The 50+ best Christmas gifts for 2025: Find unique gift ideas youd never think of on your own

To find the best Christmas gifts, Mashable reporters and editors review products all year long, and we love recommending holiday gift ideas.

Ready or not, the holiday shopping season is underway. Choosing the best Christmas gifts for the ones you love is either an epic quest that you look forward to every year — or one you dread. Luckily, we spend our days testing all the latest gadgets and gear, and we know exactly what to recommend.

For 2025, our Christmas wishlist is simple: It's all of the awesome stuff we loved the most this year. That includes the newest gadgets we put to the test every week, the swoonworthy items we just had to take home and keep for ourselves, and some classic all-time favorites. With input from Mashable's own tech reporters and shopping editors, every item on our list is something we use, love, or have gifted to others ourselves.

So whether you're searching for Christmas gifts for your mom and dad, or just in need of good stocking stuffers, this may truly be the only Christmas gift guide you'll need.

Best Christmas gift of the year: Nintendo Switch 2

The new Nintendo console was beloved by reviewer Alex Perry, who wrote that the new release is "a fabulous follow-up to an all-time legend" and that he "can't stop playing" the handheld gaming device. The Nintendo Switch 2 is also a Mashable Choice product, thanks in large part to "massively improved system software" and "wonderful online social features with GameChat."

Best Christmas gifts for book lovers: Kindle Paperwhite

"I love mine so much, and I think it's the best thing I've ever bought," says Deputy Shopping Editor Miller Kern. The Kindle Paperwhite is well-loved across much of Mashable, in fact, and was given a coveted Mashable Choice award for "its responsive interface, quick-turning pages, and lightweight design." Read the full review of the Kindle Paperwhite.

Best Christmas gifts for music lovers: Retro-tech CD players

Retro tech, like this portable Bluetooth CD player, is one of the big tech trends of the year. Whether you're shopping for a Gen Xer longing for the glory days of their youth or a Gen Alpha teen who loves old-school iPods, disposable cameras, and CDs, this gadget has something for everyone. While you can plug in wired headphones, it's also a Bluetooth device, so you can listen to CDs with your favorite wireless headphones, too. Plus, it just looks really, really cool.

Best Lego Christmas gifts: The Lego Game Boy

Speaking of retro nostalgia... We geeked out over the Lego Super Mario Game Boy when it was first announced over the summer, and after building it ourselves, it earned a spot in our guide to the best Christmas gifts for men. Though you can't actually play games on this model, just think how cool it would look on a desk or bookshelf.

The best stocking stuffers: Charming electric hand warmers

These rechargeable electric hand warmers come personally recommended by Mashable's tech editor, who's been slipping them into Christmas stockings for years. They have a cute design and built-in flashlight, but most importantly, they keep your hands and fingers nice and toasty even in the bitter cold. If you still need to find gifts under $25 for a White Elephant or Secret Santa gift exchange, we promise these will be popular.

The best Christmas gift for Apple users: Apple AirPods Pro 3

Apple finally refreshed its AirPods Pro line this year, and it was well worth the wait. The new AirPods Pro 3 have incredible ANC and a much-improved fit. Our reviewer says they're also more comfortable, and the heart-rate monitoring and other upgrades set them apart from most other wireless earbuds. We expect these new earbuds to top a lot of Christmas wishlists in 2025.

The best headphones to give as a gift: Sony XM6 Headphones

We loved the new flagship Sony headphones, and our appreciation has only grown since the release. "If you want best-in-class noise-cancelling headphones and pristine audio quality, the headphones deliver," our tech editor wrote in his review. With some of the best ANC in the industry and an improved folding design, we expect these cans to top many Christmas wishlists in 2025.

Best Christmas gifts for young kids: Toniebox players

The kid-famous Toniebox is a favorite of the parents on the Mashable team. Whether you're shopping for your own kids or trying to earn a reputation as the cool aunt or uncle, kids and parents alike love these screen-free storytelling devices. And if your tyke already has a Toniebox, they can always use more Tonies — the little figures you put on top of the device to activate a new storytime.

