The holidays are creeping up on us, and you know what that means: endless hours of in-store or online shopping in search of the perfect Christmas gifts. The thought alone calls for a double shot of tequila.
On the plus side, it’s also the time of the year that you get to play Santa and make someone’s Xmas extra special. It just takes some patience, research, and a bit of expert advice to fill up your shopping sleigh with some of the season’s must-have Christmas gifts.
The first half of 2020 already introduced some game-changing products to the market. Reference several of SPY’s Best of 2020 guides including the Best Gifts For Dads, Best Air Fryers to Buy and the Best Instant Cameras for some gift-giving inspiration.
But make no mistake, here is where you’ll find the most popular Christmas presents that your significant other, family members, siblings, and co-workers are adding to their wish lists. An early anniversary gift, nice stocking-stuffer or Secret Santa surprise — there is something for every person, occasion, and price point.
From elite smart home products to fancy footwear, home bar essentials to health and wellness enhancers, we present to you this year’s best Christmas gifts as part of SPY’s Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide of 2020.
Check back often as we will continue to update this list with new, high-demand releases heading into the holiday.
Apple AirPods Pro
Let’s not be coy about this. Everyone who owns an iPhone, or any smartphone for that matter, wants Apple’s third-generation wireless buds in their Christmas stocking this year. They’re not only one of the best tech gifts of 2020, but the best AirPods to date, on account of several highly demanded upgrades. The enhanced design with accompanying tips keeps the buds locked onto your ears, so you won’t fear dropping them down a sewer grate ever again. Water-resistance keeps them protected from any sweat or water damage. Lastly, we get active noise cancellation, which is surprisingly effective at minimizing ambient sounds to enjoy Apple Music, distraction-free.
Buy: Apple AirPods Pro $263.00
Herschel Supply Sutton Duffle Bag
Herschel might update its duffle bags every few months, but the aesthetics and quality always remain consistent. The newest collection deemed the Sutton Collection features a variety of unisex selections that are comfy to tote around during the year’s busiest travel season. Each bag has a spacious interior and slip pocket on the outside, providing plenty of room to pack your EDC, gym gear and overnight items. The Night Camo colorway is an attention-grabber, whereas other options like Picante Crosshatch and Pine Bar should appease minimalists.
Buy: Herschel Supply Sutton Duffle Bag $69.95
Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets & Advice for Living Your Best Life by Ali Wong
Ali Wong’s memoir is exactly what you would expect from the celebrated stand-up comedian, hilariously overshared life stories in book form. Dear Girls is a collection of letters addressed to her two daughters, which discuss many life lessons that most mothers can share a connection with, in one way or another. Her social commentary on parenthood, dating, and establishing a successful career in a male-driven profession are both enlightening and endearing. Wong’s blunt approach to it all makes the book a hilarious read for any gender.
Buy: Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets & Advice for Living Your Best Life by Ali Wong $17.79
Cole Haan ZeroGrand Wingtip Derby
Sitting somewhere between casual and dressy, Cole Haan’s contemporary twist on the wingtip is the ideal gift for the blazer-and-denim playboy. The ZeroGrand Wingtip Derby maintains the dapper silhouette of the classic dress shoe and incorporates Cole Haan’s signature Grand.OS technology, which utilizes energy-foam cushioning to increase support for all-day comfort. Be sure to gift him a color to match his premium watch.
Tile Sticker Bluetooth Tracker
Your beau just unwrapped his brand-new iPad and the last thing you want is him “misplacing” it again before boarding a flight. Toss one of these sticker-based Bluetooth trackers on the tablet as a bonus gift before placing it under the Christmas tree. The Tile Sticker attaches to everything, can track items from up to 150 ft. away, and is waterproof. Amazon also has a special deal right now where shoppers can score a four-pack and an Echo Dot for only $60.
