The 40 best Christmas gifts for the 2025 holiday season, hand-picked by our product reviewers
Ready or not, we're fast approaching the holiday shopping season. Choosing the best Christmas gifts for the ones you love is either an epic quest that you look forward to every year — or one you dread. Luckily, we spend our days testing all the latest gadgets and gear, and we know exactly what to recommend.
For 2025, our Christmas wishlist is simple: It's all of the awesome stuff we loved the most this year. That includes the newest gadgets we put to the test every week, the swoonworthy items we just had to take home and keep for ourselves, and some classic all-time favorites. With input from Mashable's own tech reporters and shopping editors, every item on our list is something we use, love, or have gifted to others ourselves.
So whether you're searching for Christmas gifts for your mom and dad, or just in need of a good stocking stuffers, this may truly be the only Christmas gift guide you'll need.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00)
Apple iPad 11" 128GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (Blue, 2025 Release) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00)
Amazon Fire HD 10 32GB Tablet (2023 Release, Black) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99)
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones — $248.00 (List Price $399.99)
Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99)
Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device With Remote (2023 Model) — $24.99 (List Price $49.99)
Shark AV2511AE AI Robot Vacuum With XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $339.00 (List Price $399.00)
WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $138.65 (List Price $179.99)
Dell 14 Premium Intel Ultra 7 512GB SSD 16GB RAM 2K Laptop — $999.99 (List Price $1549.99)
Nintendo Switch 2
The new Nintendo console was beloved by reviewer Alex Perry, who wrote that the new release is "a fabulous follow-up to an all-time legend" and that he "can't stop playing" the handheld gaming device. The Nintendo Switch 2 is also a Mashable Choice product, thanks in large part to "massively improved system software" and "wonderful online social features with GameChat."
Kindle Paperwhite
"I love mine so much, and I think it's the best thing I've ever bought," says Deputy Shopping Editor Miller Kern. The Kindle Paperwhite is well-loved across much of Mashable, in fact, and was given a coveted Mashable Choice award for "its responsive interface, quick-turning pages, and lightweight design." Read the full review of the Kindle Paperwhite.
A retro-tech CD player
The MOMA Design Store is full of almost unbelievably cool stuff. This year, we're pining for the Retradisc Bluetooth CD player. Whether you're shopping for a Gen Xer longing for the glory days of their youth or a Gen Alpha teen who loves old-school iPods, disposable cameras, and CDs, this gadget has something for everyone. While you can plug in wired headphones, it's also a Bluetooth device, so you can listen with your favorite wireless headphones, too. Plus, it just looks really, really cool.
Mario Kart Legos
These Mario Kart Legos, which actually fire turtle shells, can be built quickly and are relatively cheap (compared to other Lego sets). They're also just super fun to play with, as Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth recently discovered during a playdate with his nieces and nephews. The "turtle shell-firing mechanism" provides endless fun, no matter your age, just like the video game franchise itself.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Apple finally refreshed its AirPods Pro line this year, and it was well worth the wait. The new AirPods Pro 3 have incredible ANC and a much-improved fit. Our reviewer says they're also more comfortable, and the heart-rate monitoring and other upgrades set them apart from most other wireless earbuds. We expect these new earbuds to top a lot of Christmas wishlists in 2025.
Sony XM6 Headphones
We loved the new flagship Sony headphones, and our appreciation has only grown since the release. "If you want best-in-class noise-cancelling headphones and pristine audio quality, the headphones deliver," our tech editor wrote in his review. With some of the best ANC in the industry and an improved folding design, we expect these cans to top many Christmas wishlists in 2025.
DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Gimbal Stabilizer
Creators, TikTokkers, and aspiring influencers will adore unwrapping this gimbal stabilizer on Christmas morning. Our tech editor calls it "the best gimbal I've tested so far." This high praise is due to the gimbal's ease of use, stability, and 10-hour battery life.
