Best for campers		Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock		SEE IT	A durable option that doesn’t hurt the bank.
Best for hikers		Smartwool Hiking Crew Socks		SEE IT	These socks are made of Merino wool, which will keep your feet warm and dry.
Best solar generator		Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300		SEE IT	Power small appliances while camping.

It feels safe to assume that—after spending the better part of many years cooped up inside classrooms, libraries, cafeterias, and/or dorm rooms—any grad is ready for a change of scenery, especially grads who love the actual outdoors. Once all their schoolwork is done, grades have been entered, and degrees are in hand, these grads will surely feel it’s time some exploits braving the elements, and you can help by giving graduation gifts for outdoor lovers that travel well. Wherever their love for the outdoors takes them, we have you covered with the best graduation gift guide for well-accessorized adventurers.

• Best for campers: Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock  
• Best for grad parties in the backyard or backcountry: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3
• Best for hikers: Smartwool Hiking Crew Socks
• Best for interval training to interviews: Garmin epix Pro and Garmin fēnix 7 Pro
• Best for your grad’s new apartment: Fuzzy Ink Wilderness Print
• Best for outdoor athletes: CamelBak Octane Dart Hydration Pack
• Best personalized gift: Engraved Compass
• Best useful: Victorinox Swiss Army One-Hand Trekker Knife
• Best thoughtful: Paddywax Candles Parks Collection
• Best for day trips: YETI Packable Lunch Bag
• Best wearable: Outdoor Life Tee
• Best for dirty hiking clothes: STNKY Bag Pro Wash Bag
• Best portable firepit: Colsen Tabletop Portable Fire Pit
• Best fire starter: Pull Start Firestarter
• Best hard cooler: RTIC Ultra-Light 55 Quart Hard Cooler
• Best for post-trail drinks: Hydro Flask 25 oz Ceramic Reusable Wine Bottle
• Best unbreakable glasses: Silipint Silicone Pint Glasses
• Best for ski lodge lounging: Chaco Ramble Puff Ankle Boot
• Best for camp comfort: Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho Down
• Best for camp chefs: Opinel Nomad Camping Kitchen Utensil Kit
• Best hiking boot: Vasque Breeze Waterproof Hiking Boot
• Best headlamp: BioLite 800 Pro
• Best solar generator: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300

Best for campers: Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock  

Wise Owl Outfitters

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If your favorite grad is equipped with just about everything they need to make it through a backcountry trip, get them camping gifts to introduce even more relaxation and fun to their next outdoor escape. A camping hammock is a perfect way to sit back, take a nap, read a book, or drink a calming beverage outdoors. This is the best hammock from Wise Owl and weighs under 2 pounds, including the hanging straps, so it’s perfect for campers who prioritize portability. When packed down, it’s about the size of a grapefruit, so your grad should be able to easily carry it with them or keep it stashed away in their car. Each hammock comes with tree straps and carabiners for easy setup, with no need for any additional equipment. It comes in over 10 colors so that you can choose their favorite. It’s 9 feet long and 4.5 feet wide, with a 400-pound weight limit, which should be suitable for just about any user. You can even grab a two-person hammock (weighing only 5 ounces more) if they tend to go camping with a partner or friend.

Best for grad parties in the backyard or backcountry: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3

Brandt Ranj

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No graduation gift guide would be complete without some great speakers. If your recent grad is always on the go—heading out for day hikes, camping trips, beach hangouts, long bike rides, and more—you can’t go wrong gifting them a portable Bluetooth speaker. No matter where they are or what they are doing, a smartphone and a compact speaker will provide the perfect soundtrack for any outdoor activity. The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 is an excellent option, weighing under 1 pound and equipped with a flexible handle that can easily attach to a backpack, bike basket, or belt loop. It’s only 4 inches tall, but the small, compact design doesn’t mean you sacrifice anything when it comes to sound. The portable speaker can reach up to 87 decibels (equivalent to standing next to a loud blender or vacuum) and produces full 360-degree sound coverage. This powerful Bluetooth speaker can also withstand the elements and is one of our favorite waterproof speakers for a good reason; it has an IP67 rating, which means it can survive being dropped into a body of water up to a meter deep for half an hour, plus it’s dirt/dust-resistant. In addition, the battery lasts a full 13 hours, so your grad can jam outside all day long. And, if they want to be a party-goer and a party-thrower, you can up the energy with a portable party speaker.

Best for hikers: Smartwool Hiking Crew Socks  

Smartwool

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A hiker is only as good as their socks are strong, so give a grad who loves to ramble amongst the rocks a pair that will last. While socks may seem like a simple gift, a quality pair or two is one of those hiking gifts that can go a long way. You’ll be taking care of an essential need any avid hiker has and investing in their overall outdoor experiences. Take it from us: nothing ruins a hike faster than angry blisters and constant friction. Smartwool hiking socks come in various colors and sizes, both men’s and women’s. From a tried and true brand, these socks are designed for rugged day hikes and moderate backpacking. An elasticized arch brace provides extra support, medium cushioning absorbs impact, and a flat-toe seam keeps things comfortable. Made from Merino wool and nylon, these socks will keep their feet warm even during cold winter hikes. If your loved one likes to embark on a variety of adventures, you can check out Smartwool’s other socks specifically designed for activities like running, cycling, skiing, and more. There’s a reason we listed them as our favorite wool socks.

Best for interval training to interviews: Garmin epix Pro and Garmin fēnix 7 Pro

Garmin

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Whether your grad is thinking more about the backcountry or the boardroom, they could use a smartwatch that helps them get where they need to be when they need to be there. And when it comes to multi-band GPS smartwatches, Garmin makes the best adventure accessories out there. Endurance athletes to purposeful wanderers can benefit from the rugged, sensor-embedded case, metrics-rich displays, and accurate navigation resources found in Garmin’s newest Pro editions of the company’s multisport timepieces—available in multiple sizes and colors with different types of scratch-resistant/solar-charging glass.

Best for your grad’s new apartment: Fuzzy Ink Wilderness Print

Fuzzy Ink

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The perfect grad gifts for outdoor lovers aren’t always the ones they’ll bring on their adventures—they can be ones they’ll appreciate before and after an excursion. A woodsy print or poster is a great present for a graduate who needs a little help decorating their new apartment. At this point, they might have all the gear they need, but what they probably don’t have are elegant pieces that express their personality but also provide a sense of maturity for an adult abode. This print from Fuzzy Ink is an artistic way for your grad to stay inspired. It measures 18 inches by 24 inches and is printed on coated paper with a matte finish, so they won’t have any trouble finding a great spot to display it. This print quietly depicts the beauty and awe that many outdoor enthusiasts find so mesmerizing about being in nature. From the crackling campfire to the expansive display of fir trees, this piece will surely bring joy to a grad who longs to roam around the forest.

Best for outdoor athletes: CamelBak Octane Dart Hydration Pack

CamelBak

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Any outdoor lover knows how important it is to stay hydrated. Whether hiking, cycling, or running, drinking water is key to preventing heat stroke, dehydration, fatigue, and other issues. Of course, a water bottle is the first thing we think of when it comes to H2O on the go; however, bottles can be bulky and cumbersome. So, if you want to get your grad a great outdoor gift that prioritizes function and efficiency, we recommend a CamelBak Hydration Pack. This multisport hydration backpack can hold 50 ounces of water and easily straps to your back with a long drinking tube and trap management to make hydrating hands-free. All they need to do is bite down and suck to get as much water as necessary—no need to stop during a long run or bike ride to grab a water bottle. The 3D vent mesh provides lightweight comfort and airflow, while front harness pockets can hold snacks, sunscreen, and other essentials. Reflectivity strips are added for extra safety during early morning or nighttime exercise. Your grad will be able to get a run in anytime, anywhere, and stay hydrated all the while. If you’re looking for more options, consider our list of the best hydration packs.

Best personalized gift: Engraved Compass

Etsy

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A personalized gift is always a good idea, especially when you’re celebrating a significant achievement. Giving a gift designed specifically for them—something special that only they will have—will let your grad know how much you care for and support them. If you want to give a personalized gift suited for the outdoors, check out these engraved compasses. You can choose from existing mountainscapes or upload your own favorite photos and illustrations to be perfectly recreated on the compass’s cover. Practically any part of the compass can include etching, so you won’t have to choose between a picture or a message. You can even ask for your own handwriting to be impressed on the metal so your graduate can take a piece of you with them no matter where they travel.

A useful graduation gift for the outdoors: Victorinox Swiss Army One-Hand Trekker Knife

Victorinox

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Outdoor enthusiasts know that it’s essential to prioritize gear that is lightweight, portable, and multipurpose. You will rarely find a seasoned camper lugging around a toolbox, though the need for various utensils and instruments is frequent. From quick repairs to food preparation, a survival tool or multipurpose knife is a helpful gift for anyone who spends a lot of time outside (they can also be pretty practical for indoor use). A Swiss Army knife is practical, classic, and cool. A household name when it comes to compact knives, the Trekker lives up to the hype. Its attached tools include a wood saw, large blade, 3-millimeter and 5-millimeter screwdrivers, wire stripper, can opener, tweezers, toothpick, and more. It’s one of those camping gifts that offer pretty much everything you need to make it through the trek without any issues. A knife like this is a thoughtful graduation gift that they are guaranteed to use for years to come.

Best thoughtful: Paddywax Candles Parks Collection

Paddywax Candles

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A candle is a fantastic gift for any graduate, signifying new beginnings and ordaining their adult apartment, or childhood bedroom, with sophisticated, balanced scents to keep them calm as they figure out their next steps. We’re a fan of scented gifts in general. But if your recent grad pines for the outdoors but doesn’t have time to travel just yet, a candle that brings nature to them is even more highly recommended. Paddywax has created a National Park Service-inspired collection that features the complex aromas of our country’s natural wonders. “Yellowstone” has hints of sagebrush and fir, the “Great Smoky Mountains” features Maplewood and moss, “Acadia” has seagrass and driftwood, while the “Grand Canyon” smells like cactus flowers and fern. Each candle is 11 ounces and has a burn time between 50 and 60 hours. When they’ve used up every drop of wax the candle has to offer, grads can upcycle the jars and repurpose them as plant pots, beauty tool holders, catch-alls, and more. Best of all, Paddywax donates a minimum of $25,000 per year to the National Parks Foundation, so your gift will not only go to your graduate but support the beautiful natural landmarks they love so much.

Best for day trips: YETI Packable Lunch Bag

YETI

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There is only one thing better than a day outdoors, and that is a day outdoors with snacks. Whether they plan on packing a lunch for a mountaintop picnic or bringing a few celebratory drinks to a grad party on the beach, beverages, and munchies are a must-have for your graduate’s next outside hang. A cooler is the best way to keep their tasty treats fresh all day long, so they never have to worry about their food heating up in the sun while they hike or swim. This YETI lunch bag is the perfect gift for grads to take food outside or pack a tasty lunch for their new job. Available in two sizes, a standard box or larger bag, and a variety of colorways, this pack uses Coldcell Flex insulation” technology and a “thermosnap” closure to keep food at the correct temperature, hot or cold. The adjustable grid means you can set the size by simply closing the top hook into any one of the available hoops. That way, the lunch bag can easily fit under a desk or be stuffed with snacks and drinks using all of its available 15.75 inches. This bag will pair well with just about any outdoor excursion, so your grad will be able to pack all the necessities and then some.

Best wearable: Outdoor Life Tee

540Brands

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If you want to get sweet, versatile graduation gifts guaranteed to make them smile, go with cute graphic tees like this one from Outdoor Life. Available in both men’s and women’s sizes, the “Go Play Outside” slogan is a fun way for you to tell everyone you see where your priorities lie. Made from 100-percent cotton and available in five colorways, this T-shirt will complement any hunter, angler, hiker, camper, surfer, sailor—just about any outdoor enthusiast you could think of. The soft material makes these tees particularly great for lounging around a campfire, though we recommend sizing up for maximum coziness—your grad will thank you.

Best for dirty hiking clothes: STNKY Bag Pro Wash Bag

STNKY

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STNKY’s Bag Pro Wash Bag is the simple gift our adventurous grad didn’t know they needed. The zip-up laundry bag can hold all of their dirty clothes during multi-day camping and hiking trips to prevent unwanted odors and bacteria from getting onto their clean ones. When it’s time to wash their clothes, the STNKY bag can be unzipped and turned inside out, at which point the clothes will fall into the washing machine without being touched. The bag itself is also machine washable, which is a nice bonus. Anyone who struggles to stay organized and sanitary during their next outdoor trip will love this gift.

Best portable firepit: Colsen Tabletop Portable Fire Pit

Colsen

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Sometimes setting up a big outdoor fire pit isn’t feasible or reasonable, but that doesn’t mean giving up s’mores for the night. Colsen’s Tabletop Portable Fire Pit runs on the company’s odorless liquid fuel, can be set up and ignited within a few minutes, and produces flame up to one foot tall for roughly 45 minutes. This is the ideal gift for someone who’s into glamping or wants a fire pit they can use indoors and out at any point during the year. The fact that you don’t need firewood to ignite it is particularly important because rainy weather can make dry fuel hard to find. And if you happen to have a grad living somewhere with a sizeable backyard/patio, you can give them a tasteful taste of the campfire life at home with a Solo Stove Bonfire firepit.

Best firestarter: Pull Start Firestarter

Pull Start Fire

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On the other hand, if you’re shopping for someone who spends days upon days out in the woods, they’re going to need Pull Start Firestarter. The fire starter is literally ignited by pulling a string built into its small box. Smoke will begin to billow from the box, indicating that the fire starter will be fully ignited within three seconds. It lasts up to 30 minutes once fully ignited. Beyond the convenience of not having to strike a match, keeping a pack of these around can be helpful during an emergency. It’s very difficult to light wet wood with a match, but prolonged exposure to a fire starter can do the trick. Whether they’re trying to save time or their own life, your grad will appreciate having a three-pack of Pull Start Firestarter in their pack.

