Good gift giving is basically a form of art. There’s nothing a nice present can't do; it can lift a mood or improve a relationship, repair a wrongdoing, or remind someone you care about them. So no wonder gifts have a special place in our minds, no matter how much we often dread them (don’t even remind me about the Christmas gift hunt!).
The useful gift route is the one to go, but hey, there’s no universal guarantee that whatever you think of as useful would feel the same for the person who’ll receive it. So today, we are taking a look into presents that pleasantly surprised people who had no clue they needed them.
“What’s the best 'I didn’t know I needed that' gift you’ve received?” someone asked on Ask Reddit a while ago and the responses are basically a solid list of cool gift ideas. Scroll down through them below and upvote your favorite ones!
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When I first became a cop I was getting blown away with what I dealt with. There was also so much death and the fear of getting shot. In my own personal life I also had so much stress and depression. One day I was working a school detail and a little kindergartner skipped by. She giggled and handed me a drawing of a kitten she made for me. It literally brought tears to my eyes. I was truly touched. No one had ever thanked me for anything on the job or given me such a kind gesture in years.
Receiving an unsolicited gift from a child is like being touched by an angel.
Agree and may I add that you NEVER refused a gift from a child.
Load More Replies...I was sitting in the lobby of our flat when a random kid, maybe 3-4 years old, came up to me with her dog. She then proceeded to tell me how great her dog was and that sometimes her dog takes a sh!t. One of the best conversations I had ever.
Kids are the best conversationalists. I'd much rather talk about my favorite animal than politics.
Load More Replies...Thanks for your service dude! Not gonna draw you a kitten as I am 40, but you are appreciated.
Hope you framed it a kept it close , to remind yourself of the good in the world❤️
I am a substitute teacher.. when I sub elementary, the amount of drawn pictures never ends. Lol. Today was a record when I recieved one from a 3rd grader, just in the morning of breakfast, before the official day even started. Kids are very capable of being thoughtful. That little girl definitely knew the importance of OP being there. Sweet.
I was furious with my husband when I figured out that money had been just...disappearing from our bank account. I confronted him about it in April. He straight lied in my face and said he needed to spend some of his paycheck on scaffolding. I didn't believe him, but he's never lied before, so I let it go. Celebrating my birthday in November, I'm unwrapping presents with him and my family, and there are 25 wrapped up...fish. Fish toys for cats, glass fish, candy fish, wooden fish...and an underwater watch. I'm not bright because I hadn't figured it out...They got me a trip to Vieques, Puerto Rico to learn how to scuba dive. I don't deserve them. He'd been saving for a year. I saw a DOLPHIN with a BABY DOLPHIN. UNDERWATER. 6 FEET AWAY FROM MY FACE.
It's the best thing ever. It's like flying on another planet.
That's a lovely tale. I wish I could afford to do that for my wife. She deserves it, putting up with me for all this time.
She doesn't "put up with you". She's with you because she loves you. X
Load More Replies...And this is one of the main reasons for not pooling/sharing ALL of your income. Having a decent amount of spending money can save a lot of arguments from ever starting.
these are the only secrets spouses should keep from one another. good secrets only
I love your final sentence, that’s exactly what it’s like! I’ve always said it’s like being in another world but your description is so much better!
My mom just randomly bought me a jogging shirt saying. Maybe you can use this if you run.
I was unhealthy fat short kid, she was trying to encourage me.
Couldn't even run 1 km without questioning my existence.
Several months later I could do 10km in below 40 min, and ran 50km a week.
I got so thin that my friends mom asked me if I'm sick (she thought I had cancer)
After a while I realized that this is not good for my back.
So I started lifting weights in the neighbourhood gym.
I went there so much that the owner made me take charge of it.
Im now the head of the gym and have transformed it completely.
I don't look sick anymore and have a healthy amount of muscle. But im still short .
All of this because of some random running fleece shirt. I still have it today 10 years later...
What a great mom! Not telling you you look fat or making you run, just encouraging it! I'm proud of you!
What's wrong with being short? Many good things come in small packages!
I'm more concerned about the forced labor of the gym owner. They made OP take charge of it? How is that even legal?
That may have been a tongue-in-cheek statement and OP may have been offered that job because of dedication.
Load More Replies...I’m confused. What does the shirt in the picture have to do with the story? I don’t see any printing saying “maybe you can use this if you start running “?
Dang, I wish I had that kind of stick-to-itiveness. Excellent work.
To find out more about navigating the daunting world of gift giving, we spoke with Lynn How, the author of “Positive Young Mind'' and life coach who specializes in supporting educators, parents, and children with improving and prevention of mental health issues. She also runs this Facebook teacher coaching group which is an excellent resource for teachers in need of support when leaving, changing their mindset, changing their schools or setting healthy work/life boundaries.
Something thoughtful is always the best way to go when picking a present for a person, Lynn argues. But “if you don't know the person, perhaps see if you can glean some information from a mutual friend if possible or see if their social media profiles give anything away,” she said and added to “not forget to check for allergies before buying food!”
My ex bought me vitamin D tablets maybe a month or so into dating. I'd been pretty unwell around that time, cancelling one date and bailing early on another. Id had blood tests done but the results weren't back yet.
He showed up for a date one day and had the tablets for me as a present. It was pretty sweet to just get me a present for no reason other than to make me feel better. And when the blood tests came back, one of the things wrong with me was a vitamin D deficiency, so I did need them but didn't know yet.
I guess you could say I really appreciated that he gave me the D...
That's what she said...lol...ba dum dum!!🤣🤣
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My nephew bought my wife a cheap plastic duck call. I have no idea why my nephew thought this a perfect gift, but he was 100% correct. It is now known as the 'cat whistle' in our house because the cats stop whatever naughty thing they were doing immediately upon hearing it.
Now I need a duck call for my collection of "objects that I don't need, but I need to have one".
I used one of these once to call the hubby when I had a terrible case of flu. He threatened to hide it....I won't say where.
Hmm. I think I'll go buy one for my house. Maybe it will also work on my teenager.
Two tickets to Les Miserables. I had absolutely no desire to see the show although my (now ex-) wife had been seriously hinting about it. When I opened the envelope on Christmas morning I was pretty pissed. She basically gifted herself. I was still pissed when I was dragged to the theater. The performance began... and I was in tears after ten minutes. It was just an incredible live performance and before we left I would buy the CD and listen to it for hours.
Its a good show. One of my students brought in part of the sound track for our song show and tell
Aw, this one is kinda bitter sweet. Glad he ended up liking it, but being mad she "gifted herself" makes me raise an eyebrow. She probably felt the need to do that since he was ignoring her hints. Partnership involves taming interest in other things we normally wouldn't because our partner's interests should also be important to us
I actually thought it was bittersweet bc I'm not a fan of the "self-gift in guise of gift" but I don't disagree with you about partnership
Load More Replies...same for me. i bought us a two ticket (for the show, not the movie) mainly because my wife really want to watch it. i was totally hooked. i go back 3 time to watch it. i even contact some of the comedian via myspace and facebook after that and even had to chance to meet some of them after the show.
