14 Essential Household Items That Make Surprisingly Good Gifts, According to Editors

AT’s editor-in-chief, Charli Penn, raves about this four-in-one fabric shaver, lint brush, and all-around de-pilling machine — it even won an AT Cleaning Award! “It’s basic, but it’s been a real hit with my family and friends,” she explains. “It’s something you absolutely need to spruce up furniture and clothing but absolutely would not think to treat yourself to.”

“Soap dispensers can be easy to overlook,” explains Cleaning and Organizing Editor Savannah Daniels. “I promise I'm not judging my brother, but he kept a Costco-size bottle of Dawn on his counter for a year, so I gifted him a dispenser he can refill.” These dispensers bring an earthy element to your giftee’s counter with a tactile sandstone exterior, and the two-pack can be split between their kitchen and bathroom.

“Everyone is always impressed when I use my simplehuman paper towel holder with a built-in spray pump,” says Lifestyle Director Stephanie Nguyen. “So that would be a really cool gift to give!” I know I would be stoked to receive this sleek all-in-one piece. It’d make cleaning up way more fun, and the stainless steel design lends a modern look to any kitchen.

“I gave a friend this plunger as a housewarming gift and she loved it,” Executive Editor Terri Pous says. “The little face on the handle is adorable, and let's be real — plungers are one of those things you usually don't realize you need until it's too late when you've moved into a new place. The color options are so fun, and it's super easy to use!”

“This is a total splurge, but Häti Home has the cutest, best step stool I’ve ever seen,” says Danielle Blundell, AT's executive home director. “Thanks to its solid oak construction, the Margot is super-sturdy so I actually feel safe using it to access my tall cabinets and when dusting my drapery hardware and overhead lights. The scalloped detailing and honey finish mean I can leave it out, and it looks like it’s just part of my decor. It’d be perfect for anyone who’s always reaching for things and has an eye for designer furniture.”

“I've recently been gifting my friends and fam lots of cutie sponges,” Home Projects Editor Sarah Everett says. “These Scotch-Brite ones are great because they're so slim (until you get them wet), that they can fit into an envelope with a card. And Genuine Fred also has lots of personality picks, so you could pick something your friend loves, like a dog or cat shape, plants, or sushi.”

“I saw this match cloche at an Airbnb, and I’m obsessed,” says Adriana Velez, our SEO content director. In chic, opalescent glass, the practical candle accessory doubles as home decor — and it looks way more elevated than your typical lighter, too.

AT’s Lifestyle Editor Lizzy Francis says you can’t go wrong with a set of tapered candles. “They’re cheap, and great for hosting dinner parties or cozy nights in,” she explains. This set from Pottery Barn comes in a variety of stylish colors, and the boxed packaging makes gift wrapping easy.

“You can't go wrong with gifting some really cute oven mitts!” Stephanie says. “These ones from Rifle Paper Co. are so stylish and come in five design options.” The hydrangea motif is so pretty, anyone would be delighted to put these to use in the kitchen.

The Stagg Kettle also got a shout-out in our team Slack channel, and I totally understand its appeal. The staple kitchen appliance is extraordinarily stylish, with its maple-wood handle and unique gooseneck spout. It also comes in a variety of colors that make it a modern accent in your recipient’s kitchen, though we’re partial to the sage tone on the Smoke Green.

“I got a bunch of these paper towel alternatives after reading this story,” Adriana says. The reusable cotton towels are more sustainable than their single-use counterparts, and you can have fun with all the color options on the edges. When all’s said and done, they can be tossed in the washing machine for easy cleaning.

Adriana recommends pairing the reusable paper towels with a fancy all-purpose cleaner for a 10/10 gift. This duo by Flamingo Estate includes the brand’s viral tomato-scented cleaning spray and dish soap, which will undoubtedly elevate your giftee’s cleaning routine with its luxe, nuanced aroma — think fresh tomato leaves, herbs, and a hint of black pepper.

Multiple editors named salt and pepper shakers as an essential-turned-excellent gift idea, saying they’re a great way to add color and personality to your giftee’s kitchen. “There are so many different styles, colors, and shapes to choose from,” explains Katie Maguire, our director of shopping content and strategy. “It's an everyday essential that doubles as decor. My sister just got me these when I moved into my new apartment, and it felt so thoughtful!” Lizzy loves this set from Dusen Dusen, too, for the maximalists on your list.

“One Christmas I gave all my aunts and uncles this citrus squeezer with a bag full of lemons,” shares Shopping Writer Megan Gray. “They still talk about it! I feel like a citrus squeezer isn't always in people's kitchens, but once you have one, you don't know how you did without it. Fresh lemon is always welcome in food and drinks!”