The Verge’s 2025 holiday gift guide

Whether your giftee likes to rock out to Sabrina Carpenter or Stravinsky, the AirPods Pro 3 deliver. Apple’s latest pair of earbuds offer improved ANC and sound, a more comfortable design, and real-time fitness tracking courtesy of a new heart rate sensor. That makes them well suited for more than just listening to tunes.

Most people don’t want to wrangle cables… and who can blame them? Not us, which is why several folks at The Verge own Baseus’ handy, retractable USB-C option. The Free2Pull comes in two sizes, each of which conveniently pulls the excess cable into a small puck that’s far tidier and easier to manage than a loose cord.

Ray-Ban’s latest smart glasses are kind of like having a phone built directly into a pair of shades. You can use them snap 12-megapixel stills, record short-form video, listen to music, and take calls, all without having to pull out your phone. Plus, this time around, you can actually use them for a full day without the batteries dying.

A level is an essential tool for DIYers, and none is more foolproof than Franklin’s 12-inch Light Level. The magnetic device turns red when it’s crooked and green when it’s level, so you don’t have to rely solely on a bubble vial. It also runs on a single AA battery and can be seen from almost every angle, regardless of how bright it might be outside.

Cassettes, like some other physical media formats, are having a moment. We Are Rewind is capitalizing on that fact with a modern aluminum deck that looks Walkman-esque but comes equipped USB-C charging, Bluetooth 5.1, and a rechargeable battery that provides up to 12 hours of continuous playback.

Despite its terrible name, Govee’s Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL really is a great smart lamp / Bluetooth speaker combo. The jazzy, color-changing lamp features individually controllable LEDs that can sync with your music and other Govee lights, as well as more than 100 preset scenes tailored toward reading or hosting your next shindig.

Two things most people need at some point are a flashlight and a Bluetooth tracker. So why not gift both devices at once? The FlashFinder is a rechargeable, 300-lumen light outfitted with a magnetic mount you can track via Apple’s Find My network, so you never have to worry about trying to find the flashlight — or your keys — again.

Wes Anderson’s directing style is so distinct that it’s spawned a series of books dedicated to its aesthetic. The Wes Anderson Archive collects all of his films from Bottle Rocket through The French Dispatch in a single box set. The 20-disc trove includes every film on Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray, plus more than 25 hours of special features and 10 illustrated booklets containing essays and interviews.

At this point, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better Android watch than the Pixel Watch 4. Google’s latest wearable upped the ante with a handsome domed display, all-around better battery life, and improved activity tracking. You also get dual-frequency GPS and access to Gemini, which is accessible via a surprisingly natural raise-to-talk gesture.

Silksong is the long-awaited sequel to one of the most lauded Metroidvanias of all time. It’s an unrelenting game that requires patience, often requiring you to replay sections in an effort to learn how to defeat a boss or avoid a pesky hazard. You may have to take breaks, but the beauty of Silksong is that it often inspires you to give tough sections “just one more try.”

A lot of smart home gifts are clever, but few feel as personal as the Aura Ink. The 13.3-inch E Ink display looks more akin to a traditional frame, complete with a cordless design, yet you can update it with photos via an easy-to-use companion app. The low-tech panel also offers monthslong battery life, so you needn’t worry about keeping it charged like everything else.

A massage gun is the kind of gift that keeps on giving. When muscles and tendons are tight or sore, the three-speed Theragun Mini serves as a quick and easy remedy, allowing your giftee to get on with their day with less discomfort. The latest model is slightly smaller than prior iterations, making what was already an ultra-portable device even more compact.

Hoto’s rechargeable screwdriver is great for making small repairs. It features three torque modes with a rotational speed of up to 220rpm, as well as a circular LED for illuminating dark spaces. The durable case holds all 25 steel bits and an extension bar for getting into hard-to-reach places.

Instant cameras let us live in the moment more than phones can, and the Polaroid Flip is one of our favorite models. The vintage-look shooter greatly reduces the likelihood of wasted film with four auto-changing lenses, sonar-powered autofocusing, and other handy features. Just make sure to grab some black-and-white or color I-Type film to go with it.