Had a similar experience with Les Miz. Parents bought tickets to take the family when my grandparents came to visit, I moaned and groaned and complained, and in the picture they took of my brother and me dressed for the occasion, you can see how grumpy I am. Like the OP, ten minutes in, absolutely enthralled, and I have multiple CD/videos so I can watch different ones on demand.
Live musical theatre will do that to you, if it's done right.
Lynn said that hands down the worst presents she has heard of are husbands buying wives items which are used for domestic chores: “a hoover is not a good gift!” But what if we put too much importance on the presents we give? According to Lynn, love can't be bought and although the odd grand gesture is lovely, “I'd much rather receive a thoughtful smaller gift or experience such as being taken on a surprise picnic with some lovely food!”
A kitten, from a total stranger. Yes, really. I wouldn't describe myself as much of a 'cat person', per se, and I wasn't even sure what to do with it at first. A few years down the line, and it's basically my best friend. A constant companion whenever I'm @ home. And to think I preferred dogs once, yeesh!
Never say you are not a cat person until you share your life with one. It baffles me that there's people who don't like them
I am not a cat person and cannot share even an afternoon with one - allergies. I'm not a dog person for exactly the same reason. Happy little fluff balls need to stay away from me and I will go "aww" from afar.
Load More Replies...Please, for the love of whatever is holy to you, never, ever, give an animal to someone as a gift unless you are absolutely 100% sure that they are in a position, physically, mentally and financially, to look after that animal.
I agree with you, but you don't even know the context behind this story.
Load More Replies...Misbehaved cats can be just as bad as misbehaved dogs. Always look to the animal's situation before judging the species. Sometimes, their environment sucks. Sometimes, they're injured. Sometimes, their owners are s**t and don't deserve a lick of respect.
I own a cat and have for more than a year. Dogs are SO MCUH BETTER. here’s my list of proof (or at least what backs up my opinion, I respect other peoples opinions (unless they’re anti-vaxxers) and just want to show why I truly believe dogs are better): 1: Dogs are extremely loyal. Their happiness is unwavering no matter what. With cats, getting a snuggly cat is a one in a million chance. Cats will be snuggly sometimes but then will attack you the next moment. Sometimes they even dupe you and be snuggly only for food. Dogs, however, are always friendly (with the very rare exception of mean dogs. However, dogs are only mean if their owners train them to be so.) Alright, number two: dogs can be big. Dogs can be big and snuggly floofs and all big dogs are friendly. Cats are small and gripey. 3: Cats are always hiding. They’re running underneath couches and beds, desks, etc. Dogs, however, are always willing to share their cuteness. I love cats, but dogs are so, SO much better.
My younger sister got a cat a few years back. I didn't want it because my previous cat died and I didn't want to get attached and lose another one. Anyway, she got the cat but barely spends time with it now. Against my better judgement, this cat has become my companion and patiently waits for me to get home from school every day. He thinks my bed is his perch/watchtower. Fortunately, he is still alive and well.
Man after have dogs and cats I really do appreciate how easy it is to settle into a life with a cat compared to a dog. Don't get me wrong dogs make excellent companions but when I see my best friend after life is getting hard and we just cuddle together for awhile there's nothing better( my best friend being a big chubby cat)
I've had kittens and cats since I was 8 years old.The best pets ever! The Love they give is incredible!!! I'm a cat person ALL the way!🐅!!!
Cats have brought me so much joy when I ask someone do you have a pet and they say I'm not much of a pet person I say have you ever had a cat, no, then you are a cat person you just don't know it yet.
Cats aren't much of a hassle to handle. Plus they're the best snuggle buddies and of you can grow a deep bond with them they will follow you to the end of the driveway, sit and wait for you when you go for a walk and follow you back to the house when you come home ☺️ (from my own experience)
My husband's aunt buys the most practical gifts you could think of! Every year for Christmas I'm excited for her gifts like she bought some insulated bags last year. The year before she got me a nice nail care set and the Rock file is perfect to use on my baby's nails! I never think of the things she buys but every thing she buys is super useful!
I always try to give practical/useful things to my friends. We've known each other so long that we've done all the sentimental stuff and none of us have the space for miscellaneous clutter in our homes.
I'd much rather get practical gifts bc who wants to spend their own hard-earned money on grownup things? I'd rather buy my own fun stuff
Load More Replies...I do this every year for my children and mother for Christmas. Throughout the year, I stock up on “useful” random gifts. And every year, my youngest daughter (26 years old) tells me, “You won Christmas!” 😁
I grew up with grandma and mom. She always wanted practical gifts as she grew up without alot of money. She loved the "coupon" books we made at school that could be redeemed for extra help with house and garden chores.
I congratulate her! I am a careful gift giver and plan them for months. I never just grab something at the last minute.
have always tried to do the same. i get gift bags and as i find what i think is a really neat thing i add it to the bags. by christmas the bags are filled
My sister had to point out a few years back that all my gifts tend to be practical. But then she finds the most amazing pieces that easily can become heirlooms, so she has the right to be miffed at a hairbrush. I have endevored to get more frivolous objects and improve my gift giving a bit.
Calvin and Hobbes book from my mother. Had never heard of them before but I subsequently bought the rest of the books and love them now.
One of my favorite comics and I have several books. Another great one is Bloom County.
Load More Replies...If im ever feeling tired or just blue, I grab a Calvin and Hobbes, get some food and read in my backyard with my dog. It's so peacful.
I love everything about this comment, including your account name and photo.
Load More Replies...My son's name is Calvin, and yes he's named for the comic. Also, if you look over at my profile pic... Edit: Zoe's Mom had one too!
Bro. Bro. Yes. Just yes. I love Calvin and Hobbes and the Far Side. I have that set of three hardcover Calvin and Hobbes books with every last comic in them, along with I think all of the Far Side galleries except for the first.
Load More Replies...I grew up reading Calvin & Hobbes and to this very day I still come back to the old comics when every I feel sad. They were so incredibly well-done and a lot more intelligent and witty than I ever gave them credit for.
I got the set of three hardcover books with every single Calvin and Hobbes comic ever in them.
Moreover, the life coach and educator argues that “gifts become materialistic if they become expected and regular but it depends on what your ideals are for your individual relationship as well as how long you have been together.” Lynn concluded that “Someone who showered me with expensive gifts after only a few dates might be coming on a bit too strong for my liking!”
A good set of bath towels. My grandmother gave me a set as a graduation gift. I knew how expensive good towels and I knew she really had to save up for them, so I was thankful, but the same kind of thankful you are when grandpa gives you his dentures for Christmas.
"I'll be damned if I don't use those towels every day 7 years later (though I do need a new set at this point). They are very easily the most used gift I have ever been given.
Good towels, good socks, good sheets... quality on textile always pays back!
Almost 30 years ago, we were given a "365 recipes for cooking chicken" cookbook as a wedding present. I used that so much the first few years that I made sure to tell the givers how much we liked it. It's still my most used cookbook.
Its so hard to find actually absorbant towels, most towels in stores dont absorb anything
But they provide much in the way of lint and fuzz balls.
