday season or better yet, to treat yourself to some of the products mentioned above!
Happy Gifting!