Holiday gift guide 2026
Useful gifts for the people who say they don't need anything
Practical picks for the person who runs cold and the person who's always outdoors: what each one is, who it suits, and what to check before you order.
We may be paid when you buy through the links on this page. Details come from each maker's website; we note when we haven't tested something ourselves.
Ordering for the holidays?
- Check each maker's delivery estimate before you count on it arriving in time.
- Read the returns policy, in case it isn't quite right.
- Order early: the closer it gets to the holidays, the longer shipping tends to take.
For the one who's always cold
Hearth & Haven Heater
A small freestanding heater that sits on a desk or side table and warms the person in front of it. It's for the parent with a blanket on their lap all winter, or the partner in the chilly home office.
- Tabletop size: 7.75″ × 8.35″ × 4.3″
- Metal grille, overheat shut-off, flame-retardant body
- Personal warmth, not for heating a whole room
From the maker's site, November 2026. We haven't tested it ourselves.
For the one who's always outdoors
TactiStaff hiking stick
An aluminum walking stick made of screw-together sections that hold a compass, whistle, fire starter and a set of small tools. For the hiker, camper or dog walker who already owns the boots and the pack.
- Adjustable length; packs into a carrying pouch
- Compass, whistle, flint fire starter, screwdrivers, openers, glass-breaker tip
- Includes a small knife and saw: not for flights, and keep away from kids
From the maker's site, November 2026. We haven't tested it ourselves.
How we pick
We look for gifts that solve a small, real problem and that someone would use more than once. We list what each product is and who it isn't for, and we don't publish star ratings or reviews we didn't write.
Advertorial. This page is an advertisement. Images are illustrations made from the maker's product photos, not photos of real customers. The Daily Useful may be paid when you buy through our links. Product details come from each maker's website as of November 2026 and may change. Check the price, shipping, warranty and return terms on the seller's site before you order.
The Daily Useful is a website run by Alster Group. We don't make or sell these products. Questions: [email protected].