Load More Replies...I still use the towels my mother gifted me for Christmas over 20 years ago. Still good and soft, if not as soft as at the beginning.
Older co-worker got given 6 sets of extremely expensive towels as wedding presents by her MiL. At the time she said she was quite underwhelmed as she had no idea they were luxury ones and thought they were a slap in the face gift as the MIL did not seem to like her. Forty years later the family still use the towels every day and she says they are still look and feel the same as when she got them
Load More Replies...I got user towels from my mom when I moved out and my god I use those same few towels exclusively. Good towels stay good, if you take good care of them
A 70+ year old friend is still using her grandmother's gorgeous Egyptian cotton towels. I love that!
My uncle gave me a towel set one year from a somewhat high-end retailer. (I'm talking $40 for a towel, $10 washcloth, etc.) The first time I used it I fell in love, so I went to the store and bought 3 more sets just like it and donated my Target towels to Goodwill. 20 years later they are still nearly as nice and floofy as the day I bought them.
I have bath towels from when Penney's was still a good store. Still in really good shape. No one would think they are 20 years old.
My parents got me an oversized bath robe when I was younger. Kinda disappointed until I saw the gift card stuffed in the pocket. I think I enjoyed whatever I bought with the gift card. But that bath robe, lemmie tell you, wearing that sucker right now.
Never had one and my wife picked me one up a while back. Wear it all the time at home.
I'm wearing mine right now too while skimming BP.
Load More Replies...I've had mine for a very long time now. I have recently came to the conclusion that I need to retire it, but it's heartbreaking. It's so thick and heavy and long and I can't find a replacement!
I bought a big colourful robe from Amazon a few years ago for the ridiculous price of $24.99. I thought it would be super cheap and fall apart but it is so thick and warm. I can wear it outside and take out garbage when it’s -20. Should have bought more and now they aren’t available.
My mom got me a robe about 3-4 years ago and i still have it now edit: oh yeah im a kid so i was still growing and it still fit that many years later
Mine is so heavy I can't wear it due to back problems....yes, it's that heavy.
My sister bought me a white spa robe for my birthday 13 years ago and although it is a bit dingy, I wear it daily also.
It's not really a gift, but hearing my stepmom say she'll always be there, and that I can always talk to her and also constantly getting hugs from her. Just my stepmom in general, really. After therapy and talking heart to heart with my stepmom I've realized my mom isn't that kind of person, it's not easy to talk to her about deep stuff, and we don't hug too often. I really didn't know how much I needed that
A person's time and love are the best gifts. You can also tell the people who have never received such a gift.
The mother we need isn't always the one who gives us life, but we can find her if the need is great.
Just the opposite for me. I'm not fond of my stepmom and she's not fond of me but my mom and I are like sisters. <3
Funny thing about your mum. I was brought up by an unloving mother. I have trouble talking intimate issues and hugging. But that doesn't mean I don't need or want hugging, I just never learned how to ask for it. And sometimes at night in my bed I cry because I passed up a opportunity and they just walked away
Wonderful loving stepmom I have two stepsons and always treat them this
My brother jokingly bought me a squatty potty a few Christmas’s ago after we saw the commercial a few months prior. I killed myself laughing again when I opened it up and stuck it in front of the toilet to send him a picture. Well, I forgot to move it after so it was there the next time I used the bathroom. Let me tell y’all something. If you have any kind of digestive issues at all, the squatty potty is a work of art. Best poops of my life, I’ll tell you what.
I'm sure this is excellent advice, but all I can see is Hank Hill trying to poop in that one ep of "King of the Hill", lol. I'll tell you what!
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 When the proctologist and Peggy take a stretch break during Hank's colonoscopy.
Load More Replies...Bought an attachable bidet that attaches to the tank off amazon for 99$ a few years ago and I love it! Just a few squares of tp to dry off I never really have to buy tp anymore
Load More Replies...Seriously. We ended up getting an EasyGo Pro toilet stool (same thing as a Squatty Potty) and now have them in every bathroom in the house.
It's a u-shaped footstool, about eight inches or 20cm tall, that wraps around the front of the toilet. When you sit on the toilet, you can put your feet up on it. This elevates your knees a tiny bit. It comfortably puts you in squatting position. This makes it easier and more comfortable to do your business.
Load More Replies...It's a foot stool to elevate your knees while on the toilet.
Load More Replies...I've had a stool in my bathroom for 23 years now. Never had a clue so many problems were from hip angles. First time I tried a stool never went back 🤙
My mom got me a new duvet when I was 12/13 and a second duvet she made into matching curtains, they were in hindsight pretty garish. But I’d shared a room until I was 11, so it was nice being given things that were just mine to make my space more personal. Seems an odd gift but for poorer families it can actually be quite meaningful.
It's that gift of 'just for yourself' and to pretty up a space that had finally become just yours
You have sheets and then blankets and then a top sort of blanket that doesn't need washing every week and it is more for special
Load More Replies...We moved into a new house when I was 8 and I had my own room for the first time. My mum bought me material with fairies on it to make curtains. I am now 31 and she still has the unsewn material. I was a little bitter about her never sewing them for me, but in reality I would have been too old for fairies after a couple of years.
A printer. Back then I had absolutely no use for a printer. But fast forward about five years, now I am in university, and that printer is a blessing to have. Thanks Dad.
HP's are the best....very hard to kill. I've owned several in my time at home and work.
My mom gave me her old printer because she wasn't using it anymore, my god I use that thing at least once a month
A clock for the bathroom. Wasn't intended for the bathroom was just a cute small clock but it matched my bathroom decor so it went there. It helped massively with time management specially for morning showers when I had no idea how long my showers were and used to end up rushing to get ready for work.
I need one but its impossible to find a LARGE display waterproof clock (cant see without my glasses)
Yup. When I put a clock in the bathroom to keep me on time in the mornings, it was a massive help. Just started bringing the bluetooth speaker in as well with a "shower playlist" full of high energy songs - another big help. Really knocks the whole "Mindlessly stand in the warm water" vibes off and gets me moving.
I used to have to have suction cup clocks for showering because of that, now I just wear a water resistant watch everywhere
Back when Melbourne were in stage 4 water restrictions in the early 2000s, everyone was sent a free suction cup timer that would time 4 minutes. It broke eventually but was very useful, especially for us kids.
Load More Replies...Another option is a timer switch for the exhaust fan (you do have an exhaust fan in your bathroom, right?) Set the thing for 10 minutes. When the fan shuts off you know you've been in there long enough.
I keep clocks all over my house...and I have 3 in my bathroom....5 actually if you count the digital one in my indoor/outdoor tempe units.
cant even count how many yrs i have had a clock in the bathroom....lost without it..😁
I got one for my bathroom a few months ago and I second that and agree with you 100%!
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My brother buys my wife and I board games for Christmas and birthdays, I forgot how much fun they can be
We have once a wk board game nights with our kids. It's become something they look forward to even though they are still younger. (12 and younger) It also gets them away from technology and is a way to discuss their lives and what's going on while having fun. (Instead of just talking at the dinner table about their days) I REALLY recommend it!
we have board game nights with our friends and occasionally family and even recently played with my parents something i never thought would happen.