Quince’s Small Carry-On Suitcase is made of a tough polycarbonate shell and features a TSA-approved lock, so you can keep would-be thieves at bay. It also has 40L of internal storage — enough to house five to seven outfits — plus 360-degree wheels, allowing you to skip baggage claim and effortlessly roll it through the terminal.

A desk pad is a simple, affordable way to elevate your entire setup. Twelve South’s is made from soft vegan leather that’s comfortable and looks great, with a textured surface that provides subtle resistance for more precise mouse movements. And, like any good pad, it protects your workspace from dings and spills while keeping accessories in place.

Amazon gave its Kindle lineup a much-needed jolt with the introduction of the Kindle Colorsoft last year, its first color E Ink ebook reader. Now it’s back with a cheaper 16GB model that offers many of the same perks, including up to eight weeks of battery life and a 7-inch display that’s great for comics and graphic novels.

With a sharp rotating blade, Worx’s electric scissors make light work of tougher materials, including quarter-inch plastic, fabric, leather, and cardboard. A safety switch ensures it doesn’t unintentionally turn on, too, while a blade guard can help prevent an unwanted trip to the emergency room.

Anker’s Nano Travel Adapter is a versatile charger for globe-trotters. It features four plug types, providing compatibility in over 200 countries, along with an AC connector, two USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports. The adapter is also relatively tiny — each plug type either extends / retracts or folds up — so it’s easy to slot into your bag.

They say variety is the spice of life, which makes the Good Hurt Fuego box doubly so. Thoughtfully’s 20-pack of tiny hot sauce bottles includes flavors like cilantro jalapeño, bacon cayenne, and ghost pepper. Each bottle contains 0.7 fluid ounces of sauce, which is enough to get a taste before you lather them on your favorite pair of wings, Hot Ones-style.

Don’t get tripped up by the “poetry” part — the Magnetic Poetry Kit is really just about having fun with words. The Original Edition comes with more than 300 magnetic tiles to mix and match, allowing you to cover your fridge with random thoughts, inside jokes, and other carefully chosen creations.

Powerful power banks don’t have to be cumbersome. Iniu’s 10,000mAh P50 is about as thick as a deck of cards, but features 45W charging speeds, two USB-C ports, and one USB-A port. Its braided lanyard also doubles as a USB-C cable, providing everything you need to keep all of your electronics fully juiced on the go.

Know someone who has recently joined the pickleball revolution? Meet the Selkirk Nexus Max, a durable fiberglass paddle with a cushioned grip and a large sweet spot, one that allows even beginners to hit the ball with more control and consistency. The attractive color combos are just an added plus.

Bentoheaven’s stackable bento box is slicker than most lunch bags. It comes with two large, 7.3-inch containers, a divider to help keep foods separated, and a smaller container for stashing snacks. The top bin even has a compartment in its lid for utensils, and a velcro strap prevents the bento from opening in your bag.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 breaks the mold of classic RPGs. The story is just as grandiose and gripping as the best Final Fantasy games, but by allowing you to dodge and parry every enemy attack, it flips more traditional turn-based combat on its head. Then there’s the score and visually striking world, both of which are just as refreshing to behold.

The Notes app is great, but sometimes pen and paper are where it’s at. Field Notes are small enough to fit in your pocket or a small bag, yet spacious enough to house all your big ideas and errant thoughts. The “Flora” Edition can even add a much-needed pop of color to any desk setup.

Just because GuliKit’s ES Pro costs significantly less than Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pro Controller doesn’t mean it’s cheaply made. It’s equipped with anti-drift TMR joysticks with adjustable sensitivity, an eight-direction D-pad, and the rare ability to wake the Switch 2. Not bad for a gamepad that retails for a third of the price.

The FreeSip Sway features an attractive, contoured design that’s comfortable to hold with one hand; however, unlike previous Owala bottles, it tapers at the bottom, allowing you to stash it in your car’s cupholder. The reusable bottle also features a bucket handle, a push-button lid, and a dual-function spout with a straw for sipping and a wider opening for big gulps.