Anker Nano MagSafe power bank
This ultra-thin Anker powerbank attaches to your phone magnetically. It's also Qi2-certified which means it will charger your phone faster and more efficiently. Don't overthink this one — just add it to your family's stockings.
Panasonic Technics AZ100 Earbuds
For audiophiles and music lovers, no other earbuds come close to matching the Panasonic Technics AZ100 wireless earbuds. Another recommendation from our tech editor, these wireless earbuds are a Mashable Choice award winner and "easily beat the likes of Sony and Bose." They pair easily with up to three devices at once, are comfortable to wear, and sound fantastic. "If you're looking for earbuds with the best possible sound quality, these are now the buds to beat," says Werth.
Igloo KoolTunes Bluetooth Cooler
It's a cooler. It's a Bluetooth speaker. It's both! We love this highly giftable item for its retro design and exceptionally good sound quality. Mashable's Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel owns this herself, saying, "I'm obsessed with it. I think it should go on every gift guide." Read the full review of the Igloo KoolTunes Bluetooth Cooler.
Octobuddy Suction Phone Mount
This is more of a stocking stuffer, but it's a great one for wannabe influencers or anyone who's dreamed of going viral. Recommended by Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel, Octobuddy is simply a silicone phone case with a series of suction cups on the back. TikTok-obsessed teens will especially appreciate the simple design that makes filming GRWM videos way easier — we frequently see the Octobuddy mentioned in our In My Bag series.
Loop Earplugs
Multiple editors and writers on Mashable swear by these noise reduction earplugs, saying they've worn them to concerts, while traveling, and more as a way to cut back on excess sound without missing out on what's going on. One of our senior shopping reporters even brought them to the Beyonce Cowboy Carter tour — the ultimate test. The best Loop earplugs a great stocking stuffer, well-priced, and come in a range of styles and colors.
Mesa Gas Grill
One of the more frustrating parts of cooking on a grill is that it's hard to know what's going on in there without living the cover. Of course, doing so lets out heat and can slow cook times. Enter the Monument Mesa Grill, which has a clear viewing window built into the top. Werth says that both his father-in-law and uncle are obsessed with it. So, if you're searching for the best Christmas gifts for men, dads, or any pitmasters in the family, this will make you a Christmas hero.
Brooklinen Towels
There is something so luxurious about a brand-new set of bath towels that all match and feel wonderful. It's like a warm hug each time you get out of the shower. The ones from Brooklinen are particularly loved by our staff — our tech editor says, "I firmly believe that Brooklinen's Super-Plush towels are the best towels in the world, period. They're insanely fluffy yet dry faster than you expect."
Loftie Alarm Clock
What's old is new again with the famous Loftie smart alarm clock, which our staff loves for allowing them to ditch the screens while in bed. Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard owns this and says it's "a very pleasant alarm clock to wake up to." It's customizable, with nice-sounding alarm options and a built-in night light.
Ninja Luxe Café
After testing Ninja appliances for weeks, this is the one that Shopping Reporter Sam Mangino has made her own. The 3-in-1 machine can tackle espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew, and even has a built-in bean grinder. Mangino says she really loved this one because it "streamlines the process and cuts down on the learning curve." See how the Ninja Luxe Café fared on our list of the best Ninja appliances.
Owala FreeSip Water Bottle
Hydro Flask had her moment. We have now entered the Owala era. Almost everyone on Mashable's Shopping team has the Owala FreeSip, which reporter Sam Mangino dubbed the "best water bottle ever." The 24-ounce insulated stainless steel bottle is designed to accommodate both sipping (via straw) and good, ol' fashioned gulp when tipped back. For college students, athletes, teenagers, or anyone who drinks water, we think a colorful Owala is one of the best Christmas gift ideas of the year.
John Boos & Co. Cutting Board
"I love it so much," says Shopping Reporter Sam Mangino, who owns this cult-favorite maple cutting board. Made in the USA, each cutting board is a thing of beauty. It's no wonder Mangino keeps hers out on the counter at all times, as if it was a piece of artwork — because it is.
