Win Christmas with these crowd-pleasers — from an all-new Squishmallows to personalized gifts that pack a punch.(Photo Illustration: Amanda Garrity/Yahoo News; Getty)
There's nothing quite like the feeling of giving a great Christmas gift. And while, yes, I'm a bit of ahead of the game with this list of gift ideas, this year's hottest picks will be long gone by the time Santa comes to town. So, if you don't want to risk missing out on buzzy buys from Squishmallows, Lego and more beloved brands, then consider this list of the best Christmas gifts my (very) early present to you.
I've got all the bases covered down below, from hard-to-please tweens and teens to the grandparents who have it all. Eyeing something special for your mom or dad? Forget the Jelly of the Month Club nonsense and go with a top-selling back massager or towel warmer. What about a Christmas gift for your, um, very particular sister? Tap into the trends and get her something from Starface or Kendra Scott.
Grouped by recipient for easier shopping, this curated Christmas gift guide will help you find the perfect present for everyone on your list — from men and women of all ages to the kids that they're raising and all the loved ones in between. Picks start under $10, so you may find some solid stocking stuffers in the mix!
In this guide, gift ideas are broken up into the following categories: Trending Christmas gifts | Best Christmas gifts for men | Best Christmas gifts for women | Best Christmas gifts for toddlers and kids | Best Christmas gifts for tweens and teens
His life is one for the books, so tap Wonderbly to help you put it in print. Submit his name and birthday (down to the year), then they'll fill the pages with The Washington Post headlines from the past. He's bound to recognize a few of the biggest stories (like if his birthday coincides with the first moon landing), but others are sure to be a surprise.
While, yes, you could always attempt (key word: attempt) to give him a shoulder rub, this electric massager will be more effective in working out his knots and kinks. Drape it over the shoulders or position it somewhere along the waist, then adjust between three different speeds. "This deep-tissue massage hurts and heals in equal measure," one relaxed reviewer raved.
This bestselling beanie pulls double duty. Not only will it keep your guy nice and toasty when the temps dip, but it'll light his way when he walks the dog, takes out the trash or tackles some chores after work. He'll get eight hours of light on a single charge, then he can power it up with a basic USB charger before his next after-hours adventure.
The next time she jet-sets — or hits the gym — she can carry all her belongings in this lightweight weekender (which weighs in at just over two pounds). The exterior is made out of water- and scratch-resistant material, plus it has a separate shoe compartment and eight other pockets.
Commerce Writer Sarah Weldon says it's changed the way she's traveled, if you're looking for more in-depth reasoning to spoil your sister with this bag.
This ridiculously cool puzzle cube has 36 magnets and can be configured into over 70 different shapes for hours of entertainment. It comes in 21 bright patterns and is currently on sale for as low as we've ever seen it.
Kids can squish and stretch this glittery sensory toy to their heart's content, then watch it return back to its normal teardrop shape. "It's satisfying to hold and squish without being *too* squishy. There is a slight firmness to it that makes it really satisfying to squeeze and even to roll between your hands," one happy customer wrote. Just keep in mind that you can't pick a color when you place your order, so it'll be a pleasant surprise for everyone involved.
Your handyman is about to get a whole lot, well, handier. The next time they're doing a project around the house, they can slip on this wristband to keep nails, screws and drill bits within arm's reach. Thousands of Amazon shoppers say it's a must in any toolbox, including one reviewer who bought it for her husband and raved that it "saves him trips back and forth and he doesn't have to worry about screws or nails falling to the ground."
They already know and love Taco Goat Cheese Pizza, so why don't you add this Christmas-themed version to their game night rotation? The rules are the same, but players embrace the spirit of the season by saying "Santa," "Cookie," "Elf," "Candy" and "Snowman" instead. Best of all: It's perfect for ages 8 and up, so the whole family can get in on the festive fun.
Who it's for: Lego lovers of all ages (well, ages 9 and up)
Why I picked it: Smiles will bloom as they build these baby dracaena and pilea plants. The pots are the real star of the show in this 217-piece set — they're interchangeable, so your budding builder can choose which face best suits each miniature green. "Probably the easiest Lego set I've ever done. Took me maybe 20 minutes in total to put together," one green-thumbed builder raved.
Who it's for: Tweens, teens or older beauty lovers who like having options
Why I picked it: Ask any teen and they'll tell you that Sol de Janeiro makes their favorite scents. Cheirosa 62 is the brand's biggest seller — it's sweet, nutty and as warm as the Brazilian sunshine that inspired it. This gift set features a travel-size version, along with four other fragrance minis — some are full-on floral, others are full of sugar and spice.
Who it's for: Those who want to finally get in on the trend
Why I picked it: Nope, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you: Amazon finally carries Labubus — no Lafufus here! They've been pretty impossible to get for most of the year, but these polarizing plushies are just as hot as ever. Jury's out on whether they're cute (I'll keep my thoughts to myself), but even I can't deny that ripping open a foil to unveil a new collectible is a worth-it dopamine driver.
