Best Gift Ever Awards 2026
Even the trickiest names on your list deserve a great gift. We've handpicked 50 winners to delight everyone from hard-to-buy-for teens to the person who has everything.
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Our experts independently review everything we recommend. If you buy through our links, we may earn commission.
If gift-giving is your love language — or you're the designated "great gift giver" in your circle — you know the satisfaction of finding a present that hits the mark. But getting there can take a mountain of open tabs, whether you're searching for a thoughtful gift for the women in your life, a clever find for the men on your list or something a teen will actually find cool (high praise, indeed). Luckily, finding those real-deal gems is our full-time job.
In this story
Enter Yahoo's second annual Best Gift Ever Awards. To build this year's lineup, we turned to Yahoo Gifts Editor Amanda Garrity , who has spent years researching, curating and writing about gifting. She narrowed hundreds of contenders down to 50 standout winners, looking for quality, thoughtfulness and value — the things that make a gift feel as good to give as it does to receive.
These editor-vetted picks will give you a head start on holiday gift shopping , but there's plenty to celebrate beyond the festive season. Keep this list handy for milestone anniversaries , housewarming gifts and those famously tricky people who insist they already have everything . And because a great gift is even sweeter with a discount, we partnered with several winning brands to secure exclusive codes just for Yahoo readers.
Gifts for Men
Clean grooves help golfers put spin on the ball, but dirt can get in the way. This portable brush clips directly to a golf bag or belt loop and holds four ounces of water in a squeeze bottle, making it easy to scrub the clubface between holes. “I just fill it and put a dab of dish soap and [it] cleans my clubs and grooves completely,” writes one happy golfer , who adds that the bristles are stiff enough to do the job without scratching the finish. It even comes in its own gift box. Garrity recommends it as a practical little upgrade that the golfer in your life can use every round.
A rare bottle of Pappy Van Winkle may be elusive, but these handmade treats offer a taste of the Van Winkle name for a lot less. Made in partnership with Louisville, Kentucky, bakery The Whisk House , they combine Old Rip Van Winkle 10-Year Bourbon, dark chocolate and pecans for a rich indulgence. Choose a four-pack for a stocking stuffer or a 12-count box for sharing.
"These aren't your average chocolates," says Garrity. "They're a great option if they love whiskey, but you think wrapping up a bottle is a little too, uh, on the nose."
*Take 15% off sitewide with code YAHOO15 at pappyco.com . Valid through Dec. 15, 2026.
When our product review team tested six backpack coolers head-to-head earlier this year, the Titan Backpack Cooler kept its cool: Half-filled with ice, it still registered a chilly 28.6°F after 24 hours. That impressive insulation earned it the title of our best budget backpack cooler , at about $150 less than competing models. It weighs just 1.5 pounds empty and holds 24 cans, with an insulated front pocket, mesh side pockets and a bungee cord for a towel.
"[This cooler] is perfect for toting along food and drinks for two to four people," reported our tester. "I took it on a couple of hikes in Colorado, one with significant elevation gains and one without. On both days, it was truly easy to wear throughout all types of terrain."
For the national park lover, this trio of organic cotton socks brings a little wildlife to their wardrobe, with embroidered bear, fox and wolf designs and padded soles for comfort underfoot. The set comes neatly boxed and ready to give to the hiker, camper or outdoor enthusiast on your list.
Bonus: A portion of proceeds from every purchase goes to the National Parks Conservation Association to help protect public lands — a fitting thank-you to the places they love exploring. "There's nothing better than a gift that gives back!" says Garrity.
*Take 15% off with code YAHOO15 at consciousstep.com . One use per customer. Minimum purchase of $29.50 required. Cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. Not valid on sale items, subscriptions or gift cards. Valid through Dec. 31, 2026.
These four barbecue rubs come in cans that crack open like a cold beer — a fun touch for the grill master on your list. Created by pitmaster Derek Wolf and Spiceology, the collection pairs craft brews with regional American barbecue flavors, including Memphis Sticky Bourbon Brown Ale, West Texas Garlic Chile Lager and Sweet Carolina Blonde.