I had always wanted this sort of thing with...anyone. Never lasted long though.
Try CODENAMES. It's a card game with word and can be very challenging. But if you want a fun no-thinking game, try LRC. It's a dice game.
My sister bought me a Mancala game (the one with the cups and stones). I still love that game!
A pair of good headphones. I listen to music almost on a daily basis and settled with ok earbuds because I didnt see the need for big headphones. It was like a revelation the first time I put them on because I never knew the audio could sound so clear before. It was incredible and I use them all the time now.
Plus you can hear words and sometimes little Easter eggs that you never would've heard before.
Easter eggs?! In songs?! I must know now! Do tell, please 🙏 🙂
Load More Replies...If you ever get a chance to put on a pair of studio headphones (real ones, no consumer models) from Bose or Sennheiser, do it! Watch a movie with them if you can, you'll hear layers of carefully produced audio that you can't even hear in a theater.
Which begs the question as to why it's been done. Right? Why put so much effort if 99% of consumers won't ever know?
Load More Replies...Honestly, some songs aren't done any justice without headphones. You can hear all the creative details
If you listen at your PC a lot and even for gaming: get an Audio DAC (digital audio converter). You will be amazed, how good your 25 buck headphones can actually sound!
Good on you ! At least you’re not bothering people playing loud music(?) oin public.
Yeah I had some, a gift from my grandma... my little sis broke them I'm super sad. 😢
Someone bought some Bluetooth headphones for me and the music and base sounded so much better.
Also, earbuds are gross. They're f*****g gross. People take them out and so often I can literally see earwax on them, sitting six feet away. You people are sticking things in your ears for hours, yanking them out, and then just shoving them in your filthy pockets/bag/purse for a while until you then shove them in your ears again. So. F*****g. Gross.
A small tool box from my father-in-law the first Christmas after I got married. I have used it so many times.
I have the basic tool set and the knowledge to use it, just not the knowledge of wherever the hell my husband last left it!!🤣
Load More Replies...My mom gave me a toolbox after I graduated from college. I thought it was a weird gift at the time, but I still use it constantly. It even has a brass nameplate with my (maiden) name on it. Same for the jumper cables I got when I was 20. They are still in my car and hella useful.
Got my daughter one for her 20th birthday, she was baffled but she uses it frequentely and her skills are often requested by her friends now
My dad got me a small tool box when I was 10 and occasionally added small tools to it over time. Now it holds a tape measure, a wood rule, 3 screwdrivers: flathead and phillips plus a convertible stubby that has both heads, a claw hammer, assorted nails and screws, a ring of Allen wrenches/hex keys. It's been so useful.
Buying one and keeping it in my car was such a good decision, especially if I'm going camping etc.
Dad got me a toolbox when I was 10 or so and taught me how to fix things around the house. When I was in high school he got me an upgraded version. I had fun, and mom saved money on small repairs. (Parents were divorced.) Best gift ever!
My dad bought me some tools and a toolbox when I was younger too. I always keep it separate from my husband’s tools because if I didn’t stuff would go missing. There’s nothing more annoying then not being able to find something when you need it.
My dad got me one with all the important tools for my 30th. I asked for it and love it and yes, dad and I both use it, but the tools need to be placed the way I want it ;)
I've asked for this so many times that I've given up and just buy my own. I'm the DIY person in the family! Yet my dad has literally thousands of tools that he never touches yet I'm sure he'd set up lasers to protect them if he could.
My best friend mailed me a humidifier a couple years ago when I had a chest cold. It’s the best gift I didn’t know I needed.
Lucky!!! I live in Colorado and it is soooooo dry! I promised my self to move to Florida…
Load More Replies...Everyone needs a humidifier! We use ours every day/night and same in our kids rooms!
We've got two humidifiers in our house- I have a mini one in my room, and we have a larger one for the main living space. They're awesome. Mom and I cough less, I have less dried out nasal passages, and my dad doesn't get tons of nosebleeds. Also, almost no static electricity. Just make sure you get something that can be totally opened up and cleaned- these things can be mold factories if you're not careful. Tankless, top-fill is the best! They only need an occasional cleaning (I've had tank-type humidifiers that I've cleaned every single day, deep-cleaned once a week, and they grew tons of black mold). These ones get cleaned maybe once a month with hot water and a paper towel and they're good. White vinegar if the ultra-sonic plate gets dirty.
I just got a mini bedside one and yes, it is the best thing ever. I sleep better and my hair is great.
That's a bestie. "I can't be there for you in person, so here's the next best thing I can do to make you feel better." Got my chosen sister a tonne of makeup for her 18th, when I'd gotten her mostly 'practical gifts' for her 17th. I knew she would be stepping in to a lot of new adult responsibilities and I wanted her to be able to kick back and have some fun, play with her self-expression without worrying about the cost. She's kicking butt at uni and I am so proud of her!
A door stopper on the end of a telescopic stick. Truly moving around in a wheel chair has been revolutionized for my mother. No need for anyone to hold the door.
There are still so many places that don't have ADA accommodations. ☹️
My 5 yo got a broken leg recently and even just several weeks in a wheelchair (and with someone I can pick up, usually wheelchair and all) has been a total PITA, even just getting around the neighborhood. I knew it was bad: I drove city bus for a relatively ADA friendly bus service a decade ago and then had kids in strollers but every time I am confronted with it directly it's just really phenomenal how terrible things are, and how little actually gets changed. Oh, and getting one of those little placards so we could park in wheelchair accessible spaces took three tries, even with valid Dr.'s notes.
Load More Replies...I wish they would have included a picture of this device, it sounds handy. Another thing I would like is something to stop the stupid spring loaded doors that always slam on me, and many times actually hit me, before I am halfway through the doorway.
It's nice to have independence, but I figure I hold the door open for people perfectly capable of getting the door for themselves all the time, so if I can make it easier for someone who might need a few more steps to get the door themselves, why not? But I am careful to stand out of the way, as I don't want to do more harm than good.
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I'm a big dinosaur nerd. A couple years ago for my 30th birthday I got a mint in box Dino Riders torosaurus that I always wanted as a kid. It totally blew my mind and it was a weird yet fantastic feeling opening up a dinosaur toy at that age
Hell, I think they did a fairly decent job with the stock photo anyways 😅
Load More Replies...He wanted it for the toy value, not as an investment.
Load More Replies...A bidet attachment for my toilet! Now I feel like a caveman pooping anywhere else. I tell everyone that they need to invest in one, and those who have enjoy it as much as we do.
I "enjoy" mine as in I feel clean and fresh after using it. I bought my grandmother one when she became less mobile and flexible; made a huge difference in her health and life.
Load More Replies...The US has 4% of the world's population but uses 25% of its toilet paper. Most of it is made from virgin Canadian boreal forest, at a rate of about 1 million acres a year...literally the world's most disposed-of product. So, yeah, get everyone you know a bidet for Christmas!
