The Gifts We Want to Give in 2022

In some ways, all of us here at Wirecutter are on the gifts-coverage team. We all spend our working days tracking down the absolute best stuff in every category, things that make both shopping and living smoother, more sustainable, and, most important, more joyful. And so it follows that by the time the holiday season rolls around, we’re all brimming with excellent ideas for our loved ones. We’ve been logging the gifts our staffers are most excited to give for years (you can see our favorites from 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017), and we are happy to report that this year produced every bit as satisfying a survey. Highlights include breathtaking cloth napkins (yes, we really mean that), better bonbons, and a grown-up gag gift. There's also an embroidery kit that could make anyone a crafter, as well as a pair of stylish, problem-solving scooter muffs. From our sticky notes, bookmarked tabs, and wishlists to yours, we present personal holiday gift ideas from our whole staff.

Infinite Objects (about $80 at the time of publication)

My first encounter with an Infinite Objects video frame was receiving a GIF of a romantic moment from our wedding ceremony. Since then, I’ve paid the joy forward to family and friends celebrating their own momentous life occasions. The company says it "prints video," but in the simplest terms, you’re creating a flat looping clip. The website has easy-to-follow guidelines for uploading; I’ve found that a 15-second snippet from my phone works best. I keep my frame plugged in, but it holds a charge wirelessly for about 24 hours. (Laying the frame flat turns it off.) This year, I’m so excited to give my newlywed brother a GIF of his first dance. A note to the wise: Make every effort to be present when the recipient opens their gift for the first time. That initial reaction of delight and surprise is priceless!

—Alex Vaughn, product manager

Orrente RC Car ($35 at the time of publication)

I got one of these RC cars as a birthday gift last year for my 6-year-old daughter. She adores it. The car does stunts, lights up, and reminds me of one of those cute little alien robots from the 1980s flick Batteries Not Included. The car was such a hit that my 9-year-old has been coveting it all year. She’ll be getting her own this holiday, and I anticipate some spirited RC races between the girls.

—Christine Cyr Clisset, deputy editor

Dandelion Chocolate Halva Bonbons ($45 at the time of publication)

I can't resist a good collaboration. When I saw that Seed + Mill, purveyor of some of my favorite halva, had teamed up with Dandelion Chocolate, maker of one of our favorite hot chocolates, to create halva bonbons, I knew what had to be done. A few clicks later, they were on their way to my home, a birthday gift for my husband, who loves both makers as much as I do. The candies are melt-in-your-mouth sesame halva layered with a chocolate-cardamom ganache and covered in bittersweet chocolate. We haven't tried them yet (they’re still gift-wrapped, a surprise) but I must admit, the present is a little bit for me, too.

—Gabriella Gershenson, editor

Stanley Pendleton 1.5Qt Vacuum Bottle (about $40 at the time of publication)

I’m like a kid in a candy store every time I step into a Costco, so when I saw the Stanley Pendleton thermos there, I grabbed as many as I could carry, Veruca Salt–style. The handled vessel is almost exactly like our top-pick thermos, the Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle, only a quart smaller and dressed up in vintage Pendleton striping. It's a practical gift that's a little extra special and nostalgic. I’ll be giving one to a friend who loves hot coffee any time of day. And for camping and long drives, I bought one for myself, too.

—Raquel Hamias, director, user insight and strategy

TheFreshener Personalized Car Air Freshener ($13 at the time of publication)

A few years ago, I gave my family a group gag gift of a Saint Selfie: Custom Prayer Candle plastered with my face. Their reaction was priceless. But cue the pressure when one of my cousins expressed how excited he was to see what I’d do next. This year, I’m heading into Christmas morning prepared with customized car air fresheners from another Etsy shop. What image did I use? A childhood photo of myself on Christmas Day, standing in front of the tree. This picture is infamous in my family, constantly being sent as a reaction photo in the group chat. I live to make my family laugh, so the gag gifts are just as much for me as they are for them.

