I’ve already gifted half of this list — and haven’t seen a single disappointed face yet.
Every time someone’s birthday or a holiday rolls around, I catch myself thinking: giving something pointless is worse than not giving anything at all. That’s why I’ve long made it a rule to look for gifts on AliExpress — not junk, but things people actually use. Over the past year, I’ve given so many gifts to family and friends that I can now put together a tried-and-tested list. Here are ten gifts people will actually thank you for — rather than hiding them in a closet until the next move.
OnePlus 15 — I Gave It to My Dad Instead of His Old Xiaomi
Dad called an hour after unboxing and said the phone “flies” — that’s exactly why I got it for him.
If you want to give a flagship phone but don’t want to pay for the apple logo, the OnePlus 15 is one of the best options right now. Inside — Snapdragon 8 Elite (Gen 5), 12 GB of RAM, and a 7000 mAh battery that genuinely lasts a day and a half of active use. The screen is bright, the camera is solid, and the body looks more expensive than it costs.
This gift is perfect for someone who’s been walking around with an old smartphone and can never quite get around to upgrading. I gave it to my dad in April — he still discovers some new feature every week and calls to tell me about it. For those who are into tech, the OnePlus 15 is a sign of respect, not some faceless gift card.
Price: 38,600 rubles
Window Cleaning Robot — I Gave It to My Wife, and Now We Don’t Argue About the Balcony
After the first run, my wife said: “Why didn’t we buy this three years ago?”
Know who would definitely love this gift? Anyone who has panoramic windows or an enclosed balcony. Washing them by hand is a dubious pleasure. The CHOVERY window cleaning robot simply suctions onto the glass and does everything on its own while you sip your coffee. Remote-controlled, with generous accessories — cloths, a safety cord, everything in the box.
I gave it to my wife for International Women’s Day, and it’s probably the first gift in years that genuinely made her happy. Washing windows used to be a reason to argue about who’d climb the stepladder this time. Now the robot does the work, and we’re both happy. A perfect gift for parents who live in an apartment with lots of glass — it truly takes a headache away.
Price: 3,220 rubles
Power Bank for Apple Watch — I’ve Carried It on My Keychain Since Winter
The size of a matchbox, and it’s already bailed me out about twenty times.
If anyone in your circle owns an Apple Watch, you’ve definitely heard the complaint: “My watch died, and the charger’s at home.” This mini power bank for Apple Watch solves the problem once and for all. Inside is a 1200 mAh battery — enough for a full charge of the watch with room to spare. The magnet grips the watch firmly, no cables or adapters needed.
I’ve been carrying it on my keychain since January — the thing is the size of a keychain fob, weighs almost nothing, and comes in handy regularly. I used to panic by evening over a dead watch — now I just pull it out of my pocket and top up during lunch. A great gift for any Apple Watch owner, especially someone who’s often on the go. Costs less than a thousand rubles, but feels like an expensive accessory.
Price: 950 rubles
POCO F8 Pro — I’d Love to Get This for My Birthday
Snapdragon 8 Elite in a phone at a reasonable price — for a gamer, it’s like a dream in a box.
For someone who plays more than casual games on their phone — think serious PC-level titles — the POCO F8 Pro is a “wow”-level gift. Inside is the Snapdragon 8 Elite, currently the best mobile processor for running PC games via GameNative and similar platforms. Available in 256 and 512 GB storage options.
It’s important to understand: drivers for mobile gaming are still evolving, and not every game runs perfectly. But the chip is the best available — both in performance and future potential. A gift for a gamer who follows tech and wants to be on the cutting edge. Even if the person isn’t a mobile gaming fan, the POCO F8 Pro is simply a powerful flagship that handles absolutely everything.
Price: 34,600 rubles
Tropical Leaf-Shaped Towels — My Daughter Claimed Two for Herself
They’ve been hanging in the kitchen for three months — guests always ask where to buy them.
Want a gift that costs next to nothing but looks like a million bucks? Tropical leaf-shaped towels are exactly that. Hang one on a hook in the kitchen or bathroom, and the space instantly looks like a Pinterest shot. The material is thick, soft, and highly absorbent — this isn’t a decorative rag but a full-fledged hand towel.
I got a set in March and hung them in the kitchen — my daughter immediately swiped two for her room. This gift is perfect for a friend, mom, sister — anyone who appreciates home decor and thoughtful little touches.
