The most wanted splurge gifts

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 A big gift that doesn't feel over the top, and it's something they'll use for many years.

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

Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise Canceling Headphones

Wanted for Making the open-plan office vanish.

Top-tier noise-canceling headphones built for long flights, loud commutes, and anyone with a noisy house. It's a serious splurge, but one they'll use every single day.

Why it's here Our pick for a truly excellent everyday luxury. It's a gift they'll be grateful for on every flight.

Let it slide if They only listen at the gym. Earbuds would suit them better.

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.

Why it's here It's silly and wonderful, and that's the very definition of a splurge they'd never make for themselves.

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

Ooni Koda 12 Gas Pizza Oven

Wanted for Reaching temperatures that a home oven only dreams about.

A compact gas-powered outdoor oven that cooks a pizza in about a minute. It's a big-ticket gift that turns into a whole hobby, plus it gets everyone invited over to their place.

Let it slide if They've got nowhere safe to use it outdoors.

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.

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine

Wanted for Paying for itself in roughly a hundred avoided lattes.

An all-in-one espresso machine with a built-in grinder that gets beginners making real espresso at home. It's a major gift best split between family members, and there's a learning curve.

Let it slide if They want coffee in a hurry. This one takes practice.

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.

Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

Wanted for Fixing things before anyone realized they were broken.

A full-size pocket multi-tool from a brand with a great reputation and a long warranty. It's the kind of tool that gets carried for decades and eventually handed down.

Let it slide if They mostly need it for desk life. Try something smaller.

Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker

Wanted for Blending frozen pints into ice cream with alarming ease.

A countertop machine that turns frozen bases into ice cream, sorbet, or high-protein treats. It's a real splurge, but also a popular one for people who want to control what goes in their dessert.

Let it slide if Their kitchen has no counter or freezer room to spare.

Meta Quest 3S VR Headset

Wanted for Sending the whole living room into another dimension.

A standalone VR headset that needs no PC or console. It's the most accessible way into virtual reality, and it's a real showstopper for a big family gift. Check Meta's age requirements for younger players.

Let it slide if They get motion sick easily, or don't have room to move around.