Here on Cash Fasting, I’ve created two gift guides with the focus of finding unique/whimsical gifts under $20. The other day, I had a slight disagreement with the author of the blog’s most recent guest series, Get Your Ducks In A Row. She argued that gift guides should focus on things that are practical. I can understand where she’s coming from. In my first year of work, I wanted gifts that would make my life easier. Now that I have a decent amount of discretionary income, my gift-giving focus has changed considerably. So, in another installment of Get Your Ducks In A Row, we present the practical gift guide – because these are the things that either you want, or the 20-year-old in your life would appreciate. Unlike the other holiday gift guides on this site, the emphasis here is on quality, not price. Scroll to the bottom of the post if you’d like to see a few low-cost ideas.
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The GYDIAW Gift Guide: Practical Gifts that are Worth Your Investment
1. Instant Pot
Anna’s Take: When it comes to cooking, I’m lazy. But Instant Pot has given me serious cooking cred. I frequently use the pressure pot feature to make soups and porridge quickly. Recently, I make a pot roast by first searing it in the Instant Pot and then adding other ingredients to slow cook for several hours. Let me tell you…. It was dank! It’s by far the most useful, hands-off kitchen tool I own. Keep an eye out for deals on Cyber Monday as it is rumored to go on sale with Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Costco.
Jane’s Take: Wow. I just took a look on Amazon and was overwhelmed by all the different variations that are available. I’ve had a standard 6-quart for a year now, and it’s been a game-changer for meal prep. I most frequently use the sauteé function. Living in a small NYC apartment, counter and storage space comes at a premium, and my Instant pot is my biggest pot for cooking. The sleeve can be used on the stovetop, but it’s really come in handy for me because I make a lot of stews (bring to boil, and let simmer forever). There are websites dedicated to instant pot recipes, which makes this a great gift for anyone who has no idea what sous vide is and relies on Googe for everything.
2. Cast Iron Pan
Anna’s Pick –Le Creuset Cast Iron Skillet (Amazon)
Jane’s Budget Pick – Lodge Cast Iron Skillet (Amazon)
Anna’s Take: It’s the only pan you’ll ever need and it will last forever.
Jane’s Take: Any proper chef owns a cast iron skillet. It’s incredibly useful and versatile and really does last forever when cared for. For the cast iron newbies: avoid cooking eggs or acidic foods (like tomatoes), and always season your pan, even if it comes pre-seasoned.
Buzzfeed’s Tasty created a great video a while back that explains the 101 of Cast Iron cooking and care.
3. A Warm Jacket
For Women: Everlane Lightweight Puffer
For Men: Eddie Bauer Superior Down Parka
Anna’s Take: On Everlane: Each jacket is made from 100% recycled fabric and 15 plastic bottles. Nuff said.
Jane’s Take: My mom and I purchased an Eddie Bauer jacket for my dad for Christmas last year. He’s notoriously difficult to buy clothes for and has high quality expectations (his last coat lasted over 10 years before it was lost). I’ve been impressed by Eddie Bauer clothing. If you can manage to wait until Black Friday, they usually do a 50% off everything sale. At a minimum, I buy clothes there that are at least 40% off. (Don’t buy full-price.)
4. Quality Bed Sheets
Anna’s Pick: Brushed Microfiber Stain-Resistant Sheets (Amazon)
Jane’s Pick: Flannel Sheets (Lands’ End) or Supima Cotton (Lands’ End)
Anna’s Take: You spend a third of your life sleeping. Bed sheets and a good mattress is something you should never skimp on. These have great reviews on Amazon.
Jane’s Take: Anna and I disagree a little here. While good sheets are extremely practical and shouldn’t be skimped on, I’m biased towards cotton sheets. If you get cold in winter, I recommend getting a flannel set. It’ll bring you ridiculous levels of hyyge.
5. Luggage
Anna’s Pick: Hardside Spinner Luggage (Amazon), 60L Duffel Bag (Patagonia)
Jane’s Pick: Vegan Weekender Bag (Sole Society)
Anna’s Take: I bought the roller bag for some summer traveling, and it’s now my most valuable work travel piece. The duffel is an easy carry-on if you don’t want something with wheels. (The duffel plays a dual role as my gym bag.)
Jane’s Take: Ian’s parents got me a simple black suitcase a few years back, and it’s made my international traveling life significantly easier. However, most of my trips are small and I generally pack light. I got myself a vegan weekender bag and have gotten a ton of use out of it. I never have to worry about checking my bag at the gate. Because it’s not real leather, I also don’t worry about caring for the bag. (I’m weird about things that get exposed to a lot of grime and dirt.) In the two years I’ve had it, the lining has ripped on the inside, but I stitched it up easily.
6. L.L.Bean Boots
Anna’s Take: A solid winter boot should be a staple in anyone’s closet. I like to keep my feet snuggly.
Jane’s Take: These boots never go out of style. You can get shearling liners with these to increase the warmth factor in the snow. When there’s no snow, rain is just as great. Bean boots are incredibly sturdy and long-lasting, too.
7. Multi-purpose Kitchen Knife
Anna’s Pick: Knife Block Set (Amazon Best Seller)
Jane’s Pick: Miyabi Kaizen 8-inch knife (Amazon)
Anna’s Take: If you’re still using that semi-plastic knife set you got in college that wobbles as you cut, it’s time to upgrade to something that will actually last.
Jane’s Take: As much as I like to look at knife sets, I’m a one-knife kind of girl. Extra knives take up too much drawer space. I’m a little bit in love with Japanese knives, and this Miyabi Kaizen will be the next knife I purchase if the one I stole from my parents ever wears out. (I think it has at least a decade of life in it still.)
Practical and Low-Cost Gift Ideas
Since Jane insisted on some budget-friendly items as well, here are some wallet-friendly ideas that are still practical:
1. Coasters
Marble Coasters (Amazon), Photo Coasters (Shutterfly)
Anna’s Take: Water rings on wood tables are no bueno. For a personalized gift, upload pictures to Shutterfly for unique coasters.
Jane’s Take: Wow, I feel like such an adult, because I own both a marble and a photo set of coasters and use them frequently. Marble coasters come in many sizes, and my experience with creating photo coasters with Shutterfly was great (my mom loves the set I made her). One word of caution – this is one of those areas where you really have to know the person well to pick the right coaster set. Otherwise, this would be better as a gift to yourself.
2. Cocoon Organizers
Anna’s Take: Organize your shit, once and for all.
Jane’s Take: I’ll admit, if it were just me, this item would not have made it onto any gift guide. That said, I can definitely see the benefit of these cocoon organizers. Ian recently purchased one to organize his cords, and it’s been surprisingly effective. Not all people would appreciate this, but I can see this being the right gift for someone who needs (and can appreciate) a little organizing.
3. Sunscreen
Anna’s Pick: Aveno (Amazon)
Jane’s Pick: Shiseido (Amazon)
Anna’s Take: Daily moisturizer with SPF is an easy combo for your facial needs. Women and men alike should take care of their skin.
Jane’s Take: Skin cancer is no joke. This is an odd entry to the list, but treat yourself, or making it a stocking stuffer for someone else. I don’t play when it comes to skincare.