(ThyBlackMan.com) Shopping for gifts is difficult, no matter if it’s during the holidays, a birthday, or another special occasion, especially when you’re really set on gifting them something they’ll actually use. After all, you don’t want to throw your hard-earned money away on something that will sit there collecting dust.
But don’t worry. Whether they’re the person who has everything or just picky, this practical gift guide will help you choose something that will stand the test of time.
Smart Home Device
If you’re looking for something on the higher end of the gift-giving spectrum for the tech-lover in your life, a smart home device is a great place to start. From thermostats and locks to remote operated lighting, smart home gadgets can help increase the convenience, security, and connectivity of any home. You could even give them a smart assistant device that can help them do almost anything, hands free.
Insulated Water Bottle
For the ultra-practical gift, the insulated water bottle has to come in at the very top of the list. Not only are they useful for athletes, hikers, travels, any anyone else on the go but avid coffee drinks and those who simply like to stay hydrated (without having to walk to their office water station every 30 minutes) will greatly appreciate their temperature-preserving design. These well-designed bottles can keep cold beverages cool for up to 24 hours and warm drinks hot for up to 12 hours, now who wouldn’t love that? And, they’re highly customizable with a variety of colors, lid types, straws, and more.
Travel Gear
With growing competition between airlines and younger generations making travel a priority, I had to make room on the list for the adventurer in your life. Here are a few travel essentials that are a solid purchase:
- Passport holders to keep their passport in mint condition
- Neck pillows to keep them comfortable on long plane rides
- High-quality sunglasses for men that will protect their eyes and keep them looking cool
- Packing cubes to help make loading up their suitcase easier
Whether they’re across the country or across the globe, these will make their trip more pleasant.
Weighted Blanket
You’ve probably heard of a weighted blanket. This is another great high-end gift your loved ones will appreciate, especially if they suffer from insomnia. When choosing a weighted blanket, there are a few things to consider like whether they’d prefer one that’s soft or has cooling technology, and their size when it comes to choosing the weight. After all, you don’t want it to be too heavy. Most weighted blankets have a buyer’s guide to help you make the right selection.
Wallet
While more and more purchases are being made on our phones, a good wallet won’t go unused. Not every store takes Apple Pay and a AAA card is always good to have on hand. When shopping for a wallet, think of the person you’re gifting to and answer these questions:
- What’s their style? (Trendy or classic, simple or extravagant, etc.)
- What’s their lifestyle? (Do they need something compact of do they carry a bag?)
- Are they someone who needs a lot of storage space?
Fortunately, it’s easy to find the right wallet for anyone on your list. You could even go an especially modern route and gift them a phone wallet that attaches directly to the back of their device.
Portable Charger
No matter their profession or lifestyle, everyone needs their gadgets charged on the go, so you can’t go wrong with a portable charger. There are plenty of sleek options that are easy to carry around for both men and women. And, if you want to take it to the next level, choose one with a fun design—from religious-themed power banks perfect for the holiday season to cute animal chargers for your niece or nephew, you can find them in all shapes and sizes when shopping online.
Gift Cards
And finally, gift cards. One of the most popular gifts to give, and for good reason. After all, who doesn’t want a gift card to their favorite place? You might think that gift cards are a boring default for people you don’t know but they can actually be a way to show someone you really know them. The options are virtually endless, but if you really want to them to make the most of the gift, consider these popular options:
- Uber
- Airbnb
- Amazon
- Target
- AMC
Whether it be to their favorite restaurant, store, or even a spa treatment, they’ll surely appreciate the thought you put behind it and the fact that they get to treat themselves (without spending their own money). A Limoges Box is a nice gift for your special someone too. It makes a great creative gift for Valentines Day. You can even store a little present inside of it.
These gift ideas are a great place to start whether you’re shopping for gifts for a friend, your wife, your father, or anyone in between. And remember, what really matters is you’ve done something special to show them that you care.
Staff Writer; Michael James