14 Actually Useful Gifts That Aren’t a Bathrobe

2022-09-03 05:03:17 By : Ms. Astrid Yang

Who knew these everyday items make the perfect presents?

Once upon a time, as gifting goes, a bathrobe was a good idea. The plushness and practicality were a winning combination, making a robe the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The problem was, everyone else caught on and the robe became the perennial re-gift. Still, the concept of giving friends and family something they’ll really put to good use is a smart one, which is why we tapped our pals at Lowe’s to help us find ultra-practical items that anyone would appreciate. (And don't forget about the ever-useful Lowe's gift card, another foolproof option!).

Check out our picks* below—and consider your gift-shopping officially complete.

*While supplies last. Selection varies by market.

Make their cleaning sessions less of a chore with this compact and powerful vacuum. It comes with two attachments that can reach hard-to-maneuver areas and switches to a handheld device so they can give counters a swift sweep. The best part? This vac is cordless, with a one-hour run time, so they’re free to move all around the house with ease. (It's also part of the CRAFTSMAN v20 battery platform, which means that the battery can also be used on CRAFTSMAN tools.)

Need a gift for someone who loves to entertain? A sleek set of stainless-steel cocktail tools will have guests bellying up to their bar. (Even if they’ve never shaken or stirred anything before, this 13-piece “bar-in-a-box” will make them look the part.) All the essentials, including an ice bucket, cocktail shaker, strainer, and bottle opener, are here for crafting everything from Manhattans to mojitos.

Those with a yard will find a lot to love about this leaf blower. First, with extraordinary air speed (180 mph, to be exact), this handheld device has a gust that can move mountains of wet leaves, rocks, mud, and snow—and it’s lightweight. Ninety minutes of continuous run time is enough to clear their whole lawn (and their neighbor’s!). 

Help your pals elevate their party-hosting with this sleek set (includes a 3-quart pot and eight forks for cheese, chocolate, and other fondues). Bonus: It’s dishwasher safe, with a nonstick interior for quick and easy cleanup.

Elevate their wash, rinse, and repeat regimen with this chic matte black showerhead, which comes with a tub faucet and lever to divert the water from showerhead to tub flow. Anyone with an outdated setup will appreciate receiving a way-more-modern upgrade.

They’ll be excited to give this powerful baking gadget a whirl. With five speeds (plus turbo boost!) and multiple mixing tools (two helix beaters, two dough hooks, and one wire whisk), it’s the ideal addition to their kitchen arsenal.

This smart system will turn your loved one’s house into a more energy-efficient home. It basically takes the controls of the home’s climate by learning their setting preferences, and adjusts itself accordingly, turning down when no one’s around to save energy. They can operate it from anywhere via the accompanying app or ask it to change the temps, using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The only thing it can’t do is actually adjust the weather — but maybe that’s next.  

A power tool makes anyone feel handy, and this gift one comes with not one, but two tools to really get their motor running. One is designed for everyday drilling and tightening screws, lag bolts, and large fasteners, and the other is an impact driver with 1,460 pounds of torque for heavy-duty jobs. Both are lightweight and compact and come equipped with LED lights to illuminate their every task.

They’ll welcome this security system-meets-answering service with open arms. The high-tech device is equipped with HD video and a built-in two-way talk microphone and speakers, allowing them to see, hear, and speak to anyone outside the door — right from their smartphone and even if no one’s home. It also sends alerts when the doorbell is pressed or motion is detected.

Sure, it’s a bit of a splurge, but this WiFi-connected vacuum is a total life-changer—and the perfect present (especially for pet parents) when you’re looking for a grand gesture. It works on all floor types and recharges automatically. Once they see it in action, they’ll wonder how they ever lived without it.

This slim, single-serve coffeemaker is the ideal countertop device for small-space dwellers. They’ll be able to brew a six-to-10-ounce cup of coffee, tea, cocoa, and more—a long-term lifesaver.

Spark some outdoor get-togethers with this hot gift, which multiple customers declared a “great fire pit for the price” in online reviews. With a deep bowl and antique black steel finish, it’ll make any backyard bash feel instantly warm and welcoming.

Get them set for guests with this best-selling inflatable bed. It’s comfortable and durable, fits up to two adults, and includes a pump that gets the job done in just five minutes.

Many kitchen mats that are designed to relieve pressure are lacking in the looks department, which is why this one is such a fantastic find. They’ll love not only the painterly design but also the functional features: mold-resistant, water-resistant, antimicrobial odor protection, and more.