The Best Christmas Gifts This Year, Ranked

A note before the list: we make Tribute, the group video maker, and Storybook, and they're the first two picks.

Prices are as of October 2026 and can change; sale prices are marked.

What are the best Christmas gifts to give this year?

The safest bet is what people say they want. In the National Retail Federation's 2025 holiday survey, the top gifts people wanted were gift cards (50%), clothing or accessories (46%), books and other media (27%), personal care or beauty items (23%) and electronics (22%). Our ranking leans on those categories, then adds the two gifts you can't buy off a shelf.

We ranked each pick on three things: how many people on a list it fits, how often it gets used after December, and whether the price matches what you get. Great Christmas presents score high on all three.

1. Tribute group video (our pick, we make this)

Say your neighbor Rosa spent the year driving everyone's kids to practice. On Christmas Eve, she presses play and sees 20 families thank her, one clip after another, from the toddler who waves to the dad who sings off-key.

That's a Tribute. Tribute is a group video maker that turns messages from friends and family into one surprise video. It works by inviting everyone to record a short clip from their phone; Tribute compiles the clips, music and photos into a finished video you share or play together.

People record from any phone or computer, with no app and no account. Open it 2 to 3 weeks before Christmas and set the deadline a few days ahead, since collecting videos takes time. Over 8 million videos have been sent on Tribute, and it holds 4.9 stars from 7,000+ reviews.

• Look for: A prompt with room for stories, such as "What's one thing she did this year that you won't forget?"
• Price: Free to start a draft; from $35 when you publish and collect videos. Concierge editing is $99, or $149 with a 7-inch Video Book that plays it when opened.

Best for: Relatives, neighbors and friends you can't fit under one tree.

Why it works: Unlike a card everyone signs, it has everyone's voice and face.

👉 Start your holiday Tribute

2. Storybook video book (our pick, we make this)

A Storybook is a hardcover video book that plays your film when the cover opens. You build the film online from your own videos and photos, and Tribute prints and ships it. It's the one-giver version of a Tribute: your year, your clips, their shelf.

• Look for: Ten to twenty short clips from the year, in order.
• Price: 5-inch $49, 7-inch $88, 10-inch $129, with free US shipping.

Best for: The best Christmas present for a family that films everything and watches nothing.

Why it works: Compared to a slideshow on a laptop, it sits on the coffee table and plays with one move.

Which popular Christmas presents are worth the hype?

These are the trending Christmas presents you'll see on every wish list. Each one earns its spot by getting used every day.

3. Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler (40 oz)

The Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler holds 40 oz and keeps drinks cold for hours. Its lid has a rotating cover with three positions, including one for the straw.

• Look for: A color they don't already own; the page lists shades like Purple Dust and Daffodil.
• Price: $45 (as of October 2026)

Best for: Best Christmas gifts for teens, and anyone who carries water everywhere.

Why it works: It's the rare trend that's also useful.

4. Owala FreeSip (32 oz)

Owala's FreeSip is a leak-proof water bottle that keeps drinks cold for 24 hours. It comes in 24 oz, 32 oz and 40 oz sizes, plus many color patterns.

• Look for: The 32 oz size for a backpack.
• Price: $39.99 (as of October 2026)

Best for: Students and gym regulars.

Why it works: It doesn't leak, so it can ride in a bag with a laptop.

5. Ridge Wallet, Royal Black

The Ridge Wallet in Royal Black has anodized aluminum plating for a scratch-resistant surface. Its dual-track design expands to hold 1 to 12 cards, and this version has a cash strap.

• Look for: The aluminum version for the lowest price.
• Price: $76 (as of October 2026)

Best for: Best xmas presents for teenagers who just got their first card, or anyone with a bulging wallet.

Why it works: It forces a cleanup of everything they don't need to carry.

6. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask is an overnight, leave-on lip mask made with a Berry Fruit Complex, murumuru seed and shea butter. It comes in flavors like Gingerbread and Lemon Sorbet.

• Look for: A seasonal flavor such as Gingerbread; some flavors cost $25.
• Price: $24 (as of October 2026)

Best for: Popular Christmas gifts for anyone on the list with dry winter lips.

Why it works: It's small and cheap, and it still feels like a treat.

7. Alo Accolade Crew Neck Pullover

Alo calls the Accolade Crew Neck Pullover a best seller. It's made from midweight French terry, smooth outside and fleecy inside, with ribbed cuffs and a dropped-shoulder fit.

• Look for: Their size in stock; some colors and sizes sell out.
• Price: $138 (as of October 2026)

Best for: People who live in sweatshirts.

Why it works: Clothing is one of the most-wanted gift types, and a sweatshirt is hard to get wrong.

What are the top Christmas presents for tech lovers?

Electronics made the NRF wish list, and these four cover sound, reading and hearing. Each one works with the phone they already have.

8. Apple AirPods 5

AirPods 5 start at $129. Apple lists up to 5 hours of battery life with Active Noise Cancellation on, and the Wireless Charging Case version adds a force sensor with volume swipe.

• Look for: Which version you want; Apple lists AirPods 5 at $129 and $149.
• Price: From $129 (as of October 2026)

Best for: Commuters and best Christmas gifts for teenage guys who lose earbuds.

