The Holidays are going to be quite different this year for most of us, but one thing that is likely to remain the same is that we’ll still be buying presents for our loved ones. Of course, restrictions on in-person shopping can make finding that perfect gift extra challenging, but don’t worry, we’re back with our annual Holiday Gift Guide to help you find the perfect presents!
Microsoft Xbox Series X
The launch of Microsoft’s Series X and Sony’s Playstation 5 consoles means that the next generation of video gaming is here, so the odds are that one (or both) of those machines are already on the wishlist of any gamers you might know. Both are priced the same and are incredibly powerful systems (though the Series X is a bit more powerful on paper), and Sony’s system has access to more truly exclusive games, but Microsoft’s GamePass Ultimate subscription for $15/month gives the Xbox Series X the edge. That service provides immediate access to over 200 games, and also lets subscribers play any new games from the Microsoft group of studios for no additional cost on release day, including titles like Halo, Fable, The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Doom, and many more. And if the $500 price tag is too steep, the slightly lower-specced, digital-only Xbox Series S could be a good choice at $300. Though it should be noted that all 3 consoles will likely be pretty challenging to obtain this year. Twitter user @Wario64 is a good resource to find when they become available from legitimate sources and can also help find deals on games and accessories. $499
Buy from: Microsoft | Best Buy | GameStop | Target | Walmart | Amazon | Newegg
iPad Air 4
The newest iteration of Apple’s “mid-range” iPad line is easy to recommend for nearly everyone. It adapts many of the more expensive Pro version’s design cues and features while still costing hundreds of dollars less (and technically featuring a better processor). $599+
Buy from: Apple | Walmart | Best Buy | Target | Adorama | Amazon
iPhone 12
Apple’s iPhone line is generally the best phone you can get, and this year’s refresh is no exception. Stylishly designed, blazingly fast, and more sturdily constructed, they’re pretty easy to love. The Pro and Pro Max models are nice too, but won’t be really necessary for most users. $799+
Buy from: Apple | Best Buy | Target | Amazon | Walmart
Beats Solo Pro
Excellent sound and trendy design have kept Apple’s Beats headphone line at the top of many wish lists for years now, and this one is no different. Guaranteed to earn smiles from nearly every giftee. $299
Buy from: Apple | Best Buy
Ultimate Ears Boom 3
These wireless bluetooth speakers provide incredible sound both indoors and outdoors and are available in a variety of fun colors. Best of all though, they are completely waterproof, which makes them perfect for hanging out by the pool or on the beach (just be mindful of any other beachgoers nearby). $150
Buy from: Ultimate Ears | Amazon | Best Buy | Target
Arturia MiniLab MKII
Do you have a budding musician in your life? This little midi keyboard plugs into their computer and works with a variety of software like Ableton Live (the Lite version of which is included along with some others). $129
Buy from: Arturia | Sweetwater | Guitar Center | Amazon | B&H
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1
The world may have largely moved on to digital photos, but there’s still something to be said for the fun of having a dedicated camera that spits out a real picture immediately after you take it. $120
Buy from: Amazon | Urban Outfitters | B&H | Target | Adorama
Instant Pot Duo
If you know someone who doesn’t have one of these yet this is as good a year as any to introduce them to this great little kitchen gadget. The ease of use combined with the multi-function versatility make it easy to see why this has been one of the hottest kitchen gadgets to come around in years. $59+
Buy from: Instant Brands | Best Buy | Kohl’s | Macy’s | Target | Williams Sonoma (Star Wars model)
GoWise Air Fryer
Speaking of hot kitchen gadgets, get in on the air-frying trend with this sleek looking device from GoWise. Easy to use and available in multiple colors to match most decor. $160 (though always available for much less)
Buy from: GoWise | Bed Bath & Beyond | Target | Home Depot | Walmart
Food & Drink Gifts
Kitchen and bar gifts always go over a treat, and these should be no exception! The Ultimate Bake Bundle ($90) is a great set to help get anyone who has just moved into their own place started. A Compact Swivel Cheese Board ($42+) is perfect for those who like to host but for whom storage space is at a premium. If you know any home cooks who like things hot, why not try the Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit ($40). And as Winter brings colder weather, why not keep your favorite beer-lover’s drink (and hands) at just the right temperature with a fun Cold Beer Coat ($13).