A top-seller in Garrity's gift guide for dads , the set makes it easy to mix up their grilling routine. Combine a quarter cup of rub with a cup of beer to marinate a couple of pounds of meat, or sprinkle it directly onto the meat before grilling. "Flavors were all enjoyable and balanced, nothing was too overpowering," wrote one reviewer who gave the set to her husband.
For the guy who's particular about his boxer briefs, this set offers a fresh take. While Saxx is known for its signature internal pouch, this line goes pouchless, using the brand's FreeForm Support design for a streamlined, supportive fit. On top of that, the cooling polyester-elastane knit wicks moisture, making these a practical pick for someone who runs hot. A three-pack is an everyday upgrade he can put straight into rotation.
*Take 20% off singles or three-packs of Drop Temp Cooling Boxer Briefs with code YAHOO20 at saxxunderwear.com . Valid through Nov. 13, 2026.
Cooking on a slab of pink Himalayan salt brings a little steakhouse drama to dinner. Garrity selected this 12-by-8-inch block for her guide to gifts for the guy who already has everything because it's a cooking tool you won't find in every kitchen. Heated on a grill or stovetop, it seasons food as it sears; chilled in the fridge, it doubles as a striking serving platter for sushi and charcuterie. Each set includes a stainless steel tray and a recipe booklet, and there's also a smaller 8-by-8-inch version for $50 .
"I was afraid things would be overly salty, but that is not the case," wrote one buyer . "I pre-season things (without salt) and the block infuses a perfect salty flavor as the food cooks."
*Take 10% off Umaid Himalayan Salt Blocks with code YAHOO10E at amazon.com . Valid through Nov. 13, 2026.
Picking out a full-size bottle of cologne for someone else is always a gamble — but finding his next signature scent is infinitely easier when he gets to choose it himself. Sephora's $98 discovery set includes 14 fragrance samples from brands like YSL, Prada and Maison Margiela, plus a voucher he can redeem for a full-size bottle of his favorite at no extra cost. It's a fun way for a cologne collector to try something new — or a fragrance newcomer to find his match.
"The Sephora fragrance samplers are some of my favorite gifts to give and get," says Garrity, who also raves about the women's edition .
For travel days and quick errands, this 2.5-liter sling keeps the essentials close without the bulk of a backpack. Made from durable, luggage-grade nylon, it fits plenty of thoughtful organization into a compact design: a quick-access front pocket, a padded slot for a mini tablet, a hidden passport sleeve and a discreet pocket for a Bluetooth tracker.
"I've used [it] for daily transit, short domestic trips and longer international trips and it has been the perfect daily," wrote one online reviewer who'd previously carried two Aer slings. "The Day Sling 4 fixes all the problems I had with the older slings."
Our tester named Soundcore's earlier Space 1 model our best budget headphones , praising noise cancellation that was "on par with some headphones costing twice as much." The upgraded Space 2 builds on that formula with a four-stage noise cancellation system designed to reduce airplane engine hum and cabin air conditioning noise — a welcome gift for a frequent flyer. Plush memory foam ear cushions and up to 50 hours of battery life with noise cancellation on round out the package.
Deals Editor Chris McGraw calls them "a fantastic option at less than half the price of Bose, Sony and Apple's offerings." One buyer who bought them after his Bose headphones died and his Sonys went missing uses them all day for work and play, writing that he "can go 2-3 days without charging."
Secrid's Dutch-made leather Miniwallet makes reaching for a card surprisingly satisfying: Push the thumb lever and the cards fan out for easy access. The integrated Chipolo tracker adds peace of mind. Ring the wallet from your phone to help locate it, with a sound-amplifying design that makes it easier to hear, or double-press the tracker's button to ring your misplaced phone. Compatible with Apple Find My and Android Find Hub, the tracker claims to recharge wirelessly in two hours — a thoughtful upgrade for the guy who's always asking, “Where's my wallet?”
