Every year, 5 billion pounds of returned gifts are sent to landfills. Here's an article about it.

Here are some items that would make great gifts that nearly everything could make good use of! They are good quality and will be unlikely to end up in the landfill. Prices vary, but everything on this list has affordable options. I’ll jump straight into the list:

• Panasonic Eneloop Power Pack Kit - The best rechargeable primary batteries you can buy. They’ll be good to have for some other items on this list. The AA Master Race subreddit’s description provides the best explanation for why these types of batteries should still be standard: “Future-proof your life. If you use only AA batteries and you want 3 spares, you only need 3 spares. With 5 different batteries, you need 15 spares plus chargers. With AA you can carry it all in your pocket. AA-compatible devices can include AAA, AAAA, C, D, F, 14500, 18650, 21700, 26650, 32600, 32650, etc. Right to repair was first lost from tolerating proprietary batteries, pay per charge, and self-destruct explosions. To regain right to repair, you need the right to put in standard batteries.” Price: $43.74 Buy it from B&H here

• Casio gadgets - The iconic Casio Computer Corporation. Watches, electronic musical instruments, calculators, and more. As a bonus, researching the company’s history will give you something interesting to contribute to a surprising amount of discussion topics. Prices: $4.23-$5800 Browse the selection here

• Bauer 3 Gallon 3 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac - The ability to vacuum water (or similar liquids that are nontoxic and nonflammable) will likely be used more than you think, for everything from a small spill to draining the Christmas tree stand to a more significant flood. Also good for unclogging drains, cleaning anything that could damage a normal vacuum (glass, your dog’s homemade confetti, or a combination of wet and dry substance, such as soup or the wet vegetables they talk about in those sweeper infomercials.) The difference is that this vacuum actually works, and returns are easy at Harbor Freight. I chose this model because it is a great value for the price, and is easy to carry around and store. Price: $39.99 regular, often $29.99 on sale or with a coupon Buy from Harbor Freight or check local stock

• Power banks/power stations - Like the shop vac, this is one gadget you may think you’ll rarely use, but you’ll find it indispensable when you do need it, which will likely be more often than you think. I’ve been using a Mophie Juice Pack for over a decade now, and I have no real complaints, though it does charge slowly compared to modern USB-C devices. Modern Mophie power banks start at a reasonable $24.95 and run up to $199.95 for a high end model with an AC outlet, and there are plenty of options in between. Find them here

• Eton and Midland weather radios, and two-way radios – Another item that proves surprisingly useful is the weather radio. They often include additional features such as AM/FM radios, flashlights, and several power options. If they have an internal rechargeable battery, there is also the option to use standard batteries as backup. I’ve been using the Eton FRX-3 for just over a decade now, and the only issue is that the USB output does not have sufficient current to charge modern phones. Eton’s current selection is limited to just one model, the Quest, for $129.99. You can order it here Midland has a broader selection with prices from $24.99 - $399.99. The highest price is for a bundle of two way radios with weather radio receivers. Scan the selection on Midland's site

• Swiss Army Knives – Do these even need an introduction? This is another one that is surprisingly more useful than you expect, even if you anticipate frequent use. Prices: $15 - $395 See all of the configurations here

• Maglite flashlights – Timeless designs that are simple, user friendly, and reliable. While there are brighter and higher tech flashlights on the market, Maglites offer simple operation without complex electronics and output sufficient light for many situations. Mag Instrument is an American manufacturer, and their lights carry a 10-year warranty. They even still have a full range of incandescent flashlights in addition to the LED models. Most of them use standard batteries (AAA-D), though they do offer some rechargeable options. I find that the standard battery models work well with NiMh rechargeable batteries like the Eneloops in this list. You can even get bundles of a Maglite and a Swiss Army Knife. Prices: $8.50 (less expensive items are accessories, so not counted here) - $280 View the options here

• Blackwing and Mitsubishi pencils - Blackwing is another company with an interesting history. Introduced in 1934 by Eberhard Faber and used by many artists, Faber-Castell took over manufacturing in 1988, then Sanford in 1994, who ended production in 1998. The current owners revived the brand in 2010. I find that I can write with Blackwings considerably faster than with other pencils. They are also large enough in diameter that they can be used to wind cassettes. The Pencil Essentials Set includes 1 each of their 4 core models, 602, Matte, Pearl, and Natural. The Notebook Essentials Set also includes an A5 notebook. Prices: $40 - $65 Pencil Essentials Set
  Notebook Essentials Set
  Mitsubishi pencils offer a more affordable option. In my experience, they excel at writing in tight spaces with a very fine point that can last for a decent amount of writing before being resharpened. This precision does come at the expense of speed, as I can’t write as fast with these as with the Blackwing. The Mitsubishi 9850 allows for faster and smoother writing, but maintains the fine precision. It also has a better eraser, but is not made from recycled materials. Prices: $1.40 (single 9850) - $7.74 (1 dozen 9852EW recycled) 9850
  9852EW Recycled

• Adam's Polishes Enzymatic Cleaner – A non-toxic cleaner that uses the power of enzymes to safely remove bio-based stains and odors! The range of contaminants it is effective on is surprisingly wide, and I'm always finding new uses for it. When I first got it, I wondered if it could work on mud, and I am pleased to announce that it does indeed remove mud! I've also used it to succesfully remove dried coffee with cream and sugar, dried sweet tea, potato chip grease, various other food grease, various oil from food, and dog feces. Because the site specifies bio-based contaminants, I do not think it would work on petroleum based oil or grease, but I have not tested it yet. It is only available in a 16 fl. oz. bottle, which is somewhat disappointing once you realize how useful it is! One of these bottles can be obtained for $12.99

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