Let’s face it, going with the base-model iPhone used to mean you were giving up some key features. Not anymore. Apple’s latest iPhone is outfitted with a 120Hz screen for smoother gaming and scrolling, an always-on display, double the base storage, and the same 18MP ”Center Stage” camera found in the iPhone Air and 17 Pro.

The Switch 2 is arguably the best gaming handheld available — especially now that it’s actually, truly available. Nintendo’s latest hybrid console packs a larger 7.9-inch 1080p display, magnetic Joy-Con controllers, and a host of other minor, albeit welcome improvements that build upon what was already a winning formula in our book.

Lego’s latest replica of the UCS Death Star is a true sight to behold. The intricate 9,023-piece kit is loaded with iconic corridors and compartments, along with enough minifigs to reenact your favorite scenes from Star Wars and Return of the Jedi. No wonder it’s the most expensive Lego set ever sold, coming in at an eye-watering $1,000.

The original LifeStraw was designed for those heading into the backcountry. The new LifeStraw Sip? Not so much. The reusable steel straw is geared more toward travelers than outdoor enthusiasts, though fortunately it still manages to remove about 99.99 percent of microplastics, bacteria, and parasites from your drinking water.

They might cost $50 more than their predecessor, but the latest iteration of Sony’s best-in-class noise-canceling headphones deliver on every front. The WH-1000XM6 make subtle improvements to every facet, from sound quality to ANC performance, while wisely bringing back the foldable design last seen on the XM4.

Using an ice cube in a cocktail will keep it cool, but the melting ice will steadily dilute the flavor. Thankfully, a set of proper whiskey glasses can save your spirits. When chilled, Liiton’s dishwasher-safe Mount Everest crystal can cool your drink in under a minute, letting you enjoy your latest concoction at your own pace.

Thanks to an excellent combo of power and portability, Asus’ latest ROG Zephyrus G14 is the gaming laptop to beat. It’s thin and light enough to shove in a backpack, yet powerful enough to tackle modern games at the highest settings. Its 14-inch, 120Hz OLED screen is fast and easy on the eyes, too, making it a great everyday laptop.

The Vestaboard Note features over 2,800 mechanical flaps that flip to reveal letters and symbols, just like the vintage split-flap displays once found in old train stations. Each flap can display one of 64 alphanumeric characters and a range of symbols, letting you drop quotes, schedule love notes, and set reminders using the web interface or mobile app.

What’s the point of a clippable zip-up bag this small? Basically, you can use it to stash anything you would otherwise put in your pocket but fear slipping out. That includes chapstick, cash, cards, earbuds, you name it. Just be sure to leave the actual street tacos at your local tienda.

Remarkable’s first pocket-friendly device is essentially what you would get if you were to split last year’s Paper Pro in half. The slim note-taking device boasts weekslong battery life and a 7.3-inch color E Ink display, which, despite offering a slower refresh rate than a Kindle, is known for producing more vibrant and accurate colors.

Noco’s GBX45 is made for times when a friend — or stranger — is nowhere to be found. The handy 1250A jump starter allows you to revive a dead battery without hooking it up to another car, whether you’re working with a gas or diesel engine. It also provides up to 60W of power via USB-C, so you can charge other gadgets in an emergency.

Telepathic Instruments’ retrofuturist keyboard is a vibes machine, one designed for people who want to easily produce cool sounds. It only houses a few piano keys, but it has dedicated major, minor, and other inputs that let you get creative without necessarily having to know how to play.

The Google TV Streamer (4K) isn’t just for bingeing shows in 4K with Dolby Atmos — it also doubles as a smart home hub with support for Matter and Thread. That means you can use Google’s latest streamer to control your smart lights, adjust the temperature of your home, and view livestreams from connected cameras, all using an incredibly snappy panel.

We don’t test a lot of small-form-factor PCs at The Verge, but Framework’s first was too enticing to pass up. It’s easy to assemble and void of unwanted bloatware, and while you could certainly build a more powerful Windows machine if you wanted, the Framework Desktop still offers some serious gaming and content creation chops within a delightful 4.5-liter package.

Everyone needs a good tote bag. Patagonia’s Black Hole offering is made from a recycled ripstop that can shrug off rain and everyday wear and tear. It’s an excellent go bag for a weekend getaway, with a large main compartment, a small interior pocket, and exterior daisy chain webbing that allows you to easily tack on extra gear.