Halfday earned a spot in our 2026 Yahoo Travel Awards with its popular garment duffel , which Senior Initiatives Writer Ellie Conley bought for her boyfriend so he "didn't have to steam or iron any of his outfits when we got to the hotel." Now Garrity has her eye on the brand's Convertible Cabin Bag. "I'm all about the new four-way backpack that can fit under the seat in front of you," she says.
Sized to meet personal-item limits on most U.S. airlines, it keeps essentials within reach and lets him skip the scramble for overhead bin space. It opens flat to reveal two compartments for easy packing and comes with four carrying options: Wear it as a backpack, carry it as a briefcase or shoulder bag, or slip the trolley sleeve over a rolling suitcase handle. "It holds a long weekend's worth of clothes plus a 16-inch laptop in the padded sleeve, and it still fits under the seat," wrote one reviewer. "I skipped the overhead bin entirely."
Gifts for Women
A little bedtime luxury can come with a very reasonable price tag. When testing the best silk pillowcases , our tester compared this Bedsure satin set with pure silk options costing several times as much, calling them "a good silk alternative if you don't mind a little ironing." Overall, the pillowcases impressed with their silky-smooth feel, moisture-wicking performance and minimal shrinkage in the wash — a thoughtful gift for someone who loves a few extra comforts at bedtime.
*Take 20% off sitewide with code YAHOO at bedsurehome.com . Valid through Nov. 15, 2026.
Few beauty staples have achieved cult status quite like Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask. This set offers five little bedtime treats, pairing longtime favorites Berry and Vanilla with three limited-edition flavors: Lemon Sorbet, Mango and Watermelon Pop. Garrity notes that last year's version sold out repeatedly, and the mini pots let them sample several flavors without committing to a full-size jar.
"A tiny bit goes a long way, so despite their size, each mini lasts longer than expected," wrote one shopper , who found the hydration lasted "well into the next day."
Beautiful by Drew Barrymore's gooseneck kettle earned a spot in our gift guide for women after Garrity gave one to her tea-loving aunt, who still uses it daily. Its slender spout delivers a slow, controlled pour for evenly saturating coffee grounds or neatly filling a teacup. The budget-friendly design looks right at home on the counter, too, with matte finishes including sage green, hydrangea blue and a new chocolate brown that's especially cozy for fall.
Kate Spade's pebbled-leather cardholder packs designer polish into a small, practical gift. "Purses are personal, so cardholders are a much safer bet since they get tucked inside whatever bag she carries," says Garrity, who tracked this pick as a top seller last holiday season.
Inside, there's room for eight cards, plus a zippered compartment for cash and loose change — handy for someone who likes to keep everything organized without carrying a larger wallet. We especially love this rich burgundy shade (one of this season's biggest color trends , by the way).
HydroJug's collaboration with Anthropologie adds a splash of personality to her daily water routine. Garrity calls the 32-ounce Traveler "a fun alternative to Stanley," with options ranging from this Western-inspired bandana print to chic neutrals. A cupholder-friendly base, comfortable handle and leak-resistant flip-straw lid make the stainless steel tumbler a practical companion for workouts and commutes, while keeping water cold for hours. It delivers all the utility of a heavy-duty water bottle wrapped in an elevated aesthetic she will actually want to show off.
*Take 15% off the HydroJug Traveler in Bandana print with code YAHOO15 at anthropologie.com . Online only. Valid through Oct. 20, 2026.
Garrity bought this cashmere-wool wrap for an April wedding and has been reaching for it ever since. Made from equal parts cashmere and wool, the seven-foot-long knit is generous enough to double as a flight blanket or drape over her shoulders for an evening out.
"I always pack it when I travel because I can use it as a blanket when the plane gets chilly, and wear it throughout my trip over both casual and more formal dresses," she says. "The quality is super impressive for the price." One Amazon reviewer took hers on an Alaska cruise and used it "as a scarf, a dressy shawl [and] a bed jacket on a chilly morning."