Buy: Tile Sticker (2 Pack) $38.00
Buy: Tile Sticker (4 Pack) with Echo Dot $99.98
BrüMate Winesulator
Wifey will be grateful to have this slim wine canteen come rosé season. Available in 18 colorful designs, the Winesulator stores a full bottle of vino and keeps it cool for up to 24 hours. A triple-insulated design and leak-proof lid guarantee that not one drop goes to waste.
Buy: BrüMate Winesulator Wine Canteen $34.99
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum
Diamonds will always be a girl’s best friend, but so can an exquisite bottle of perfume. Chanel’s latest fragrance combines fresh oriental notes with sweet accords to produce a distinctive scent that exudes elegance and opulence — two traits that best personify the spirit of a young Coco Chanel. Housed in the signature Chanel bottle, it’s a delectable aroma that lends itself well to any casual or formal affair.
Nintendo Switch Lite
Just when you thought Nintendo couldn’t make its home-gaming consoles any more portable, here comes the Switch Lite. This smaller and cheaper alternative to the popular Switch lets players enjoy numerous Switch titles on the go, along with hundreds of digital games in the Nintendo eShop. Additionally, it offers up to 30 percent more battery life than its predecessor and reintroduces the popular D-Pad to execute precise moves when playing 2D and classic NES games. In other words, expect Mario to stick his landings more often. Spoil the gamer in your life with one of three unique colors: Gray, Turquoise and Yellow.
Chateau Minuty ‘M’ Cotes de Provence Rosé
One of the finest rosés based on taste and appearance, Minuty ‘M’ fills your mouth with delectable fruit extracts and intense flavors that call for a refill after every glass. The bottle itself is a piece of art, flaunting a contoured design that looks seductive. It’s a more refreshing, acidulous, and affordable substitute for champagne that you’ll want to keep on ice for when the ball drops.
Fitbit Versa 2 Fitness Smartwatch
Since the New Year always sparks fitness aspirations, give your workout partner an encouragement boost by strapping the Fitbit Versa 2 on their wrist. As expected, all basic functions remain intact such as all-day tracking (e.g., calories burned, step count) and heart-rate monitoring. Fitbit brings over standout features from the previous version like automatic exercise recognition for 15 exercises, while introducing new ones: Alexa integration is perfect for automating daily tasks and smart home devices, hands-free. What’s more, all biometric data is also shown clearly on the larger Always-On AMOLED display.
Buy: Fitbit Versa 2 Special Edition $199.95
Mealthy CrispLid
This little cooking doohickey does what we thought was unthinkable — turn any electric pressure cooker into an air fryer. Your stomach just growled, didn’t it? Foodies can broil, crisp, and air fry whatever their heart desires, and monitor meals through the tempered glass lid while browsing through the Mealthy app for new Football Sunday recipes. It saves countertop space and requires far less maintenance than a standard air fryer.
Buy: Mealthy CrispLid
UGG Miranda Robe
Since a chinchilla was out of the budget this year, drape her body in something else furry and cozy. An UGG robe is the way to go, offering the same plush feel and similar comfort of the brand’s staple winter boots. Hip pockets and an attached hoodie only add to its laidback style. Pick from seven sultry colors: Indigo, Lavender Aura, Moonbeam, Nightshade, Port, and Seagull. Don’t get too jealous, as the UGG sells a men’s version that’s just as chill to rock around the house.
Wall Chess Set
Chess players with very little time to hone their skills can at least stay active by having this chess set mounted on the wall. The vertical board is sturdy and cleverly designed to keep every block piece in place. There is a special marker that players can use to indicate the last move and continue games without losing track of progress.
LARQ Self-Cleaning Water Bottle
A water bottle is more than just an ideal present that comes in handy when someone feels dehydrated. It shows that you care for their wellness. Dropping the LARQ in a loved one’s stocking should earn you plenty of cool points, as it eliminates all of the hard work that comes with maintaining a water bottle. The bottle has a self-clean mode that purifies water every two hours while keeping beverages cold for 24 hours (or hot for 12 hours). An integrated UV-C light helps neutralize up to 99.9999% of bacteria, making the LARQ a great hygienic solution for avid water drinkers.