Why it works: They get used every single day.

9. JBL Flip 7

The JBL Flip 7 is a portable waterproof and drop-proof speaker. JBL lists 14 hours of playtime on a charge, with Playtime Boost adding 2 more, and an AI Sound Boost feature that adjusts output to the music.

• Look for: The sale price; it's listed at $149.95 regular.
• Price: $119.95 on sale (as of October 2026)

Best for: Kitchen dance parties and beach days.

Why it works: It survives drops, spills and teenagers.

10. Kobo Clara BW

Kobo's Clara BW is a 6-inch black-and-white eReader with an E Ink Carta 1300 display that reads without glare. It's IPX8-rated waterproof and small enough for one-handed reading.

• Look for: The Clara Colour, at $179.99, if they read comics or cookbooks.
• Price: $159.99 (as of October 2026)

Best for: Readers who travel or read in the bath.

Why it works: Books are on the most-wanted list, and this one is light enough for one hand.

11. Loop Experience 2

Loop Experience 2 earplugs filter noise by 17 dB (SNR) so music stays clear at a safer volume. They come in Silver, Black and Gold.

• Look for: The Plus version, at $39.95, if they want extra protection.
• Price: $29.95 (as of October 2026)

Best for: Concertgoers and loud family gatherings.

Why it works: Compared to foam earplugs, they're made to keep music clear instead of muffled.

What are cool Christmas presents for people who make things?

Some people would rather do than own. These four give them a project, a better cup of coffee or a new Friday night.

12. LEGO Wildflower Bouquet

The Wildflower Bouquet (set 10313) is a 939-piece Botanicals set for ages 18 and up. Built, it's a bunch of flowers for a vase on the table or desk.

• Look for: Add-on flower packs on the same page if they want a fuller bouquet.
• Price: $59.99 (as of October 2026)

Best for: Adults who want a quiet evening project.

Why it works: It's a gift and a decoration in one box.

13. MEATER Pro

A MEATER Pro is a smart meat thermometer for grilling, smoking, roasting, deep frying, sous vide and baking.

• Look for: The Pro Duo, at $179.99, if they cook two proteins at once.
• Price: $99.99 (as of October 2026)

Best for: Best Christmas gifts for relatives who run the holiday roast.

Why it works: It takes the guessing out of the most stressful dish of the year.

14. Fellow Stagg EKG Pro

Fellow's Stagg EKG Electric Kettle has variable temperature control and 1200 watts for a quick heat time. It's a pour-over kettle built for precise pouring.

• Look for: Matte Black or Matte White for the lowest price; wood handles cost $199.95.
• Price: $179.95 (as of October 2026)

Best for: Coffee people who weigh their beans.

Why it works: It's the counter upgrade they won't buy for themselves.

15. Ooni Koda 2

The Ooni Koda 2 is a gas-powered pizza oven built as the next step from the Koda 12, which Ooni calls the best-selling pizza oven of all time. It uses Ooni's G2 Gas Technology.

• Look for: A color: Foundry Black, Highland Green or Slate Blue.
• Price: $499 (as of October 2026)

Best for: A family gift from several people who chip in.

Why it works: It turns into a weekly tradition, not a one-time gift.

How do you choose between gift cards and a real present?

Gift cards are popular for a reason. NRF found that 43% of holiday shoppers planned to buy at least one gift card in 2025, with total gift card spending expected to reach $29 billion. They're quick and the person picks.

Pair one with something personal. A $25 card with a group video from the whole street makes one of the best Christmas gifts for neighbors, because the card covers the practical part and the video covers the part they'll remember. Our guide to Christmas gifts for friends has more pairings.

What if you don't know what someone wants?

Ask for a list, or send them ours of Christmas list ideas and ask them to circle three. If they won't play along, give an experience: a pizza night with the Ooni, a concert with the Loop earplugs, or a day from our Christmas bucket list.

For the rest of the season, from decorating to the day itself, see our Christmas ideas guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular Christmas gift this year?

Gift cards top what people say they want, followed by clothing, books, beauty items and electronics. Among products, insulated tumblers like the Stanley Quencher and Owala FreeSip remain on most wish lists.

What are the best Christmas gifts under $50?

The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, Loop Experience 2, Owala FreeSip and Stanley Quencher all come in under $50. A Tribute group video starts at $35 and can include messages from dozens of people.

What are the best Christmas gifts for teens?

Teens tend to want tumblers, earbuds, speakers and clothing they've seen online. The Stanley Quencher, AirPods 5, JBL Flip 7 and a Ridge wallet are all safe picks.

What is a good Christmas gift for a whole family?

Something they do together: an Ooni pizza oven, a LEGO build or a group video from relatives who live far away. Shared gifts get used more than one gift per person.

How far ahead should I buy Christmas gifts?

Buy physical gifts by early December to avoid shipping delays. For a group video, open it 2 to 3 weeks before the day so everyone has time to record.

Are gift cards a good Christmas present?

Yes, they're the most-wanted gift in NRF's survey. Add a note or a video so it doesn't feel like an afterthought.

👉 Start your holiday Tribute and give the one gift nobody else can.