Real shearling lining gives Dearfoams' Greta Clogs the feel of high-end house shoes without the luxury price tag. An Oprah favorite , they pair suede uppers with a sturdy rubber sole for lounging indoors or stepping outside to grab the mail.
Reviewers say the lining settles around the foot with wear, though some recommend sizing up a half size for the initially snug fit. Buyers also praise the comfort and durable construction, with one reviewer declaring , "I never EVER like how slippers fit. These are AMAZING."
*Take 20% off the Fireside by Dearfoams Greta Genuine Shearling Clog with code YAHOO at dearfoams.com . Valid through Nov. 17, 2026.
Garrity featured Mark & Graham's splash-proof tote in her guide to gifts for girlfriends , recommending the $17 monogram for a personal touch that helps hers stand out at the pool or playground. The tote also has a clever detail for beach days: two brass grommets at the bottom that let sand and small pebbles escape with a shake. Made from water- and tear-resistant nylon that wipes clean easily, the roomy bag comes in three sizes and more than a dozen colors, starting at $69.
*Get free shipping on the Steele Waterproof Tote with code YAHOO at markandgraham.com . Valid through Oct. 31, 2026.
BaubleBar's custom tennis bracelet pairs classic sparkle with a personal touch. A strand of cubic zirconia frames up to nine characters, leaving room for a name, nickname or meaningful date. Made with thick gold-plated brass and available in three wrist sizes, it's a keepsake she can wear every day. Each bracelet is made to order with a three-week turnaround, so plan ahead for gifting.
*Take 20% off the Custom Tennis Bracelet with code YAHOO20 at baublebar.com . Valid through Oct. 18, 2026.
For someone who loves fragrance, Olfactory NYC makes finding a signature scent part of the gift. She samples the core fragrances at home, then customizes her final blend online and receives a full-size, 50-milliliter bottle labeled with her name. Garrity loves that it pairs a personal perfume with a memorable experience all in one gift. Add a custom note inside the box for a thoughtful finishing touch.
"Because everybody's got the Calpak Luka by now," says Garrity, referencing the brand's viral duffel that earned a rare perfect score from our tester. Garrity's less-obvious gift pick: the Fit Crossbody, a water-repellent 5-liter bag with a built-in key leash and bottom straps for a yoga mat. It's a handy companion for studio classes and errands afterward.
"This bag is the perfect size for a gym trip for two, mat pilates/yoga and running errands," wrote one reviewer, who packs two small blender bottles, two phones and a few other essentials with room to zip it closed.
For someone who loves understated jewelry, these Mejuri huggies are an easy addition to her everyday lineup. Crafted in 18-karat gold vermeil, the lightweight hoops have a subtly domed shape that works for morning meetings, dinner plans and everything in between. "I have included Mejuri in so many gift guides over the years because they make quality jewelry without a luxury price tag," Garrity explains. "It is a great place to look for staples, like these understated huggies."
Gifts for Anyone
Anyone who has dragged a suitcase through an airport while holding a cup of coffee knows how much of a juggling act it can become. That's where this little accessory comes in. The fabric sleeve slips over a suitcase's telescoping handle and holds two drinks, freeing up their hands while they wait at the gate. It's an affordable stocking stuffer and one of our most-recommended travel finds of the year.
One frequent flier puts it plainly: "I travel for a living, so I get to test all kinds of 'travel-friendly' gadgets that are just awful. This item isn't one of them."
Unlike traditional trivia games, ...I Should Have Known That! quizzes players on everyday knowledge, deducting points for wrong answers instead of awarding them for correct ones. Garrity recommends the fast-paced card game for family gatherings and game nights across generations.
Simple rules and quick setup leave more time for lively debate. "There were plenty of moments where we laughed," one player reported , adding that the point-deduction twist keeps everyone engaged and sparks friendly competition.
