Do you know someone who likes practical gifts? Then these timely recommendations are for you given that Christmas is on the horizon. If none of the below recommendation strike your fancy, then there’s also the list that I made last year. The nice thing about practical gifts is that they tend to remain good gifts from year after year. This year’s list mostly concerns home-goods.

#1: High Lumen Candelabra Bulbs

I didn’t build my house. And whoever installed the light fixtures had the poor foresight of choosing ones with candelabra bulbs (smaller bulbs with smaller plugs). They are much less bright. I like a nice bright room because it makes everything feel cleaner, neater, and there’s always enough light. I can always provide accent lighting with lamps, but the overhead light needs to – well – enlighten the room. I found these 800 lumen candelabra bulbs and they are pricey, but they are better than the daily resentment of a disappointing overhead light.

#2 Worm-Gear Clamp

If you liked last year’s custom length Velcro recommendation, then you’ll also like this year’s worm-gear clamps. Have you ever needed a heavy-duty fix that’s also fast and easy? It’s the same clamp that’s used in to affix dryer exhaust ducts. It’s great for any project that needs a quick and secure solution. It’s super easy if you have a drill, and relatively easy if you just have a screwdriver. I used mine for some mechanical elements of my golf card.

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