Sony’s Bravia 8 II was voted the top TV of 2025 by a panel of experts — including our own Nilay Patel. The dazzling QD-OLED has a 120Hz panel, terrific AI processing for image optimization, and support for Dolby Vision. It also features support for both Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as Apple’s AirPlay 2 and Google’s intuitive TV interface.

Anker’s Laptop Power Bank is a lifesaver for anyone on the go. It boasts a beefy 25,000mAh capacity and a total output of up to 165W, allowing you to charge a MacBook Pro to 50 percent in less than 30 minutes. The portable battery also features two built-in USB-C cables, one of which is retractable, so you needn’t worry about tossing yet another cable in your bag.

Leatherman’s Skeletool CX comes with a 25-year warranty and all the basics you need for everyday use. The convenient multitool conceals a sturdy steel blade, a pair of pliers, and a large bit driver within its compact build, which easily slides into your pocket. It’s the kind of gadget that proves you don’t need every tool under the sun just to get the job done.

Lego delivered a gigantic dose of nostalgia with a near-perfect replica of Nintendo’s 1989 handheld. The 421-piece set captures the Game Boy’s many buttons, grilles, and curves remarkably well, while the lenticular screen inserts give the illusion of a working unit. It even comes with several brick-ified cartridges you insert into a slot in the back.

BioLite’s versatile lighting kit comes with six hangable bulbs and six “hammer-proof” stakes, so you can set the ambiance at your campsite or even illuminate a workspace. The included solar-powered charging case can recharge each bulb twice, providing extended use when you’re off the grid, and each weatherproof bulb provides up to 20 hours of continuous use per charge.

Forget Mario Kart World — Donkey Kong Bananza is the first killer exclusive for the Switch 2. The game’s crowning achievement is its destructible environments, which you can crash and smash your way through as you collect gems. And don’t worry, you’ll still use DK’s fists to clock plenty of foes as you go.

The NASA-inspired Genki Moonbase functions as a 240W GaN charging station, one capable of powering up to seven devices simultaneously via three AC outlets and four side-mounted USB-C ports. The bigger draw, though, is that each outlet can display one of eight mesmerizing colors, providing a bit of style and substance.

Vantage isn’t your typical open-world exploration game. It’s a sci-fi roguelike that has you traversing an alien planet alongside up to five players, each of whom must solve puzzles and complete their mission before their time, morale, or health runs out. It’s not as charming as Stonemaier’s award-winning Wingspan, but it is far more interesting.

Twelve South’s AirFly Pro 2 can amp up the sound quality of in-flight entertainment, making it a handy tool for frequent travelers. The long-lasting Bluetooth adapter can sync with two pairs of wireless earbuds or headphones simultaneously, allowing you and your partner to share a movie, podcast, or music without relying on the shoddy earbuds most airlines provide.

Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters was a runaway success thanks to a soundtrack of chart-topping earworms, including bangers like “Soda Pop,” “Golden,” and “Your Idol.” If streaming the tunes isn’t satisfying enough for you (or your kids), Republic Records has also released them in several physical formats, including both vinyl and CD.

Petcube’s rechargeable, 57-ounce fountain is a useful gift for busy cat parents. Its four-layer filtration system removes bacteria and other impurities from drinking water, and it only runs when your cat is nearby to conserve battery life. The accompanying mobile app will alert you when it’s time to replace the filter, too, making it easy to stay on top of.

Eno’s DoubleNest is perfect for lounging in the backyard or in the woods, as it’s roomy enough for two adults and features a built-in pocket for stashing a book, phone, or drink. The fast-drying nylon hammock also has an integrated stuff sack, though you will need to pick a pair of straps separately if your giftee doesn’t own any.

If you ever wished you could set up a (somewhat) legit ice cream shop at home, there’s the Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl. The clever 2-in-1 machine can spin up soft serve and traditional hard scoops in a few easy steps, not to mention creamy milkshakes, gelato, and frozen yogurt. Plus, it doesn’t require you to leave a tip, which is a rarity in this day and age.