—Elissa Sanci, staff writer

Papier Virgo 2023 Planner (about $30 at the time of publication)

Nothing says you understand your favorite organized friend—and remember their birthday—better than the gift of a planner emblazoned with their astrological sign. This year, I’m buying this planner from Papier for my favorite Virgo, but each of the 12 zodiac signs is eye-catching, with a gold-foil illustration and the option to add your gift recipient's name or a meaningful phrase. Inside they’ll find week-, month-, and year-view pages, along with to-do and wish lists. It's a personalized gift that most anyone would like, though I’m a double Libra, so clearly, I’d love one, too.

—Nena Farrell, updates writer

Freie Liebe Crab Shaped Shoulder Bag (about $20 at the time of publication)

Thanks to a tweet shared on the Wirecutter Slack space, I discovered the perfect gift for one of my quirkiest friends: a crab purse. While she's known for having a chicken purse, I think any pint-sized friend—or grown-up one with a silly sense of humor—would love one, too. The crab is made to be worn crossbody or held as a clutch, and it's just the right size for modern-day treasures such as a phone, a wallet, and keys. My favorite feature is the kiss-lock clasp, a clever take on a crab's beady, bobbly eyes.

—Nena Farrell, updates writer

State Colorblock Napkin Set (about $40 at the time of publication)

State the Label recently launched a line of beautiful and thoughtful home goods, and the studio's Colorblock Napkin Set is a new dinner-party staple at our house. A few things that make the cotton napkins so special: First, they’re 15-inch-diameter circles, not squares—we fold ours up cone-like. Second, they’re double-faced with richly dyed, contrasting fabrics on either side. They’re generous for dabbing up spills and unique to behold, and they don't show every little stain. (They’re also machine-washable, of course.) I’m giving a set to my aunt, and I’ve heard through the grapevine that a few of my colleagues will also be grabbing a set this holiday.

—Jacob Baker, senior software engineer

Avid Book Subscription (from $70 at the time of publication)

I love to read, but my partner never knows which books to buy. Thankfully, our local independent bookstore, Avid Bookshop, offers a personalized monthly subscription. First, the gift recipient answers a few survey questions about books and genres they’ve loved. Then, each month, the booksellers handpick a selection. I’ve received a wide variety, from the sci-fi masterpiece Dune to the beautifully odd short-story collection Where We Go When All We Were Is Gone—both of which I loved. Unlike other monthly book clubs, this one doesn't just tap new releases or send the same book to each member. If you’re friends with a reader, or an aspiring reader, this is a real find.

—Jacob Baker, senior software engineer

Skida Nordic Hat (about $30 at the time of publication)

This holiday, I’m excited to give my brother, an avid skier, the Crowded Slopes Nordic Hat from the Vermont-based company Skida. I’ve admired the company's fabulous prints and its remarkable fabric for the past few years; the hats in the thin poly-blend Nordic line, originally designed for cross-country skiers, also fit readily under a downhill ski helmet. I bet he’ll also rock his on city streets and during chilly winter runs.

—Sarah Gannett, editorial intern

Purl Soho Embroidery Panel and Linen Thread Set ($115 at the time of publication)

My cousin is looking for a casual craft to take up, and I’m excited to give her an embroidery kit from Purl Soho because of the relatively low bar of entry. The kit is expensive for a beginner, but I find that it's important to take pride in your first craft projects; the kit's high-quality materials and vintage designs are well worth the cost. You have to be a bit careful not to waste thread as you learn stitches (you can practice with scrap materials first, if you like), but an amateur can practice at their own pace. Don't forget to complete the gift with a simple embroidery hoop and chenille needles.

—Sarah Gannett, editorial intern

The Eraser by Thom Yorke ($19 at the time of publication)

My brother and I both collect records, and this year I’m getting him an LP of The Eraser by Thom Yorke. The gorgeous title track, with its haunting piano melody, evokes a high-school memory of listening together to the song as sampled by Child Rebel Soldier, which at the time featured Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, and Pharrell. I know that, like me, he’ll appreciate the original on its own.