The thing that gets me is that it's plenty easy to get 100% post consumer recycled paper TP or Bamboo TP, but we still opt for the tree stuff.
Load More Replies...Love ours! Never wanted one until we had one on vacation, came home and put them on each toilet. I agree with the caveman comment!
Use wet toilet papers, when you use the bathroom elsewhere. I mean by wet, not watered, you can buy wet wipes in smaller pocket-packages or normal-size.
Load More Replies...See here! We have one on each toilet in the house. Right after buying a cottage 1 of the first things we did to it was to install the bidets!
I'm a huge fan of bidets! I encourage everyone to try it! Even men, who all seen to have really weird hangups about it! It's friggin' WATER! Not a penis! Nothing can make you gay except being gay. Get over it and enjoy having a clean booty! *face palm*
I know some men like them and I don't hate it, but... trying not to be too graphic but I have enough hair I usually still have to wipe even w/ the bidet. I imagine other men have the same problem and just don't want to get into much detail, but *shrug*.
Load More Replies...When my aunt gave me the Lord of the Rings, the trilogy all in one amazing book. It changed everything and made me a nerd.
A familiy friend lent me his copy when I first read it. My parents then bought me my own copy for christmas. I was elated to say the least.😊
I have the all in one book too, my brother stole it from me but still love it
I did that for my daughter w/ the Narnia books. All 7 are in 1 huge book & she loves it!
Yeah my best friend for her birthday someone got her a collection of Harry Potter movies I've never seen her any happier in her life lol.
I did this for my family friend. When he was young he didn't like reading, but one year I gave him Percy Jackson and the lightning thief for Christmas. He was hooked! Now, about 10 years later, he is bringing me stacks of books to borrow as we have similar tastes.
You are wrong. 😉 Narnia is 7 books, though
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Gloves that let you text with them on.
Still too big for my hands. The ones I've seen seem to be sized for men
I have this problem, and now I always look in the kids' section. It's where I've found all of my gloves, both high end and cheapies, including ones that work with your phone.
Load More Replies...I have them but doesn't help when I have to unlock the screen by fingerprint
je cherchais ce commentaire. Le même problème. j'ai coupé le doigt du gant !!
Load More Replies...Yes!! You don't know how frustrating it is when you go to text and nothing happens. Then I realize I grabbed the wrong gloves.
Riiiight.. because nobody ever has to work outdoors. In the winter.
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One of those plastic covers to use in the microwave... absolutely game changing.
Yeah, those things make sure that when you microwave something liquidy it doesn't explode al over the mocrowave.
I just use ceramic plates. Or Tupperware with vents. Or just heat things up on the stove.
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A Banana Saver. It's a hard case that encloses a banana to protect it. No more bruised banana or banana guts squished into the bottom of your bag.
I can relate. You need a whole team of crime scene cleaners to remove the banana guts from your bag.
My 9yr old received one as a gift, and it was so useful the 6yr old asked Santa for one too
My wife used to have squashed bananas in her handbag, so i bought her one of these as a joke gift. She goes everywhere with it now
I didn't know this existed! I need one for my sons school lunches!
I have one of those! They're dead useful if you're a big banana eater.
I got a waterproof bluetooth speaker for my shower as a stocking stuffer 5 years ago. I can't take a shower without my tunes anymore. I love it.
You know what's even better sometimes? Affirmations! Bob Barker does awesome affirmations on yt that are the perfect length of a shower.
Load More Replies...I just plug in my alexa in the bathroom, but the thing is, you have to turn the volume up really high. So, I need this!
And when music in the shower just won't cut it a suction cup shower beer holder will carry you to new hights. Shower beers are the best beers, they just hit different.
Instant pot. I just love it! I make delicious stews now.
At first I read this as (instant "pot") and thought "Really? Just add water? Where do I get some?"
I got my mom one of these last year, I don't know how I'm ever going to top that one.
Omg yes it changed everything for me in the kitchen.. best thing ever
Makes brisket, soups, mashed potatoes, hard boiled eggs, dozens of things in a fraction of the time and flavors are superior!
OMG. I LOVE mine. I have 3 now. One doesn't work, one is awesome and 1 is a stove top for the caravan.
An upright, self-defrosting food freezer.
Never thought I'd need one. Now, can't imagine not having it.
Told my wife for years that we needed one but she wasn't convinced. Finally just went out and bought one. Don't know what we did without one. I bought a chest type so I would not have to worry about frozen food flying out and hitting me in the foot.
The chest-type models (especially those without auto-defrost) are extremely energy efficient compared to all other styles.
Load More Replies...I have a chest freezer that I bought new almost 16 years ago. Been running ever since.
I have a chest freezer and haven't defrosted it in over 15 years now. I just use a rubber mallet and knock off all the 'snow' on the sides when it gets too thick to close the lid.
snow/ice grips for boots. living in a place where no one seems to know how to clear a sidewalk, they make a difference.
Yes! Similarly, my wife bought me a fancy little metal attachment on a hinge to fit onto my walking stick for a trip to Iceland. It stays upright when you don't need it but when you're traversing snow or ice, you flip it down and it gives your walking stick little spikes to grip with. I went from Bamba On Ice to Torvill and Dean with the flip of a gadget.
Yeah in North Alabama (at least where I live) they don't salt the roads or clear sidewalks or anything my mom says it's better than living in new york though lol.
Insoles for my shoes. Hands down. I had never used insoles before, forgot they were even a thing to be honest. When i received them as a gift from my Mom and put them in my shoes was incredible. They make the world of a difference and helped A LOT with my constant foot pain from my insanely arched feet. Greatest gift ever.
Orthopedic insoles are the best thing I ever bought. No more feet pain!
A steak quesadilla. Was going through a lot, had a bad day, life falling apart, but my brother brought me a quesadilla from Taco Bell once and it really turned things around. I kinda just saw that I have close people that think about me. Really gotta keep in mind that those small gifts can mean the world to somebody.
Here you go 🫓🧀🍖🫓 this is the closest i could get to quesadilla emoji
Load More Replies...Sometimes when things seem dark it helps to eat. Just yesterday my husband and I were stressing about something and figured we'd better eat first and it really helped us make a good decision and feel better about the whole thing. Calms you down and gets you that blood sugar so you can think clearly. I bet brother knew that would help you!
Anything from Taco Smell is NOT a gift! Especially after you have "digested" it :)
My boss bought me a fountain pen with my name on it as a Teachers' Day gift. It's not even a quality one but it's actually my first fountain pen at the age of 20. I never knew I would be this obsessed, now I'm going to get myself a Lamy Safari and then even more. Prost, to expensive hobbies we've all not been able to resist!
One of us! I loooove fountain pens! There's a subreddit devoted to them. Lots of Lamy fans there. Personally I prefer their Al-Star, but Safari is good.
We had (still have) to use them in elementary school in Germany. I got a Pelican when I started school. I never thought anyone wouldnt use it as a child.
Same in my school in NL! Pelican too, you just made me visualise my very first fountain pen 🥰 thanks!