Best hard cooler: RTIC Ultra-Light 55 Quart Hard Cooler

RTIC

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No campsite or boat is complete without a cooler that can reliably keep foods and beverages cold for hours—or days—at a time. If you’re shopping for a grad who’s planning a big summer trip, there’s a good chance Ultra-Light 55 Quart Hard Cooler is the perfect gift. The high-capacity cooler has three inches of insulation to maintain a consistent temperature inside, but it was engineered to be nearly a third lighter than the competition. This means it’ll be easier to carry when filled with ice, food, and dozens of cans. A cooler is one of the few gifts that may actually last your grad a lifetime, so it’s important to make the right choice. If you know they tend to pack extra light, RTIC also offers a 32-Quart model of this same cooler. Want more options? Check out more of the best coolers for camping.

Best for post-trail drinks: Hydro Flask 25 oz Ceramic Reusable Wine Bottle

Hydro Flask

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Enjoying a bottle of wine on a mountain sounds like a dream—but wine bottles and hiking don’t exactly mix. Give your grad the gift of sneaky boozing with this ceramic reusable wine bottle from Hydro Flask, which fits one 750 mL bottle of wine. It’s dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning and BPA-free for peace of mind. TempShield double-wall vacuum insulation keeps whites chilled and reds at room temp, and a ceramic-lined interior prevents flavor transfer. Although it’s advertised for wine, we think it’s also perfect for any spirit: Our favorite nature-inspired aqua vitae is Tin Cup Whiskey, cut with water from the Rocky Mountains and named after the tin cups miners used to drink. Need a more traditionally shaped option? Check out our favorite insulated water bottles.

Best unbreakable glasses: Silipint Silicone Pint Glasses

Silipint

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We’ve included the Silipint in our best camping gifts guide, but we think it makes a great gift especially for someone who may be too transient for real drinkware. These shatterproof “glasses” are made of 100% food-grade silicone, meaning you don’t have to deal with dangerous broken glass. Plus, they’re a fun, bright way to reduce the amount of plastic your grad may use between graduation and their very first job.

Best for ski lodge lounging: Chaco Ramble Puff Ankle Boot

Amanda Reed

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Chaco is known for its rugged and arch-supporting sandals, but we think their covered shoe offerings deserve some praise. The Ramble Puff Ankle Boot feels like a down parka for your feet, and they’re perfect for throwing on after a day of skiing or hiking. And, water-resistant rip-stop nylon means they’re not just indoor shoes—they can hold up in the great outdoors. If you’re looking for something that slips on, the Ramble Puff also comes in a clog style just as comfy and dreamy as its boot brethren. Our staff writer lives in both the clog and boot for women—don’t ask her to pick her favorite. Speaking of puffy stuff …

Best for camp comfort: Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho Down

ThermaRest

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We all know the importance of having appropriate layers for hiking—but what if you want to stay warm without having to wear the same jacket you’ve worn all day. The Honcho Poncho from Therm-a-Rest (also makers of excellent sleeping pads) combines the lightweight, warm properties of 650-Fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down with a water-resistant 100% recycled polyester shell for a wearable sleeping bag. You can wear it around the campsite or campfire or lay it out in your tent and use it as a blanket. Its front pocket doubles as a stuff sack to make it easy to stow away back into your pack (or to use it as a lite pillow).

Best for camp chefs: Opinel Nomad Camping Kitchen Utensil Kit

Opinel

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These knives are great for a grad who trying to step up their outdoor cooking game. The kit comes with a serrated folding knife, a folding corkscrew knife, a pocket peeler, a beechwood cutting board, and a microfiber cleaning cloth that doubles as a travel pouch. A Virobloc safety ring is attached to all knives/peelers to make it safer to open and transport the kit. Your grad never has to struggle to cut a piece of campfire-cook beef or a hunk of crusty bread again.

Best hiking boot: Vasque Breeze Waterproof Hiking Boot

Tony Ware

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Your grad deserves a new pair of hiking boots for successfully climbing the mountain that is college. This one from Vasque is comfortable—our assistant managing editor (his ankles and dog shown above) says, “Lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to … boot … the Vasque Breeze immediately impressed me by requiring zero break-in, then continued to impress me with its stability and traction.” This means grads can climb the highly-graded mountain of post-grad life and worry more about their rent than getting blisters. They’re waterproof and made of sustainable, durable materials for years and years of adventures.

Best headlamp: BioLite 800 Pro

BioLite

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Grad gifts are all about shiny new things, and this new headlamp from BioLite should excite your night crawler. It packs 800 powerful, bright Lumens to illuminate any dark trails … or the way to the bathroom at night. Your grad will get 150 hours of power on low; seven hours on high; and 8 hours on reserve. It recharges using a micro USB port, and includes a Constant Mode for full illumination without auto-dimming. Plus, 3D SlimFit tech gives you bounceless, slipless, and near-weightless wear. Being comfortable and able to see where you’re stepping? Sounds like a win.

Best solar generator: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300

Jackery

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Jackery topped our list of the best solar generators, and we love the company’s small-but-mighty portable power station that can be charged by a wall outlet, car outlet, and the sun (!!!). The solar panel isn’t included, but you can get this bundle that solves the lack of solar panel upon purchase. It’s easy to carry at 7.1 pounds and can charge up to six devices while your grad is on outdoor adventures. Your grad may go outdoors to unplug, but you’ll get peace of mind that their phone or other powered essentials won’t die out in the wilderness.

Things to consider when picking gifts for folks who love the outdoors

From lite hiking gifts to entertaining accessories to full-on camping gifts, you can help recent graduates prepare for whatever their next exploration entails. Or, for graduates moving to a new city or starting a new job and unsure they’ll get out much in those early post-grad days, give graduation gifts that remind them of what they love, from naturally scented candles to beautiful nature prints. The key is determining their favorite outdoor activities, skills, comfort level, and existing accouterments, allowing you to match the grad with the gift.

Final thoughts on the best graduation gifts for outdoors enthusiasts

• Best for campers: Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock  
• Best for grad parties in the backyard or backcountry: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3
• Best for hikers: Smartwool Hiking Crew Socks
• Best for interval training to interviews: Garmin epix Pro and Garmin fēnix 7 Pro 
• Best for your grad’s new apartment: Fuzzy Ink Wilderness Print
• Best for outdoor athletes: CamelBak Octane Dart Hydration Pack
• Best personalize gift: Engraved Compass
• Best useful: Victorinox Swiss Army One-Hand Trekker Knife
• Best thoughtful: Paddywax Candles Parks Collection
• Best for day trips: YETI Packable Lunch Bag
• Best wearable: Outdoor Life Tee
• Best for dirty hiking clothes: STNKY Bag Pro Wash Bag
• Best portable firepit: Colsen Tabletop Portable Fire Pit
• Best fire starter: Pull Start Firestarter
• Best hard cooler: RTIC Ultra-Light 55 Quart Hard Cooler
• Best for post-trail drinks: Hydro Flask 25 oz Ceramic Reusable Wine Bottle
• Best unbreakable glasses: Silipint Silicone Pint Glasses
• Best for ski lodge lounging: Chaco Ramble Puff Ankle Boot
• Best for camp comfort: Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho Down
• Best for camp chefs: Opinel Nomad Camping Kitchen Utensil Kit
• Best hiking boot: Vasque Breeze Waterproof Hiking Boot
• Best headlamp: BioLite 800 Pro
• Best solar generator: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300

We hope this graduation gift guide for grads who love the outdoors has filled you with ideas and inspiration for the perfect present. Whether you’re celebrating a trekking champion, kayaking aficionado, or dedicated camper, you’ll find grad gifts for outdoor lovers that fit their specific interests. After all, a graduation gift, whether it’s hiking gifts or camping gifts, or apartment decor, is about celebrating their accomplishments and encouraging them to follow their dreams while holding onto their passions. 

PopSci wants to help you find the most useful shopping recommendations for the best gifts regardless of occasion or preoccupation. Searching for more unique gifts? Check out our additional expert gift guides, including Best Gifts for Travelers, Sustainable Gifts, Gifts to Turn Any Kitchen Into a Café, New Gear for those New Year New You Resolutions, and Science Toys for Kids.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post A graduation gift guide for grads who love the outdoors: From practical tools to personalized accessories appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best kitchen upgrade		Yummly Smart Meat Thermometer with Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity		SEE IT	Let this Bluetooth monitor do a lot of the work while cooking at the grill.
For the aspiring drone enthusiast		DJI Mini 2 SE		SEE IT	Get sky pics without breaking FAA rules.
Best watch		Citizen Men's Star Wars Eco-Drive with Stainless Steel Bracelet		SEE IT	Encourage your dad’s nerdy tendencies (just the good ones) with this Star Wars-themed timepiece.

There are plenty of reasons to celebrate dads, or granddads, this Father’s Day: Where would the field of meteorology stand without dads looking out the window, putting their hands on their hips, and exclaiming, “Sure is coming down hard” whenever it rains or snows? Who else pours hours into creating a pristine, luxurious lawn or beefing with the neighbors over tree limbs and property lines? Without dads, society would not have an encyclopedias-worth of corny jokes and a reason to go to therapy. Truly tasteless jokes and trauma aside, here are our recommendations for gifts to make his life easier, light up his face with a smile, or both. 

• Best for the outdoorsy dad: Rux Waterproof Bag
• Best for the device dad: Austere Surge Protector
• Best for the dad that loves to cook: Yummly Smart Meat Thermometer
• Best for the coffee-loving dad: Bruvi Bundle
• Best for the stressed-out dad: Onyx + Rose Feelin’ Good Gummies
• Best for beardy dads: Bevel Beard Trimmer for Men
• Best for the WFH dad: Lillipad 42 Standing Desk
• Best for movie-loving dads: Dangbei Mars Pro 4K Projector
• Best for vinyl-loving dads: Victrola Stream Onyx Turntable
• Best for pizza-loving dads: Ooni Koda 12
• Best for dads with good taste: Terra Delyssa Organic Virgin Olive Oil Gift Set
• Best for stylish dads: Highland Duds Weekender Short
• Best for dads who want to clean up their act: Tineco Pure ONE S11
• Best for gamer dads: Nintendo Switch OLED Model
• Best for handy dads: DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Hammer Drill
• Best for dads who need an everyday carry: Gerber Gear Armbar Slim Drive
• Best for dads with a green thumb: Gardyn 2.0
• Best for dads who just want a new TV: Samsung QN77S95CAFXZA
• Best for dads who crave perfect sound: KEF LS50 Wireless II
• Best for dads who grill: Konnected Joe
• Best for dads who love breakfast: Cuisinart WAF-F40 Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker
• Best for dads who tailgate: RTIC 52 Quart Ultra-Light Wheeled Hard Cooler
• Best for dads who love the beach: Sunflow Beach Bundle
• Best for the dad who is tired of mowing the yard: Husqvarna Automower 415X Robotic Lawn Mower
• Best for dad relaxing in the backyard: Solo Stove Mesa
• Best for dad working from the backyard: Netgear Orbi 960 Black Edition
• Best for the aspiring drone enthusiast: DJI Mini 2 SE
• Best for the fanboy dad: Citizen Men’s Star Wars Eco-Drive with Stainless Steel Bracelet
• Best to help dad’s short game: Callaway Golf Chrome Soft Golf Balls

How to shop for the best Father’s Day gifts

Mark your calendars: Father’s Day 2023 is Sunday, June 18. And before the big day comes, you’ll want to ensure you’ve secured a great Father’s Day present. But never fear; there’s something for everyone. You can help fuel your dad’s current interests or get him a gift that sparks a new one. Here are our picks for some of the best Father’s Day gifts:

For the outdoorsy dad: Rux Waterproof Bag

Rux

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From hitting the waves to hitting the slopes, outdoorsy dads need something that will carry all of their (for lack of a better term) crap. Other bags and backpacks crumble when stuffed with hiking shoes, an insulated water bottle, and a few beers—not the Rux Waterproof Bag. This packable, durable bag is waterproof (as the name suggests) and built to last, and comes with a lifetime warranty if it falters before that. It’s seamless, radio frequency-welded (read: made with magnets), and has 360-degree lash points that make it attachable to almost everything. It also rocks as a grocery bag—score! 

For serious power: Austere Surge Protector

AUSTERE

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If your pops is a Device Dad (he has a tablet, a laptop, a cellphone, a smartwatch, and a charger, and that’s just the beginning), they’ll need a surge protector that can handle all those plugs and power. Enter the Austere Surge Protector, which has fire and power spike safety—you never know! The flexible cable helps the surge protector fit nicely into tight spaces. It also has two USB-A and three USB-C ports for even more flexibility. Plus, it has a lifetime guarantee and a five-year component guarantee: If the power strip is responsible for any damage to a plugged-in device, Austere will replace it regardless of value. 

Best kitchen upgrade: Yummly Smart Meat Thermometer

Yummly

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Regardless of whether your dad is getting into Keto or is a strict pescatarian, a meat thermometer is a must-have kitchen device. No one wants to develop a case of food nasties from an undercooked cut of meat in their own home! The Yummly Smart Meat Thermometer requires no wires, thanks to a Bluetooth connection. Dad won’t even need to stand like a hawk over the grill or oven—the thermometer, with a coordinating app for iPhone and Android, sends notifications when it’s time to flip the food, reduce the heat, when it’s done cooking, and how long to let it rest. There are even presets to completely take the guesswork out of getting the perfect medium rare doneness—no “Dirty Work” here. 