This palm-sized mini white noise machine delivers full-room sound without taking up precious luggage space (seriously, you can fit it in your pocket!). The budget-friendly travel staple packs 15 sound options, USB-C rechargeability, an auto-off timer and a memory setting that saves your last profile automatically. Plus, it comes it a handy carrying case that also fits its charging cord.
Equal parts useful for new parents, light sleepers and frequent travelers, the device earns high praise for its long battery life and impressive volume. "I spend a lot of weekends away and wanted something small enough to pack but also loud enough to matter," explained one traveler .
"Cashmere will typically cost you, but then there's Quince," Garrity says. The brand's Mongolian cashmere has earned our style editors' approval , offering softness at a more approachable price. Cozy and naturally temperature-regulating, these make a small but indulgent stocking stuffer — a little everyday luxury they'll appreciate long after the holidays.
For the person who has everything, give them something new to explore. A MasterClass subscription lets them learn cooking from Gordon Ramsay or filmmaking from Martin Scorsese, with bite-size lessons that run about 10 minutes each. An annual membership unlocks the full catalog on a TV, tablet or phone. Garrity also likes it for last-minute gifting, since it arrives by email.
For someone focused on building career skills, MasterClass now offers certificate courses in partnership with Microsoft, Uber and the Navy SEAL Foundation. Sold separately from the subscription, these longer courses run 10 to 20 hours each and culminate in a hands-on project.
*Receive 15% off at masterclass.com , no code needed. Valid through Oct. 19, 2026.
For someone looking to trade scrolling for an analog hobby , this guided watercolor desk calendar offers a little creative time each month. It comes with a hand-mixed paint palette, a brush, a built-in display easel and QR codes linking to video tutorials, making it approachable for beginners. Each month introduces a pattern inspired by designs from around the world, and the finished artwork can be trimmed into a frameable 5-by-7-inch print. It sold out during last year's holiday rush, so consider shopping early.
Comfrt's travel-ready hoodie brings a cozy, cocoon-like feel to long flights and lazy Sundays, thanks to its weighty cotton fabric. The oversized hood conceals a tuck-away eye mask, and eight pockets provide places to stash essentials like a passport and AirPods. "This hoodie is a fun find for travelers," Garrity says, noting that the brand is popular with teens but makes a solid gift for adults, too. The relaxed cut runs large, so consider sizing down.
*Take 10% off with code YAHOO10 at comfrt.com . Valid through Oct. 16, 2026.
A winner for the second year in a row, Storyworth helps turn family stories into a keepsake for generations. Each week, the service emails a parent or grandparent a question to inspire them to write about childhood memories, family traditions and life lessons. Hundreds of prompts offer starting points, including "What was the neighborhood you grew up in like?" and "What are some of your family traditions?"
After 52 weeks, their stories and uploaded photos are collected in a hardcover book. One reviewer said the experience helped them finally record memories they'd long wanted to share with their grandson — a gift for the storyteller and the family alike. Shoppers can now choose a more affordable black-and-white printing option or a full-color book.
For the pet parent with an eye for interiors, this throw gives their furry friend a cozy spot that complements the room. Interior designer Brigette Romanek teamed up with Lay Lo Pets to create the plush cream blanket, which looks inviting draped over a sofa and gives pets a place to curl up. It's a thoughtful gift for someone who loves their home as much as their four-legged companion.
When you can't be there in person, sending a comforting meal is a thoughtful way to show you care. Featured in our sympathy gift guide , Spoonful of Comfort pairs two quarts of soup with half a dozen rolls, cookies, a keepsake ladle and a personalized note card. With gluten-free and vegan options available, it's a welcome gesture for someone going through a difficult time or simply missing home.
For the person whose favorite plans involve the couch, Ugg's Adalee throw makes staying in a little cozier. Its double-layered fleece offers plenty of plush comfort, and it's generously sized for wrapping up during movie nights.
It's earned a lasting spot in at least one household: "I bought two of these throws in October 2024. It is September 2026 and I can honestly say they've gotten more use than any other throw blanket we've purchased," wrote one happy Amazon customer , adding that they're fixtures in the family room. The throw is machine-washable, though reviewers suggest line-drying to help preserve its soft feel.
