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The clock is ticking to buy Christmas gifts, but you still have a little time before Santa beats you to it. Good thing you have a team of Wirecutter elves to help. We specialize in finding the absolute best of the best gifts. Our gift recommendations are based on the exhaustive research, testing, and reporting that our experts work on all year, plus our staff’s personal experiences with giving and receiving. We’ve collected the list of gifts below—just a handful of gems from our extensive catalog—to help you find the perfect thing for family, friends, or even a total stranger.
For more gifting ideas, visit our holiday and gift guides hub.
Ototo Gracula Garlic Crusher ($20 at the time of publication)
If your gift recipient loves whimsical kitchen gadgets, celebrates Halloween year-round, or wants to lure kids into the kitchen, this Dracula-inspired garlic crusher makes the perfect gift. Using the Gracula is easy: Just plop a few cloves into the base (his cape), pop on the top (his head), and twist at the neck for easy mincing. But make sure to remove that chopped garlic quickly—vampires can’t tolerate it for long.
Read: The Gifts We Want to Give
Dansk Kobenstyle Butter Warmer ($55 at the time of publication)
The vaguely vintage, Scandinavian-style Dansk Kobenstyle Butter Warmer holds 16 ounces, so it’s ideal for small tasks such as reheating a bowl of soup or making a cup of cocoa. But unlike more utilitarian pots, it also looks great on the table holding hollandaise at brunch. The chubby wooden handle is both handsome and easy to grab for ladling, too. It’s the kind of gift that, once received, continues to reveal new ways to be used. Three-day express shipping is available for $30.
Read: Gifts That’ll Last Forever
Bitter Queens Essential Bitters Variety Pack ($25 at the time of publication)
Kick up cocktails with the Bitter Queens Essential Bitters Variety Pack, a sampler of the most popular bitters from this LGBTQ-owned small-batch maker in San Francisco. The cheeky monikers—from Opulent Odessa Orange (ideal for adding complexity to martinis) to Joker Judy Chocolate Walnut (the perfect finishing touch for whiskey drinks)—are all inspired by women. Since bitters are used in dashes, this is a gift that will enhance drinks for months or even years. All holiday orders need to be in by December 18 for delivery by December 25.
Read: Alcohol Gifts for Cocktail Lovers
Tilit Contra Chef Apron (about $95 at the time of publication)
Most waxed aprons are made from canvas, with a thick top layer of paraffin to repel water, but that makes them heavy and stiff. The Tilit Contra Chef Apron, on the other hand, is made from a thinner cotton fabric that contains a water-repelling solution. This little detail makes the Tilit Contra lighter and more comfortable than typical waxed-canvas aprons. We think the clean lines, narrow bib, and welted pockets give this apron a neat and polished look, and we think your giftee will agree. UPS Next-Day Air available.
Aura Mason ($200 at the time of publication)
Photos of grandkids always make a great gift, and a digital frame with unlimited photos makes the best gift of all. The Aura Mason is one of the best we’ve tried, thanks to a large, bright screen for easy viewing, an intuitive interface, and software that makes it especially simple to set up as a gift. You can pair the device to your account (via email or by scanning a QR code on the box) and invite family members to contribute photos, all before the recipient even unwraps their gift. Amazon Prime eligible.
Read: The 28 Best Gifts for Grandparents
Presto Poplite ($25 at the time of publication)
The easiest way to make popcorn from scratch for a crowd is with an air popper like the Presto Poplite. Unlike stove-top methods, which tether you to the kitchen, or microwave options, which produce small quantities, the Presto Poplite pops up a big bowl in less than three minutes. Package it alongside a bag of kernels and some seasoning, and the snacking portion of family movie night is settled. Agreeing on something to watch, well, that’s your business. Amazon Prime eligible.
Read: The 22 Best Gifts for Families
Jirushi Slim Pot ($60 at the time of publication)
Wirecutter staffers swear by this little stove-top kettle from Japanese enamelware maker Tsuki Usagi for several reasons. For one, this pot’s pour spout provides excellent control. And because of its slender profile, the Jirushi Slim Pot sits tidily on any shelf—and looks beautiful. Some people even water plants with it! Ships in one to three business days.
Read: The 26 Best Gifts for Coffee Lovers
Smoko Tayto Potato Ambient Light ($25 at the time of publication)
When you pat this little potato on its round head or chubby tummy and watch it light up, you can’t help but smile. The darling spud emits a soft glow in one of three brightness levels and operates via a USB-rechargeable battery. Offering just the right blend of whimsy and usability, it will surely be the most coveted gift at your white-elephant exchange. Express shipping available.
Read: The 27 Absolute Best, Wirecutter-Approved White Elephant Gifts Under $25
The Criterion Channel ($100 for an annual subscription at the time of publication)
For the movie lover who has exhausted Netflix’s offerings, or for the film buff who would enjoy diving into a collection of the classics, a Criterion Channel subscription provides access to some of the most critically acclaimed films of all time. Available films date back more than 100 years and come from virtually every corner of the globe. The channel also packages its films in creative ways—think double features paired with expert commentary, movies directed by women, and even films that fall into the category of “bad vacations.” No shipping required!
Read: 25 Gifts for People Who Have Everything
Tony’s Chocolonely Super Milk Bundle (about $25 at the time of publication)
Few people hate chocolate, which is why it makes a great gift. For something less fussy than a box of chocolates, though, consider a grouping of gourmet bars. The ones from Tony’s are wrapped in cheery, bright packaging, and what they conceal is equally fantastic. This pack of four features some of Tony’s best flavors (milk chocolate hazelnut, milk chocolate caramel sea salt, dark milk chocolate pretzel, and 32% milk chocolate) to satisfy whatever dessert mood strikes your gift recipient’s fancy. Amazon Prime eligible.
