One of the best ways to end the old year and start off the new is to get organized: set new goals, tidy up clutter, and plan for the next 356 days. But some of us are more organized than others. If you have a family member who starts their spring cleaning in January or a friend who always sticks to their New Year’s resolutions, consider getting them a gift that will aid in their organizational endeavors. The list below includes tools for personal and home organization, along with space-savers so your favorite goal-setter can get their planning done in peace. Even though they’ve probably got a million things on their to-do list, they’ll at least be able to check off one thing on their “to-buy” list … and add you to the top of their other list for thank-you cards.
1. Joymia To-Do List Notepad; $8 and up
There are few things more satisfying to the organized person than making a list, checking it twice, and, finally, checking off what they’ve gotten done. This modern-looking, 120-page spiral-bound notepad—which comes in two sizes and a number of colors and styles—will help them do just that. If they prefer more structure to their to-do list, this $10 pad from Makaplan provides a place for a list as well as top priorities, appointments, and notes.
Buy it: Amazon
2. Rocketbook Panda Planner; $34
If your goal setter is more eco-conscious, consider getting them Rocketbook’s Panda Planner. The planner—which is completely erasable and reusable—is scientifically designed to turn goals into realities. In addition to space for daily to-do lists and calendars, it has weekly and monthly overviews to help users reflect on their progress. Planner pages can be saved digitally via Rocketbook’s free app, allowing consumers to take them on the go even when their notebook has to stay at home.
Buy it: Amazon
3. K-Cup Carousel; $18
Many coffee drinkers swear by their Keurig, but keeping pods organized can sometimes be a messy affair. This spinning K-cup carousel from NIFTY, which has space for 35 K-cups, helps coffee drinkers find exactly what they’re looking for without having to dig through their kitchen cabinet. The carousel can be tucked right next to the Keurig, turning a countertop into a mini barista station.
Buy it: Amazon
4. STORi Drawer Organizers; $10 and up
STORi’s drawer organizers transform messy spaces into something that Marie Kondo would be proud of. The clear containers come in eight different sizes, which can be mixed and matched to fit individual spaces. And they’re built with recessed bottoms, so they can easily stack to maximize vertical space. These are a great accessory for office spaces, vanities, or anywhere else odds and ends collect.
Buy it: Amazon
5. WeChip Magnetic Spice Containers (Set of 12); $19
A set of magnetic spice containers is a great gift for home chefs with tiny kitchens. These jars are magnetized to stick securely to refrigerators and other large appliances, freeing up coveted counter space in the process, and come with labels that cover 120 spices. The lids are clear, making it easy to identify and grab what spice you need—plus, they have both sift and pour holes, allowing you to quickly add what you need to your recipe.
Buy it: Amazon
6. Pezin & Hulin Bamboo Charging Stations for Multiple Devices; $39
Eliminate the need for messy cords, multiple surge protectors, and running around the house to find charging devices with this bamboo charging station. In addition to being compatible with multiple devices and brands, it comes with five cables and can hold six devices at the same time. Reviewers also compliment its sturdiness and sleek design. (Keep in mind, though, that the charger hub is sold separately.)
Buy it: Amazon
7. DMoose Cable Management Cord Organizer; $30 and up
There’s perhaps nothing uglier than loose cords and wires, but they’re often necessary to keep electronics working properly. Keep the tech—but lose the mess—with like DMoose’s box, which discreetly hides power strips and wires. It doesn't just look good: The box’s four cable cutouts are made from fireproof material, and with non-slip feet on the end of the box, it’ll stay put even if someone gets jumpy during scary movie night.
Buy it: Amazon
8. Spicy Shelf Expandable Under Sink Organizer; $40
The areas under kitchen and bathroom sinks are often the most neglected when it comes to organization, but with an expandable organizer, they’ll be as neat as more visible areas of the house. Spicy Shelf’s organizer can expand to fit around individual plumbing systems, and it can also adjust to four different heights in order to fit under the sink. The shelf holds up to 40 pounds of products, making it almost as indispensable as a box of Clorox wipes.
Buy it: Amazon
9. XSOURCE Sports Equipment Storage Rack; $60
Every garage or home gym could use a little tidying … and a sports equipment rack. XSOURCE’s sports rack has three freestanding sections—two standard shelves and a shelf with hooks—that can either be kept separate or built together for a more streamlined look. A unique feature of this set is its four hooks, which can hold things like baseball bats, tennis rackets, and hockey sticks. Athletes don’t always win games, but this rack will have them feeling like they’ve won the Super Bowl of organization.
Buy it: Amazon
10. AmeiTech Cosmetics Display Case; $50
AmeiTech’s adjustable cosmetics case cleans out bathroom drawers and allows makeup lovers to show off their collections. The case spins 360 degrees for easy access to products, and the heights of the middle trays can be adjusted to accommodate larger bottles of perfumes or cleansers. There’s plenty of space for smaller items, too—the top trays have compartments for 18 lipsticks and nail polishes, and there’s even a special section reserved for brushes. This is an all-in-one case that’s a must for every makeup artist.
Buy it: Amazon
11. Savor Family Archives Keepsake Organizer; $70
If your loved one is as excited about exploring their family tree as they are about getting organized, consider getting them this keepsake organizer from Savor. The paperboard and cloth box has two compartments and two drawers and comes with 10 file folders to keep everything in its proper place, as well as labels, so everything is easy to find. Savor also makes organizers for post-vacation mementos, baby and graduation keepsakes, and weddings.
Buy it: Amazon
12. Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes; $35 and up
The truly organized know staying tidy doesn't stop in the home—it extends everywhere you go. Eagle Creek's Pack-It Cubes, which come in various sizes and styles, will help your giftee create a system for packing smart while they're traveling.
Buy it: Amazon
13. Narwey Hanging Toiletry Bag; $16 and up
This toiletry bag from Narwey, which comes in two sizes (medium for short trips and large for a longer haul), will help keep your loved one organized while they’re on the road: It has a large main compartment, multiple mesh and clear pockets, and zippered compartments for brushes that make everything easily accessible (and visible!) when it’s hung up. Plus, there are multiple colors and fun prints to choose from.
Buy it: Amazon
14. Utopia Pantry Organizers, Set of 16; $44
Whether they're found in the fridge, the pantry, the garage, or the playroom, torn open cardboard boxes and products strewn across a space willy-nilly are sure make the eyelids of the organized person in your life twitch uncontrollably. Help them get the mess under control, keep everything in its place, and save space with this set of sturdy and stackable transparent bins, which are rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Buy it: Amazon
15. HEYHOUSE Space-Saving Closet Organizers; $20
These hangers are perfect for the organized person with tiny closets: Each can hang nine items of clothing and be positioned to hang vertically to maximize space. They can also be hung horizontally to dry items of clothing.
Buy it: Amazon
16. YouCopia StoraLid Food Container Lid Organizer; $20
There's nothing more annoying than food storage containers going missing ... or falling out and hitting you on the head when you're getting things out of the cabinet. Help your giftee keep those lids secreted with this organizer, which includes dividers that can be inserted to separate out lids of different sizes.
Buy it: Amazon
17. HyFanStr Purse Organizer Insert for Bags; $17
The idea of an open tote or purse with a bunch of loose stuff floating around in it probably makes your organized giftee cringe. Solve that problem with this bag insert, which one reviewer said “completely transformed my handbag organization game!” It has 15 pockets and a zip top, comes in five sizes and four colors, and it’s waterproof.
Buy it: Amazon
A version of this story ran in 2020; it has been updated for 2023.