Load More Replies...I'll agree that with the wrong ink/pen combo, being a lefty with a fountain pen is a nightmare, but I'll never go back to anything but a fountain pen now (except maybe on carbon copies).
Load More Replies...I am curious if somebody else had this experience. In my school, in first grade we wrote with pencils, in second grade we learned cursive and we all had to buy a fountain pen and it was the only pen we were allowed to write with. To this day I'm haunted by the smell of ink eraser.
I adore fountain pens and have several, but my favorite is a thin Parker with a fine nib. Writes like a dream and I've had it for 25+ years.
An electric blanket.
Oooh those scare me tbh, I have a weird fear that it will overheat and melt me. Am I the only one?
Most of them auto shut off after a few hours now, you're safe. They're more likely to die than they are to overheat! Plus your pets will love you
Load More Replies...YES!!! The best feeling in the WORLD is cuddling in an electric blanket in winter.
Yessss! My mum got one for each for my brother and I when we were about 5, I've not had a winter since without one and I'm 30 now. Good ones aren't cheap but I've had my current one for about 6 years and it has 9 heat settings. Amazing feeling after a long day to get into a warm bed
Even better is an electric mattress pad! Perfect for those people who like to sleep in a ball or roll around a lot.
It's kind of a weird one, for many reasons. About a year after my now-ex-wife and I separated, but before we actually divorced, she gave me a pocket knife as a random gift one day. It's nothing special, just a simple little knife. Unusual, since neither of us in our 15 years of marriage ever carried a knife, owned a pocket knife, or even expressed interest or desire in one. Every time I pick it up I still think to myself why did she give me a knife?' Holy s**t I use that little bastard all the time! Get yourself a pocket knife - you'll be surprised how handy they can be.
I'm Swiss and a pocket knife is a universal gift to all children. On a school feld trip into the mountains you would be ostracized if you didn't have one.
Divorced? The Dutch language has a Saying that forgiving a knife or a pair of scissors puts an end to the friendship. So its common to pay a Dime or so for the gift. I have no idea where it's originated.
You just reminded me when I got one (exactly as in the picture) for my 12th Birthday. I’m 58 in a couple of days and only when I fly do I take it out my pocket. It’s lived me all day, every day, a little battered, but sharpens up ok and has got me out of all sorts of problems
I carry a Victorinox SwissTool wherever I go. Unbelievable tool.
Check your local laws befor carrying a knife around in public. In the UK you can get I think 6 years for carrying a knife longer than 2 inches.
Definitely this. Most laws allow a knife of 2 inches or less in the US. And for day-to-day tasks, that's fine. I carry one every day.....they're so helpful!
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Years ago someone gave me a smooth edge can opener. I didn’t ask for it but I do like to cook. I absolutely love that thing and still have it in my kitchen to this day and I enthusiastically recommend it to everyone.
They probably used a lid-piercing type. The smooth-edge variety doesn't slice through the metal, it breaks open the crimp that holds the lid on so there isn't a sharp edge.
Load More Replies...A nice set of kitchen knives. I don’t have to struggle to cut veggies and raw meat with a steak knife anymore!
I gave a good kitchen knife for vegetables to my (ex) boyfriends mom for her birthday one time. Because I couldn't even cut onions with the ones she had. She was really irritated - until she tried it. I was only 18 and it was such a great experience to watch her realize what a great gift she just got.
I received a Cutco knife as a gift. When the kids move out my empty nest gift to myself will be the premium block set.
You might try looking for used Cutco knives for sale - they have a forever guarantee, so even if they aren't in good shape you can send them back to get sharpened or replaced. If the warranty is voided because someone used it to open a can of paint or something, they will still replace it for half price. (Sold Cutco knives one summer, I sucked at it but got a great set of knives!)
Load More Replies...Have you tried scissors they are amazing especially for cutting pizza!
Superman socks with a cape on them that flow in the wind
Best gift I’ve ever gotten
Lasik eye surgery. Best gift I ever received, so far.
I always wanted to get it, but too scared because what if something went wrong. At 70, I think it's too late to bother.
I had free laser surgery in the uk to fix damaged retina’s in both my eyes and it stopped me going blind.
A hot water bottle when I was living in an attic with terrible insulation. I went from freezing cold feet every night, to getting too hot halfway through the night.
Hot water bottles are incredible I can't live without one. I have poor circulation so often my feet are freezing but the rest of me is fine
Do you know these "Warmie"-Teddys to put in the microwave? I love mine so much and i'm 32. 😅
When I rode a motorbike all year round, I used a hot water bottle that fit perfectly in the bit in my leathers that was for a blokes beer gut.
My feet are alwayz freezing at night.... And I'd like to keep it that way
Toilet paper. I know that seems like such a basic thing, but when I was moving into my first apartment, my friend asked me if I had any and then gifted me a roll after he saw my "hammer between the eyes" expression. It literally hadn't occurred to me that I should buy some.
They didn’t realize they needed it, and can’t live without it. It’s a slightly different interpretation, but still valid and funny.
Load More Replies...My ex-MIL got me maid service when I was 9mo pregnant. I hate having a dirty house but between gaining 60 lbs and banking PTO working OT cleaning was impossible. I was in full on nesting mode but all I could manage was organizing. She gave me the number and said to let them know when it was convenient for me. It was so unobtrusive. But so needed!
My husband let me pick out this gift but my winter boots. They're probably ugly to some but they're lined with sheep's wool and they're so comfortable to wear and warm! I never found such comfortable boots and I wear them almost daily.
Don’t quite understand that first sentence, but they look like they could use some polish or conditioner, about 5 years ago.
I need some good winter boots... I can always find some that are warm but I can never find any that are waterproof! I mean it's essential when it snows.
A purse hook. Rolls up to the size of a silver dollar, holds my purse out of the way at bars that haven’t caught on to them yet.
Not just for bars. I use them anywhere my purse might have to rest on the floor/ground.
It's a hock, that you can place on tables for example, where you can put a purse on.
Load More Replies...A fountain water bowl for my cat. He used to knock his water bowl over all the time, or at the very least make a scene about having to hover to get a drink. No more wet floors!
My sister has had fountains for her cats for years. I used to think it was a bit over-the-top. Now that we live together, I see how much the cats prefer them to a bowl -- they like moving water and they're able to drink without hitting their whiskers. I even bought one for my dog.
Fountains are important for cats with certain medical issues as well, our cat had a bladder issue when he was very young and we got several fountains when the vet recommended them. They apparently entice cats to drink more water and can keep them healthier that way
Did I write this comment? I feel like I wrote this comment...lol!
A stand Mixer, I resisted it for years saying that it was unnecessary and that I could do everything myself. But it completely changed my world and I am so grateful for it
I've been wanting the Kitchenaid one for decades. Even as a teen, I used to bake A LOT.
Load More Replies...Electronic hand mixers are a godsend too. Don't have room for your stand mixer and don't wanna lug it out just to have to hoist it back while also doing something that only requires one bowl (like a box cake mix)? Hand mixer. Needing to cook something on the stovetop but need to keep it moving so it doesn't get chunks? Hand mixer. Wanna whisk up a dozen eggs super quick without straining yourself out or spilling everywhere? Hand mixer.