Best Christmas gifts for parents: Bird Buddy

This might actually be the best ever Christmas gift for dads (or anyone in charge of refilling the backyard bird feeder). Here's why: This Mashable-tested smart bird feeder has a built-in camera that takes birdwatching to a whole new level. The compatible app even includes AI-powered bird identification, a livestream, and alerts for when there's a visitor on the feeder. We're obsessed, and we have a feeling your dad will be too.

The best Christmas gifts for grandparents: A digital picture frame

If your family is spread out in different states, then a digital picture frame lets mom, dad, or your grandparents keep track of the entire family — no matter where they are. Everyone in the family can add new pictures, and the picture frame shows a slideshow of your latest adventures. We love these devices, particularly as Christmas gifts, and the popular Aura Digital Picture Frame is one of the best.

Best tech stocking stuffer: Anker Nano MagSafe power bank

This ultra-thin Anker powerbank attaches to your phone magnetically. It's also Qi2-certified, which means it will charger your phone faster and more efficiently. Don't overthink this one — just add it to your family's stockings.

Best unique gift for men: The ultimate fire poker

You may have heard of Breeo, the popular smokeless fire pit brand. Breeo makes premium, Made in the USA fire pits that can provide endless entertainment, and they're some of the best Christmas gifts for men. However, if you're looking for unique gifts for men, consider the Breeo Heavy Duty Fire Poker. This steel fire poker has the feel and heft of a harpoon, and it can shift logs around until you have the perfect blaze.

Best unique gift for women: Catbird Sweet Heart Birthstone Charm

Catbird is a Brooklyn-based jewelry studio with a unique style that has made it famous around the world. Catbird jewelry has an ornate, sometimes dainty style that's often imitated these days. For Christmas 2025, we like the brand's Birthstone Charms, which she can add to a necklace or bracelet. (Bonus points if you get a gold chain to go with it.) Jewelry gifts can be expensive, but this reasonably priced gift is sure to bring a smile to her face.

Best Christmas gifts for gamers: A handheld gaming console

Handheld gaming consoles are becoming really popular, and you can find options that span the pricing spectrum. If you're looking to spare no expense and make a gamer's Christmas dreams come true, then you'll want to invest in the newly released ROG Xbox Ally X, which puts an Xbox console in the palm of your hand. Of course, if the $1,000 price tag is out of reach, then consider the Retropian Color, a Game Boy-style handheld that can play classic Nintendo 64 games like Super Mario 64. The best part? It only costs $80.

Best gift for audiophiles: Panasonic Technics AZ100 Earbuds

For audiophiles and music lovers, no other earbuds come close to matching the Panasonic Technics AZ100 wireless earbuds. Another recommendation from our tech editor, these wireless earbuds are a Mashable Choice award winner and "easily beat the likes of Sony and Bose." They pair easily with up to three devices at once, are comfortable to wear, and sound fantastic. "If you're looking for earbuds with the best possible sound quality, these are now the buds to beat," says Werth.

Best Christmas gifts for women under $25: Travel jewelry cases

Travel jewelry cases are both thoughtful and practical, and we like this one in particular. It's been a popular holiday gift at Amazon for years, and it's a great Christmas gift idea for travelers. The velvet box comes in a few different colors, and it ensures her favorite rings, necklaces, and earrings never get misplaced when she's away from home.

Best Christmas gifts for men under $25: Jack Black beard conditioner

In another life, our bearded tech editor was a grooming editor. And having tested countless beard oils, washes, balms, butters, and conditioners, he says this Jack Black product is the only one you really need. (No, not that Jack Black, unfortunately.) This leave-in beard conditioner isn't as messy as a beard oil, but it has the same effect. Most importantly, it doesn't have an overpowering fragrance. Plus, if you still need some stocking stuffer ideas for men, it's perfectly sized for Christmas stockings.

Best Christmas gifts for teens: Camp Snap digital cameras

Haven't you heard? The cool teens are falling in love with old tech like iPods and point-and-shoot digital cameras. Instead of buying some old tech off eBay, check out Camp Snap, one of the Mashable Shopping team's favorite finds of the year. These screen-free digital cameras let you stay in the moment while creating memories, while still being able to upload your photos and videos to Instagram, of course.

