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16 Very Useful Christmas Gift Ideas That Will Add a Little Luxury to Their Life

They'll treasure these presents all year long
Practical-Christmas-Gifts-Martha-Stewart
We imagine Martha is the queen of practical but luxe gifting. Image: @marthastewart48

Christmas is getting closer with every sleep. Between festive events, long overdue catch ups and simply just making it to the finish line, present shopping might not have crossed your mind yet.

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When it comes to coming up with the ultimate gift ideas, it’s helpful to think about who you’re buying for and how they’ll use the present you’re planning to pop under the tree.

Practical gifts—things they’ll actually use each and every day—don’t have to be boring. Take the chance to treat them to a luxe update on functional items that serve a purpose and will add value to their entire year.

Tap into their hobbies or refresh their beauty routine with products that will make them feel extra special. We’ve rounded up some of the most useful Christmas gifts to give this year.

The best practical Christmas gifts 2024

Practical-Christmas-Gift-Lululemon-Women-Beyondfeel-Running-Shoe

01

Women’s Beyondfeel Running Shoe

$249 at Lululemon

Best for: The person who joined a Run Club this year

If Strava is their most-used app, a fresh pair of runners will be a welcomed present. Lululemon launched its footwear range in Australia earlier this year and the Beyondfeel shoe has already proved a favourite on the pavement—it was designed specifically for female runners—thanks to a cushioned sole and breathable upper.

Practical-Christmas-Gift-Ikkari-Ikarian-Body-Wash

02

The Ikarian Body Wash

$69 at Ikkari

Best for: The fan of an everything shower

Splashing out on a luxe body wash isn’t something that most of us do everyday. But showering is. Scented by green mandarin, this formula from Ikkari is packed with magnesium to relieve sore muscles and aches. It also helps keep skin hydrated and supple—perfect for after days spent in the sun, which can cause dehydration.

Practical-Christmas-Gift-Antler-Expandable-Suitcase

03

Expandable Carry-on Luggage

$179 (usually $299) at Antler

Best for: The frequent flier

If they spend more time at the airport than anywhere else, chances are their carry-on suitcase might be due for an upgrade. This lightweight style—it only weighs 2.8kg when empty—can hold up to 46-litres when expanded to full capacity. Smooth spinner wheels also make it a delight to whizz through security and boarding with.

Practical-Christmas-Gifts-Dinosaur-Designs-Earth-Keyring

04

Earth Keyring

$60 at Dinosaur Designs

Best for: The friend who always loses their keys

A chic key ring is a symbol of someone who has their life together—even if they don’t. This organic-shaped resin bead from Dinosaur Designs is finished with a hinged keyring. It comes in a rainbow of signature hues, which makes it easy to spot in handbags and on kitchen benches.

Practical-Christmas-Gifts-Our-Place-Titanium-Always-Pan-Pro

05

Titanium Always Pan Pro

$250 (usually $330) at Our Place

Best for: The budding master chef

If they’re constantly filling your Instagram DM’s with recipes they want to try, some new cookware is the perfect gift. This stainless steel version of Our Place’s iconic Always Pan is finished with non-stick technology, that’s coating-free and made without PFAS (aka forever chemicals). They’ll be dishing you up dinner before you know it.

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Practical-Christmas-Gifts-EM-Holiday-Good-News-Oven-Mitt

06

Good News Oven Mitt

$35 at Emma Mulholland on Holiday

Best for: The real-life Martha Stewart

From Nara Smith dominating TikTok feeds to Netflix’s must-watch Martha Stewart documentary, our relationship with domestic duties is seemingly more complicated then ever in 2024. Add a playful spin to their meal-prep days with this newspaper-printed oven mitt from Sydney brand, Emma Mulholland on Holiday.

Practical-Christmas-Gift-Ultra-Violette-Super-Supreme-SPF-50+

07

Super Supreme SPF 50+

$72 at Ultra Violette

Best for: The sun-smart sister

Okay to be fair, your whole family could benefit from a super-sized edition of Ultra Violette’s most-loved skinscreen. They’ll think of you every morning as they apply it before walking out the door.