Buy: LARQ Self-Cleaning Water Bottle $95.00
These Cards Will Get You Drunk Game
If there was ever a card game to determine how well someone could hold their liquor, this is it. The concept of These Cards Will Get You Drunk is simple: draw a card, follow the rules, and drink. Each of the 100 cards presents a different drinking stipulation that will either work in your favor or leave you wasted halfway through the game; keep plenty of water and carbs on hand. The brave souls who survive can then press their luck by playing the expansion pack.
Buy: These Cards Will Get You Drunk
Buy: These Cards Will Get You Drunk Too Expansion $15.99
Bonobos The Boulevard Bomber Jacket
Bomber jackets have experienced a renaissance over the past few years, and are currently more on-trend than ever, thanks to Barack Obama’s stylish taste. Bonobos has one of the hottest jackets out, trimmed with a traditional ribbed collar, cuff, and hem. The navy slim-fit design conforms to the upper body to highlight standout features such as your biceps and shoulders. This bomber keeps you warm and cozy as well.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K with Alexa Voice Remote
The holidays are the perfect time for binging your favorite films and TV shows. Allow Amazon’s newest streaming stick to anchor your entire viewing experience with crystal-clear, 4K visuals and faster streaming capabilities. As expected, you’ll gain access to tens of thousands of channels, Alexa skills, and apps including Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Hulu, just to name a few. The major difference here is that you gain full control of content and your HDTV using voice commands, making Netflix and Chill nights even more chill.
Buy: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K with Alexa Voice Remote $49.99
Ember Smart Travel Mug
Not many people function properly in the mornings without their caffeine fix. Do a solid for the groggy person of the household by presenting them with this temperature-controlled smart mug. The Ember Travel Mug lets users adjust the heat of their favorite beverages (e.g., coffee, tea or a Hot Toddy) using the rotating dial at the base. Once it reaches the proper temperature, they’ll receive a notification via the mobile app that gives them the OK to sip away.
Buy: Ember Smart Travel Mug $122.68
Nike Joyride Run Flyknit Sneakers
Whether for marathon training or weekend wear, the new Joyride Run Flyknit is one of the freshest and most versatile pair of runners created by Nike. The soles encompass foam beads engineered to deliver the comfort, stability, and shock absorption one requires to easily maneuver through rugged terrain. The patented Flyknit upper keeps sweaty feet cooled in moist climates. We’re also fans of the clean and vibrant colorways available for both male and female sprinters. Unboxing them on Christmas Day might inspire the giftee to sign up for their first 5K.
Google Pixel 4 & Pixel 4XL
Google’s flagship phones get better with every new generation. The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4XL have what many critics are calling the best camera of any smartphone, producing sharp, vibrant photos that look even more stunning on the 90Hz OLED Smooth Display. Why is the screen such a big deal? Well, it refreshes 90 times a second to make all content (pics, videos, websites) look ridiculously smooth. Toss in solid battery life (primarily on the 4XL) and smarter features like the new Recorder app that transcribes speech in real-time, and you’ve got two heavy hitters. If you need any more incentive, Amazon is giving away a free $100 gift card with the purchase of either phone.
Buy: Google Pixel 4 XL $879.22
Audible Monthly Subscription
For the avid bookworm who prefers consuming their literature in audio form, an Audible subscription is the most rewarding Xmas gift they can receive. Subscribers are afforded three titles each month, as well as access to the largest number of audiobooks and original ad-free audio shows on any device through the free Audible app. Subscriptions are available in 1-month ($15.00), 3-month ($45.00) and 6-month ($90.00) packages.
Spiralizer 5-Blade Vegetable Slicer
This awesome veggie slicer should give your mom the extra help she needs in the kitchen. Cucumbers, potatoes, squash, and even ginger root can be transformed into pasta thanks to the Spiralizer and its five Japanese stainless-steel cutting blades. Effortlessly slice through food for faster meal prep this year. But more than just fun, Spiralizing fruits and vegetables can help promote healthy weight loss, too.