Lapsed fans of Guitar Hero can dust off their skills with PDP’s Riffmaster, a newer guitar controller that’s compatible with rhythm games like Rock Band 4 and Fortnite Festival. It has a wireless range of 30 feet, and its fretboard is collapsible, which is convenient if your gig is at a friend’s house. It even has a 3.5mm audio jack so you can shred late into the night without disturbing your neighbors.

Camp Snap’s rechargeable digital camera is more about vibes than it is cutting-edge features. It draws inspiration from the iconic Super 8 models of the 1970s, and as such, it lacks a screen. Still, it can record with a filter applied (or not) and in multiple aspect ratios, including those fit for the big screen and social media.

You’ve heard of procedurally generated video games, but how about procedurally generated paper dungeon crawlers? Each 60-page Dungeon Notebook is completely unique and requires nothing other than a six-sided die and a pencil, which give you the means to navigate a variety of floors filled with coins, baddies, and heart containers.

It’s still hard believe the Amazfit Active 2 retails for less than $100. The humble smartwatch includes everything from offline navigation and voice commands to a strength training mode that can auto-detect sets, reps, and rest periods. It also features a vivid OLED display and a super stylish watchface — which isn’t something often associated with affordable fitness trackers.

Traveling with a dedicated router can make connecting all your devices to public Wi-Fi that much easier, regardless of your location. TP-Link’s latest model offers Wi-Fi 7 speeds and allows you to connect up to 90 devices at once, which should be more than enough to accommodate the entire family. Its ability to connect to over 35 different VPN providers is just a plus.

Bellroy’s Venture Sling is a stylish pack that provides ample storage for your everyday carry. It features a front pocket with a key clip, an internal soft-lined pouch, and several nooks for stowing larger items. The adjustable shoulder strap can also be detached from either end, making it easy to remove regardless of how you wear it.

The Backbone Pro might be the most flexible controller out there. Like prior models, the USB-C gamepad lets you play games on your iPhone or Android device using physical buttons, joysticks, and triggers. The Pro model takes things one step further, however, allowing you to connect to everything from a Steam Deck to an iPad over Bluetooth.

Holiday meals can leave you with a full belly and a foul-smelling fridge, which is where Ototo’s Fun Guy comes in. The playful odor absorber can add a whimsical touch to your kitchen while serving a practical need. Just pop the mushroom-shaped top and load the smiley, spore-tacular container with baking soda to keep unwanted odors at bay.

Sucker Punch’s follow-up to Ghost of Tsushima is everything you could want in a sequel. The open-world revenge epic brims with fluid combat and a host of welcome narrative twists, all set against the gorgeous backdrop of Japan’s Edo period. It’s precisely the type of game photo modes were made for, even if you never use them.

You don’t have to hand your child a phone every time they want to play a game when the LeapMove exists. The home console features 25 preprogrammed, motion-based games designed to help kids learn math, spelling, and phonics while keeping them active. It can’t connect to the internet directly, but you can always download new games from LeapFrog’s website and transfer them over.

Finding the ideal book light can be challenging, but this clip-on pick from 86lux ticks a lot of boxes for the price. You can crank it up to 40 lumens or drop it to as low as five, or bask in the glow of cool, natural, or warm light. It also has USB-C charging, along with a flexible design that allows you to rotate the light to avoid disturbing others.

Most people could use a good pick-me-up while traveling or camping, but there’s no reason you have to settle for bad cup of joe. First Ascent’s instant offering provides a solid hit of caffeine and great flavor, regardless of whether you choose the light, medium, or dark roast. You just pour it in hot water and stir. Don’t you just love the smell of fresh coffee?

With the film adaptation of Project Hail Mary just around the corner, now’s a great time to catch up on the book from The Martian author Andy Weir. The space odyssey chronicles one man’s mission to save the Earth; however, in doing so, it also explores the nature of sacrifice, friendship, and particle physics. Lots and lots of particle physics.

Part wall wart, part magnetic wireless charger, Twelve South’s StandBy-ready PowerBug is about as unique as chargers come. The simple contraption can top off both MagSafe and Qi2-compatible devices — including the latest Google Pixel models — while simultaneously supplying 35W charging speeds to a second gadget via USB-C.