Igloo KoolTunes Bluetooth Cooler

It's a cooler. It's a Bluetooth speaker. It's both! We love this highly giftable item for its retro design and exceptionally good sound quality. Mashable's Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel owns this herself, saying, "I'm obsessed with it. I think it should go on every gift guide." Read the full review of the Igloo KoolTunes Bluetooth Cooler.

Octobuddy Suction Phone Mount

This is more of a stocking stuffer, but it's a great one for wannabe influencers or anyone who's dreamed of going viral. Recommended by Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel, Octobuddy is simply a silicone phone case with a series of suction cups on the back. TikTok-obsessed teens will especially appreciate the simple design that makes filming GRWM videos way easier — we frequently see the Octobuddy mentioned in our In My Bag series.

Loop Earplugs

Multiple editors and writers on Mashable swear by these noise reduction earplugs, saying they've worn them to concerts, while traveling, and more as a way to cut back on excess sound without missing out on what's going on. One of our senior shopping reporters even brought them to the Beyoncé Cowboy Carter tour — the ultimate test. The best Loop earplugs a great stocking stuffer, well-priced, and come in a range of styles and colors.

Mesa Gas Grill

One of the more frustrating parts of cooking on a grill is that it's hard to know what's going on in there without lifting the cover. Of course, doing so lets out heat and can slow down cooking times. Enter the Monument Mesa Grill, which has a clear viewing window built into the top. Werth says that both his father-in-law and uncle are obsessed with it. So, if you're searching for the best Christmas gifts for men, dads, or any pitmasters in the family, this will make you a Christmas hero.

Brooklinen Super-Plush Towels

There is something so luxurious about a brand-new set of bath towels that all match and feel wonderful. It's like a warm hug each time you get out of the shower. The ones from Brooklinen are particularly loved by our staff — our tech editor says, "I firmly believe that Brooklinen's Super-Plush towels are the best towels in the world, period. They're insanely fluffy yet dry faster than you expect."

A waterproof Bluetooth speaker

Portable Bluetooth speakers are a crowd-pleasing gift that will be appreciated by pretty much everyone. Whether you're shopping for teenagers, parents, siblings, or friends, who couldn't use a good portable Bluetooth speaker? The latest Wonderboom speaker from Ultimate Ears offers big sound in a small package, and it's fully waterproof.

Loftie Alarm Clock

What's old is new again with the famous Loftie smart alarm clock, which our staff loves for allowing them to ditch the screens while in bed. Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard owns this and says it's "a very pleasant alarm clock to wake up to." It's customizable, with nice-sounding alarm options and a built-in night light.

Ninja Luxe Café

After testing Ninja appliances for weeks, this is the one that Shopping Reporter Sam Mangino has made her own. The 3-in-1 machine can tackle espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew, and even has a built-in bean grinder. Mangino says she really loved this one because it "streamlines the process and cuts down on the learning curve." See how the Ninja Luxe Café fared on our list of the best Ninja appliances.

Owala FreeSip Water Bottle

Hydro Flask had her moment. We have now entered the Owala era. Almost everyone on Mashable's Shopping team has the Owala FreeSip, which reporter Sam Mangino dubbed the "best water bottle ever." The 24-ounce insulated stainless steel bottle is designed to accommodate both sipping (via straw) and good, ol' fashioned gulp when tipped back. For college students, athletes, teenagers, or anyone who drinks water, we think a colorful Owala is one of the best Christmas gift ideas of the year.

DJI Mic Mini

Searching for Christmas gift ideas for creators (or aspiring creators)? Then look to DJI for ideas. The company is best known for its drones, but don't sleep on DJI cameras and microphones either.

DJI's famous wireless microphones have a cult following among TikTokers, and they're a personal favorite of our own reporters. This super small and ultralight wireless microphone would make a great Christmas gift for the creator, aspiring filmmaker, and podcast host in the family. Compatible with both iPhones and Androids (plus a host of cameras), these are the exact microphones that the Mashable social team used at VidCon. Highly recommend.

John Boos & Co. Cutting Board

"I love it so much," says Shopping Reporter Sam Mangino, who owns this cult-favorite maple cutting board. Made in the USA, each cutting board is a thing of beauty. It's no wonder Mangino keeps hers out on the counter at all times, as if it was a piece of artwork — because it is.