Who it's for: Bakers and cooks who say the kitchen is their happy place
Why I picked it: I know, I know, this stand mixer costs a pretty penny, but it is hands-down one of the most useful Christmas gifts you can give. It's more than a statement piece; it's a culinary rite of passage that'll help even the most novice home chefs whip up homemade breads, pastas, sweet treats and just about anything else that needs a good mixin' for years to come. Last year, the brand dropped its first-ever stand mixer with a wooden bowl — and this porcelain number is all-new for the 2025 holiday season.
Who it's for: Golfers with a good sense of humor
Why I picked it: These silly socks are for the guy who's on par for greatness, but his golf skills aren't PGA-worthy just yet. Alright, I'm not saying they paint an all-too-familiar picture of your golfer on the green, but I'm also not saying that they don't. Stuff 'em in his stocking for an easy laugh or include them in a bundle with a bunch of actually useful golf gifts for something a bit more well-rounded.
Who it's for: The woman who wants to open a little yellow box on Christmas morning
Why I picked it: Trust me, a little sparkle goes a long way — and this piece is proof. It's been a decade since its debut, but this Kendra Scott stunner gets hotter by the year, with Google searches increasing by 175% in 2024. There's a good chance she has one already (hey, the brand says it sells one necklace every minute!), but even if that's the case, you can choose from one of the other color combos — from this understated rose quartz beauty to more daring statements.
Who it's for: The woman itching for some quality R&R
Why I picked it: Because her skin-care routine shouldn't start and stop at her face. Simply slip on the shea butter-infused gloves and rub in any visible product after the 10 minutes is up to reveal smoother, softer hands. "This is a godsend for my hands. I wish they had one body-sized," one soft-skinned shopper wrote. A tip: Snag each mask for under $4 a pop in this four-pack and divvy them up between stockings!
Who it's for: The woman who has it all (or so she thinks)
Why I picked it: Towel warmers are the epitome of affordable luxury — a simple way to elevate the everyday. This top-rated pick turns any bathroom into a home spa by heating two oversized towels or robes at a time. She can even set a timer so it's ready to go as soon as she hops out of the shower.
Who it's for: Squishmallows fans who always want the latest and greatest
Why I picked it: Alright, I know their Squishmallows collection is probably out of control by now, but how can you pass up an all-new release? This adorable tie-dye bear is dropping just in time for the holidays, so there's a good chance your kid won't even know about it. Pre-order it ASAP to guarantee on-time arrival, then rest easy knowing you're winning Christmas this year.
Who it's for: School-age kids obsessed with Stitch
Why I picked it: More than 20 years after the release of Disney's Lilo & Stitch, the fuzzy blue alien is still capturing hearts. This little guy has become even more popular in the last year due to the movie's live-action remake, and there are tons of new toys and games to show for it. This craft kit is one of the coolest releases I've seen — kids ages 4 and up can poke fabric squares through the holes of foam characters, then put the colorful creations on display. Kids will work on their fine motor skills; parents will breathe a sigh of relief since it's basically mess-free.
Not sure whether Stitch is totally their speed? There are tons of kits to choose from — princesses, flower bouquets, underwater animals and more.
Who it's for: Young creatives who want to bring their art to life
Why I picked it: Kids can turn basic doodles into 3D creations. Crank up the speed to fill something in or dial it back when working on itty-bitty details. "Once we figured out how to operate it (starting, switching filament, pausing, stopping and cleaning), we were on roll," one happy parent wrote. "My son is into Super Mario so we are making all the characters from the game."
While you're at it, pick up a pack of filament refills at Amazon so your crafter doesn't run out anytime soon.
Who it's for: The too-cool-for-school teen who is still just a kid
Why I picked it: When in doubt, go with a gift that'll really quack them up. Give this light-up duck a pat on the back to adjust between three brightness levels or set a 30-minute timer. I get it: They're too big for a nightlight (or so they claim), but who can resist a bedside companion as cute as this little guy?
Who it's for: Gamers who are looking for something new
Why I picked it: Card games are cooler than ever right now. UNO and Monopoly Deal are the heavy-hitters, but let me introduce you to the newest kid on the block: Flip 7, a fast-paced game where you try to reach 200 points without getting any duplicate cards. It's all about the luck of the draw — sure, there's strategy involved, but it's really a test of how badly you want to press your luck. More than 10,000 Amazon shoppers picked up a deck in the last month alone, and I bet that number will go up by the time the holidays roll 'round.
Who it's for: The ones who accessorize with pimple patches
Why I picked it: Giving acne products as gifts is usually a hard no for me, but pimple patches are now seen as a badge of honor for the younger generations. Inside this fuzzy, limited-edition case, they'll find a lip balm and 32 star-shaped patches that are just as cute as they are effective. The clear ones are best for surface-level pimples, but the blue stars tackle deeper clogged pores and, ya know, make a splashier statement.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Your go-to shopping guide: See all of our gift guides in one spot. We've got gift ideas for all the different people in your life — men, women, kids, you name it.
The best Christmas gifts you can buy in 2025, according to an expert
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