Buy: Spiralizer 5-Blade Vegetable Slicer $25.99
Jackery Bar Portable Charger
Portable power is a necessity for all mobile users, no matter what smart device they carry with them daily. Here is a durable portable battery that can charge smartphones up to three times and has temperature resistance to prevent devices from overheating. There is a built-in flashlight as well, to help locate misplaced items. How often have you wished for one when losing your iPhone at the bar? That is a lot of functionality for around $25.
Buy: Jackery Bar Portable Charger $15.99
Kiehl’s Healthy Skin Squad Set
You might be entitled to a vacation every year, but your skin never takes a day off. To ensure your (and your partner’s) moneymaker looks radiant heading into the New Year, work on adopting the proper facial skincare regimen. This set from Kiehl’s has several of the brand’s best-performing products — each formulated to combat anti-aging, as well as cleanse and moisturize skin. And it’s unisex, perfect for any couple to share! Keep everything stored neatly in the accompanying psychedelic travel bag, as well.
Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700
Noise-canceling headphones are a travel essential these days, as much as luggage sets or portable chargers, and nothing is currently more highly recommended than the Bose 700 headphones. These gorgeously-designed cans boast intuitive smart controls, stellar sound quality, and sleek aesthetics that complement their svelte, ultramodern frame. But what you’re really getting here is best-in-class active noise cancellation — up to 11 different levels that can be adjusted on the Bose Music app — perfect for silencing airplane engines and crying babies on the flight home for the holidays.
Buy: Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700
Michael Michael Kors Ava Strappy Sandal
Just because Manolo Blahniks aren’t in the Christmas budget doesn’t mean you can’t bless your woman with some classy, sexy heels. Michael Kors knows all about designing attractive stilettos for modern women, which is clearly exhibited in the Ava Sandal. Streamlined curves combined with a thin, adjustable strap give these heels a prominent look that demands all eyes in the boardroom or bedroom.
Serene House Corona Teardrop Scentilizer Diffuser
The holidays bring on plenty of stress, so what better way to heal the mind, body, and soul than with some aromatherapy. This budget-friendly diffuser lets home-dwellers fill their rooms with aromatic essential oil scents to relax and recharge the body when near the point of exhaustion. The unit runs up to 7 hours continuously (14 hours on Intermittent Mode) and has 7 LED lights to brighten dark, dreary environments. Its avant-garde design and wooden base give the device a distinguished look.
Tory Burch Small Robinson Saffiano Leather Tote
Tory Burch’s latest release in their collection of everyday totes is beautifully crafted from scratch-resistant Saffiano leather and has a polished finish that keeps the design looking brand new for as long as possible. The inside is spacious with dual interior compartments to keep essentials organized. Now is the time to show and prove, and spend like you love her.
Everything is F*cked: A Book About Hope
Books open the door to many priceless lessons and this one keeps its message simple: “Don’t hope for better…Just be better.” The follow-up to author Mark Manson’s critically acclaimed The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck serves as a counterintuitive guide for Negative Neds/Nancys and doomsayers in dire need of positive energy. As expected, Manson shares entertaining and thought-provoking insight on how to live a more meaningful life during the worst of times, which already speaks to a large audience, considering the current status of the world.
Buy: Everything is F*cked: A Book About Hope $13.49
Click & Grow Smart Garden 3
For the green thumb of the family, the Smart Garden allows for simple indoor gardening when time, patience and sunlight are scarce. It’s a self-watering system that employs soil inspired by NASA technology to grow healthy herbs and vegetables — no GMOs, pesticides or harmful substances needed. The LED light system is also an effective solution that provides plants with a strong source of light on days when Mother Nature keeps the skies gray.
Buy: Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 $99.95
Lucky Shot Handmade Whiskey Glass
Every spirits lover should have their own signature piece of glassware — something they occasionally grab to enjoy a nightcap after a long, rough day. How about a whiskey glass with a real .308 bullet embedded into the design? Gift your favorite boozehound one of these specialty glasses to give their home bar some edge next to all of that top-shelf liquor.