Birdbuddy's smart feeder gives backyard birdwatching a high-tech upgrade, capturing high-resolution photos and videos of feathered visitors and streaming real-time updates straight to a smartphone app. It even helps identify the species that stop by, while solar panels keep the camera charged.
"It's pricey, but this gadget has paid for itself in the amount of joy it provides," says Senior Home Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder , who appreciates that solar power cuts down on charging chores. One buyer found it a hit with a parent: "Bought this for my Dad and he absolutely loves it. He sends me awesome bird photos all the time now."
*Take 20% off with code YAHOO at mybirdbuddy.com . Valid through Oct. 22, 2026.
Gifts for Babies and Kids
There's something oddly satisfying about stretching a plastic accordion tube just to hear it crackle and pop. These fidget toys bend, flex and snap together, giving kids plenty of ways to build shapes and keep busy hands occupied. Garrity says the four-pack has been a repeat top seller in past stocking-stuffer roundups.
Fair warning: You may want a turn before wrapping them. "Bought these for a kid I know and had to open the box to play with them myself before I gifted them lol," one Amazon reviewer admitted . Another parent called them "surprisingly durable for how much twisting and stretching my kids put them through."
For the kid who loves a satisfying fidget, Garrity recommends Morf as an easier-to-find alternative to viral favorites like NeeDoh. Its 3D design bends, stretches and collapses, offering plenty for busy hands to explore.
"This has been a great fidget for my son with autism and ADHD," one grateful parent wrote . "It's mostly quiet, which is a huge plus for the classroom, and it's small enough to toss in a backpack." It comes in two sizes; choose the small version for littler hands.
Know someone who can solve a Rubik's Cube in under a minute? Give them a new challenge. Rubik's Rush trades twisting for quick reactions: Players race to press the light-up tile that completes a row of three before time runs out. The game starts with straight lines, adds diagonals and picks up speed across nine rounds and three difficulty levels.
Up to four people can compete head-to-head, with three wrong moves knocking a player out. "Super easy and intuitive to play. It should be easy, but the game ramps up in speed and then it adds diagonals!" one hooked player wrote. "Played with the whole family and we couldn't put it down."
Little bakers can roll, fill and serve their own pretend pies with this 27-piece Melissa & Doug set. Squishy, moldable fabric crusts invite hands-on play, while a wooden oven with a working door, pie tins, fruit fillings, a rolling pin and a pretend whipped cream can complete the mini bakery.
Garrity considers Melissa & Doug a go-to for preschool wooden toys. One parent found this set especially irresistible, sharing that their toddler "is completely obsessed and will 'bake' pies over and over again, serving them to everyone in sight."
Lego Botanicals have become a gift-guide staple, and Garrity's pick this year is a pair of water lilies. The 259-piece set builds two flowers and their vases, with petals that open and close — a playful detail for a finished creation they can proudly display.
"This set added a floral and [whimsical] touch to my mantel," one happy builder wrote . The quick build makes it approachable for ages 9 and up, with plenty of appeal for older kids, too: One gifter reported that her teen was "thrilled."
For parents holding off on a smartphone, Tin Can gives kids a way to call friends and family on their own. The screen-free, Wi-Fi-powered home phone comes complete with a cord and only accepts calls from approved contacts. Parents can also set quiet hours from their own phone.
Our Yahoo Life team spoke with parents who bought them last fall. "I love that they can call their friends or grandma without me," said one. "My child doesn't have to come to me and say, 'Can I borrow your phone?'" Calls between Tin Can phones and to 911 are free; dialing outside numbers requires a $9.99 monthly plan.