Tinned Fish Gift Set from Fishwife

Tinned fish is one of the ultimate love-it-or-hate-it trends. But for the right person — the kind of person who could live off charcuterie — this gift slaps. The Fishwife Starter Pack has popular tinned seafood staples like sardines, smoked salmon, smoked Mackerel with chili, tuna with Spanish lemon, and more.

Mario Kart Legos

These Mario Kart Legos, which actually fire turtle shells, can be built quickly and are relatively cheap (compared to other Lego sets). They're also just super fun to play with, as Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth recently discovered during a playdate with his nieces and nephews. The "turtle shell-firing mechanism" provides endless fun, no matter your age, just like the video game franchise itself.

Kobo Libra Colour

Our staff loved the Kobo Libra Colour during testing, saying that it makes a really great alternative to the Amazon suite of products. The e-reader allows you to interact with the text and highlight passages in color (thus the name), making things like comic books and graphic novels a bit more enjoyable. Our reviewer said the ergonomics of the color e-reader are particularly good too, especially if you like to read in bed.

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

We spend a lot of time testing headphones and earbuds, and we have no shortage of recommendations when it comes to this great stocking stuffer. Our staff swears by these Bose Ultra Open earbuds, saying they're really great for working out or going on walks while remaining aware of the world around you. Read more about the best open earbuds.

Solawave Wand

We're obsessed with this skincare wand, and after vigorous testing, have deemed it to be a Mashable Choice award winner. Our staff says that as far as beauty tools go, it's a great introduction to tech-powered skincare. It's not as effective as a red light mask and you have to be more diligent with the wand, but it will deliver that same experience at a fraction of the price. For all these reasons, we think it's one of the best Christmas gifts for women and teens in 2025.

Piecework Puzzles

If you only gift one puzzle this year, let it be one of these. "I'm a huge puzzle nerd, and I adore Piecework puzzles," says Deputy Shopping Editor Miller Kern. "All of the designs are super cute, and I have considered framing the ones I have." Others on the team agree. We love these puzzles for their bright photography and extra-thick pieces, which top out at 1,000.

KitchenAid Mixer

This countertop icon is a workhorse for at-home bakers and cooks. We're obsessed. I have one, and love that it takes the muscle out of things like mixing, whisking, and kneading. One of the best parts about owning a KitchenAid Mixer? All the attachments, allowing you to utilize that powerful little motor in new ways, like grinding meat and making pasta. There's a reason why it landed on our list of the best products you'll buy once and own for life.

Canon Ivy 2 Mini Printer

Deputy Shopping Editor Miller Kern owns this and loves it, and after hearing her rave about it, it's now on the top of my very own Christmas wishlist. The portable printer works with any compatible iOS and Android device, allowing you to print photos on demand directly from your smartphone. The best part is the sticky photo paper, making this a great Christmas gift for anyone who likes to journal or scrapbook.

Rolling Garden Stool

Don't tell our moms, but at least one of them will be getting this for Christmas: a rolling garden cart with storage inside and a seat, so she can bop along weeding her garden without bending over so much. I feel pretty confident that she's gonna love it.

Personalized Family Member Sign Post

A member of our staff asserts that this is "probably the best gift I've ever given my mom." We can see why. For those with family members scattered all over the globe, this simple visual reminder of their whereabouts can make everyone feel just a little bit closer. Plus, personalized Christmas presents are always so thoughtful.

Moonbuddy Meditation Device for Kids

Anyone with kids knows that sleep can be hard to come by. We fell in love with this little gadget during testing, and now we're putting it at the top of our best Christmas gift ideas for kids. While Moonbird is designed for adults, Moonbuddy helps kids learn self-regulation, and it can be part of a calming bedtime routine and help ease stress. The secret is to have them match their breath to the handheld device.

The Charger by Counterpart

One of the year's best stocking stuffers, Counterpart's USB-C charger is made for anyone who juggles a lot of tech, likes to travel, or works remotely. The Charger "features a retractable cable that snakes up inside the device when it's not in use. That means no annoying cable cluttering up your desk, countertops, or bedroom. It's one of those ingenious product innovations that makes you wonder, 'Why aren't all chargers like this?'" Read our full review of The Charger.