Buy: Lucky Shot Handmade Whiskey Glass $19.99
Happy Socks Mix Socks Gift Box
Colorful socks can be a trendy way of showcasing a man’s personality. This assorted batch from Happy Socks brings together some of the brand’s exceptional offerings in bold and striking patterns that are sure to catch any fashion savant’s eye. Options are bountiful with over 30 curated gift boxes available featuring several distinct styles.
Buy: Happy Socks Mix Socks Gift Box $32.00
Gillette Heated Razor
For those who prefer a more traditional shave, Gillette’s latest innovation offers just that in a cutting-edge package. The handle is programmed with four intelligent heat sensors that activate with the push of a button to warm up the blades, so they can plow through thick hair and provide smoother strokes across the face. Look at it like performing a hot-towel shave, minus the hot towel. It’s as seamless to shave off stubble as it is to operate. The premium design and bundled magnetic wireless charging base also make the Heated Razor a hot décor piece for any bathroom.
Blunt Metro Travel Umbrella
Umbrellas always make practical gifts and the Blunt Metro is one that every 9-to-5er wants by their side when inclement weather threatens their wardrobe. Compact, collapsible, and sturdy, each umbrella undergoes extreme testing to ensure the best quality; it can stand up to 72mph winds and heavy downpour. Durable UV protection coating also keeps powerful sun rays from hitting your skin, preventing wrinkles and other signs of premature aging.
Buy: Blunt Metro Travel Umbrella $59.00
The Glenlivet 14 Single Malt Whisky Cognac Cask Selection
Celebrations call for special spirits, and this refined single malt was crafted to satisfy all drinkers with exquisite taste. The Glenlivet 14 is first aged in bourbon and sherry casks, then finished in ex-cognac casks, creating a unique, succulent palate filled with mandarin, ripe pears, and chocolate-dipped raisins. Dessert, anyone?
Burst Sonic Electric Toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes are Xmas gifts that many people don’t fully appreciate until they notice a brighter smile several weeks later. Burst is a celebrity favorite (Khloe Kardashian swears by it) that simplifies oral hygiene with a compact, sleek design and programmed features like timed sonic vibrations for thorough cleanings. Each brush comes with charcoal bristles that help pull impurities from teeth and double the whitening effect, while the back can serve as a tongue scraper to remove unwanted bacteria. The company also provides a lifetime warranty with purchase.
Buy: Burst Sonic Electric Toothbrush $69.99
Buy: Burst Sonic Electric Toothbrush Special Edition $99.99
Diptyque Baies/Berries Scented Candle
One way to liven up the mood at Mom’s house is with a scent-filled candle. Surprise her with something special from Diptyque. Once lit, this candle releases invigorating notes of roses and blackcurrant leaves into the air that should keep spirits high around the fireplace. If one isn’t enough, spend a little extra on the Mini Candle Set that bundles five travel-size candles together in a festive package.
Tushy Classic Bidet
Handing someone a bidet as a Christmas gift sounds a bit sh*tty, but not every bidet is the Tushy. This unique accessory fits on most standard toilets, has customized pressure and angling to spray water at their desired intensity, and saves them money on toilet paper; it actually cuts down usage by 80%. Not to mention it’s also a clever way of poshing up one’s bathroom. If white is too plain, look into bolder colorways like Blue/Bamboo, Pink/White or Noir/Gold!
Buy: Tushy Classic Bidet $89.00
Batman 4-Film Collection 4K Blu-ray
You may be tired of all the Marvel films at this point, particularly re-watching Avengers: Endgame for the umpteenth time. Rather than going through the entire DC Universe next, make your movie nights special by celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Dark Knight’s first major big-screen outing with the Batman four-Film Collection. Not only can you watch the first four original films in 4K presentation, but you’ll gain access to hours of bonus features as well.
