The most wanted Christmas gifts of 2026

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

Wanted for Making 'I don't have time to read' a much harder excuse.

A glare-free e-reader that holds thousands of books, runs for weeks on a charge, and slips into a coat pocket. It's easy on the eyes in bed and on a sunny beach, which a phone can't claim.

Why it's here Nice to unwrap, and useful long after the holidays. Often discounted around Black Friday.

Let it slide if They love the feel of paper and have told you so more than once.

The Comfy Original Wearable Blanket

Wanted for Being a blanket with sleeves and showing no remorse.

A giant sherpa-lined hoodie that fits almost anyone, so you can skip the sizing guesswork. It looks ridiculous for about ten seconds, and then whoever's wearing it refuses to take it off.

Why it's here It'll be on before the wrapping paper is in the trash. There's something about this gift and Christmas morning.

Let it slide if They run hot and sleep with a fan on in December.

LEGO Botanicals Flower Bouquet

Wanted for Staying alive long after real flowers would have given up.

A buildable bouquet that gives adults an evening of quiet focus and a display piece afterward. It looks surprisingly elegant in a vase and never needs watering.

Why it's here Gives everyone something to do during the long, quiet stretch after lunch on Christmas Day.

Let it slide if They don't enjoy following instructions, even the fun kind.

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

Wanted for Refusing to let a cup of coffee go cold.

A heated mug that holds a drink at the exact temperature set in its app. It's a luxury nobody buys for themselves, which is what makes it such a reliable gift for anyone who forgets their coffee on the desk.

Let it slide if They finish every cup in five minutes.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera

Wanted for Printing evidence of the party on the spot.

A simple instant camera that spits out credit-card-size prints in seconds. It's easy enough for anyone to use, and it brings a little magic to birthdays, trips, and dorm walls. Add an extra pack of film.

Let it slide if They'd be annoyed by the ongoing cost of film.

JBL Clip 5 Bluetooth Speaker

Wanted for Clipping onto a backpack and starting the party anyway.

A pocket-size waterproof speaker with a built-in carabiner. It works in the shower, on a bike, or at the beach, and it sounds far bigger than its size suggests.

Let it slide if You're shopping for someone who already owns three speakers.

Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit

Wanted for Bringing a campfire to the patio table with minimal smoke.

A small stainless fire pit that burns pellets or wood and sits right on an outdoor table. It's an easy way to make an ordinary night outside feel like an occasion, and s'mores are hard to argue with.

Let it slide if They don't have an outdoor space to use it in.

Magna-Tiles Clear Colors 32-Piece Set

Wanted for Keeping children quiet for suspiciously long stretches.

Colorful magnetic tiles that click together into towers, houses, and whatever else a kid dreams up. They're easy to use, tough, and stay in rotation for years rather than days.

Let it slide if They're under three. Check the age label before you buy.

Ticket to Ride Board Game

Wanted for Blocking your route to Denver out of pure spite.

A beginner-friendly game about building train routes across a map of North America. It's easy to learn and plays well with two, which makes it a great gift for couples and families.

Let it slide if They've got a shelf full of board games. They probably own it already.

Therabody Theragun Mini Massage Gun

Wanted for Hunting down the knot between their shoulder blades.

A compact percussive massager that's small enough for a gym bag. It's a great gift for anyone who sits all day, lifts on weekends, or complains about their back at dinner.

Let it slide if They need deep, full-power treatment for serious training. Look at a larger model.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Throw

Wanted for Being suspiciously soft for something that costs that much.

A plush throw blanket that's a favorite in luxury gift guides for good reason. It's far softer than anything most people would buy for themselves, and it holds up to regular washing.

Let it slide if They're happy with a $20 fleece. Don't tell them the price.

UNO Show 'em No Mercy

Wanted for Taking a harmless family game and removing all the safety rails.

A brutal version of UNO with extra-punishing cards like Draw 10. Everybody already knows the basics, so you can start playing right away and start resenting each other shortly after.

Let it slide if Someone in the family takes game night a little too personally.

Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle

Wanted for Solving the sip-or-swig debate with one lid.

An insulated bottle with a built-in straw and a wide opening for big gulps. It comes in a long list of colors and is the kind of everyday upgrade people use until the paint wears off.

Let it slide if They're fiercely loyal to the giant cup with the handle.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Wanted for Keeping people up until 3 a.m. for one more chapter.

A funny, propulsive science-fiction novel about a lone astronaut trying to save Earth. It's one of the easiest books to recommend to nearly anyone, including people who 'don't read sci-fi'.

Let it slide if They've already read it. Most sci-fi fans have.

MEATER Plus Wireless Meat Thermometer

Wanted for Taking all the guessing out of the Thanksgiving turkey.

A wireless probe that sends the meat's temperature to a phone app while it cooks. It's a great gift for anyone who loves the grill or smoker and likes a gadget to go with it.

Let it slide if They're proud of cooking by feel and will tell you all about it.