Also available at:

Practical-Christmas-Gifts-Frank-Green-Lunch-Container

08

Lunch Container

$79.95 at Frank Green

Best for: The packed lunch resolution maker

Each January they tell you they’re going to stop buying lunch at work. Empower them to stick to their goal in 2025 with this chic lunchbox set from Frank Green. The leak-proof container is made from 90% post-consumer recycled stainless steel with durable powder coating. This set also features two microwave-safe removable containers with silicone lids.

09

Alemais Nadia Narrow Brim Bucket Hat

$180 at The Iconic

Best for: The stylish beach goer

A really great hat is an Aussie summer essential. And this extra-wide brim style from Alemais delivers on both style and sun protection. The multi-coloured design is made from linen and finished with a self-tie string so it won’t blow away on windy beach days.

Practical-Christmas-Gifts-July-Juliette-Soft-Work-Tote

10

Juliette Soft Work Tote

$325 at July

Best for: The chic commuter

We’re all spending more time in the office again. And with that comes the need for a carryall that will fit a laptop, lunch and gym kit. This faux-leather style from luggage legend July is complete with a zipped pocket that fits up to a 14″ laptop or tablet, as well as a removable drink bottle holder and a flat bottom. It also has a removable strap to slip it over a suitcase handle on work trips.

Practical-Christmas-Gifts-Tangent-GC-Yuzu-Delicate-Detergent

11

Tangent GC Yuzu Delicate Detergent

$39 at Lee Mathews

Best for: The hand-wash only mum

Who knew laundry liquid could be so chic? Swedish brand, Tangent GC creates this delicate detergent with a Yuzu scent to help care for their most-treasured clothes. From silk to soft wool pieces, it will bring the ultimate luxury to chore days.

Practical-Christmas-Gifts-Breville-Pro-Control-Jug

12

Pro Control Jug

$49.95 at Breville

Best for: The latte art lover

Level up their home coffee routine with Breville’s new range of accessories, including this stainless steel handless milk jug complete with a heat-resistant silicone sleeve. The pro spout gives more control for creating impressive latte art for budding baristas.

Practical-Christmas-Gifts-Loop-Switch-2-Ear-Plugs

13

Switch 2 Ear Plugs

$75.96 (usually $94.95) at Loop Ear Plugs

Best for: The deep focus friend

Give the gift of quiet concentration with a pair of ear plugs from Loop. The Switch 2 design offers multiple noise-blocking modes, which can be used for a range of sound environments. From blocking out noisy neighbours (and ensuring they get a good night’s sleep) to switching into deep focus time at work or even protecting their hearing at gigs and festivals, they’ll sing your praises for this thoughtful, practical gift.

Practical-Christmas-Gifts-Nala-Mesh-Classic-Gee

14

Mesh Classic Gee

$25 at Nala

Best for: The one who needs new knickers

Undies can actually be an excellent gift for anyone who needs to audit their top drawer—we’re all guilty of hanging onto those pairs that are probably past their use-by date in our wardrobes. Nala crafts comfortable but chic underwear that’s designed to empower the wearer, including the seamless Mesh Gee. The brand offers a range of cuts, fabrics and colours to suit every collection.

Practical-Christmas-Gifts-Roomie-Organic-Cotton-Bedding-Set

15

Roomie Organic Cotton Bedding Set

from $440 at The Iconic

Best for: The sweet dreamer

If bedtime is their favourite part of the day, treat them to a new set of sheets for the sweetest dreams. Roomie makes its signature pastel-hued bedding from 100% organic cotton with an ultra-soft hand feel.

Practical-Christmas-Gifts-The-Ordinary-Squalane-Amino-Acids-Lip-Balm

16

Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm

$12.55 (usually $16.30) at The Ordinary

Best for: The lip balm lover

Everyone knows a lip balm fiend. They’re always pulling a product seemingly out of nowhere—their bag, desk, car and beside their bed are a few favourite spots. The Ordinary launched this pocket-sized balm packed with nourishing ingredients, including squalane, a few months ago and we’re big fans. We bet the lip balm lover in your life will be too.

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What makes a good practical Christmas gift?

Think about things they’ll use everyday but might not buy for themselves. A fancy body wash, the ultimate work tote, a fry pan that will level up their home cooking and even a new set of sheets—there’s still lots of luxury to be found in useful things.

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Looking to save money on gifts? Check out our coupon codes for The Iconic, Net-A-Porter and more.


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