Christmas gift ideas in the US

Start with what they do every evening

Write the list, then one line next to each name: what they do most evenings. A reader gets the Kobo. Someone who has started buying records gets the AT-LP60X. A family that fills the house on the 25th gets Mario Kart World, if they have a Switch 2. A couple who never agree on a film gets the scratch-off movie book.

The Kobo is our top pick because it suits so many people. It is waterproof, the screen is easy on the eyes, and the battery lasts weeks, so it gets used on the couch, in the bath and on the flight home.

Budgets

Under $30: the iFixit Moray kit, an AirTag, Darn Tough socks, the family cookbook or the movie book. Good for teachers, neighbors and coworkers.

From $30 to $150: the T2 tea advent calendar, an AeroPress, a Stanley bottle, a dozen Pro V1s, an Arc'teryx toque, a Logitech mouse or Allbirds. Most gifts for siblings and friends land here.

Over $150, buy one thing and make it count: the Kobo, the Marshall speaker, the Theragun Mini, a Garmin running watch or the Bose headphones.

Mistakes we see every year

Buying something that needs something else. The turntable needs speakers or a stereo. The AirTag needs an iPhone and a holder. Mario Kart World will not run on the original Switch.

Giving the advent calendar in December. The T2 calendar runs for the 24 days before Christmas, so hand it over by Thanksgiving weekend.

Wrapping gadgets flat. The Theragun, the speaker and the headphones run on batteries. Charge them before you wrap them.

Shipping and last-minute gifts

Order physical gifts by early December, and earlier for limited runs like the Darn Tough socks. Carriers slow down badly in the last ten days.

If you have left it late, send something by email. An Apple Gift Card suits an iPhone user. A Cozymeal card buys a cooking class or chef dinner in many US cities, which gives a couple a night out in January. Print it and put it in a card so there is something to open.

Questions people ask

What is a good Christmas gift for someone who has everything?

Give something that gets used up or done. Good hot chocolate, a coffee set, a book subscription or a cooking class all avoid adding clutter. A board game for the holidays also works, since it gives the family something to do together. If they still want an object, upgrade something they use every day, like their socks or their reading device.

How much should you spend on Christmas gifts?

It depends on the relationship and your budget, not a fixed rule. Many people spend under $30 for coworkers, teachers and neighbours, $30 to $150 for friends and siblings, and save larger amounts for a partner or parent. Agree limits with family early so nobody feels caught out on the day.

What are good last-minute Christmas gifts?

Emailed gift cards and subscriptions. An Apple Gift Card works for an iPhone user, a Cozymeal card for a US cooking fan, and a book subscription for a reader. For something physical, local shops often stock chocolate, socks and board games. Print the email and put it in a card so there is still something to open.

What is a good Christmas gift for the whole family?

A game everyone can play. Herd Mentality works for big mixed-age groups, Mario Kart World suits a family with a Switch 2, and Wingspan is good for a slower afternoon. Food also works for a household: a spiced hot chocolate or a coffee gift set gets shared. Choose based on how many people will be in the room.