Read: The 28 Best Secret Santa Gifts
L.L.Bean Men’s Wicked Good Moccasins ($80 at the time of publication)
We’ve been wearing and recommending L.L.Bean’s Wicked Good Moccasins for many years, and though we constantly search for new slippers, none have been able to dethrone the original. The suede shearling is super warm and comfy, and the impeccable construction is extra durable (though if, against all odds, these slippers do give you any trouble, L.L.Bean backs them with a one-year guarantee). Thanks to the rubber bottoms, your loved one can run into the driveway to grab the paper without ruining their shoes, and with six color options, you’re sure to find a pair that complements their favorite sweatpants. Three-day express shipping available for $15.
Read: The 17 Best Gifts for Boyfriends (That Are Great for Anyone)
Lego Flower Bouquet ($50 at the time of publication)
For something more interactive and longer-lasting than a typical bunch of flowers, consider a Lego bouquet. Present the intricate, 756-piece set fully assembled, or give your special someone the pleasure of bringing 15 stems of plasticine roses, daisies, and asters to “life.” Once built, the bouquet stands 14 inches tall, just like a regular posy. And though it won’t require any water or sun, regular dusting would be welcome. Amazon Prime eligible.
Read: The 14 Best Gifts for Girlfriends (That Are Great for Anyone)
Melissa & Doug Geometric Stacker ($15 at the time of publication)
You can find endless varieties of block-on-stick stackers. This Melissa & Doug version—a sort of deluxe wooden incarnation of the classic Fisher-Price baby toy—provides tons of engagement for babies. One-year-olds may like to sort by color or shape, and the different-shaped towers offer more of a challenge as babies become toddlers. And the set has just enough blocks to keep bigger kids engaged, stacking and building at will. Amazon Prime eligible.
Read: The 23 Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds
BeginAgain Animal Parade A to Z Puzzle and Playset (about $30 at the time of publication)
The chunky wooden creatures here nest together into a single block, and reassembling the menagerie may provide a slight challenge even for grown-ups. Each animal is printed with the letter that corresponds to its name (A for alligator, U for unicorn), guiding a kid into puzzling out the proper placement. The oblong shape of the completed puzzle makes it a bit novel, and it stands upright in its wooden box—a nice decoration for a nursery shelf. Amazon Prime eligible.
Read: The 28 Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds
Frog and Toad Storybook Favorites ($9 at the time of publication)
It’s a classic for a reason. The tales of best friends Frog and Toad have entertained child and adult readers for decades, thanks to their relatable adventures, humorously mismatched personalities, and wry observations of life. This collection features all four of the original stories, accompanied by Arnold Lobel’s whimsical illustrations. It will make the perfect gift for any small child, and perhaps the perfect future gift for their own children.
Read: The 24 Best Gifts for 4-Year-Olds
Uptown Farmer Kids Night Light Terrarium ($25 at the time of publication)
With its real grass and cute accessories, the Uptown Farmer Kids Night Light Terrarium is perfect for the kid who likes nature. The kit’s instructions are simple enough for many 6-year-olds to follow independently, with some oversight: You layer the soil, rocks, sand, and seeds, and then you spray the surface with water and wait for the grass to grow. Plus, the terrarium doubles as a night-light, projecting colorful stars and moons onto the ceiling for all-day fun. Amazon Prime eligible.
Read: The 26 Best Gifts for 6-Year-Olds
National Geographic Break Open 15 Geodes ($45 at the time of publication)
On the outside, these break-open geodes look like boring round rocks. But after you smash them with a hammer, their sparkly, gem-hued, crystal insides are revealed. The open geodes look impressively like pirate-chest treasure. And after taking stock of it, your child can read about geodes in an included National Geographic booklet, learning how they form and how to identify the different colors and types of crystals inside. And let’s be honest: For many kids, getting to smash and bash things with a hammer is a gift in and of itself. Safety goggles are included. Amazon Prime eligible.
Read: The 21 Best Gifts for 7-Year-Olds
Hey Clay Aliens ($20 at the time of publication)
Perfect for the artistic kid, this set includes 18 cans of delightfully textured clay that they can sculpt on their own or use to create figures with the help of a fun instructional app. Burgeoning sculptors learn useful techniques (how to introduce texture, for instance), and the clay dries completely in 24 hours, producing a figure that can either be displayed or played with. Artistic expansion aside, we’ve also found the kits to be excellent travel companions. Ships within 24 hours.
Read: The 28 Best Gifts for 8-Year-Olds
Blokus ($20 at the time of publication)
Quick to learn, Blokus is a puzzle-like geometric board game for two to four players that starts off easy but gets devilishly more difficult after the first few moves. Players must set their pieces adjacent to another piece of the same color on the gridded board; the game gets increasingly challenging as the board fills with the multicolored tiles and players try to trap one another in corners. Quick shipping and store-pickup options.
Read: The 20 Best Gifts for 9-Year-Olds
Thames & Kosmos Exit: The Game—The House of Riddles ($15 at the time of publication)
In House of Riddles, players are “locked” in an abandoned house and must figure out a series of riddles and puzzles so they can “escape.” Part of a series of hands-on, escape-room-style games that can be played at home, it’s a fun way for older kids to work together to solve a mystery. Note, though, that because the games in this series require players to draw on and cut up game pieces, you can play them only once.
Read: The 20 Best Gifts for 10-Year-Olds
Dorie Chevlen is a staff writer from Youngstown, Ohio, now living in Los Angeles. She has worked as a copy editor, fact checker, and sandwich maker, but this is probably her favorite gig. Her writing has also been published in Science, Slate, and The Wall Street Journal, among others. She has been called—both flatteringly and not—“a lot.”
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