Buy: Batman 4-Film Collection 4K Blu-ray $80.99
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 Portable Speaker
Portable speakers are popular all year round but rarely do you find one that is waterproof and can blast music louder than your HDTV. Those are voids the Wonderboom 2 satisfyingly fill, pumping out crisp sound and booming bass that will rattle listeners off of their pool floaties. At under $100 each, you might feel compelled to gift a set of two since they can be paired together to enjoy 360-degree stereo sound in any setting.
Buy: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 Portable Speaker $99.99
Bellroy Hide and Seek RFID Wallet
Upgrade him to something nice and high tech like this security-friendly wallet. The Bellroy Hide and Seek is composed of “premium, environmentally certified leather” and has RFID protection to keep personal information safe from wireless identity theft. Inside are two cash pockets and four cardholders to properly organize valuables. The clean, minimalist design also develops a handsome patina over time for a more personalized look.
Buy: Bellroy Hide and Seek RFID Wallet
Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
Coffee is what gets our engine running in the morning. Return the Starbucks gift card and surprise your favorite java lover with the Nanopresso. It’s designed to brew coffee in less than 5 minutes and requires very little force to pump. This will save coffee sippers some time and deliver a much-needed boost before taking on the world.
Buy: Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker $64.90
Strange Planet
You’re asking if it was really necessary to publish a book based on the phenomenally popular Instagram account? Yes, it was. The webcomic series still delivers the laughs with hypothetical jokes that continue to poke fun of today’s social behaviors and norms. It’s a must-own for any of the 4.8 million followers of the witty the IG page.
Buy: Strange Planet $6.77
Growlight Frame Shelf
Every green thumb’s worst nightmare is having their houseplants die during the winter. This two-in-one steel frame is more than just a stylish décor piece that transforms an indoor garden into artwork. It keeps plants alive and thriving with built-in LEDs that produce sufficient light when the sun isn’t available. A timer with low-to-full light options can help manage horticultural projects when away from the house.
Everlasting Comfort Neck Pillow and Sleep Mask Set
A comfy neck pillow and eye mask should help Bae get the necessary beauty sleep they require when returning home for the holidays. This two-piece travel set was designed with convenience and relaxation in mind; the pillow features gel-infused memory foam that enhances comfort for both the head and neck. The ultra-plush velour cover also feels serenely soothing on the skin. There’s even a cellphone pocket designed into the pillow to safely store an iPhone when escaping to dreamland.
Buy: Everlasting Comfort Neck Pillow and Sleep Mask Set $11.35
Jabra Elite 65t True Wireless Earbuds
True wireless earbuds are all the rage right now. The Jabra Elite 65t is a well-balanced performer across all major categories including audio, battery life, call quality, and connectivity. Its compact charging case fits snugly into denim pockets and provides extra juice while storing the buds safely. Using the Jabra Sound+ app lets listeners customize the EQ settings to create their own sound profile. Fitness freaks who want to enjoy the same perks in a sportier design will love finding the Elite Active 65t in their stocking.
Buy: Jabra Elite 65t True Wireless Earbuds $133.99
Buy: Jabra Elite Active 65t True Wireless Earbuds $133.99
Zippo Rechargeable Hand Warmers
Keeping warm in the colder seasons does require more than a pair of gloves, a scarf and a trapper hat. That is where these hand warmers come into play. Rechargeable and reusable, Zippo integrated its patented HeatBank technology into these tiny heat-emitting gadgets, along with six different heat settings to generate efficient, dual-sided warmth for nine hours. They’re suitable for any and every cold situation, be it camping outdoors in low temperatures or shivering underneath the office AC vent. They also double as power banks to charge USB devices like smartphones, tablets, cameras, and MP3 players — pretty cool.
Buy: Zippo Rechargeable Hand Warmers $30.20
Yukon Growlers Insulated Beer Growler
Nothing is less refreshing than warm, flat beer. Yoke Growlers comes to the rescue with a triple-insulated growler that keeps your brew carbonated and chilled for up to 24 hours. No more settling for the bottom of the keg. Bring it along on camping trips or tailgating parties to enjoy 64 ounces of craft beer goodness.
Buy: Yukon Growlers Insulated Beer Growler $25.45