Kobo Libra Colour
Our staff loved the Kobo Libra Colour during testing, saying that it makes a really great alternative to the Amazon suite of products. The e-reader allows you to interact with the text and highlight passages in color (thus the name), making things like comic books and graphic novels a bit more enjoyable. Our reviewer said the ergonomics of the color e-reader are particularly good too, especially if you like to read in bed.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
We spend a lot of time testing headphones and earbuds, and we have no shortage of recommendations when it comes to this great stocking stuffer. Our staff swears by these Bose Ultra Open earbuds, saying they're really great for working out or going on walks while remaining aware of the world around you. Read more about the best open earbuds.
Solawave Wand
We're obsessed with this skincare wand, and after vigorous testing, have deemed it to be a Mashable Choice award winner. Our staff says that as far as beauty tools go, it's a great introduction to tech-powered skincare. It's not as effective as a red light mask and you have to be more diligent with the wand, but it will deliver that same experience at a fraction of the price. For all these reasons, we think it's one of the best Christmas gifts for women and teens in 2025.
Piecework Puzzles
If you only gift one puzzle this year, let it be one of these. "I'm a huge puzzle nerd, and I adore Piecework puzzles," says Deputy Shopping Editor Miller Kern. "All of the designs are super cute, and I have considered framing the ones I have." Others on the team agree. We love these puzzle for their bright photography and extra-thick pieces, which top out at 1,000.
KitchenAid Mixer
This countertop icon is a workhorse for at-home bakers and cooks. We're obsessed. I have one, and love that it takes the muscle out of things like mixing, whisking, and kneading. One of the best parts about owning a KitchenAid Mixer? All the attachments, allowing you to utilize that powerful little motor in new ways, like grinding meat and making pasta. There's a reason why it landed on our list of the best products you'll buy once and own for life.
Canon Ivy 2 Mini Printer
Deputy Shopping Editor Miller Kern owns this and loves it, and after hearing her rave about it, it's now on the top of my very own Christmas wishlist. The portable printer works with any compatible iOS and Android device, allowing you to print photos on demand directly from your smartphone. The best part is the sticky photo paper, making this a great Christmas gift for anyone who likes to journal or scrapbook.
DJI Mic Mini
This super small and ultralight wireless microphone would make a great Christmas gift for the creator, aspiring filmmaker, and podcast host in the family. Compatible with both iPhones and Androids (plus a host of cameras), these are the exact microphones that the Mashable social team used at VidCon. Highly recommend.
Rolling Garden Stool
Don't tell our moms, but at least one of them will be getting this for Christmas: a rolling garden cart with storage inside and a seat, so she can bop along weeding her garden without bending over so much. I feel pretty confident that she's gonna love it.
Personalized Family Member Sign Post
A member of our staff asserts that this is "probably the best gift I've ever given my mom." We can see why. For those with family members scattered all over the globe, this simple visual reminder of their whereabouts can make everyone feel just a little bit closer. Plus, personalized Christmas presents are always so thoughtful.
Bird Buddy
We have a feeling this might actually be the best ever Christmas gift for dads. Here's why: This bird feeder with a built-in camera takes birdwatching to a whole new level. The compatible app even includes AI-powered bird identification, a livestream, and alerts for when there's a visitor on the feeder. We're obsessed, and we have a feeling your dad will be too.
Moonbuddy Meditation Device for Kids
Anyone with kids knows that sleep can be hard to come by. We fell in love with this little gadget during testing, and now we're putting it at the top of our best Christmas gift ideas for kids. While Moonbird is designed for adults, Moonbuddy helps kids learn self-regulation, and it can be part of a calming bedtime routine and help ease stress. The secret is to have them match their breath to the handheld device.
The Charger by Counterpart
One of the year's best stocking stuffers, Counterpart's USB-C charger is made for anyone who juggles a lot of tech, likes to travel, or works remotely. The Charger "features a retractable cable that snakes up inside the device when it's not in use. That means no annoying cable cluttering up your desk, countertops, or bedroom. It's one of those ingenious product innovations that makes you wonder, 'Why aren't all chargers like this?'" Read our full review of The Charger.
