A Practical, Low-Waste Gift Guide: Usable Gifts, Reusable Wrapping, and Etsy Gems

Gifts worth keeping. Wrapping worth reusing.

Nov 21, 2025

Welcome to my little gift guide.

I love thoughtful gifts, but I don’t love ‘stuff.’ My space has a strict rule: if it isn’t useful or beautiful, it doesn’t stay. As I get older, I’m drawn less to trends and more to practicality and beauty. If a gift doesn’t fit those two qualities, it’s probably not for me.

In a world that feels increasingly synthetic and plastic-heavy, I have grown more drawn to things that feel real, often made from a single material. I have also broadened my idea of what a gift can be and realized that simple things are often far more meaningful than what is typically expected. I want gifts to have a purpose, and I prefer wrapping them in something that can be reused, which I will share throughout.

My Gifting Principles

Before I share the list, here are three ideas that guide me in my approach to gifting.

1. The Art of Listening (and Your Notes App)

I keep a running list of gift ideas throughout the year. People often reveal the perfect gift without realizing it, it’s hidden in plain sight. A friend mentions they love a particular artist? Hunt down a used coffee-table book on them. They’re getting into knitting? Find some vintage Irish patterns. They rave about a new coffee shop in their neighborhood? A small gift card paired with beans from that spot will be a hit.

2. Quality Over Quantity

I try to look for things that are made to last. They might cost a little more, but they usually hold up better. Practical gifts do not have to be dull. Often the small, well made things someone would never buy for themselves end up being the most appreciated.

3. Most Things Can Be Found Secondhand

There are some things I do not buy secondhand, but many items can be found this way with a little extra time and cleaning.

So without further ado, let’s get to the list!

Uashmama Paper Bag - A great way to wrap a loaf of bread. After the gift is opened, the bag can be used as a storage container or even a little trash bin. It feels practical and reusable without trying too hard. Also I love this option from a favorite bakery.

Local or Homemade Bread - I never joined the sourdough wave, so I usually pick up a loaf from my favorite bakery. It makes an easy, comforting gift. People can enjoy it right away or freeze it for toast later in the month.

I have a soft spot for pottery and glassware and somehow always find room for more. A few New York artists I keep coming back to are Helen Levi and Hudson Wilder. Their pieces get used constantly and feel a little special without trying too hard.

A great vintage coffee-table book on something they’re interested in is always a solid choice. And this super-chic monochrome mat and frame is perfect for a photo-booth picture.

I know dish soap and brushes do not exactly scream “gift,” but I promise this one is worth it. The Iris Hantverk dish brush is the most beautiful dish brush I’ve ever seen. Paired with a simple dish soap block, it can stay out on the counter instead of being hidden under the sink. It is practical, thoughtful, and surprisingly lovely.

I like finding ways to reuse clothes I’m tired of or pieces with a small stain. Green Matters Natural makes a dye kit that is really nicely packaged and easy to gift. It comes with a box and a gift card to cover the cost of the dying and free shipping so you can send your item in. They run monthly dye batches in beautiful colors, and it is a fun way to give something a second life.

I always feel a little fancy when I use my Rivoli pad and envelopes. They make even a quick letter feel important. I also love a handmade pen pot. It is one of those small things that looks good sitting out and gets used every day.

Peugeot Pepper Mill - I have tried the cuter versions out there, but there is a reason this one is a longtime Wirecutter favorite. It simply works better. I like to pair it with some good peppercorns in a small Weck canning jar. The jars are handy to have around later for things like salad dressings, iced coffee, or small batches of pickled onions.

I am not a big fan of seasonal cookie tins. I prefer something that I can use throughout the year, not just during the holidays. I have been eyeing this one on Etsy (plus some silver cleaner) and I also really like the simple, utilitarian styles you can find here and here.

You can’t go wrong with Alison Roman’s chocolate chip shortbread cookies, and I also love this granola recipe my friend Jenny introduced me to. It is so easy to make and has become something I look forward to every morning.

I love these vintage mixing bowls and sturdy glass measuring cups. They feel useful and timeless, and they add a little charm to everyday cooking.

More Mixing Bowls #1, #2, #3, #4

More Measuring Cups #1, #2

I always seem to find great brass candle holders on Etsy, along with really lovely taper candles. They look good almost anywhere, and I like keeping a few on my dining table year-round.

This Lauren Manoogian hat is definitely on the pricey side, but after years of trying to find a truly warm winter hat, this is the first one that actually delivered. It’s double-faced, incredibly thick, and people always ask about it. It has earned its place in my closet.

The Rototo socks were a discovery my husband and I made on a trip a few years ago, and we ended up going back to the store before we left to buy more. They are unbelievably soft and cozy, the kind of socks you reach for first every single time.

A tray might seem like a strange gift, but I love nothing more than a beautiful one to place keys or mail in. It even makes the Costco flyers placed on it feel more important. You can find some great deals on Etsy, but at retail they tend to be surprisingly expensive.

This water carafe is something I’ve owned for many years. It is perfect when I need to up my water intake (which is always) and also is such a lovely add to a room when guests are staying with you.

More Trays #1, #2, #3

More Carafes #1, #2, #3

All Wrapped Up

Honestly I love wrapping beautiful things in just a ribbon, like this and this. My favorite is to use a tea towel 1, tea towel 2 and tie it in a bow. This YouTube video shows how to do it in a very fancy way. And a Baggu can always be wrapped up and they have the best prints and textures.

Thanks for reading!

To finish, here are some other amazing lists I’ve loved.

Small Pleasures A Gift Guide Filled with Small Pleasures

Staring at the Ceiling Gift Guide

Lucy Williams The Remotely Gift Guide 2025

The Rose Period The Rose Period Gift Guide

Home Food A gift guide for the discerning home cook

The Millennial Decorator Gifts I Find Incredibly Chic

Brianna Schubert The Mood Board Holiday Gift Guide

FINDS By Ginny Etsy Gift Guide

Classic Cool Sewing Gift Guide

have you eaten? A Food-Lovers Holiday Gift Guide