In defence of giving (as well as receiving) practical gifts

Socks, a new pot, an iron, or maybe a set of bamboo bedding? Practical gifts don't have the best reputation out there, and have probably been the cause of someone's Christmas disappointment a few times. However, this doesn’t mean that such gifts should not be given at all. On the contrary - when tailored to the tastes and needs of the recipient, they can be a source of joy and become a useful keepsake for many years.

Why gift practical presents?

Giving practical gifts only makes sense when you choose the best quality. Whether it's kitchen appliances, interior design pieces, tech gadgets, or work accessories, it pays off to choose products that will serve the recipient for many years, rather than those that fall apart after a few uses. A practical gift is satisfying for both the recipient (who perhaps could not afford such an expense himself) and for the environment.

When buying a gift, keep in mind the fact that many gifts - both impractical and useful but shoddy - end up in the trash as soon as the festive lights get turned off. A gift that is practical and of high quality  has a far better chance of avoiding a sad imminent end in the landfill - even if it wasn’t at the top of the recipient’s Christmas wishlist - they will either find it useful or pass it on to someone who might.

A practical gadget, tailored to its recipient’s preferences, interests, and lifestyle, is also a great way to show them we care and put some real effort into choosing a gift, into recognizing their needs.

What to remember when buying a practical gift

Before buying practical gifts, always do solid research to make sure that the item you intend to give is actually needed - otherwise there is no usefulness to speak of.

The second important rule is to avoid mediocrity. Here, unfortunately, you will also often need to do some reconnaissance and compare several different products to ultimately choose the best one. Of course, finances are also of no small importance, which can sometimes be a big constraint. It is, however, always possible to find something that won’t break the bank, and at the same time will be of the highest quality. You can also split the cost of a larger gift with other family members or friends. That’s a far better idea than getting a whole bag of unnecessary and worthless things.

Where possible, add some personal touches to your useful gifts; something unique to make it even more special. This can be an engraving (you can do it with Oakywood accessories), but also an unusual Christmas card with handwritten wishes, a package of personally baked cookies, or even handmade packaging – in short, something not quite practical, but very memorable.

Which Oakywood accessories make the best gifts?

Oakywood products are a great idea for a practical gift, and not just for those who work remotely or have their own offices (though they are our target audience). Interestingly, some of our accessories are so versatile they will come in handy for those who use only a smartphone, regardless of their job, individual needs, qualifications, shoe size, or marital status. Some of the safest practical gifts in our range include all kinds of wireless chargers, docking stations and wooden trays.

For everyone who works remotely or hybrid you can gift a laptop or tablet sleeve, a laptop stand, or a Desk Shelf Mini with a built-in drawer. And if you happen to have a bigger budget and want to give someone a really generous gift, our desks – both classic and standing – look phenomenal next to a Christmas tree.