For kids ready to dive into chapter books and longer stories, the third-generation Yoto Player gives them plenty to explore. Its library includes more than 1,000 audio cards, with podcasts and radio stations offering even more listening options. A pixel-art display, nightlight and white noise modes make the 32GB player a handy bedtime companion, too. One dad called it "a perfect step up" and appreciates that his son can keep listening to Harry Potter at night. Another parent was equally enthusiastic: "We sold our Tonie and got this instead. SUCH an upgrade."
*Take 20% off Adventure Jackets with the purchase of a Yoto hardware product using code YAHOO!20 at us.yotoplay.com . Valid through Oct. 20, 2026. Cannot be combined with other product, order or shipping discounts.
Gifts for Teens and Young Adults
It all comes down to one question: Flip one more card or quit while you're ahead? In the original Flip 7, players race to 200 points, but drawing a duplicate ends their round. Flip 7: With a Vengeance adds action cards that let players swap, steal and sabotage the leader — a lively gift for a competitive game-night crew.
"The 'do I flip one more?' tension keeps everyone at the table engaged even when it's not their turn," one player wrote . Another is still chasing a victory: "Like the original, a simple game that is lots of fun. So far I have never won this version. Never, not once."
Small gift, plenty of uses: Free People's pint-size pouch was one of the biggest sellers in our teen gift guide last year. A lobster clasp clips it onto a backpack zipper or belt loop, while the zippered pouch keeps little essentials from disappearing into the bottom of a bag. "Perfect for lip gloss, cash, hair ties or whatever tiny things float around in your purse. Have it in two colors!" one shopper wrote. Another keeps her keys and AirPods inside, ready to unclip and take to the gym.
For the teen who already has a favorite tumbler, Hydro Flask's Micro Hydro offers something a little different. The brand makes our best overall water bottle , and this 6.7-ounce mini is sized for quick outings and small bags. It keeps drinks cold for up to 20 hours and has a removable strap that clips onto a backpack, bag-charm style.
One of our home editors put it to the test, calling it "the cutest water bottle I've laid eyes on" in her review . It's a playful little gift for someone who loves their accessories as much as their drinkware.
For the keychain collector, Kodak's Charmera is a bag charm with a fun extra: It's a working camera. It shoots photos and video, with seven filters, four retro frames and a date stamp for a nostalgic look. Each comes in a blind box, so unwrapping reveals one of six retro styles — or the secret edition.
"Everyone who sees it loses their minds because it's real, it takes pictures and it takes videos," one owner wrote . "Understand it's charming because of its low-quality photos." Think lo-fi fun for the teen who loves a throwback aesthetic. Add a microSD card to complete the gift; it's sold separately and needed to store more than a photo or two.
For someone who's been meaning to learn to crochet, a Woobles kit helps them get past the first stitch — literally. The yarn arrives with the first stitches already worked, and step-by-step video tutorials include left- and right-handed instructions. They can choose from a whole cast of characters, including narwhals, bunnies and Kiki the Chick, the one we tried .
"This is a great beginner kit for crochet. I had no experience with crochet and ended up with a cute gift for a friend's birthday," one beginner wrote . "It definitely was a challenge but just enough to keep going."
Play-Doh is branching out into bouquets. The Blooms line gives teens a new way to get creative, pairing floral-scented compound sticks with customizable stems, a clear vase and a seal coating to help preserve their dried flowers for display. Step-by-step photo guides walk beginners through sculpting the petals. "My 17-year-old granddaughter completed the bouquet and has it displayed in her room," wrote one Amazon reviewer . "She stated how much she enjoyed completing this craft as it’s different."
For the teen ready for a purse of their own, this compact pick keeps the essentials close. Its 1-liter capacity holds a phone, wallet and a few little extras, while a water-repellent shell, interior pockets and an adjustable strap add everyday practicality. It comes in several colors, including the pearly pink shown here.
Garrity tested it herself and vouched for its capacity in our Christmas gift coverage last year. It has fans beyond the teen crowd, too: "It tucks nicely into my work bag like a large wallet, but I can easily pop it out if [I'm] going out for lunch and when I'm done [at] work, I just take it out and it's my purse," one reviewer wrote.