Ninja Swirl
Our reporters maintain that the Ninja Swirl is "way more fun" than the more basic Creami, thanks in large part to the inclusion of a soft serve function. When Sam Mangino reviewed the Swirl, she loved it so much that she awarded it a coveted Mashable Choice, declaring, you'll "never have to leave the house for soft serve again." Read the full review of the Ninja Swirl.
Belkin Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Case
Our team loves this as an add-on to the popular Nintendo Switch 2, with one reporter calling it their favorite gaming accessory. The case makes it easier to take the Switch 2 on the road, since the hard shell exterior keeps it protected in the event of a drop. The best part, though, is being able to quickly charge the device anywhere you are. Read our full take on the Belkin Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Case.
Big Rock City from The Magic Puzzle Company
This puzzle brand was huge on TikTok this year, thanks in large part to the hidden Easter eggs and fun puzzle piece shapes. Each 1,000-piece puzzle comes with a secret envelope full of more pieces that you open once you've finished the puzzle. "It's a super fun concept and I have two, and bought one as a gift for my dad, who is also super into puzzles," says Kern.
Brightland Olive Oil Flight
Named one of Oprah's Favorite Things, we love these infused olive oils from Brightland for their yummy flavors and the aesthetically pleasing bottle designs. Specialty food items are such a great gift for people who love to cook, because it's the kind of thing they'll never splurge on for themselves (but secretly covet.) This set includes cold-pressed olive oils infused with chili, garlic, lemon, and basil.
Petlibro Polar automatic wet cat food feeder
Such a great smart home device for cat owners — and an incredible gift for the person who has a cat and also likes to take the occasional weekend getaway. The Petlibro Polar automatic wet cat food feeder keeps three days worth of wet food chilled and fresh, rotating its serving day on a set schedule. Shopping reporter and resident cat girlie Leah Stodart sang the praises of her Petlibro, writing that the "automatic wet cat food feeder is so comforting when I'm gone overnight." It's truly the gift that keeps on giving.
Rain Drum
We test (and love) all the latest gadgets and tech products, but sometimes it's nice to take a step back from all of that and tune into nature. This steel drum sits in the garden and plays a series of 11 notes each time it's hit with rain. (Pro tip: You could also bring it into the shower.) It's soothing, it's unique, and it makes for a great Christmas gift.
Apple Watch Series 11
Apple always releases new products in the fall, and they always dominate guides to the best Christmas gifts of the year. This year, we're recommending the upgraded Apple Watch Series 11, which offers critical improvements to the battery life.
A Lego lunch box
Sometimes, the simplest gifts are also the best gifts. If you have a Lego lover in your life, whether they're six or 36, liven up their lunchtime with this unironically cool Lego lunch box.
The Life of a Showgirl on vinyl
We're guessing you have at least one Swiftie on your holiday shopping list. So, don't overthink it: Get them something to add to their Taylor Swift shrine. While we've selected The Life of a Showgirl vinyl record, you can also buy one of the many other formats or albums. What does Swift love more than her new fiancé? Merchandise. Lots and lots of merchandise.
![The Life of a Showgirl [Sweat & Vanilla Perfume Orange Glitter Vinyl edition]](https://gamingcommission.club/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/05PYJ0mtOaDjlMP7dLFhZeZ/images-60.fill.size_205x256.v1761782637.jpg)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're looking to save money, then we recommend saving all of your big purchases for big sales events like Prime Big Deal Days (Oct. 7-8) and Black Friday-Cyber Monday 2025 (Nov. 28 to Dec. 1). Around Prime Big Deal Days, you can also take advantage of competitor sales like Target Circle Week and Best Buy's Techtober sale.
If you need to make a big purchase — laptops, smartphones, gaming consoles, electric cars, smart home gadgets, or home appliances — we may see price increases in the months ahead.