For the coffee lover: Bruvi Bundle

Bruvi

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So your dad got a “Don’t talk to me until I’ve had my coffee” mug in Father’s Day past? Give Pops a better coffee system this year with the Bruvi Bundle. The bundle comes with a Bruvi BV-01 coffee brewer, a variety pack of biodegradable 20 B-Pods, a water filter, and a reusable Japanese Knot Bag. The optional mobile app will let Daddio brew a cup of Joe remotely, schedule brews in advance, re-order B-Pods, and access a personal consumption dashboard if they’re super specific about their morning cuppa. It can even fit a 6.5-inch travel mug—we recommend the Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Reusable Mug on that front. 

For the stressed-out dad: Onyx + Rose Feelin’ Good Gummies

Onyx + Rose

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Does your dad need something a bit stronger than CBD? Have you recently learned they were a grass enthusiast back in the day? The Onyx + Rose Feelin’ Good Gummies use HHC, an isomer (minor chemical variant) of Delta-9 THC (the illegal stuff). This provides a similar head and body high to the federally regulated stuff, all while following federal regulations. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, THCs (tetrahydrocannabinols) in hemp are legal provided they have a THC concentration less than .3%—these gummies meet those requirements. Pass if dad is subject to random drug screening. If they’re not, we’re partial to the peach flavor.  We also love CBD prerolls from aptly named company Dad Grass.

Best for beardy dads: Bevel Beard Trimmer for Men

Bevel

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An electric razor is a gift your dad will actually use every day, and this one from Bevel may actually help encourage him to dedicate a little more time to his morning routine. The razor offers pinpoint precision, so he can get the exact shave he wants, and a grippy handle that makes it easy to hold with wet hands. Its battery lasts up to eight hours, so he can use it for several weeks (or one if he’s very particular about his facial hair) without charging it. This is the type of gift your dad doesn’t know he needs, but will really appreciate.

For the WFH dad: Lillipad 42 Standing Desk

Jen McCaffrey

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Home offices can easily become a mess of monitors, coffee cups, keyboards, and tangled cords. But if the dad in your life would appreciate an organized workspace that also empowers them to get out of their office chair, the Lillipad Work Station fits the bill. This electric desk is available in two versions that rise from 6 inches to either a 42- or 48-inch standing height (recommended for people 5’9” and taller). At 67 pounds and 72 pounds each, and with metal legs, these desks are more substantial than many other options on the market but are designed with wheels for portability. 

Advanced functionality doesn’t equal advanced set-up in this case: The Lillipad comes fully assembled out of the box. Dad can plug it in, unlock the safety lock, and use the buttons on the right corner of the desk to raise and lower it to the ideal height for a chair or standing. The 46-inch-wide workspace provides plenty of room for desktops and keyboards, and you can purchase either a single monitor or dual-monitor stand separately. The workstation also features three outlets, three USB ports, and one USB-C port, so dad can plug everything in and charge their devices. And when he’s done for the day, they can easily lower it back down and use the wheels to slide it away for storage. Add a Grovemade Wool Felt Desk Pad to add some soft style to their workstation.

Best for movie-loving dads: Dangbei Mars Pro 4K Projector

Dangbei

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Movies and TV shows can look great on a TV, but nothing beats watching them on a projector, which offers a true movie theater-like experience. Dangbei’s Mars Pro 4K is among the best we’ve tested, offering exceptional visual clarity, color, and surprisingly good sound. It runs Android, which means dad can stream their favorite media without any additional accessories. That said, the Mars Pro 4K has multiple HDMI ports, making it easy to easily connect game consoles and other peripherals. It’s luxe, but Dangbei’s Mars Pro 4K will ensure they have the best home theater system on the block.

Best for dads who love vinyl: Victrola Stream Onyx Turntable

Victrola

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Does Dad go on and on about how much he wishes he could play his Steely Dan albums while explaining that Pretzel Logic is superior to Can’t Buy A Thrill? If so, let him relive his glory days with Victrola’s Stream Onyx Turntable. The sleek-looking, belt-driven deck has RCA outputs so that it can be connected to a traditional home audio system, but its luxe allure is support for wireless audio streaming to Sonos speakers. The record player even offers the option to play music through multiple sources at the same time. Best of all, the Stream Onyx is easy to assemble and operate, as we found out firsthand, and comes with an Audio Technica AT-VM95E cartridge so he can enjoy his collection immediately.

Best for dads who love pizza: Ooni Koda 12

Ooni

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If dad complains how pies and slices just aren’t how they used to be, Ooni’s Koda 12 will allow him to make them to his exact specifications. This portable pizza oven can get up to 950 degrees Fahrenheit and cook personal-sized pizzas in roughly 60 seconds. Ooni has a wide range of pizza ovens, but we like the Koda 12 because of its size and the fact that its fuel source is gas, which is easier to manage and more reliable than wood or pellets for first time pizzaiolos. Ooni’s oven can also be used to roast meat and vegetables on non-pizza nights. Just remember to get dad a pizza peel and Toque to complete the experience.

Best for dads with good taste: Terra Delyssa Organic Virgin Olive Oil Gift Set

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Has your dad continued to tell food stories from his trip around the Mediterranean right out of college? If so, Terra Delyssa’s flavor-infused olive oil can help take him back to those days. The olives are all harvested from Tunisian orchards rather than mixed with ones from different regions, which can impart a different taste. We like this gift set because each oil is infused with a different strong taste—rosemary, chili pepper, lemon, and garlic—which are all good for different applications. He’ll immediately be able to taste the difference, which means you may also be signing up for even more culinary stories from his past.

Best for stylish dads: Highland Duds Weekender Short

Highland Duds

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Add a little pop of color to your dad’s wardrobe with Highland Duds’ Weekender Shorts. The ultra-comfy summer-friendly short pants are mostly made of cotton and very comfortable to wear. Their slim pockets are surprisingly roomy, too. Highland Duds offers the shorts in khaki and grey if he’s less flashy. Help him complete an outfit with the Maverick Long Sleeve Shirt, made from the same materials.

Best for dads who want to clean up their act: Tineco Pure ONE S11

Tineco

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If dad wants to take a more active role in household chores—or has been using the same vacuum since the mid-’90s—Tineco’s Pure One S11 is the upgrade he needs. The cordless stick vacuum can run up to 40 minutes per charge, and comes with various attachments for different scenarios. At 12 pounds, it’ll be easy for your dad to pick up and move around, and all of its controls are conveniently located within reach of his thumb. If dad enjoys his gadgets, he’ll enjoy the fact that the Pure One S11 can be connected to your home’s Wi-Fi connection, allowing him to see how much battery is left on the vacuum and the state of its filter through an iOS or Android app.

Best for gamer dads: Nintendo Switch OLED Model

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The Nintendo Switch is the least-powerful current-generation console, but it’s still the one we recommend for Father’s Day because of its hybrid design. The Switch can be played portably, and the 7-inch OLED HD screen really makes games pop. When dad’s home, they can connect it to a TV or projector to play on a larger screen. The Switch’s extreme popularity is matched only by its deep catalog of games, which can satisfy players regardless of their preferred genre. Whether Pops is playing games as a distraction on a long work trip or taking time to clear his backlog at home, there’s no way this gift will go unappreciated.

Best for handy dads: DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Hammer Drill

Dewalt

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A drill is the type of gift a handy person will appreciate but never expect. This battery-powered model from DeWalt has a compact design but plenty of power for any indoor or outdoor housework. At only 2.5 pounds, a home improvement-minded dad can carry it around easily, and the drill’s LED will make it easy for them to see what he’s doing in dark environments. Despite its size, the drill can rotate up to 1,650 times per minute. A good drill will last a dad a lifetime, and if they’re still making do with a screwdriver—or a drill that needs to be plugged into an outlet for power—this upgrade will make him smile.

Best for dads who need an everyday carry: Gerber Gear Armbar Slim Drive

Gerber

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Power tools are great, but dad won’t be able to use them everywhere, which is why you should equip him with Gerber’s Armbar Slim. The pocket-friendly multi tool consists of a bottle opener, plain-edge blade, and a screwdriver. It even has a belt clip, so he can keep it securely fastened to the inside of his pants pocket like a boss. If your dad is the practical type, he’ll immediately see the utility of each of this tool’s functions, and keep it on him at all times. The screwdriver alone (with a reversible bit, we might add), will likely save him a couple of trips to the garage each month.

Best for dads with a green thumb: Gardyn 2.0

Gardyn

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Does dear old dad wait all year for the weather to be fair enough to grow a garden? With the Gardyn 2.0, they can enjoy growing fresh herbs and vegetables all year long. The indoor garden comes with an assortment of pods containing plant seeds. A water tank on the bottom keeps the plants hydrated, while LED strips provide them with enough light to flourish regardless of the weather conditions. The lights and water pump work automatically so that the plants will be cared for on a continuous basis without any need for much intervention. Dad will have to prune dead leaves and harvest their crops after they’re fully grown, but that’s part of the fun.

Best for dads who grill: Konnected Joe

Kamado Joe

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The Konnected Joe is the ultimate tool for grilling, an incredibly thoughtful gift for a dad who loves cooking meat and vegetables outdoors. The charcoal grill and smoker offer rich taste that a gas grill can’t replicate, with useful smart features. Its front display allows you to monitor the grill’s temperature and the temperature of up to three pieces of meat. An electric fire starter at the bottom of the grill will ignite charcoal briquettes at the push of a button, and they’ll be able to dial in the temperature between 250-700 degrees right from the grill. All of the information displayed on the Konnected Joe’s screen can also be monitored via an app (iOS and Android) on your dad’s phone, which is especially helpful if they’re smoking a large hunk of meat for several hours. The Konnected Joe manages to bring the best aspects of charcoal cooking with the conveniences of the digital world, and we guarantee they’ll be raving to friends and family about it at each cookout.

Best for dads who just want a new TV: Samsung QN77S95CAFXZA

Samsung

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Sometimes dad just wants a new TV to watch his favorite shows and movies—spoil him rotten with Samsung’s QN77S95CAFXZA, a 77-inch OLED set. This is a no-compromise cream-of-the-crop 4K TV with built-in Dolby Atmos speakers, native 120hz refresh rate, and a custom-designed Samsung processor that continually calibrates the TV to make it run as smoothly as possible. It’ll even upscale 1080P video to look crisp on a 4K TV, so his collection of Blu Rays and older TV shows will still look good. Because the QN77S95CAFXZA is an OLED TV, it offers incredible contrast and color reproduction, so videos and games will look as realistic as possible.

One quirk about this TV is that it’s actually so thin that it can basically sit flush on the wall. The set gets connected to a separate box (called the One Connect Box), which has an assortment of HDMI ports and other inputs. There’s no performance hit for this system, but something to keep in mind if you’re setting the TV up for him. Whether he wants to play video games, stream movies, or even listen to music in the background, the QN77S95CAFXZA is the best choice.

Best for dads who crave perfect sound: KEF LS50 Wireless II

KEF

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CDs promised perfect sound forever in the 1980s, but KEF made good on that lofty promise decades later with the LS50 Wireless II speakers. The pair of powered speakers sport a variety of connectors, including an AUX in, Ethernet port, coaxial input, optical audio input, and HDMI port. Those physical ports are complemented by Bluetooth and AirPlay 2 support for direct wireless streaming. KEF says that the LS50 Wireless IIs’ DAC can natively play 24-bit 384kHz audio files with no compression. Each speaker is driven by a 280 watt low frequency amplifier and 100 att high frequency amplifier. If those numbers don’t mean much to you, here’s the upshot: music can sound really, really good and very, very loud through these speakers. If your father loves music more than most people (family excluded, of course), these speakers will rock (or jazz, R&B, hip hop, classicial, reggae, and pop) his world.

Best for dads who love breakfast: Cuisinart WAF-F40 Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker

Cuisinart

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Breakfast is considered by many to be the most important meal of the day, and Cuisinart’s WAF-F40 will turn waffles from an occasional brunch food at restaurants into an at-home staple. This model can cook two-inch-thick Belgian waffles simultaneously at one of five pre-set doneness levels. If the cook gets distracted, a loud beep will get his attention, so waffles will never get overdone. Getting two waffles onto a plate at once will allow dad (and you!) to start eating more quickly.

Best robot mower: Husqvarna Automower 415X Robotic Lawn Mower

Husqvarna

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Robotic lawnmowers seem like a perfect gift for a lazy pop. But, there are more practical reasons you might want to consider an automower as a gift this Father’s Day. Husqvarna’s surprisingly powerful little mower is great for people who have issues with mobility and can’t get out there to mow on their own. It’s also great for tricky yards as it can cut up to 40 degrees on a slope. If you’ve ever mowed on a steep hill like that, you know it’s not fun. It requires the installation of a guide wire to keep it contained within its own yard, but following setup, mowing is simple. A trio of extremely sharp blades can cut grass as short as 0.8 inches or as long as two inches if you want something more lush. Plus, an onboard object avoidance system means your dad (or grandad) won’t run over a rock and cause collateral damage.

Best for dads who tailgate: RTIC 52 Quart Ultra-Light Wheeled Hard Cooler

RTIC

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A wheeled hard cooler will help your old man get beverages to and from the parking lot, backyard, or beach without straining his arms or back. We like this cooler from RTIC because of its large capacity, thick wheels, lite weight, and overall performance. RTIC says it can retain ice for up to six days if its latches remain closed, which means he can use it for a backyard cookout on Sunday and keep drinks cold for a concert he’s attending the following Saturday. Another benefit to getting a cooler is that it’ll likely last a lifetime, so get ready for many compliments. We like the classic look of RTIC’s white cooler, but it also offers a red, white, and blue variant if he wants to stand out.

