The second option is the modus operandi in Python. I mean, if all you’re doing is importing functions, then you can do something like this:
from utility import some_func
which will import your function.
Best practice is if you’re using only static functions, then just put them in the global namespace of a separate module, it will make your life a lot easier. What you’re trying to do is make objects and just fill them in with static methods. Why do this, when you can just define the functions in a .py file?
In fact, what you’re trying to do has been done. You’re trying to store away some good utility functions. Well, python-requests, is a third party library that is just adored by the majority of Pythonistas just does this. It stores away its good utility functions in a separate module. Here is the example.