Ninja Swirl

Our reporters maintain that the Ninja Swirl is "way more fun" than the more basic Creami, thanks in large part to the inclusion of a soft serve function. When Sam Mangino reviewed the Swirl, she loved it so much that she awarded it a coveted Mashable Choice, declaring, you'll "never have to leave the house for soft serve again." Read the full review of the Ninja Swirl.

Belkin Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Case

Our team loves this as an add-on to the popular Nintendo Switch 2, with one reporter calling it their favorite gaming accessory. The case makes it easier to take the Switch 2 on the road, since the hard shell exterior keeps it protected in the event of a drop. The best part, though, is being able to quickly charge the device anywhere you are. Read our full take on the Belkin Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Case.

Big Rock City from The Magic Puzzle Company

This puzzle brand was huge on TikTok this year, thanks in large part to the hidden Easter eggs and fun puzzle piece shapes. Each 1,000-piece puzzle comes with a secret envelope full of more pieces that you open once you've finished the puzzle. "It's a super fun concept and I have two, and bought one as a gift for my dad, who is also super into puzzles," says Kern.

Brightland Olive Oil Flight

Named one of Oprah's Favorite Things, we love these infused olive oils from Brightland for their yummy flavors and the aesthetically pleasing bottle designs. Specialty food items are such a great gift for people who love to cook, because it's the kind of thing they'll never splurge on for themselves (but secretly covet.) This set includes cold-pressed olive oils infused with chili, garlic, lemon, and basil.

Petlibro Polar automatic wet cat food feeder

Such a great smart home device for cat owners — and an incredible gift for the person who has a cat and also likes to take the occasional weekend getaway. The Petlibro Polar automatic wet cat food feeder keeps three days worth of wet food chilled and fresh, rotating its serving day on a set schedule. Shopping reporter and resident cat girlie Leah Stodart sang the praises of her Petlibro, writing that the "automatic wet cat food feeder is so comforting when I'm gone overnight." It's truly the gift that keeps on giving.

Rain Drum

We test (and love) all the latest gadgets and tech products, but sometimes it's nice to take a step back from all of that and tune into nature. This steel drum sits in the garden and plays a series of 11 notes each time it's hit with rain. (Pro tip: You could also bring it into the shower.) It's soothing, it's unique, and it makes for a great Christmas gift.

Apple Watch Series 11

Apple always releases new products in the fall, and they always dominate guides to the best Christmas gifts of the year. This year, we're recommending the upgraded Apple Watch Series 11, which offers critical improvements to the battery life.

A Lego lunch box

Sometimes, the simplest gifts are also the best gifts. If you have a Lego lover in your life, whether they're six or 36, liven up their lunchtime with this unironically cool Lego lunch box.

The Life of a Showgirl on vinyl

We're guessing you have at least one Swiftie on your holiday shopping list. So, don't overthink it: Get them something to add to their Taylor Swift shrine. While we've selected The Life of a Showgirl vinyl record, you can also buy one of the many other formats or albums. What does Swift love more than her new fiancé? Merchandise. Lots and lots of merchandise.

DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Gimbal Stabilizer

Creators, TikTokkers, and aspiring influencers will adore unwrapping this gimbal stabilizer on Christmas morning. Our tech editor calls it "the best gimbal I've tested so far." This high praise is due to the gimbal's ease of use, stability, and 10-hour battery life.

Anker Solix C1000 Portable Power Station

Do you have someone on your shopping list who loves to go camping, whether in the great outdoors or at music festivals? Or maybe Dad is famous for his tailgating events? Portable power stations are one of our favorite gift ideas, as they're both useful in an emergency but also incredibly practical for camping and other adventures. We named the Anker Solix C1000 power station a Mashable Choice product earlier this year, and it's a reasonably priced option that's great for holiday gift giving.

Still looking for more gift ideas? Check out even more of our favorite Christmas gifts to give in 2025:

• The best Christmas gifts you can buy at Amazon

• The best Christmas gifts for Dad

• The best Christmas gifts for Mom

• The best Christmas Gifts for Men

• The best Christmas Gifts for teenage girls