For dads who love the beach: Sunflow Beach Bundle

Sunflow

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Whether your dad actually likes the beach or only goes because the rest of the family insists he’ll have a good time out of the house, this bundle from Sunflow will sort him out. It includes the company’s beach chair, which has a flip-over top to keep him in the shade, and a beverage cooler on the side to help keep his thirst quenched. The chair’s angle can be adjusted, so he can find the most comfortable spot, and a dry bag on the right side will keep his belongings from getting sandy. When heading back to the car or beach house, a pair of straps will allow dad to carry this beach chair like a backpack for easy transport.

Best outdoor accessory: Solo Stove Mesa

Solo Stove

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We’re huge fans of the full-sized Solo Stove fire pits, but this mini version fits nicely on a patio table or by the pool. Despite its tiny size, the Mesa relies on Solo Stove’s signature airflow system to create a clean fire with almost no smoke. It starts quickly and cleans up easily, so you can fire it up and make s’mores whenever you want without having to wait for a full-sized fire to die down at the end of the night. Solo even sells miniature firewood specifically meant for use in the Mesa. It’s adorable, but not too adorable. 

Work from the backyard: Netgear Orbi 960 Black Edition

NetGear

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Give your dad a chance to brag about their router. Netgear’s Orbi 960 Mesh Wi-Fi kit can cover up to 9,000 square feet with super-fast connectivity up to 10.8Gbps. That means anyone and everyone can take meetings or stream content in the backyard, front yard, basement, or just about anywhere else he can think of. Wi-Fi 6E technology and Netgear’s quad-band design allow for an absurd number of devices to connect to your local network without bogging everything down. The Black Edition is only available directly through Netgear’s own online shop, which also gets you a free year of the Netgear Armor security tech. It’s advanced enough to do anything a dad needs and reliable enough that you won’t have to play tech support whenever you go to their house.

For the aspiring drone enthusiasts: DJI Mini 2 SE

DJI

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Getting started with drones can be tricky. Not only are they hard to fly, but most drones require registering with the FAA before taking to the skies. The DJI Mini 2 SE is different. It weighs just 249 grams, which fits conveniently under the FAA’s 250-gram limit for registration. Despite its being lightweight and a small size, the Mini 2 SE captures 2.7K video and employs an object avoidance system to keep it away from power lines or other hazardous obstacles.

Best watch: Citizen Men’s Star Wars Eco-Drive with Stainless Steel Bracelet

Citizen

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Your dad’s a nerd, and that’s OK. In fact, we recommend you encourage their nerdy tendencies as much as possible. This Citizen watch is a full-on Eco-Drive model, so it doesn’t require winding. It draws enough energy from light in its environment to keep on ticking. The handsome stainless steel bracelet makes it totally appropriate for work or classy events. But, your pop can always look down and think about Star Wars while they’re wearing it. Find a more versatile piece of nerd merch than that. We dare you. 

To help your dad’s short game: Callaway Golf Chrome Soft Golf Balls

Callaway

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Golf balls make a great gift because it’s hard to splurge on something you might whack way into the woods or chunk straight into a water hazard. Callaway’s Chrome Soft golf balls are versions of the balls pros play on tour—they won’t have to be a pro to play them. These balls promise a high launch angle, low spin off the driver, and high ball speed off the club face. In case you’re not big on golf ball specifics, those are all very helpful things for improving overall scores. The Triple Track design sports three parallel lines on the ball to help Pops lineup shots just right. Dad will think of you and your great gift as they reach into their bag and grab another ball after slicing one across the highway next to the first fairway. 

Final thoughts on the best Father’s Day gifts

You don’t need to sweat over finding a cool gift for your dad this year. If you get him a Father’s Day gift that he’ll be able to use long-term—or, even better, something he can use with the whole family—it’ll be something he treasures. Consider it a success if you find fun presents that complement one of his hobbies or unique gifts that spark interest in a new pastime. And using this gift guide should help narrow down the best options for cool gifts for any and every dad.

The post The best Father’s Day gifts that say, “Thanks, Dad!” appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best sustainable gift		Lomi		SEE IT	Turn egg shells, banana peels, and apple cores into compost for the garden.
Best robovac		iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum & Mop		SEE IT	You can control this mop and vacuum combo with Alexa or your phone.
Best cooking aid upgrade		Vitamix Propel 750 Blender		SEE IT	This blender can tackle tough veggies and fruit to make yummy soups and smoothies for the whole family.

Mother’s Day provides an excellent opportunity for you and your siblings or children to try and one-up each other in an effort to prove yourself as The Favorite. Yes, being supportive is not a competition, but you can’t be the one who gives mom a gift that doesn’t suit. Thankfully, the PopSci staff has extensive experience in gift-giving of almost every variety. If you’ve spent years cultivating the perfect gift for mom—or grandmom, or the mother of your children—and have run out of ideas, we have recommendations to make her smile and you shine. Win-win! 

• Best coffee: Zend
• Best coffee maker alternative: SAKI Electric Turkish Coffee Maker
• Best for loud children: Vibes Ear Plugs
• Best wine upgrade: Ullo Open Wine Purifier
• Best cookbook: Eataly Contemporary Italian
• Best cooking aid upgrade: Vitamix Propel 750 Blender
• Best snacks: Spirit Almonds
• Best for new moms: Birthdate Pendant
• Best shoes: Allbirds
• Best for working moms: Troubadour Ember bag
• Best for outdoorsy mom: Backpackers Pantry 
• Best sustainable gift: Lomi
• Best for traveling: Monos Carry-On Pro
• Best to recreate the spa at home: Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket 
• Best splurge: Dyson AirWrap
• Best for those expecting: Proxies Tasting Set
• Best for music-loving moms: Sony WH-1000XM5
• Best robovac: iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum & Mop
• Best for working out: OMORPHO G-Vest+
• Best for sore muscles: Theragun Mini 2.0
• For grandmas: Aura Mason Luxe Smart Frame
• Best cozy: Big Blanket Co. Original Stretch Blanket
• Best watch: Garmin vivoactive 4S
• Best for crafting: Cricut Explore Air 2 Lilac Machine Bundle

Best coffee: Zend

Zend

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These coffee beans go way beyond that crummy old can of Folgers mom keeps on her counter. Zend coffees give a mom the option to enjoy the coffee on its own, or they can infuse them with one of three functional blends: Beauty, which supports hair, skin, and nail health; Recovery, which supports heart health and reduces inflammation; Serenity, which supports stress relief and balance. Mom deserves plenty of caffeine for everything and most definitely deserves to feel beautiful, healthy, and serene. If a single cup of coffee accomplishes both, we can’t think of a better gift. Unless …

Best coffee maker alternative: SAKI Electric Turkish Coffee Maker

Saki

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Turkish coffee is rich, silky, and delicious, but you can’t expect moms to master the copper pot method of making it with the little free time they have. To use this electric Turkish coffee maker, simply fill the pot with water, add Turkish coffee, and insert it into the machine. Choose how many cups you want (you can choose between 1-2 or 3-4), and you’ll have a hot, frothy, yummy cup of coffee within seconds, sans accidental spills and overflow. If mom is a caffeine connoisseur, they’ll appreciate taking advantage of one of the oldest ways to brew coffee.   

Best for loud children: Vibes Ear Plugs

Vibes

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Let us be frank: babies are not quiet. Toddlers are cacophonous. Kids make a lot of noise. You only reach silent nirvana when they ship off to college. Before then, you’ll still need to hear in case they break something or start a fight with each other. By gifting a mom these reusable high-fidelity earplugs, you’ll give them a little peace without being completely unaware of what the kids are up to. 

Best wine upgrade: Ullo Open Wine Purifier

Ullo

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Enjoying a bottle of wine is all fun and games until two glasses warrant a hangover the next day. Help prevent them with the Ullo Open Wine Purifier, which uses a selective filtration system to remove sulfites and reduce the histamines that can cause headaches and hangovers—all while preserving the wine’s flavors and aromas. A built-in aeration dial lets you choose the amount of air to incorporate, from off for light whites to full air for rich red varietals. Plus, it’s easy to transport and use: just place the device over your glass and pour. Don’t worry about mess, either—the Ullo’s lid can be used as a base to rest the filter on when not used, making it perfect at home and easy to take to book club.

Best cookbook: Eataly Contemporary Italian

Eataly

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“What should we eat for dinner?” is sometimes the hardest question to answer. Make the decision process 100 times easier with the “​Eataly: Contemporary Italian Cooking cookbook, which packs 300 recipes, including pasta with cavolo nero pesto and clams. With clear instructions and helpful tips, mom won’t want to ditch the entire recipe and just order takeout (although we’re not judging if they do).

Best cooking aid upgrade: Vitamix Propel 750 Blender

Vitamix

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Kitchen gadgets shouldn’t make life more difficult and this Vitamix, with a powerful 2.2 horsepower motor, can crush ice into a smooth slushie consistency and demolish vegetables to make hearty, yummy soups. A 64-ounce cup means that mom can make enough servings for the whole family with enough for seconds for themselves. We also think the Yummly—a wireless smart meat thermometer that’s app-controlled—is also a great choice if she already has a swaggy countertop appliance setup and is a fan of roasting, grilling, broiling, and more.

Best snacks: Spirit Almonds

Spirit Almond

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If there’s a mom-on-the-go in your life who can appreciate always having a snack packed, look no further than Spirit Almond. Each protein- and healthy fat-rich nut gets one of six Japanese-style flavorings: black garlic, curry, koji salt, miso, mustard, and seaweed. It comes in a handy single-serve pack to easily throw in a purse or bag (making it easy to snag one for yourself, since one gift box comes with three packs of each flavor). If they’re more of a sweet snack mom, consider the Sahale Snacks Glazed Nut Variety Pack, which adds dried fruit and expands the nut varieties to pistachios, cashews, and pecans. 

Best for new moms: Birthdate Pendant

Birthdate Co.

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Technically, these pendants are meant as a lovely wearable to show off the wearer’s astrology (if they’re into it). However, between the unique collection of stones for every day of the year and personal engraving, we think it makes for a great gift to celebrate a firstborn. Each stone tells the story of their birthday, including their birthstone. Talk about a personalized gift. 

Best shoes: Allbirds

AllBirds

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Moms are always on their feet, between running after grandkids or working off all the child-related stress at the gym. Between their lack of flashy logos and synthetic materials, Allbirds is a natural gift for moms: they’re stylish, comfortable, and come in plenty of styles: Need some business-professional flats? They have that. Need some running shoes? They have those, too. The company itself is dedicated to sustainability, so you can feel good gifting them.  

Best for working moms: Troubadour Ember bag

Troubadour

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Work backpacks don’t have to be boring. This leather-and-neoprene variety has a waterproof lining to keep things dry, a sturdy grip handle that won’t break on the go, and a trolley sleeve for use as a carry-on. The main compartment folds down once opened for easy access to essentials, and a separate laptop compartment can fit a 16-inch laptop. Plus, there are plenty of pockets for essentials, like keys, a phone, or an emergency pacifier. A five-year guarantee means a mom always gets quality in case something goes wrong in manufacturing. 

Best for outdoorsy mom: Backpackers Pantry

Backpacker’s Pantry

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Camp cooking can involve a lot of grilled cheese, reheated soups, and boxed mac and cheese. These aren’t bad meals, but sometimes that mom deserves something a little more five-star after a long day of hikes. Backpackers Pantry has breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert covered with various dried and dehydrated foods. These meals aren’t wimpy, either—each averages around 15 grams of protein, which energizes you on your hike. We like to start our outdoor morning with the company’s Blueberry walnut oats and a cup of coffee. Once we get to basecamp, we sit down and enjoy some lasagna (it’s what Garfield would want), followed by the most important meal: dessert. Our choice? Dark chocolate cheesecake. 

If you want to give a mom the outdoor experience at home, we love the Solo Stove Mesa tabletop fire pit, which makes it safe and easy to roast some marshmallows on the balcony or porch.

Best sustainable gift: Lomi

Lomi

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Mom’s coffee grounds, egg shells, and banana peels can live second lives as compost in the flower garden with this gift. Lomi makes composting easy: It’s odor-, pest-, and mess-free, and turns food waste into compost in less than four hours. It easily fits onto countertops and is discreet. With all that compost, your special someone’s rose garden—and kitchen—will be the envy of the neighborhood. 

Best for traveling: Monos Carry-On Pro

Monos

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Jet-setting moms will appreciate the gift of nice luggage that makes traveling a little less stressful. Our pick is the Monos Carry-On Pro, made for organization and easy access. It comes in eight standard colors and four limited-edition colors and includes an integrated TSA-approved lock for keeping belongings safe. An aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell prevents breaking from TSA agent rough-handling, and a built-in front compartment lets you store a laptop, passport, and other need-haves in one easy place. All-paid vacation not included.  

Best to recreate the spa at home: Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket 

Amanda Reed

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If there’s something a mom rarely rues and can most likely use, it’s a trip to the spa. Instead of giving a gift card to a spa, why not bring the spa along with the Sun Home Saunas Infrared Sauna Blanket, which allows you to feel the heat without even needing to become vertical. It helps relieve stress and anxiety and can help treat chronic pain. It’s like a sleeping bag that makes mom feel like a Hot Pocket in a microwave. 

Best splurge: Dyson AirWrap

Dyson

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The Dyson AirWrap is the hair styler to have—it dries, curls, and styles hair, combining at least four styling tools into one. We’ve gone hands-on with it before and love that it gives salon-quality, shampoo commercial blowouts at home. It comes with two barrel sizes (both with switches to change airflow direction), a soft smoothing brush, a firm smoothing brush, a round volumizing brush (our favorite attachment), and a blow-drying attachment. If the AirWrap is out of your budget, consider the Shark FlexStyle, which has a bendable arm and a diffuser attachment for curly hair. Protect strands beforehand with the K18 molecular repair oil, and help keep hair healthy when it’s shower time with the Kitsch Pre Wash Scalp Oil and K18 leave-in conditioner. For the in-between days, we recommend the Act+Acre Plant-Based Dry Shampoo, which uses rice and tapioca powders—along with fulvic acid—to keep tresses bouncy and fresh.