Here's what the experts say.
Dr. Tinglong Dai, a professor with the Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School, told Mashable that the tariff situation is extremely “dynamic.”
“A lot of tariffs we are talking about are really threats. When they actually materialize, or if they actually do, how long they are going to sustain could be super, super dynamic,” Dai said.
The experts we spoke to specifically warned about potential price increases on drones, wooden furniture, car parts, clothing and accessories, and even Christmas lights. However, Dai also said that potential price increases won’t be as high as the tariffs themselves, at least, not in the short term.
Professor Brett House with the Columbia Business Schoolwarned that consumer tech products could see average price increases of 20 percent in the short term. He added that large companies will be less vulnerable to supply chain issues, but that no tech business will be immune.
Tech products manufactured in China and Southeast Asia could be hardest hit. Unfortunately, that includes countless products. And in the last wave of tariffs, we reported on tariff-related price increases at Nintendo, Microsoft, and Walmart, and on specific products like Asus laptops, Anker chargers, and Xbox games.
This section has been edited and condensed from an earlier story explaining tariffs and price increases for consumers.
As Director of Special Projects, Nicole Cammorata helps guide Mashable's editorial innovations, licensing programs, and specialty series. Previously, she was the site's Executive Editor and its very first Shopping Editor before that. Nicole is also Mashable's resident gifting expert and gets a thrill out of helping readers find the perfect present. She received a B.S. in Journalism from Boston University and an MFA in fiction writing from The New School. She lives in Maine with her husband, their two young children, and a backyard full of flowers.
Miller Kern is the Deputy Editor of Shopping and Reviews at Mashable, where she writes and edits reviews, roundups, deals, and news stories about tech products, including headphones, skincare devices, laptops, sex toys, e-readers, robot vacuums, and more. She's been covering all things shopping and tech, including shopping holidays like Prime Day and Black Friday, for Mashable since 2019. Miller can tell you which products are actually worth your money. She also explores trends in the shopping sphere, such as dupes and viral TikTok moments.
Haley Henschel is a Chicago-based Senior Shopping Reporter at Mashable who reviews and finds deals on popular tech, from laptops to gaming consoles and VPNs. She has years of experience covering shopping holidays and can tell you what’s actually worth buying on Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Her work has also explored the driving forces behind digital trends within the shopping sphere, from dupes to 12-foot skeletons.
Bethany Allard is a Los Angeles-based shopping reporter at Mashable covering beauty tech, dating, sex and relationships, and headphones. That basically means she puts her hair through a lot, scrolls through a lot of dating apps, and rotates through a lot of different headphones. In addition to testing out and rounding up the best products, she also covers deals for Mashable, paying an especially obsessive amount of attention to Apple deals and prices. That knowledge comes in handy when she's covering shopping holidays like Prime Day and Black Friday, which she's now done for three years at Mashable.
Timothy Beck Werth is the Tech Editor at Mashable, where he leads coverage and assignments for the Tech and Shopping verticals. Tim has over 15 years of experience as a journalist and editor, and he has particular experience covering and testing consumer technology, smart home gadgets, and men’s grooming and style products. Previously, he was the Managing Editor and then Site Director of SPY.com, a men's product review and lifestyle website. As a writer for GQ, he covered everything from bull-riding competitions to the best Legos for adults, and he’s also contributed to publications such as The Daily Beast, Gear Patrol, and The Awl.
Tim studied print journalism at the University of Southern California. He currently splits his time between Brooklyn, NY and Charleston, SC. He's currently working on his second novel, a science-fiction book.
Boston-based Shopping Reporter, Samantha Mangino, covers all things tech at Mashable, rounding up the best products and deals. She’s covered commerce for three years, spending extensive time testing and reviewing all things home, including couches, steam irons, and washing machines. She thoroughly vets products and internet trends, finding out if those cozy gamer chairs are really as comfortable as TikTok claims.