I waited 25 years and finally bought a purple one. I freaking love it.
An ebook reader, simply amazing
Not for everyone though! My eyes get easily strained from electronic screens, and I can get a migraine. Plus, I do not retain the information nearly as well when reading a screen compared to a book.
An e-book is not like a normal electronic screen, as they are passive reflective and not illuminated. My Kindle is much easier to read on than say a glossy magazine page, and is the same size as a paperback, so really doesn't feel like reading on a "device".
Load More Replies...I was gifted one of these years ago. Had NO idea I needed it, but am SO glad I got it! I've had one ever since.
Weighted blanket. My wife and I sleep better than ever now thanks to it. Had no idea how poor my sleep was before it
My son was born on Christmas Eve. I have never thought of myself as being super maternal but now I can’t imagine a life without him.
A pepper grinder. I’d lived all my life just assuming that pepper from a regular pepper shaker was good enough. Then one day a friend was throwing out a pepper grind and gave it to me with some black peppercorns and my meals have all been improved ever sense.
Pepper is sooo much better when it is freshly ground, call me a food snob, but pepper that has been sitting for months? It's a food crime.
I personally can't stand pepper, but I got my father an OXO grinder. The grounds come out of the top, so pepper doesn't get all over the table. Works great, because the grind size is adjustable.
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Salad spinner, having dry lettuce is actually seriously underrated.
I've always wanted one, but never made the leap. Is it really that life-changing??
A turbie twist... got one as a gift... LOVED IT... and have bought more and gifted them on since to a few friends and family.
Special towel for wrapping your hair up in, seems pretty interesting.
Load More Replies...I am honestly surprised that more people don't use two towels for bathing. Of course you shouldn't dry your hair with the same towel you dry your nooks and crannies with, ewww. We've always had two towels on the go. The smallest one is wrapped around your head like a turban, keeping your hair out of the way while you deal with your body. Makes sense to us anyway.
I second the ewww. The nice thing about the turbie twist is that it's microfiber so it helps prevent split ends. I used to have split ends all the time, but now I don't have any, even if I go for a long time without getting a haircut.
Load More Replies...I have long hair as do my girls. Omg. Can't imagine going without these little things!!!
Kindle. I have the app but I was given an actual kindle recently. It is so much easier to read books on than on my ipad or my smart phone.
I have one. It's a good size for reading in bed. Lighter than a paper book.
When laptops became affordable, my husband bought one for himself & one for me. I didn’t want it at first because I was happy with a desktop. Within a month, I’d converted. I didn’t have a clue how convenient they were.
When I was probably 11, my mother gifted me teal curtains and I absolutely hated them. Now that I’m an adult, I actually can’t imagine not having them because they really do tie the room together.
Probably for their bedroom. Maybe they were redecorating.
Load More Replies...Curtains are a death sentence for me. Allergies and in remission asthma.
A backpack for work. It is a very nice business-style bag that I carry my laptop, chargers, snacks, etc. in. It has been a lifesaver!!
Backpacks everywhere are great. You can be inconspicuous while carrying entertainment, first aid, whatever, and you can hold a crap ton while leaving your hands free
My mom got me an umbrella for Christmas one year, and I thought it was an odd gift but her response was “well I know you walk around all the time since you don’t have a car, I thought you could use one.” Sounds silly but I never thought to get one for myself before that
Phoenix, AZ makes you realize real quick how much you'd want shade at all times
A smart watch. I would have never purchased one myself but now I can’t live without it!
Under water MP3 player. Now I learn Spanish (shout out to Coffee Break Spanish) while swimming laps.
One of those head scratcher things with a bunch of little metal strips with rubber tips. Very relaxing.
When I was 18 I got a pillow for Christmas. One of the fancy $100 memory foam firm thick pillows for side sleepers. I never realized how much I hated my regular flat pillows until that day
I hate receiving gifts, as a rule, but I was once given a camera tripod which has a mounting-feature for smartphones. That was kinda cool. Now I can make videos with my phone without constantly switching hands.
Pacman wall lamp. I use it every night as a nightlight. Not too bright so I can sleep and when I wake up to go to the bathroom, I can see where to go.
Pac Man is so nostalgic to many people. That'd be a great nightlight, or collectable for a game room, family room, man cave, or den. It sounds like a fun piece of art.
A Tile, they are so helpful if you put them on your keys. If you lose your phone you can use it to find your phone, or if you lost your keys you can find your keys with your phone.
I have a friend who put one on a stuffed toy that it’s a joke in the group to steal and pass around.
Plastic rice cooker for the microwave. I never liked cooking rice because I always burnt it or made it too soggy. Now I can eat all the rice I never knew I wanted.
I don't understand people who can't cook rice properly, it's just so easy. Rice in a pan, cold water to twice the level of the rice, boil until there's basically no water left, put a lid on, leave for a while (1/2 hour if possible). Perfect rice.
Rice just hates me, I can cook everything else but fail miserably with rice. Recently bought a rice cooker and I'm almost getting perfect rice!
Load More Replies...My mom uses one of those microwave cookers & my Hispanic husband was in shocked horror! 1/2 the rice is crunchy & the other 1/2 gets mushy. The rice turns out awful! And I had to deal w/ rice like that for a good 10 yrs of my life. His family taught me the proper way to cook rice & now everyone requests mine! LOL
One Christmas my family got me a clip on pasta strainer. I use that damn thing almost every day.
A tall makeup organizer. Didn't think it'd make much of a difference until I used it and freed up a ton of vanity space.
A zombie hand back scratcher, I got it in a loot box someone gave me for Christmas. Best present ever! I don't remember what else I was gifted that year but I take my zombie hand everywhere.
I never had much money, but I'd try to get useful stuff. Back scratchers, battery testers, glasses cleaners, pickle pickers (for olives for most of the family) that you press at one end and a claw comes out of the other, small carabiner clips and head lamps. Most are still being used decades after I gave them
The book Little Women. Got me through some dark times.
A great book is enough to get anyone through dark times and, more importantly, get them into reading. Flowers for Algernon was the book to get me into books and I've never looked at those dark ages aforehand.
I currently have a stockpile of 20 razors and won’t need to buy anything for a couple years. It was a real lifesaver actually because when you are going to college you don’t realize you need to buy all this shit for yourself and it can really eat into your food and alcohol budget so sometimes you don’t think about it. I really grew to appreciate it in the end.
Dude, also consider your sisters... personal hygiene products cost a LOT and there's no avoiding that cost.
A leather steering wheel cover. No more driving around with a searing hot or icy cold steering wheel in summer and winter! It was a totally unexpected gift but I've been grateful for it pretty much every day since.
I got one years ago for my truck and when I changed vehicles I moved it to the new one. Hate to do without it now.
I still drive a 1995 F150, best I got is power door locks and power windows
Load More Replies...A ballpoint pen. It feels so much better than regular pen. They're more expensive but my previous pen lasted ten months. I used it at work every day and my job requires a lot of writing and making notes.