Best for those expecting: Proxies Tasting Set

Proxies

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If a pregnant person in your life wants to enjoy a fancy little beverage sans alcohol (we happen to have tons of recommendations), nothing looks better in a wine glass than Proxies. There are de-alcoholized wines on the market, but some may have traces of alcohol left after the process. Proxies, however, is boozeless from the start, made from wine grape varietals without the fermenting. The resulting product has a similar mouthfeel and taste to wine but without the “Am I hurting baby?” anxiety. They’re perfect to pair with pizza, fish, pickles, and any other pregnancy cravings. 

Best for music-loving moms: Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony

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If mom has a killer vinyl collection and puts you on to some of the best artists, you should give them a gift that says, “Thanks for giving me good taste.” We think the Sony WH-1000XM5 is an excellent choice. They’re sleek and comfortable on the head, including some killer noise cancellation (perfect for tuning out nosy neighbors) and four beamforming microphones to be heard clearly on work calls. If they’re more of an earbud person, the easily pocketed Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II have excellent sound and the most effective noise cancellation on the market. 

Best robovac: iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum & Mop

iRobot

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Messes happen, and if you’re not going to help clean them up, at least buy a robot that will. This Roomba is both a mop and a vacuum cleaner, and it’s pretty smart for a robot: It can sense objects and pet accidents (meaning no poop smeared around your home because of the dog, at least), and detects when changing from flooring to carpet. It lifts the mop head to prevent soggy carpets and self-empties. It connects to Alexa (meaning you can control the robovac with your voice) and can be controlled via the iRobot app. Mom will appreciate someone finally helping out around here. 

Best for working out: OMORPHO G-Vest+

OMORPHO

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Up any workout with this weighted vest from OMORPHO, which adds five pounds of resistance to level up burpees, sprints, and more. However, it doesn’t feel like a five-pound vest, thanks to even weight distribution. It’s a comfortable piece of workout gear that fits great (adjustable cables and straps help, too) and doesn’t limit your range of motion. Connecting the vest to the OMORPHO app gives you workouts that are quick but effective. If someone wants to outrun the other soccer team moms, gifting this vest is a great start. This leads us to our next pick …

Best for sore muscles: Theragun Mini 2.0

Theragun

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For soothing sore muscles after working out—or anytime, really, especially for someone actually outrunning the other soccer team moms—we recommend the Theragun Mini 2.0, which is small enough to throw into a gym bag or hide in a drawer away from small hands. It comes with three attachments, but we love the thumb attachment, which is great for lower backs and pinpoint therapy. My back hurts, I don’t even have children, and even I could benefit from a percussion massager—we’re sure your mom will get a lot of use from the Theragun.

For grandmas: Aura Mason Luxe Smart Frame

Tess Ware

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Although it’s perfect for any and every generation of moms, we think grandmas especially will love the Aura Mason Luxe Smart Frame. Grandmas love showing people pictures of their extended family (including granddogs), and this WiFi-connected cloud-fed frame makes it easy to update those photos from anywhere. Add photos and videos to the Aura app, and they’ll show up on your loved one’s frame as long as it’s connected to a network—there’s no work they need to do to get the photos up after the initial connectioon. You don’t need to worry about storage, either—it’s unlimited. And, you don’t need to worry about photo orientation, since the Aura automatically rotates and resizes based on whether it’s placed landscape or portrait. PopSci’s associate managing editor sent one to his mother for their birthday—take their word for it: “What I have enjoyed the most … is the burst of joy every time I see a photo of a loved one or a picture a loved one has shared with me!” You can get an Aura Mason Luxe Smart Frame for the entire family, or you can check out some other digital picture frames we recommend. 

Best cozy: Big Blanket Co. Original Stretch Blanket

Big Blanket Co.

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If you know someone that hogs the blanket, or someone tall who deserves to have their feet covered when sleeping at night, the Big Blanket—providing 100 square feet of blanket—was made for them. This extra-large, giant soft blanket gives whoever is in the nap trap plenty of real estate to turn into a blanket cocoon, with room for you. We’re not kidding. It’s huge and soft—just like mom’s heart.

Best watch: Garmin vivoactive 4S

Garmin

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The Garmin vivoactive 4S is just as smart as is it beautiful—it has a standard watch face with 20 built-in apps, including GPS, yoga, running, swimming, and more. Mom gets seven days of battery life, and Gamin Pay lets them pay for a post-jog coffee without having to bring their wallet with them. They don’t even need to bring their phone, thanks to the ability to download music onto the watch. People won’t even know it’s a sports watch until Mom turns and says, “Thanks, it’s a smartwatch!” when they get a compliment on it.

Best for crafting: Cricut Explore Air 2 Lilac Machine Bundle

Cricut

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If mom is crafty and they don’t already own a Cricut, change that with this bundle gift that combines an Explore Air 2 machine with everything they need to get started on making their own bespoke goods for family, friends, and themselves. Heck, they could even start a small business! Built-in Bluetooth allows for wireless cutting, writing, and scoring, and the included spatula, weeder, scraper, scissors, and tweezers make it easy to lift and transfer your designs onto cups, mugs, sunglasses, and more. And if they already have a crafty corner, consider a Cricut Bright 360 lamp to help them capture and cherish all the details of their hard work customizing.

The post The best last-minute Mother’s Day gifts to show your appreciation appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best candle		Yankee Candle Fresh Cut Roses Scented Candle		SEE IT	Give them a bouquet of roses they won’t have to worry about watering.
Best lube		Maude Shine Organic Lube		SEE IT	This lube is organic and vegan.
Best for cuddling		Bedsure Oversized Big Fleece Blanket		SEE IT	Say goodbye to fighting over the blanket with this giant throw.

Finding the perfect Valentine’s Day gift seems like an impossible task—it’s made even harder if you’re shopping last-minute. There are so many candles, wallets, and whiskey stones in this world—how are we ever supposed to know if those items are something your partner wants that’s also in stock? Sure, they could tell you what you should buy them for Valentine’s Day, but that takes the fun and mystery out of gift-giving. And, there’s no other feeling like finding the perfect gift, agonizing over the wait to give it, and finally watching your partner’s face light up at your thoughtful present. Our last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts are as close to perfect as one could get.

• Best topping: Whipshots Vodka Infused Whipped Cream
• Best last minute gift: PopSci+ subscription
• Best candle: Yankee Candle Fresh Cut Roses Scented Candle
• Best lingerie: Adore Me Yolandi Babydoll
• Best vibrator: MysteryVibe Poco
• Best lube: Maude Shine Organic Lube
• Best for a couple’s shower: hai Smart Shower Head & hai Fuse
• Best NA wine: Surely Dealcoholized Sparkling Brut and Rosé
• Best wallet for men: Fossil Men’s Leather Bifold Wallet with Flip ID Window
• Best wallet for women: Kate Spade New York Staci Medium Compact Bifold Wallet
• Best face mask: Dermalogica Hydro Masque Exfoliant Hydrating and Exfoliating Face Masque
• Best electric razor for men: Braun Series 9 Electric Razor
• Best splurge for her: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum
• Best splurge for him: Salvatore Ferragamo Mens IP Yellow Gold 38 mm Vega Bracelet Watch
• Best for backyard dates: Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0
• Best that says “USB-Mine?”: Asus ROG Swift PG32UQ
• Best for the classroom: American Greetings Scratch-Off Space and Astronauts
• Best for gamers: Nintendo Switch
• Best for home chefs: Anyday Large Dish
• Best for audiophiles: U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus Turntable
• Best for music lovers: Klipsch R-51 PM Speakers
• Best for bakers: Brightly Reusable Pan and Bowl Cover Set
• Best for kids: LEGO Icons Wildflower Bouquet
• Best for movie lovers: XGIMI Halo+
• Best for cuddling: Bedsure Oversized Big Fleece Blanket
• Best for remembering memories: Aura Carver HD WiFi Digital Picture Frame
• Best fitness watch: Garmin vívomove Sport Hybrid Smartwatch

Best topping: Whipshots Vodka Infused Whipped Cream

Spirits Network

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This is Valentine’s Day, after all. This Cardi B-sponsored treat adds vanilla, mocha, caramel, and limited edition peppermint flavoring and vodka to everyone’s favorite sundae topping. Throw it on your favorite sweet treat or lick it off your sweetie—we won’t tell anyone how you decide to use it.

Best last minute gift: PopSci+ subscription

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With stories on sex toys as medical devices and deep dives into dinosaurs doin’ it, the sexiest gift you can give for Valentine’s Day is a PopSci+ subscription. It’s only $12 a year—that’s $1 a month to help you and your honey get deep into the hottest science topics today. If you’re single, a PopSci+ subscription can give you tons of material to talk about on dates, like how marine biologists depend on a discontinued pot scrubber to do their work. We’ll stop talking and let you find out the benefits of a PopSci+ membership yourself.

Best candle: Yankee Candle Fresh Cut Roses Scented Candle

Yankee Candle

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If you can’t buy them an actual bouquet, this candle makes for a great last-minute Valentine’s Day replacement—and a perfect standalone gift. We recommend getting a Classic Large Jar, which yields 110 hours of burn time. That’s lots of time to relish in the sweet scent of roses and love.

Best lingerie: Adore Me Yolandi Babydoll

Adore Me

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Impress your partner by buying them lingerie they’ll look stunning in. You won’t have to guess their cup size and risk buying the wrong size thanks to straight sizing, which is imperative when you’re shopping last-minute; fully adjustable straps and a mesh skirt add to the garment’s size flexibility. And, it’s just the right amount of revealing without making your partner feel exposed. This one is also machine washable for easy care.

Best vibrator: MysteryVibe Poco

MysteryVibe

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This bendable targeted G-spot vibrator adds a bit more excitement to the boudoir thanks to its discreetness: it fits in your palm, meaning it won’t be as clunky while using it with your partner or during solo time. It’s also showerproof, bendable, and can be used externally or internally—talk about versatility. And, app connectivity allows you to customize vibration and save your favorites. Or, you can hand your phone off to your partner and give them the controls.

Best lube: Maude Shine Organic Lube

Maude

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You’re not using lube? You’re missing out. This vegan and cruelty-free lubricant adds a bit more slip for easier insertion or for solo play (save the lotion for your body, please). The organic version is aloe-based and can be used with devices or condoms; the silicone version should not be used with silicone toys, but it can be used underwater and with condoms.

Best for a couple’s shower: hai Smart Shower Head & hai Fuse

hai

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Speaking of using lube underwater … upgrade your shower with this Bluetooth-compatible option that’s colorful and sustainable, thanks to water usage tracking in the coordinating app. Adjust the shower head from a high-pressure stream to a steamy fine mist—it even works in low-flow environments. Customizable LED alerts let you know when your water is at the perfect temperature or if you’re using too much water. You can even install it yourself in less than five minutes. Throw the hai Fuse into the mix for custom aromatherapy infusions like citrusy Energy Boost with caffeine or Repair with eucalyptus.

Best NA wine: Surely Dealcoholized Sparkling Brut and Rosé

Surely Wines

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You don’t need booze to have a good time. We love sipping on the best non-alcoholic drinks when we want to give our partner all of our focus or when we just aren’t in the mood for a high-ABV cocktail. This dealcoholized wine is aged in the barrel and then goes through vacuum distillation to evaporate the majority of the alcohol in the wine. The flavors remain without the next-day hangover or regrets.

Best wallet for men: Fossil Men’s Leather Bifold Wallet with Flip ID Window

Fossil

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It wouldn’t be a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift guide without a wallet listing. This one is made of 100 percent cowhide leather and is RFID protected, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice style when keeping your banking data secure. It has two ID windows, two slide pockets, and eight card pockets to keep all of your frozen yogurt punch cards organized and at ready.

Best wallet for women: Kate Spade New York Staci Medium Compact Bifold Wallet

Kate Spade

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Women carry wallets too, so it’s about time women’s wallets get representation in a last-minute Valentine’s gift guide. This one from Kate Spade will last for years thanks to its high-quality Saffiano leather and timeless design. It’s just as practical as it is beautiful, thanks to eight credit card slots, an ID window, four slip pockets, and a spacious zipped pocket for change, receipts, or a sweet note from your lover.

Best face mask: Dermalogica Hydro Masque Exfoliant Hydrating and Exfoliating Face Masque

Dermalogica

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Nothing completes a couple’s DIY spa night like a face mask. But what if you are looking for some exfoliation while they want some hydration? Kill two birds with one stone with this mask that does both: bamboo provides the exfoliation, while snow mushroom tackles hydration. Simply push the top to dispense, apply liberally to face and neck, massage until the spheres disappear, wait 3-5 minutes, rinse, and you’re done. Now you and your partner have baby-smooth skin and can get back to that Love Island marathon.

Best electric razor for men: Braun Series 9 Electric Razor

Braun

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If you’re looking to give one of the best electric razors as a last-minute gift, this one from Braun is guaranteed to give a close shave and prevent a close call with gift giving. The battery will keep going up to 50 minutes at full-charge, and a digital display counts down the time left so you don’t have to worry about surprise power outages. For tricky, hard-to-cut hairs, two specialized titanium-coated trimmers use 10,000 micro-vibrations to catch them where they grow. You can also use this razor wet or dry.

Best splurge for her: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris

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TikTok perfumeheads consider this to be the perfume people lust after, thanks to its floral-woody combo that has a powerful, all-day projection and sillage. It’s the Bella Hadid of perfumes at the moment, and it will be well-appreciated even if she occasionally dabbles in perfume.

