Phoebe Does everything

Here’s my 2025 list of gifts that are actually good. These are things that people will actually use, for the most part are quite flexible for age and gender, and are also really affordable. Where possible, I’ve even found dupes for ones that might be a bit pricey if you still want to get the vibe. Let’s get into it

This is a little-known gifting hack – the gift that keeps on giving. When you buy these fragrance sample kits, you’re not just getting a set of beautiful minis to try, you also get a voucher to spend the full value of the kit back with the brand.

It’s such a good way to give the gift of choice and discovery while still feeling thoughtful, they get to try, explore, and then choose their favourite.

Discotheque sample pack and Byredo sample pack

I’ve actually bought these myself and loved them. My personal favourites: Gypsy Water, Bibliotheque, and Sweat, Tears, Paradise

This is such a clever idea for an unexpected gift – something you know they’ll actually use. The acrylic finish gives it a design twist on an everyday essential, making it feel just that bit more special. And at under $20, it’s the perfect pick for Secret Santa or a White Elephant gift that still feels elevated.

We’ve all given candles but have you ever thought about giving matches? They are the kind of thing that everyone needs, and giving some that are bit more unique just feels special, while still being genuinely useful. The gorgeous Jo Laing ceramic matches are a truly special piece. For a cheaper alternative, this matchbox is personalised and under $20.

While we are on the topic of candles, can I tell you how much I love my rechargeable lighter? Sustainable, useful, and less than $10, its another unexpected gift idea.

As a self-confessed organisation enthusiast, I truly believe packing cubes can make anyone’s travel experience more seamless. But golly gosh – why are they usually so boring?! I finally found some that are actually pretty, a little upgrade that feels special and functional. So much nicer than those sad, generic black ones. No thanks.

This is the perfect gift for the person who has everything: the Secret Santa, the White Elephant, honestly, anyone of any age. It’s so simple: a keyring that makes adding and removing keys actually easy. And at just $15, it’s budget-friendly, practical, and kind of genius. What more could you want?

Did you know you can actually keep butter on your counter so it’s always soft and spreadable? It doesn’t need to be refrigerated, just kept in an airtight container and out of direct sunlight.

This recycled glass butter dish is both functional and beautiful. I’ve had mine for about a year now, and honestly, I can’t imagine life without perfectly spreadable butter at all times (hehe!).

For a more affordable option, I found this charming version at H&M — still has that lovely, timeless look.

We’ve all been given wine for Christmas, but how about something with a little twist? 🍊
A non-alcoholic apéritif is the perfect alternative: it feels special, tastes sophisticated, and suits any age or occasion. It’s ideal for non-drinkers, for days when you’re skipping alcohol, or simply when you want something refreshing and different.

It’s also such a thoughtful way to gift discovery: something new to try and share with friends and family, all while staying completely alcohol-free.

Another alternative is this aperitif with meyer lemon, peach, and basil – YUM.

This is the perfect gift for anyone who loves a good cheeseboard and loves an instant upgrade with minimal effort. If you enjoy Camembert, you’ll love it baked. Honestly, once you’ve tried it that way, it’s hard to go back, regular Camembert just feels incomplete!

Pop in a few sprigs of rosemary and slices of garlic, bake until gooey, then drizzle with honey for the most unforgettable cheeseboard moment. These ceramic brie bakers are reusable, practical, and make any spread feel instantly more elevated.

This one’s a little unexpected, and that’s exactly what makes it great. It’s the perfect gift for the foodie, the travel lover, or anyone who appreciates discovering something new and interesting.

Friarielli is an Italian delicacy: tender broccoli leaves preserved in olive oil — and it’s as delicious as it sounds. Plus, the tin itself is beautiful enough to display on a kitchen shelf.

Staying on the food theme: how about luxury crisps? 🍟
Bonilla a la Vista have become something of a cult classic in Europe, loved for their simple, perfectly salted flavour and that iconic blue-and-white tin. They’re even served in some of Spain’s most stylish tapas bars (and famously spotted in Parasite, which sent them viral).

The flavour is classic and understated, and the tin is chic enough to leave out on your counter. It’s also practical (the lid keeps everything fresh) and once you’ve finished the crisps, you can reuse the tin for storage or refills. Stylish, sustainable, and just a little bit iconic.

People really underestimate how useful an apron, oven glove, or even a great tea towel can be. These are the things you reach for every single day and, over time, they always need replacing.

That’s what makes them such underrated gifts. A well-made, beautiful version feels thoughtful and practical all at once – something they’ll actually use, while quietly ticking off one thing they were going to have to buy anyway. Win-win!

While we’re on the kitchen theme, here’s an everyday upgrade that feels both practical and beautiful: pretty measuring cups and spoons.

They make such a thoughtful kitchen gift idea, something unique, affordable, and genuinely useful. These sets are stylish enough to leave out on your counter (hello, aesthetic kitchen goals) while still being perfectly functional for everyday cooking and baking.

A lovely gift for home cooks, bakers, or anyone who loves beautiful kitchenware.

For the ultimate everyday luxury upgrade, the Loewe Tomato Leaves Hand Soap is hard to beat. It smells incredible, with that fresh, green scent of crushed tomato vines that feels both elegant and uplifting.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative, the Royal Horticultural Society Tomato Leaf Hand Soap offers a remarkably similar fragrance and the same refined, botanical feel — all at a fraction of the price.

Both make your sink setup feel instantly more luxurious, and they’re the kind of gift that’s both practical and indulgent.

Most of us buy water bottles in a hurry and grab whatever’s easiest in the moment. But upgrading to something a little more aesthetic and intentional can make such a difference. It’s one of those small everyday items that feels surprisingly special when done well.

That’s why a stylish, reusable water bottle makes such a great sustainable gift idea — you know the person will actually use it. Choosing one that’s cute, colourful, or a little quirky turns something ordinary into a design moment.

This Chako Lab bottle is my current favourite. It’s playful, functional, and has a handy built-in handle that makes it perfect for daily use. A practical gift that’s also genuinely fun.

This is such a great Christmas Day gift because it doubles as a Christmas Day activity too — puzzles!

They’re the perfect mix of relaxing and social, something everyone can enjoy together after lunch. You can go for a beautiful, detailed artwork puzzle that feels like a piece of art when finished, or a smaller travel-sized version that’s easy to pack and gift.

It’s a unique, screen-free gift idea that brings people together — and that’s what the holidays are really about.

If you’re looking for an affordable home decor piece that feels high-end, this real marble tray from Amazon is such a find. It’s sturdy, beautifully made, and looks like something from a designer boutique. With quick delivery and a timeless look, it’s one of those “add-to-cart now, thank yourself later” gifts — ideal for last-minute occasions or easy home upgrades. Plus theres a little trinket dish to match!