Ultimate Bake Bundle: Delish Essentials
Compact Swivel Cheese Board: Uncommon Goods
Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit: Uncommon Goods
Cold Beer Coats: Uncommon Goods
Edible Subscriptions
These monthly boxes will keep the recipients smiling all year long. Jackie’s Chocolates ($27.95/month+) will send a box featuring truffles, caramels, and chocolates with a monthly theme. The Treats Box ($13.75/month+) delivers a variety of snacks and candies from a different country every month. And the Paru Tea Box ($29.95/month) sends along 3 1oz bags of gourmet loose leaf tea, 1 garnish pack, and 1 guide per month.
Jackie’s Chocolates: Cratejoy
Treats Box: Cratejoy
Paru Tea Box: Paru Tea Bar
Gardening Gifts
It may not be the best weather for working outside in the garden, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still give some great gifts to your favorite gardener. These Mason Jar Indoor Herb Gardens ($20) use a passive hydroponic system to make indoor herb growing a cinch. A Birth Month Flower Grow Kit ($34) is a thoughtful and lovely gift for just about everyone. And Chiapas Flores Face Masks ($18) let your loved ones show off their green thumbs in style.
Mason Jar Indoor Herb Garden: Uncommon Goods
Birth Month Flower Grow Kit: Uncommon Goods
Chiapas Flores Face Masks: Uncommon Goods
Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffle Bag
These weekend bags combine elegant form with function and make a great gift for anyone who takes frequent short trips or could even make for a stylish gym bag. $90
Buy from: Herschel Supply Co. | Nordstrom | Tilly’s
Allbirds Runners
These soft and comfy running shoes made of Merino wool have become incredibly popular these past few years for good reason. Great for everyday use without sacrificing style. $95
Buy from: Allbirds Mens’ | Allbirds Womens’
Swirl & Style Tie Dye Studio
Tie dye shirts never really seem to go out of style, and this kit makes it easy to make your own at home (and allegedly mess free). It’s a great activity on a rainy day and good gift for any aspiring fashion designers you might know. $30
Buy from: Target | Jo Ann Fabrics | Amazon | Kohl’s
L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. Remix Super Surprise
Yeah, we don’t know either. Apparently this is one of the hottest toy lines of the year, so you might want to consider it. This megakit features 4 dolls, 4 fashion dolls, and 4 musical instruments, plus over 70 “surprises”, which are randomly assigned items that the recipient has to open to discover. $130
Buy from: L.O.L. Surprise! | Amazon | Target
Tabletop Games
Tabletop gaming has been enjoying a massive resurgence lately, and these are some of the most well-liked games to come out recently. Wingspan ($60) is a bird-collecting strategy game that has been in high demand for years. Wavelength ($40) is a “mind-reading” party game that is fun for 2 to 20 players. And Azul ($40) is a beautiful tile-placing strategy game.
Wingspan: Stonemaier Games | Amazon | Kohl’s
Wavelength: Amazon | Walmart | Barnes & Noble
Azul: Amazon | Target
LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System
A lot of us grew up playing Super Mario Bros. on the classic Nintendo Entertainment System and building with LEGOs. Now you can bring the two together with this nostalgic kit. Featuring recreations of the NES, a controller, a game cartridge for you to blow into, and a CRT TV set with actual side-scrolling motion on the screen. $230
Buy from: LEGO
Aura Carver Smart Frame
The large 10.1″ screen, sleek design, smart home compatibility, and AI-powered Intelligent Photo Pairing feature make this one of the standout products in this crowded field. Being easy to set-up and offering some great gifting options doesn’t hurt either. $200
Buy from: Aura | Amazon
Need some more ideas? Check out previous years’ gift guides for more inspiration!