Best splurge for him: Salvatore Ferragamo Mens IP Yellow Gold 38 mm Vega Bracelet Watch

Salvatore Ferragamo

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This two-tone watch will go with any outfit, and the Guilloché watch face is simple and elegant without being boring. And, Swiss-made means it’s built to last—just like you and your partner.

Best for backyard dates: Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0

Solo Stove

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Sometimes you just want to cozy up by the fire, but not everyone has a fireplace in their home. Enter the Solo Stove, which is easy to use, portable, and less smoky than a traditional fire. We also love the company’s Pi Pizza Oven for pizza night and the Mesa tabletop fire pit in red for a smaller—but equally as romantic—outdoor fire.

Best that says “USB-Mine?”: ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQ

ASUS

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A computer monitor is an essential tech accessory for remote students or workers, which is why it’s one of the most thoughtful tech gifts you can give this Valentine’s Day. ASUS’ ROG Swift PG32UQR is a 32-inch 4K monitor with multiple inputs, which will allow your partner to use it as a TV for their game console or media streamer when they’re not at work. Gamers will appreciate the PG32UQR’s high refresh rate, which will allow them to play the latest titles at their maximum level of fidelity.

Images, videos, and text will look extremely clear on the screen, and its sheet size will give them a massive digital canvas to work with. The best part about this gift is that you know they’ll use it every day for years to come, and they’ll think of you each time their screen comes in handy.

Best for the classroom: American Greetings Scratch-Off Space and Astronauts

American Greetings

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If you’re a busy parent, you know the anxiety of finding the perfect last-minute Valentine’s cards for your child’s classmates. These feature an astronaut pattern (cool) with scratch-off messages (even cooler), which equals a very happy kid chuffed to have given one of the coolest Valentines in class.

Best for gamers: Nintendo Switch

Nintendo

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In a relationship with a gamer and don’t know what to get them? The Nintendo Switch is the third-best-selling video game console of all time, has a robust catalog including the latest entries in the Super Mario and Legend of Zelda series, and features a hybrid home and portable console design. But what makes this system the perfect game console for a couple is the fact that it comes with two detachable Joy-Con controllers, so you and a partner can play the best multiplayer Nintendo Switch games out of the box.

Best for home chefs: Anyday Large Dish

Anyday

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We get it, the idea of cooking your Valentine’s Day dinner in a microwave sounds like a recipe for disaster, but that’s not the case when you use Anyday’s glass cookware. The company encourages you to use an appliance most of us already have but don’t use to its full potential. Its Large Dish was designed to accommodate roughly four portions of a main dinner dish—the company has dozens of recipes on its site, which you can follow along to make dishes like One-Dish Chicken, Orzo and Feta, Scalloped Potato Gratin, or Momofuku Miso Cacio e Pepe Noodles—in under half an hour. The cookware looks wonderful and the meals we’ve made there have always turned out. Anyday even has a recipe list for desserts, which can help you end the night on a sweet note.

Best for audiophiles: U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus Turntable

U-Turn

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Want to set the mood with some music this Valentine’s Day? Pick up the Orbit Plus Turntable. There are less expensive decks out there, but the Orbit Plus was designed to last a lifetime and was even handmade in the USA. The belt-driven turntable comes pre-loaded with an Ortofon OM5E cartridge, and there’s a version with a built-in preamp if you don’t have one already—or your receiver or powered speakers don’t have a dedicated phono input. We’ve used U-Turn’s record players before, and they’ve offered rock-solid performance and great sound whether we played new or vintage vinyl. Building up a record collection together is a great way for couples to bond throughout the year, and you can relive the memories of picking up a hard-to-find album on special nights.

Best for music lovers: Klipsch R-51 PM Speakers

Klipsch

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What’s a turntable (or home, really) without a good pair of speakers? Klipsch’s R-51 PMs were designed to work with everything from the most analog of turntables—there’s a phono input—to your smartphone via Bluetooth. We’re recommending a pair of powered speakers because it’s an all-in-one audio system, no AV receiver necessary. The R-51 PMs are also outfitted with an optical audio input and USB port, so they can be connected directly to a TV or computer in a home theater or home office respectively. If you and your partner love music, this gift is a slam dunk.

Best for bakers: Brightly Reusable Pan and Bowl Cover Set

Brightly

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Many baking recipes—breads and doughs especially—require you to cover your creation in single-use plastic wrap while it rises, which is wasteful. Upgrade your favorite baker’s arsenal with this reusable cover set from Brightly, which comes with five pieces specifically designed for bowls and rimmed baking dishes. The machine-washable covers come in a variety of cool patterns that’ll help your partner differentiate between doughs without having to check the size. Brightly’s covers are made out of a food-safe material, so if dough hits them as it rises there won’t be any issues. If you’re in a relationship with a baker—or anyone who wants to make eco-conscious changes throughout the home—this is a very thoughtful gift.

Best for kids: LEGO Icons Wildflower Bouquet

LEGO

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Bouquets of flowers are a classic last-minute Valentine’s Day gift, but they only last about a week and a half before they need to be discarded (hopefully composted!) The LEFO Icons Wildflower Bouquet will last a lifetime and a kid can help put it together. Once assembled, the 939-piece set looks like a traditional assortment of flowers, and LEGO even includes stems of varying lengths, so they can be arranged on a tabletop or in a vase. If you want even more arrangement options, LEGO recommends combining this set with similar flower sets from its botanical collection.

Best for movie lovers: XGIMI Halo+

XGIMI

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Show the cinephile in your life you care with an HD projector that can be taken anywhere. XGIMI’s Halo+ is an HD projector with built-in stereo Harmon Kardon speakers that runs Android, which means you can access the latest streaming services like Netflix or Hulu directly from the device. If you want to connect a game console, like the Nintendo Switch for instance, you can use the Halo+’s HDMI port—no adapter necessary. This projector’s greatest strength is its battery, which allows the Halo+ to last up to two and a half hours without being charged. You can take this projector anywhere there’s a screen or blank wall, and set up a movie night with your partner. Whether you’re checking our new releases, introducing them to one of your old favorites, or re-watching a movie you’ve seen a zillion times, using a projector is completely different than watching it on TV.

Best for cuddling: Bedsure Oversized Big Fleece Blanket

Bedsure

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Bedsure’s Oversized Big Fleece Blanket is every bit as comfortable as it sounds, and encourages copious cuddling for Valentine’s Day and beyond. The couch-length blanket comes in multiple sizes, can be used as a comforter, and will comfortably cover couples relaxing in the same room. We’ve tested this blanket, and while its size initially seems ridiculous, its utility becomes apparent very quickly. Who doesn’t want a giant blanket, after all? We’ve been especially impressed by how well it’s held up after months of use, with minimal pilling and no sign of wear.

Best for remembering memories: Aura Carver HD WiFi Digital Picture Frame

Aura

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This frame, which topped our list of the best digital picture frames, allows anyone with a WiFi connection and a smartphone to add photos in seconds—making it perfect if you want to remind your partner of gorgeous vacations and memories of yore. Unlimited cloud storage also means you’ll never run out of space to store those photos.

Best fitness watch: Garmin vívomove Sport Hybrid Smartwatch

Garmin

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If you’re looking for a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift for an active person in your life, consider the Garmin vívomove, which has a sleek, analog face with smart features like sleep monitoring, stress tracking, and specific activity profiles for pilates, yoga, running, and more. If you’re looking for other fitness watches to gift last-minute for Valentine’s Day, Gamin has other fitness watch deals that will come in time for the big day.

The post The best last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts to spread the love appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

If the 2020s have taught us anything, it’s that the line between your home and office is blurrier than ever. It has become increasingly thoughtful to get someone a gift that can help reduce their list of chores, improve their productivity, or kick back and relax after a long day at the office (in-home or on-site). Gifts in this category run the gamut from incredibly practical to downright extravagant, so there’s something for everybody. We’ve also been conscious of making sure our gift recommendations work whether you’re shopping for someone who rents or owns their place, be it an apartment or house. If you’re shopping for someone you live with, some of our best home and office presents below will also benefit you, so consider that a holiday bonus.

• Best Wi-Fi Routers: Amazon eero Pro 6E mesh Wi-Fi System
• Best printer: Epson EcoTank ET-2400
• Best docking station: UGREEN Triple Display Docking Station
• Best office chair: Boulies Master Neo
• Best mouse: Logitech MX Master 3S
• Best keyboard: Drop ENTR Mechanical Keyboard
• Best work desk: Hoek Home Office Desk
• Best earbuds: Apple AirPods Pro 2
• Best headphones: beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X
• Best smart speaker: Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
• Best smart lights: Nanoleaf Lines
• Best monitor: Dell S2722QC
• Best monitor riser: Grovemade Desk Shelf
• Best webcam: OBSBOT Tiny PTZ 4K Webcam
• Best digital picture frame: Aura Carver Wi-Fi Digital Picture Frame
• Best smart decoration: Twinkly Squares LED panels
• Best retro decoration: Lava Colormax lamp
• Best TV: Hisense U8H
• Best soundbar: Sonos Ray
• Best media streamer: Roku Stick 4K
• Best wireless charger: Twelve South PowerPic
• Best gadget charger: Satechi Dock5
• Best whiteboard: Quartet Glass Whiteboard
• Best smart board: Vestaboard
• Best home gardening system: Gardyn 2.0 Hydroponics Growing System
• Best fire pit: Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0
• Best trash can: Brabantia Bo Touch
• Most practical tech accessory: SnapPower GuideLight for Outlets
• Best desk lamp: Cricut Bright 360
• Best robot vacuum: ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop
• Best over-the-top gift: Kül Water Dispenser
• Best for the bathroom: Kohler Moxie Bluetooth Showerhead
• Best note-taking tablet: BOOX Note Air2 Plus
• Best surge protector: Austere VII Series Power 8-Outlet 

Best Wi-Fi routers: Amazon eero Pro 6E mesh Wi-Fi System

Amazon

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One of the keys to a happy home during the holidays (or any other time) is a fast, consistent connection to the Internet. Eero’s latest Wi-Fi routers support the latest wireless standard (Wi-Fi 6E), supporting speeds of up to 2.3 Gbps. For reference, Netflix recommends just 15Mbps to stream video in 4K, which is only .006% of the routers’ total potential bandwidth. If you’re shopping for someone who pays for a fast internet connection but finds their devices don’t get the speeds promised—or they have places in their home where their wireless connection is spotty—this is the optimal solution. Amazon says this two-pack of Eero routers can cover an area of up to 4,000 sq. ft., which should be enough for most homes, and it can be connected to over 100 devices without slowing down.

Best printer: Epson EcoTank ET-2400

Epson

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Every home or office needs an all-in-one printer for when a document needs to be scanned, printed, or copied. This may only happen a handful of times a year (unless the printer is living in a house with school-age kids), but you’re guaranteed to get a “THANK YOU!” text each time it does. We like Epson’s ET-2400 because its ink tanks are more efficient and eco-friendly than disposable ink cartridges. We also enjoy this printer’s relatively small size and sleek look. The ET-2400 supports wireless printing, so whoever you gift it can keep it anywhere in their office, not necessarily right next to a computer.

Best docking station: UGREEN Triple Display Docking Station

UGREEN

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The downside to laptops getting thinner and lighter is the loss of ports, which makes it annoying to connect accessories to them. If you know someone who’s always carrying around a bunch of adapters, you can simplify their life significantly by gifting them UGreen’s Triple Display Docking Station. This tool has three USB-A ports, one USB-C port, a microSD card slot, one SD card slot, a headphone jack, two HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, and an Ethernet jack. Your friend and family member can use UGREEN’s hub to connect their computer to three external displays and nearly a dozen other accessories with a single USB-C cable. The hub can even recharge their laptop while connected, which is an excellent bonus.

Just need a power present? UGREEN makes numerous recommendable solutions, including the 100W 7-in-1 DigiNest charging station, which uses GaN II technology to offer better conversion efficiency and heat dissipation in a compact form featuring 3 USB-C ports, 1 USB-A port, and 3 AC outlets.

Best office chair: Boulies Master Neo

Boulies

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Nobody thinks about ergonomics until their body starts hurting, so this gift serves two purposes. Yes, Boulies’ Master Neo was designed for gamers, but the chair is so comfortable that we can recommend it to anybody who works at home. The chair has ample padding on the back and bottom, height-adjustable arms, and a satisfying swivel. Most office chairs look boring, but the Master Neo is available in blue and pink colorways, which can add a nice pop of color to a plain-looking workspace.

Best mouse: Logitech MX Master 3S

Logitech

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Logitech’s MX Master 3S is the tech accessory office workers don’t know they needed. The Bluetooth mouse is shaped so an entire hand can fit on top of it, with a dedicated thumb resting on its left side. The MX Master 3S’ design makes it much more comfortable to use over long periods. Additional buttons on the side and top of the mouse give users quick access to different apps or system functions, which can save the person you gift it to several minutes every day. One of this mouse’s coolest features is the ability to pair it with up to three devices, so your friend or family member can use it with their work and personal computer. Nobody thinks about the computer mouse they use, but once you gift someone the Logitech MX Master 3S, they’ll never return to a generic wired one.

Best keyboard: Drop ENTR Mechanical Keyboard

Drop

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If you’re already gifting someone an ergonomic mouse, pairing it with a mechanical keyboard makes sense. Drop’s ENTR is an old school-looking keyboard that’s easy on both the eyes and fingers. It has a Windows key, but the USB-C wired keyboard can also be connected to a Mac without any issues. The sensation of typing on a mechanical keyboard after years of using the slim ones built into laptops is revelatory. The office worker who keys the ENTR will probably feel the difference in the first day or two. They may need to adjust the way they type slightly, but the difference in comfort is completely worth it. Our favorite feature of the ENTR keyboard is its backlit keys, which make it easier to work in the dark.

