Warning: These 15 Holiday Gifts Might Cause Extreme Joy

Bombas’ Sunday Slippers were included on Google’s 2024 Holiday 100 list of top products based on trending searches, so this is likely a crowd-pleasing pick. Available in multiple colors, in men’s sizes 7-13 and in women’s sizes 6-11, these easy-on, easy-off slippers are made with plush sherpa and a memory foam footbed. They’re perfect someone on your list who has perpetually cold feet or just wants to feel snug and comfortable (don’t we all?).

You may be familiar with Ototo’s popular Gracula garlic crusher, which we’ve covered before. But the brand also makes other whimsical kitchen tools, like this crab-shaped silicone utensil rest, which can double as a steam releaser for pots and pans. This little guy is a silly twist on the classic spoon rest with his raised claws, and is sure to spark a little everyday joy. Even better, he’s BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.

Promising review: “Gave this as a Christmas gift to a friend and he loved it! Such a cute little kitchen gadget to have and to make you smile at your little helper. Holds up the utensils great so very sturdy.” — Kristen Russell

An inexpensive gift idea for the plant owner in your life with both function and beauty, these self-watering planter insert globes are made of pretty and durable hand-blown glass. Just fill the globes with water and insert them right into smaller plants’ soil. Their controlled drip will avoid either over- or under-watering (adjusting the angle of the globes also adjusts the water release speed). They come in a few colors and styles. Any plant parent would be overjoyed to have these on hand.

Pickleball has become “America’s fastest-growing sport” over the past couple years, so introducing the hobby to your fitness-focused loved one is sure to make them jump for joy. This starter set from Recess Pickleball includes two durable fiberglass paddles with sweat-proof handles and three balls. The brand offers tons of color and pattern options, including the fun “Dog Day” doodles shown here, as well as sets with paddle cases, a gym bag and up to eight paddles.

Promising review: “Best gift ever! Gave this as a hostess gift and it was a fan favorite! Love giving Recess pickleball paddles as gifts” — Aubry H

Want a gift that keeps on giving? This interactive mug will make your recipient smile each time they use it. A QR code hidden among the books will show them one classic literary quote per day. The mug has a 15-ounce capacity and is both microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe on the top rack.

Promising review: “My friend was really excited about this gift and has been texting me the different quotes that she scans each day as she drinks her coffee.” — MC83

I was once gifted a Dash mini waffle maker as a housewarming present, and it transformed my Sunday mornings. The 4-inch iron made perfectly-sized waffles for me as someone living alone, though I imagine it could also be a hit for young kids (or anyone who appreciates a good waffle, honestly). The indicator light and nonstick surface make the appliance easy to operate and clean, and with the number of colors available, this is a fun way to add a little personality to your recipient’s kitchen.

Legos aren’t just for kids; there are plenty of adult Lego sets that can serve as fun breaks from screen time and the stresses of daily life, much like jigsaw puzzles and adult coloring book. The best part about this 1,180-piece set that reimagines a classic Hokusai print in Lego form is that the builder can hang it on their wall when they’re done, giving them a quirky conversation piece for their home.

The set also comes with a QR code they can scan to hear an immersive, calming soundtrack to get them in the zone as they build.

What could spark more joy than giving your recipient an excuse to have a lazy, cozy day in? Robes were a bestselling product among our gift guides last year, so of course we have to include one here. This organic Turkish waffle robe from Quince is beloved, with 4.9 stars across more than 1,400 reviews.

Available in four colors and sizes XS-L, the spa-style robe is 100% cotton, has two pockets and is soft but not too heavy, making it something your giftee might reach for year-round when they want to lounge around the house.

Promising review: “Wanted a robe that was cozy enough for winter, light enough for summer, and could be used around the house or out of the shower. Met all the requirements. Ordered a medium, has a 34 waist, with room to grow if needed.” — Rink

This Flamingo Estate candle offers a unique scent your recipient probably hasn’t tried before, inspired by Roma tomatoes with notes of pepper and spice. It’s warm without being too floral or citrusy, and can make someone who’s missing summer smile in the middle of winter cold. The 8-ounce candle has a near-perfect 4.9-star rating with more than 500 reviews, is made with vegetable wax and comes in a recyclable glass jar. It’s a small daily luxury that’s sure to bring a little joy into your recipient’s home.

Promising review: “My daughter in law smelled this candle at a friend’s house and could not stop talking about it. I am surprising her with one for Christmas.” — Jaye H.

If you’re shopping for someone with a sweet tooth, the latest model of Cuisinart’s ice cream maker is 25% faster than its predecessor and can whip up frozen desserts like ice cream and sorbet in just 20 minutes. The machine is so easy to operate — just freeze the inner 1.5-quart bowl in advance, add the ingredients and flip the on/off switch. The top has a wide spout for adding mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips without having to pause the machine. You can get it in a stunning mint green or a classic white version, which also comes with a scoop. Give them the joy of having their own ice cream every single day.

Games are a fun stocking stuffer, but if you’re shopping for someone who already has the classics like Cards Against Humanity, then this Where On The Scale? game is a solid option. Players have to guess where each other’s answers rank on a scale of “boring” to “fun.” There’s also a separate “adults only” pack of cards for when the kids aren’t around.

Promising review: “I love this game because it’s a great way to get to know the other players and their thought processes. I played with my entire family and we laughed a LOT. There’s also an adult version in the game, which can get really hysterical. Highly recommend!” — Hope

This gift idea goes beyond your average coffee table book with a more personalized touch: By submitting your recipient’s name and birth date, you can create a book that contains the major headlines from The New York Daily News, Washington Post or Los Angeles Times on each of their past birthdays (the brand recommends this as a gift for adults over 30). This page-turner can serve as a walk down memory lane and a conversation starter for older adults about the times they’ve lived through. It ships in two to four business days.

Promising review: “It was a joy to watch my dad read it. It came quickly and was very well packaged. Would definitely consider purchasing another.” — Samantha Dance

Transport your recipient to an old jazz bar with this unisex scent from Maison Margiela that comes in three sizes, including a miniature version available at Sephora (which could make a nice stocking stuffer). The woody, spicy notes of rum, vetiver, pepper, vanilla bean and more add a sophisticated touch without skewing totally masculine or feminine. If you know someone who loves cocktails, cigars or collecting unique fragrances, this is one you can add to their collection that will intrigue and excite them.

Turntables also got a shoutout in the Google Holiday 100, so your music-loving loved one might be on the hunt for a way to listen to their favorite albums on vinyl. This Victrola record player, which comes inside of a suitcase for easy transportation, is portable, beautiful and functional, sure to make any record collector excited. It’s just under two feet long and can play records at three speeds, and it can also stream from a Bluetooth device with the built-in speakers. There’s even a headphone jack for personal listening. You can choose from a bunch of colors.

This cotton towel set comes in a few ultra-cool retro colors, and can make your favorite homebody smile by sprucing up their bathroom. The set contains two bath towels and four hand towels, each made with absorbent Oeko-Tex-certified cotton. The bath towels can also double as beach towels, so your recipient can look like one of the most stylish people on the shore.

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