Ok, some are asking what's the difference between a ballpoint pen and a regular. Having had my father and grandfather, who were avid pen collectors, in my life I think I know the answer. I think this person is saying the "regular" pens are the cheap BIC pens you can pick up 12 for a few bucks, still ballpoints but cheap. And the "ballpoint" pen would be referring to the more expensive ones like a Cross brand refillable ballpoint pen. I've had both and totally agree the more expensive Cross brand ballpoints are much smoother and write better than the BIC
A socket and open wrench set. I’ve used the hell out of it and I’ve taken good care of it and have every piece still.
Keyring beer opener. Before used knives, lighters, furniture and never realized how amazing life can be.
Just remember to pack them in your checked baggage. I've lost so many of them at airport security...
Load More Replies...Google home. Only knew like 2 functions and thought , eh, maybe I'll use it. A month later my whole house was automated.
Suuper. Now my entire home can lock me out whenever Google decides to have an off day. They're also vulnerable to hacking and a real nightmare for people in abusive and controlling relationships.
Definitely yes to hacking. My aunt bought some and bragged about how awesome they were to everyone she knew. Fast forward to one night, she keeps hearing creepy laughter from around her house. Long story short, her neighbor hacked them and was f*****g with her.
Load More Replies...I responded to a somewhat buried comment with this, but I'll put it out here for everyone. Multiple programmers/coders write code for these smart home devices. My girlfriend is one of them. Guaranteed her code is pristine, BUT since all the code has to work together she's seen the other programmer's code. There are passwords in the notes of some code, there are built-in back doors that are easily exploited by anyone with the minimum of coding knowledge, and there's code that isn't protected at all, inside these devices. They aren't as safe as you think they are
Keys work just as well whether there is or is not any power. We lose power here a lot, and that would be a headache if we couldn't go out at times because of the stupid power being off. Also, my house key doesn't need batteries.
I don't even understand what value any of those capabilities have. My porch light already has a timer.
Upon buying our first home, my husband's aunt gave us a laundry basket that was filled with an assortment of household cleaning items. Was super handy to take that with us first thing after getting the keys. Also received a small electric screwdriver as a christmas present. Hubby is a carpenter so has a ton of heavy duty professional tools, but they're too big for random house needs. This thing is small and light so i can use it more easily, and also fits in the junk drawer.
I asked for needlenose pliers for my birthday once as a kid, because I kept stealing the ones in the hardware drawer for crafts, and instead got an entire tool set. I still use the pliers the most, but I’m very glad I have more than just those.
Bedding is the best gift. My mom was the best at picking out the softest cotton everything. Very expensive stuff but man I've used one cotton comforter every day for 20 years and it washes like it's brand new every month. I had it wrapped around me for two years now during isolation and there's not even a pulled thread. I try to do that now w my mil and sil. Silk pillowcases Casper pillows Egyptian cotton medium thread count washes up the softest way better than the highest. High quality cotton small square stitching is the absolute best to sleep in and keeps your body the perfect temperature
Kitchen towels, a kitchen garbage with a pedal to open hands-free and clothespins. All gifts from my MIL, eminently practical and amazing. I use the clothespins for chip clips too!
Finally, at 46, and becoming disabled, I had access to my own money and I could buy things I wanted and that made my life easier. Best buys: dishwasher, sunrise lamp, smart home gadgets, electric screwdriver set, mini fan I can keep in my handbag. I've also bought useful things for my partner: an electric one cup water boiler, waterproof Bose mini speaker, USB mini lamp. I love giving practical gifts.
A good electric drill and a ladder, lifesavers as a young single female
I got my daughter her own tool kit for Christmas this year. She laughed but she has used it so much to redo her room and bathroom this year. She doesn't have to go asking me or her dad for what she needs. Has an electric screwdriver and a foldable stool. Also got her a rechargeable kit that blows up flat tires, flashlight, phone charger. We live in an isolated area so it's a practical life saver for her. It also jumps your battery. She's used it twice. Things you don't think to buy yourself are always great
Load More Replies...I wonder if you can make popcorn in an air fryer? My mom had the air popper when I was young. It's got to be the same concept right ?
Load More Replies...A good gift to get someone who just bought their first house is a 5 gallon bucket, a 25' Stanley tape measure and a Home Depot gift card. They will use all three in the first year, I guarantee it. At least here in the US.
My parents got me a nice set of waterproof clothes for Christmas one year - having a dry butt after a long day of sailing is so much better than the old ones I had that constantly leaked and weren’t very waterproof
Upon buying our first home, my husband's aunt gave us a laundry basket that was filled with an assortment of household cleaning items. Was super handy to take that with us first thing after getting the keys. Also received a small electric screwdriver as a christmas present. Hubby is a carpenter so has a ton of heavy duty professional tools, but they're too big for random house needs. This thing is small and light so i can use it more easily, and also fits in the junk drawer.
I asked for needlenose pliers for my birthday once as a kid, because I kept stealing the ones in the hardware drawer for crafts, and instead got an entire tool set. I still use the pliers the most, but I’m very glad I have more than just those.
Bedding is the best gift. My mom was the best at picking out the softest cotton everything. Very expensive stuff but man I've used one cotton comforter every day for 20 years and it washes like it's brand new every month. I had it wrapped around me for two years now during isolation and there's not even a pulled thread. I try to do that now w my mil and sil. Silk pillowcases Casper pillows Egyptian cotton medium thread count washes up the softest way better than the highest. High quality cotton small square stitching is the absolute best to sleep in and keeps your body the perfect temperature
Kitchen towels, a kitchen garbage with a pedal to open hands-free and clothespins. All gifts from my MIL, eminently practical and amazing. I use the clothespins for chip clips too!
Finally, at 46, and becoming disabled, I had access to my own money and I could buy things I wanted and that made my life easier. Best buys: dishwasher, sunrise lamp, smart home gadgets, electric screwdriver set, mini fan I can keep in my handbag. I've also bought useful things for my partner: an electric one cup water boiler, waterproof Bose mini speaker, USB mini lamp. I love giving practical gifts.
A good electric drill and a ladder, lifesavers as a young single female
I got my daughter her own tool kit for Christmas this year. She laughed but she has used it so much to redo her room and bathroom this year. She doesn't have to go asking me or her dad for what she needs. Has an electric screwdriver and a foldable stool. Also got her a rechargeable kit that blows up flat tires, flashlight, phone charger. We live in an isolated area so it's a practical life saver for her. It also jumps your battery. She's used it twice. Things you don't think to buy yourself are always great
Load More Replies...I wonder if you can make popcorn in an air fryer? My mom had the air popper when I was young. It's got to be the same concept right ?
Load More Replies...A good gift to get someone who just bought their first house is a 5 gallon bucket, a 25' Stanley tape measure and a Home Depot gift card. They will use all three in the first year, I guarantee it. At least here in the US.
My parents got me a nice set of waterproof clothes for Christmas one year - having a dry butt after a long day of sailing is so much better than the old ones I had that constantly leaked and weren’t very waterproof