Best work desk: Hoek Home Office Desk

Hoek

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If you want to gift surface area to someone with limited space, Brooklyn, NY-based Hoek designs, machines, and hand-finishes quick-assembly furnishings that can hang flat on a wall when not in use (mountable wall cleat included). Fabricated-to-order before being flat-packed, this quality carpentry is a modular, minimalist workstation that’s up and running within seconds of arrival. Ultra-slim but extremely sturdy, the 42-pound fabricated-to-order tabletop (sustainably sourced maple or natural birch plywood, with a black colorway option) sits atop modular 100% recycled HDPE plastic legs that click in or out in seconds (no tools required) and store on the chassis’ underbelly when not in use. Measuring L 47.5″ x W 23″ x H 30″, with an integrated handle, the Home Office Desk offers a stylish, easily moveable workstation. And suppose later you want it further kitted out. In that case, you can purchase a perfectly paired CNC-meets-carpentry creation, including a monitor shelf, keyboard under-shelf, and/or a headphones/bag hook (or buy it all upfront as a discounted bundle). At $495 ($795 for the bundle), the Hoek Home Office Desk isn’t cheap, but you’re buying creative craftsmanship to let someone efficiently take advantage of their space.

Best wireless earbuds: Apple AirPods Pro 2

Apple

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Let’s not beat around the bush here: Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are arguably the hottest holiday gift this season. Apple’s latest earbuds sound better, last longer, and cancel out more noise than the pair they replace while keeping the same iconic look, feel, and shape. Active noise cancellation is the biggest feature for office workers, as it’ll allow them to concentrate on work instead of being distracted by the sound of typing keys, swiveling chairs, or idle conversation. One of the most underrated features of the AirPods Pro 2 is the microphones, which are surprisingly good at picking up a speaker’s voice without much room noise. At their price, you won’t find a more well-rounded, fully featured pair of earbuds than the AirPods Pro 2.

Best headphones: beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X

beyerdynamic

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Need a gift for an audiophile who listens to music in their home office and continues their play session hours after logging off? Maybe someone you know is setting up a starter home studio but also games? Get them beyerdynamic’s DT 700 Pro X over-ear headphones, which come from the makers of our overall best mixing headphones. What separates the DT 700 Pro X apart from the pack is the extremely soft ear cushions, which make the headphones extremely comfortable to wear while simultaneously isolating a listener’s ears from unwanted outside sounds without any tonality-altering circuitry. Additionally, the headphones clamping force (how much pressure the headphones push against a listener’s head to keep them on) was also calibrated to optimize comfort without sacrificing performance. The headphones also sound excellent, with deep bass, wide midrange, and clear-but-not-crispy treble that lets you identify stray frequencies in the mix or threats in the game. And, as we said earlier, anyone who loves listening to music at home will really like these headphones.

Best smart speaker: Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

Amazon

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If you know someone who’s been thinking about making their home smarter, but doesn’t know where to start, get them the Amazon Echo (4th Gen). Amazon’s latest smart speaker looks modern, has a surprisingly good dual-driver audio system, and will immediately become the hub of their smart home. Alexa, Amazon’s smart assistant, allows you to use the Echo hands-free, issuing voice commands to play music, get news updates, hear about the weather, play games, and even order products. Controlling smart-home accessories through the Echo is much easier using apps, which can be cumbersome and require your full attention. Saying, “Alexa, turn on the hallway light,” is a lot more intuitive. If you’re feeling extra generous, gift somebody two Echos so they can have this functionality in multiple parts of their home (plus an intercom system).

Best smart lights: Nanoleaf Lines

Nanoleaf

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Smart lights are the first smart home accessory we recommend gifting people if they already have a smart speaker, and Nanoleaf’s Lines are a lot cooler than a typical smart light bulb. The “lines” can be attached to one another and arranged in dozens of different configurations, and each one can be assigned a different color via an app on your phone. The Lines allow for a level of self-expression that makes them an especially good gift for children just beginning to have input on arranging their room. Nanoleaf’s Lines may also become a part of your friend or family’s holiday decorations, accenting other pieces they typically put up.

Best monitor: Dell S2722QC

Dell

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An external display will give your friend or family member a lot more digital space to work with, which can help improve their productivity or ability to multitask. There are a lot of monitors out there, but Dell’s S2722QC checks all the right boxes. The 27-inch 4K screen can display 1.07 billion colors and has HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C inputs so that you can connect it to any machine. The USB-C port should be of particular interest if you’re shopping for a MacBook owner since it’ll allow the display to charge their laptop while it’s connected. The S2722QC’s speakers aren’t anything to write home about, but they’re helpful in a pinch, especially if you’re gifting the monitor to someone who likes to keep their laptop lid closed while working. It’s a little more luxe than most monitors on the market, but the S2722QC is the one to get this holiday season.

Best monitor riser: Grovemade Desk Shelf

Grovemade

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Simple problems don’t have to get spartan solutions. Portland, Ore.-based design and fabrication shop Grovemade initially broke into the e-commerce ecosystem with engraved bamboo iPhone 4 cases and has been crafting an expanded range of workspace products ever since. A decade-plus later and the Grovemade Desk Shelf system, available in three sizes and multiple woods/finishes, is yet another product that shows how efficiency and ergonomics can be elegant. It’s a sleek platform to help align your virtual world with your real one, and it comes with shelf space that can store cords and keyboards or additional Grovemade trays, desk pads, and accessories you can add to your cocoon of productivity. Got some flagship headphones that deserve to be showcased? The Grovemade headphone stand is another statement piece that is as appealing as it is functional.

Best webcam: OBSBOT Tiny PTZ 4K Webcam

OBSBOT

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Webcams have become an essential home office accessory, and OBSBOT’s Tiny PTZ 4K Webcam is among the best we’ve seen. The camera can stream or record incredibly crisp video, and will automatically compensate for poor lighting conditions to help the person you gift it to look their best. What makes the Tiny PTZ 4K Webcam particularly distinctive is its rotating base, which allows the lens to track a person as they move up, down, left, or right. Free software provided by OBSBOT allows you to position the webcam perfectly and lock it in place, too. If you’re shopping for someone on a video call more than three times a week, this is a slam-dunk gift.

Best digital picture frame: Aura Carver Wi-Fi Digital Picture Frame

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Sharing memories with less tech-savvy family members can be tough if you only see them a few times a year, which is why Aura’s Carver Wi-Fi Digital Picture Frame makes such a great gift. The 10.1-inch HD display can be loaded with photos remotely, so the person viewing them can keep up with your latest adventures. Multiple people can access the same frame so that siblings can share all of their family photos with parents or grandparents at once. Aura doesn’t charge for cloud storage either, so this picture frame will continue to show new pictures as long as it stays connected to the internet.

Best smart decoration: Twinkly Squares LED panels

twinkly

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Know someone who would want to automate some ambiance to elevate an environment? With the twinkly Squares, you can change the mood without changing location. These LED panels support 16 million colors and/or warm white light, and you can group them through an app for synced scenes of animated hues or 8-bit art. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi allow you to connect and control ON/OFF, dimming, timers, etc. Additional accessories like a USB sound sensor allow you to have your setup pulse and cycle to music. Other functions include integrating with Razer Chroma RGB or OMEN Light Studio for reactive lighting, and using voice commands via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This starter set includes 1 master tile and 5 extension tiles (64 RGB pixels total), and someone can add as many as their wall and imagination allow.

Best retro decoration: Lava Colormax lamp

Stan Horaczek

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The Lava Colormax is our best overall lava lamp because it fills your room with psychedelic nostalgia without overwhelming your space. The base, cap, and glass all sport a tri-colored design that would feel right at home in a wood panel & shag carpet rumpus room or maybe the back of a conversion van with a dragon painted on the side of it. Or just bring that vibe to your standing desk. At 14.5-inches tall, it’s not overwhelmingly huge, and the 25-watt bulb makes it glow without bathing much of your room in light. Because it gets its tint from paint on the outside of the glass, the colors look bright and vibrant. It takes a solid two hours to really get the lava moving around inside the glass container but, given the chance, will make video calls to video games way more groovy.

Best TV: Hisense U8H

Hisense

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We can’t think of a better holiday gift than a new TV, and Hisense’s U8H is the gold standard in its price range. The set is available in sizes ranging from 55 to 75 inches, but the 65-inch model will be the sweet spot for most people. The U8H has four HDMI ports, two of which support 4K gaming at 120Hz with high dynamic range enabled. This is a big deal if the gamer in your life has a PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, as they’ll be able to play cutting-edge titles at their highest levels of fidelity. The U8H’s 336 local dimming zones allow the TV to offer incredible contrast, while support for Dolby Vision ensures colorful scenes look clear and natural rather than being blown out. If you’ve been saving up to set that special someone up with a really big gift, this should be your first (and arguably only) choice.

Best soundbar: Sonos Ray

Sonos

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Need a gift for the person who’s already satisfied with their TV (or monitor)? The best answer is a soundbar, specifically the Sonos Ray. The Ray’s short size (only 21-inches wide) allows it to fit on any entertainment center without poking off the sides. Sonos designed the Ray’s drivers to point forward so that sound won’t reverberate off the sides of a shelf or a wall. Despite its small size, we were happy with how the Ray sounded in our tests. It wouldn’t distort during loud movie sequences with explosions or other sudden sound pops. You won’t find a better-engineered soundbar at the Ray’s size price, and avid movie watchers will immediately pick up on the audio upgrade.

Best media streamer: Roku Stick 4K

Roku

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If a less tech-savvy member of your friend or family group is trying to get into streaming the latest binge-worthy shows and blockbuster movies, there’s no better gift than a Roku Streaming Stick 4K. The ultra-slim media streamer is intuitive and has a simple remote plus dedicated buttons to take users directly to the most popular streaming services. The Streaming Stick 4K can playback video at its highest possible resolution, and supports every HDR (high dynamic range) standard to deliver vibrant colors. We can also recommend this accessory for people who often travel, as it’s easy to throw into a bag and hook up to a hotel or Airbnb TV, so you’re already logged into all of your streaming service accounts wherever you go.

Best wireless charger: Twelve South PowerPic

Twelve South

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Twelve South’s PowerPic is the most inventive wireless charger we’ve seen yet, and its unique design makes it an especially cool gift. The 10W wireless charging stand is built into a picture frame, allowing you to slip any 5×7-inch photo behind your phone’s resting spot. The picture will be revealed when the phone is not charging, so the PowerPic serves a dual purpose. If you know the person you’re gifting this to well enough, you can stealthily open the package, put in a meaningful picture, reseal it, then watch their face light up when it’s revealed.

Best gadget charger: Satechi Dock5

Satechi

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Satechi Dock5 is a practical gift for anyone with several family members or roommates. The accessory has two USB-A ports and two USB-C ports, with dividers between each port so several gadgets can charge without looking messy. A Qi wireless charging pad toward the front of the Dock5 can recharge a pair of wireless earbuds or another small tech accessory. We all have someone in our lives with a messy, cable-filled section of their kitchen or living room, and this gift can resolve that issue.

Best whiteboard: Quartet Glass Whiteboard

Quartet

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Quartet’s Glass Whiteboard is an unexpected gift that fully remote workers and students will immediately understand and appreciate. The large canvas is perfect for sketching ideas, collaborating on tough problems, or something as simple as a hand-drawn calendar. Most of us are used to having all this information on a screen. Still, something is satisfying about being able to directly write, slash, and erase your work immediately rather than fiddling with a mouse cursor or stylus. Plus, Quartet’s Glass Whiteboard looks so nice that it practically invites people to use it right out of the box.

Best smart board: Vestaboard

Vestaboard

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We’ve never seen anything quite like the Vestaboard, which perfectly typifies the concept of ambient computing. The internet-connected smart board contains 132 “bits,” which flip to reveal different characters or colors. You can send messages to the Vestaboard through the company’s app, which is intuitive to use and comes pre-loaded with a few quotes and color patterns to show you its potential. A paid service called Vestaboard+ allows you to use applications to automate the board in even more creative ways, like displaying the current song you’re listening to through a streaming service, current sports scores, or playing a word game.

This is the ideal indulgent gift for someone who spends a lot of time in their home office or wants a fancy family bulletin board in their living room. Vestaboard owners can grant other people access to their board, allowing friends and family to send messages. The Vestaboard is a unique canvas for people to display meaningful quotes, words of encouragement, or mini works of art. We guarantee the person you gift it to won’t have seen anything like it.

Best home gardening system: Gardyn 2.0 Hydroponics Growing System

Gardyn

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In our tests, the Gardyn 2.0 has fulfilled the promise of being a (mostly) hands-free gardening tool for anyone who lacks a green thumb but wants to grow food. Once it’s set up, the Gardyn will automatically provide the correct amount of light (via LED light strips) and water (through a refillable tank), so there’s no room for error. It takes up to six weeks for plants to reach their full size, and it’s inspiring to see the plants sprout and grow over time. Two cameras on the LED light strips will automatically take pictures of your crops at regular intervals so that you can chart their progress at any time.

The Gardyn is a premium gift, but one that’ll quickly become the hit of your home. Children can learn about how food (and plant life in general) grows and the value of patience. After a few months, you can have a feast featuring fresh vegetables you’ve grown yourself—even if you live in a New York City apartment like I do.

Have a backyard or balcony and an interest in growing greens? Another option is the Lettuce Grow Farmstand starter set. This vertical hydroponic growing system starts with 12 pre-sprouted plants in a tower just under 4-feet tall, but can be customized to your space and budget. It only takes minutes each week to add the water and nutrients necessary and, within a month, you’re enjoying pesticide-free veggies, leafy greens, herbs, fruits, and lettuce.