Coming up with an engaging story during a marathon D&D sesh can feel next to impossible. Luckily, The Worldbuilder’s Journal offers 365 prompts about characters and locations to get the creative juices flowing. The prompts are open-ended enough to be easily recyclable as well, so your DM doesn’t need to fret when they hit a roadblock.

Who needs magnets when you have suction cups? Octobuddy’s cheap silicone mount works with most phones to provide hands-free flexibility whenever necessary. It features 24 single-sided cups, which allow you to stick your phone to a mirror, window, or any other surface you think will provide that perfect TikTok angle.

If you’ve ever been curious about how quickly your devices charge while plugged into a battery pack or wall adapter, Toocki makes a 6.6-foot cable with a built-in display that’ll tell you just how many watts are passing through (up to 100W). Now, let’s hope you’re a fan of pastel blue.

A swivelable spork might not be what your giftee had in mind for the next addition to their keychain, but hear us out: they’ll no longer have to ask for disposable cutlery, and they’ll never be without a dignified way to munch on the go. It’s also, you know, good for the environment.

If your giftee ever had a soft spot for Nintendo’s Game Boy Advance SP, the RG 34XXSP won’t disappoint. Anbernic’s newer handheld emulator sports a classic clamshell design with a 3.4-inch 720p IPS display, as well as dual joysticks, four shoulder buttons, and a 3:2 aspect ratio that’s ideal for retro titles like Golden Sun and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap.

EcoFlow’s midrange River 3 Plus is a great backup solution for emergencies and outdoor use, particularly when paired with an optional solar panel. The 268Wh generator delivers 600W of total output and features seven outlets — including a 140W USB-C port — for uninterrupted power to laptops, space heaters, and other small electronics.

There are more powerful blenders than the OG Magic Bullet, but few match its versatility, convenience, and compact footprint. The original 250W model remains well suited for making a variety of single-serve creations, from creamy milkshakes and pico to post-workout smoothies.

The Rainy 75 is the kind of budget board that simply did not exist a decade ago. The mechanical keyboard supports both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections, comes in a variety of charming colors, and delivers a fantastic typing experience. Best of all, the Pro model comes with Kailh Cocoa linear switches, which produce the TikTok-famous “raindrop” sound for which it’s known.

Idlewild’s slim ballpoint pens look as good as they write. Each features a scratch-proof barrel, black ink, and a colorful, two-tone design, which makes them a lively piece of desk decor and the perfect instrument for jotting down thoughts in your favorite notebook. See? Who needs ChatGPT, anyway?

Unless you’re filming cinematic shots in Hollywood, you don’t necessarily need a fancy quadcopter. HoverAir’s so-called “selfie drone” is a great budget alternative to more premium models from DJI, with top-mounted controls, excellent object tracking, and a max video resolution of 2.7K / 30fps. And did we mention it can fit in your pocket? Because it can.

Bosch’s top-of-the-line espresso machine lets you whip up a myriad of cafe-level drinks with the touch of a button. It has over 35 programs for crafting drinks from around the world — including espresso, café con leche, and koffie verkeerd — along with support for Amazon Alexa, so you can put in your order before you even get out of bed in the morning.

Smart bulbs are a discreet and practical upgrade, with GE’s 800-lumen Wi-Fi bulbs serving as a great entry point. The color-changing LED bulbs work with Alexa and Google Assistant without a hub, and support Matter for interoperability with Apple Home, making them a great choice if you’re unsure which smart home platform your giftee uses.

Between the noise of airport terminals and snoring seat companions, traveling can be loud. Loop’s reusable Quiet 2 deliver 24 decibels of noise reduction, so you can snooze even with the person next to you watching a movie at full volume. They’re made from a light, flexible silicone and come with four ear tip sizes, too, including an extra-small option.

The holidays are a cause for celebration, but all those parties can also make for a complete mess. Luckily, the S8 MaxV Ultra can handle a good chunk of cleaning on your behalf. The handy robovac can scrub floors with its vibrating mop, dodge clutter using AI, and empty its own waste bin, so you can relax once the festivities are over.