Designer Picks: Useful Home Stuff to Exchange Your Holiday Gifts For

Gift giving is tricky business. When we’re buying for several people all at once, as is the case during the December holidays, sometimes we get it right. At other times, maybe not so much. We’ve all received presents that range from, “Eh, I have no use for it” to, “What were they thinking?”

If you’re like me, returning or exchanging gifts is a minefield of guilt and worry. If you're not one to regift unwanted presents, simply tossing something into a closet to be forgotten (or worse, tossing it away completely) isn’t a good option either.

A little story: Several years ago, I received a very grannyish bathrobe from a relative. As a matter of fact, the same robe had been given to my mother as well. Mom liked it, and so naturally I did not. As it had come from a large department store, I was able to exchange it for something I really could use – a good frying pan. I thought this was a pretty good solution, as I was able to exchange something I didn’t need for something I did and I therefore took the “I don’t like it” factor out of the equation. 

I think the answer is: If you’re going to exchange someone’s gift, go for something useful or practical and you’ll use it for years. Plus, you’ll find lots on sale after the holidays.  If you need some inspiration for what to exchange your gifts for, here are seven of my favorite useful and stylish home products.

Cooks Calphalon Non-Stick Skillet Set: Even cooking-phobes will find many uses for the Calphalon Non-Stick Skillet set. These pans will fill many needs and you will make the perfect omelet every time. ($165)

Sferra Celine Throw: Wrap yourself in the warm hug of the Celine cotton throw by Sferra. Perfect for keeping out the winter’s chill when napping or reading. The selection of soft colors will add a touch of elegance to your home. ($99.00)

Container Store’s Feathergrain Bins: January is national organizing month and if one of your New Year’s resolutions is to be more organized, these stylish open Feathergrain Bins are a perfect choice. I’m a big fan of open bins such as these for keeping things organized and out of sight, but still easy to access. They fit easily on shelves or in a bookcase and will look fantastic as well. ($14.99-$24.99)

Cuisinart Blend and Cook Soup Maker:  One of my favorite new products on the market is the Cuisinart Blend and Cook Soup Maker. Make and heat soups from start to finish is easy with this one product. And when the soup is done, you can still crush ice and make frozen drinks. ($199.00)

Williams-Sonoma Euro Oven Mitt: I bought a pair of Euro Oven Mitts for my mother for Christmas and they are fantastic. Made from high-tech neoprene, they are flexible, waterproof and completely heat resistant. Plus, they have an extra grip texture and can be used to open bottles and jars. ($18-$23)

Restoration Hardware Reversible Bath Rug: Freshen up your bathrooms for the New Year with these well priced, Reversible Bath Rugs. The rugs are soft underfoot, machine washable and come in a wide array of colors. ($34-$169)

Brookstone Towel Warmer: For a little bit of affordable luxury, the Brookstone Towel Warmer will make you feel like you’ve stepped out of your shower and into a high-end spa. It warms towels, bathrobes and pajamas in ten minutes. When there’s a nip in the air, what could be better? ($79.95)

Linda Merrill is a Networx - http://www.networx.com - writer. Get home & garden ideas like this - http://www.networx.com/article/designer-picks-useful-home-stuff-to-exc - on Networx.