—Sri Rain Stewart, updates writer

7AM Kids Scooter Warmmuffs (about $30 at the time of publication)

My 5-year-old rides her scooter to and from school every day and is constantly complaining of freezing fingers—which is why I early-gifted these iridescent unicorn-themed kids scooter muffs. Yes, I could outfit her in regular gloves, but those are hard to put on and easily get lost. These solve all our problems: They Velcro onto the handlebars of her scooter, so they’re always there, and she can slip her hands in and out at her leisure (important for on-the-go snacking). Most important, they keep her hands toasty and warm—and they keep our commuting conversation much more pleasant.

—Zoe Vanderweide, staff writer

Kitsch Eco-Friendly Extra Wide Spa Headband ($10 at the time of publication)

I just got this spa headband, and now I want to give one to every long-haired person I know. It's just 10 bucks, but it changes the game if you wash your face at the sink. Usually I need a headband to keep shorter strands away from my face and a hair tie to pull back the length. This wide, fuzzy band—it feels like chenille—keeps my hairline dry and the length securely tucked. It's a nice one-and-done accessory that has made my morning routine quicker and easier.

—Jennifer Hunter, senior editor

Naadam The Essential $75 Cashmere Sweater ($75 at the time of publication)

I got so many compliments on my Naadam cashmere crewneck last year—our favorite from testing—that I actually went and bought red and navy versions in addition to my black one. Its sleeves aren't overly slim, the collar lets just enough of my T-shirt peek through underneath, and I still can't believe that it's only $75. I’m probably getting one for my mom and another for my brother (I’m positive they won't read this), and I’ll remember to size slightly up—the sweater looks great just a little slouchy.

—Jason Chen, deputy editor

Shutterfly Photo Book (price varies)

As a mom, I take far too many photos and love sharing them with grandparents. I started making these photo books riffing on classic picture books as an annual tradition to give my favorites. It's sweet to see my daughter grow up in the pages, and she loves looking through them while "reading" along with a familiar story. This year, I took inspiration from Goodnight Moon; I’m sure her grandparents will love it.

—Signe Brewster, editor

Verloop Ribbed Colorblock Balaclava ($75 at the time of publication)

Everyone loves a beanie, but I think this winter should be all about the balaclava—and the brighter, the better. Balaclavas protect your ears, neck, and, if you pull it up all the way, your face. But this style by knitwear brand Verloop (which sources deadstock yarns to reduce textile waste) is stylish, too, thanks to punchy color combos like lime and coral or cobalt and melon. The company offers "buy three get one free" on almost every item it sells, including balaclavas, so grab a few items for gifts and keep one for yourself.

—Catherine Kast, senior editor

Gifts under $10 (under $10 at the time of publication)

Of the many gift guides I worked on this holiday season, I want more people to know about our roundup of gifts under $10. Who knew Wirecutter had that many superb finds for less than the cost of a sandwich? My family doesn't do a formal gift exchange, but my idea is to add-to-cart a handful of the best picks—the Gerber shard tool, this reusable sheet mask, these elegant taper candles—dress them up with twine and bits of ribbon, and then gift away with impunity. It will make our holiday gathering a little more festive, without inducing any guilt for those who didn't bring presents.

—Hannah Morrill, editor

American Girl Doll (from about $140 at the time of publication)

One of the big joys of having kids is reliving the good parts of your childhood. And top of my list to the end ("the end" in this case being middle school) was my beloved Samantha Parkington American Girl doll, a late-’80s creation whose clothing, accessories, and storyline are time-stamped 1904. This Christmas I’m getting my almost-5-year-old daughter an American Girl doll. I’m bypassing the charming look-alike Truly Me dolls that American Girl has since rolled out—like a great parent, I’m prioritizing my own need for nostalgia—to give her Samantha, velvet change purse and all.

—Lauren Sullivan, director of audience

This article was edited by Hannah Morrill and Jennifer Hunter.

Hannah Morrill

Hannah Morrill is an editor on Wirecutter's style team, spearheading the gifts and beauty sections. For the past decade, she has worked as a freelance writer and editor for publications such as Allure, Elle, and InStyle, among others. She lives in Portland, Maine, with her partner and their two children.

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