Best fire pit: Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0

Solo Stove

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If you’re shopping for someone who’s into backyard glamping , Solo Stove’s Bonfire 2.0 is the fire pit we recommend. It was designed to be “smokeless,” meaning a continuous flow of air, and an intelligently placed ash pan, prevent tons of smoke from billowing out of it constantly. There’ll still be some smoke but not enough to make your eyes water, which means campers can sit closer to it (but not too close) to enjoy its warmth. Solo Stove addressed our one complaint with the original Bonfire by making this model’s ash tray easily removable, which makes cleanup a breeze.

Best trash can: Brabantia Bo Touch

Brabantia

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Yes, we recommend you get someone in your life a trash can, but hear us out. Brabantia’s Bo Touch has a modern design that’s surprisingly eye-catching in person. Everybody needs a trash can, so why not gift them one they won’t mind looking at several times a day for decades? We also like the Bo Touch’s namesake feature: the ability to open and close its lid by lightly pressing it. Brabantia offers the Bo Touch in a handful of configurations, but the one we recommend has a single 9.5-gallon slot for trash. The person you gift this to may be confused initially, but they’ll quickly change their tune.

Most practical tech accessory: SnapPower GuideLight for Outlets

Snap Power

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We’ve all used a phone flashlight to navigate around the house, which is why we’re certain about gifting SnapPower’s GuideLight to just about anybody in your life. The plate attaches to any duplex outlet and has a couple of small, downward-facing LEDs, which get triggered every time somebody walks by. All you need to install the GuideLight is a screwdriver; no previous electrical engineering experience is required. There’s not much to say about the GuideLight, but it’s an incredibly practical tool that’ll fit in anybody’s home.

Best desk lamp: Cricut Bright 360

Cricut

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With four points of articulation and 1,500 lux of adjustable brightness, the Bright 360 Table LED Lamp is a fabulous addition to your workstation whether you’re examining the accents of a project, taking pictures for an online shop, or trying to look less shadowy and/or sallow on a video call. It’s easy to maneuver, offers a range of color temperatures from warm to cool white, and is one of those quick and easy upgrades that make a world of difference. Whether you’re precision-cutting patches or copy-and-pasting paragraphs, you should be able to appreciate all the fine details of your work. And if you’re sitting through yet another online “face-to-face,” you should look your best. This light lets you do all of that and more. Speaking of more, there’s also a floor-lamp variant.

Best under-desk seated elliptical: Cubii MOVE

Cubii

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Ever feel like you’re just shuffling your feet, waiting for people to get back to you or for everyone to join a video conference? Feel like you’re just spinning your wheels, waiting for tech support to figure out what’s wrong with your laptop? Well, you—or your gift recipient—can turn purgatory (or any other time) into a type of productivity with one of the many compact Cubii under-desk elliptical systems. Aimed to help folks “get fit while you sit,” the low-impact apparatus turns fidgeting into function as you activate multiple muscle groups at the pedaling intensity you prefer, thanks to six selectable resistance levels. Whisper-quiet, the MOVE can live underneath your desk for daily use without distracting others but, at under 20 lbs, can also be easily moved if needed.

Best robot vacuum: ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop

ECOVACS

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ECOVACS’ DEEBOT X1 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop can do two annoying chores and does a surprisingly good job making your floors look neat. The vacuum’s sensors allow it to clean around obstacles like chairs, shoes, and walls without bumping into them and will prevent the DEEBOT X1 from falling down a flight of stairs. Additional sensors will know when the robot vacuum has hit a particularly dirty flooring patch and focus its energy there. Once done, the robot vacuum will return to its base to charge, emptying its dirt and dirty water into two chambers in its base. The DEEBOT X1 can be set on a schedule to clean when your friend or family member is out of the house, so they won’t have to hear the whirring sound of a vacuum ever again. Ultimately, this is one of the few smart home tools that will truly save your friend or family member time.

Best over-the-top gift: Kül Water Dispenser

Kül

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If you’re shopping for someone who’s really into health and hydration, or really misses the office experience of gathering around the water cooler to talk about the latest must-see TV, throw caution to the wind and get them the Kül Spark. The $1,500 water purification system can be hooked up to their plumbing and create cold, hot, ambient (room temp), or sparkling water free of over 80 contaminants. Don’t worry, there’s also the option to use a refillable water tank. We’ve tried the Kül Spark for ourselves, and the difference in taste is real. The Kül Spark’s ability to dial in the perfect temperature is equally impressive. A touch-sensitive control panel on the right-hand side of the machine makes it easy to choose which type of beverage you’d like to make or change certain settings. You can even see stats like how long it’s been since you’ve changed your filter, or how full your CO2 cartridges are. Yes, it’s luxe, but the Kül Spark is an incredibly generous gift for anyone who’s overly confident that their kitchen or home office has “everything.”

Best for the bathroom: Kohler Moxie Bluetooth Showerhead

Kohler

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Do you know a bathroom karaoke superstar? Or someone who likes to start their day catching up on podcasts? No gift will make them happier than Kohler’s Moxie Bluetooth Showerhead. Installing it requires you just twist off your old showerhead and spin on the new one, a process that takes two minutes. A waterproof Bluetooth speaker sits in the center of the shower head, pumping out tunes or talk for several hours before needing to be recharged. The speaker was developed by Harman Kardon and sounds pretty good. Importantly, it’s easy to turn on and off with wet and soapy hands. This is one of those gifts they’ll never see coming, and will use every day.

Best note-taking tablet: BOOX Note Air2 Plus

BOOX

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BOOX’s Note Air2 Plus is a large e-ink tablet for reading and note-taking. It’s expensive but well worth the price if you need a big gift for someone whose work or school program requires them to take copious notes. The 10.3-inch e-ink tablet runs Android, so the person you gift it to will have access to download specific apps for reading, note-taking, or opening specific file types like PDFs. Much of this functionality is built into the Note Air2 Plus, but, if they’re already familiar with an app, or need a specific piece of software as part of their workflow, the Note Air2 Plus will accommodate their needs far more than a Kindle or other e-Ink tablet. The tablet comes bundled with a stylus, which was remarkably responsive in our tests, allowing us to confidently write on it without worrying about missing a line or digital pen stroke. This is a very specific gift, but if you know someone who has filled up their fair share of notebooks, and wishes they could take all that information with them, this will become their go-to gadget.

Best surge protector: Austere VII Series Power 8-Outlet 

Austere

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This gift may not immediately impress, but is incredibly important for the home office worker. Austere’s VII Series Power 8-Outlet will protect their equipment in case of a sudden power surge, which could fry their computer, monitor, and other expensive tech accessories. Gifting someone this surge protector could save them thousands of dollars in the long run. We like Austere’s VII Series Power 8-Outlet because of its sturdy construction, seven-year guarantee, and USB ports, which allow you to charge smaller devices without taking up one of the outlets with a power adapter. Is this gift practical? Extremely. But no home office is truly complete without one.

The post The best productivity presents for home and office appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Mos Eisley Cantina		SEE IT	Immerse yourself in one of the most iconic locations in the Star Wars saga.
Best old school		Millennium Falcon		SEE IT	Outrun Imperial starships with Lego’s Millennium Falcon set.
Best for kids		501st Legion Clone Troopers		SEE IT	Join the Clone Wars with this 501st Legion Clone Troopers set.

Believe it or not, Lego didn’t get into the Star Wars business until 1999, creating a series of models based on Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace. Since then, everyone’s favorite building toy company has created over 800 sets based on the films, TV shows, and every other corner of the Star Wars universe, including The Clone Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and The Mandalorian. Building the best Lego Star Wars sets may make you feel a little bit closer to that galaxy far, far away, or help inspire you to think up a new one of your own.

• Best overall: Mos Eisley Cantina
• Best old school: Millennium Falcon
• Best modern: The Razor Crest
• Best for display: Darth Vader Helmet
• Best for adults: Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder
• Best for kids: 501st Legion Clone Troopers
• Best budget: Millennium Falcon Microfighter

How we chose the best Lego Star Wars sets

I had a bucket of mixed Lego pieces that was passed down to me when I was young and I’ve never stopped building. As an editor at TechnoBuffalo, I covered Lego and Toy Fair, an annual toy industry convention, many times. I also grew up watching Star Wars on LaserDisc, which tells you how far back my fandom goes. Over the last 10 years, my byline has appeared on Gear Patrol, CNN Underscored, and Popular Science, where I’ve written about everything from the best kids water bottles to the best 4K TVs.

The best Lego Star Wars sets: Reviews & Recommendations

In picking our favorite Lego Star Wars sets, we strike a good balance between affordable and expensive sets, options for kids and sets for adults, leisurely builds for weekdays after school, and serious projects. We also considered the importance of the characters, scenes, and vehicles that are represented. Have you always had a soft spot for the Millennium Falcon? Do you need a Mando minifig? If so, these are the Lego Star Wars sets you are looking for.

Best overall: Mos Eisley Cantina

Tatooine’s Finest

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Buy used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Mos Eisley Cantina set recreates the iconic location with excellent attention to detail.

Specs

• Pieces: 3,187
• Minifigures: 21
• Size: 8 x 21 x 23 inches (HWD)
• Ages: 18+

Pros

• Impressive attention to detail
• Great variety of minifigures
• Exterior and interior allows for endless play

Cons

• Expensive

The Mos Eisley Cantina set captures one of the most beloved Star Wars locations in 3,187 pieces. The model recreates both the interior and exterior of the Cantina, with a U-shaped bar, the Cantina band, and plenty of unsavory characters. Fans can also relive the moment Han Solo and Greedo meet for the last time and decide once and for all who shot first. 

The Mos Eisley Cantina set comes with 21 minifigures—including Luke Skywalker, C-3PO, and Chewbacca—allowing players to stage different scenarios in the Star Wars underworld. If you’re looking for a smuggler, you’ve come to the right place.

If you don’t have time for a 3,000+ piece build, there’s also a much smaller, more affordable Cantina set focused on Han and Greedo’s bar booth showdown.

Best old school: Millennium Falcon

Kessel Runner

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Buy used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Millennium Falcon is one of the most intricately detailed Lego sets ever created.

Specs

• Pieces: 7,541
• Minifigures: 7
• Size: 8 x 22 x 33 inches (HWD)
• Ages: 16+

Pros

• Incredible detail
• Excellent design for collectors
• Two crews of minifigures

Cons

• Expensive

Featuring 7,541 pieces, the Millennium Falcon is one of the most intricately detailed designs in Lego’s entire history. Every satellite, interior space, and laser cannon is brought to life in stunning detail, and the set comes with multiple crew members so that you can relive the original and newest trilogies. It even comes with two buildable Porgs, which look just as adorable in Lego form as they did in the movies.

As much as we love the ultra-detailed look of the Ultimate Collector Series version of the Millennium Falcon, it’s an incredibly expensive set. Luckily, Lego also makes a really nice Millennium Falcon set with fewer pieces and a less intimidating price.

Best modern: The Razor Crest

This is The Way

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Razor Crest set features a wonderful design, endless interactivity, and an adorable baby Yoda minifigure.

Specs

• Pieces: 1,023
• Minifigures: 5
• Size: 5 x 11 x 15 inches (HWD)
• Ages: 10+

Pros

• Grogu (Baby Yoda) minifigure
• Design offers great interactivity
• Friendlier to younger ages

Cons

• Parents may not like spring-loaded shooters

The Mandalorian, the newest sensation in the Star Wars universe, comes to Lego in a substantial Razor Crest ship set. It features 1,023 pieces that, when assembled, reveal a fierce starship that includes spring-loaded shooters, a cargo hold, and a detachable escape pod. In addition, the set features minifigures for the Mandalorian, the Child, an IG-11 droid, Greef Karga, and a Scout Trooper. It’s enough to kickstart your imagination and recreate a thrilling escape scene. This Razor Crest set is an excellent place to start if you’ve ever dreamt of living out your bounty hunting fantasies.

Best for display: Darth Vader Helmet

I am Your Father

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Darth Vader Helmet recreates the fearsome villain with menacing accuracy.

Specs

• Pieces: 834
• Minifigures: None
• Size: 8 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches (HWD)
• Ages: 18+

Pros

• Instantly recognizable
• Looks great on a shelf
• Relatively affordable

Cons

• Relatively small

Dearth Vader’s helmet is one of the most iconic images in all of Star Wars lore. Build your own replica and make it a conversation piece. Though it isn’t huge, the 834-piece build delivers incredible detail and makes for a fun afternoon build. You even build your own stand, complete with a nameplate. You’ll have to do the voice yourself, though.

Best for adults: Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder

Display Your Trophy

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder set features a detailed design that’s great for display.

Specs

• Pieces: 1,890
• Minifigures: 2
• Size: 4 x 12 x 20 inches (HWD)
• Ages: 18+

Pros

• Amazing detail
• Authentic to the real vehicle
• Luke Skywalker and C-3PO minifigures are a fun throwback

Cons

• Expensive

If you want something on your shelf to admire, Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder offers the perfect amount of detail. This set features an authentic design and “hover mode” with an information plaque. While it is a challenge to assemble, it is a worthy trophy to show off to friends and family. Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder set also features a cockpit for Luke and C-3PO to sit and random scrap parts that are faithful to the movie. The set also includes custom-made Lego elements, including the cockpit windshield to protect its occupants on the desert planet Tatooine. With this level of authenticity, the Landspeeder is tailor-made to live on your shelf.

Best for kids: 501st Legion Clone Troopers

Go to Battle

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: This small set features good variety and plenty of minifigures to stage an epic battle.

Specs

• Pieces: 285
• Minifigures: 5
• Size: AT-RT is 7 x 3 x 3.5 inches (HWD)
• Ages: 7+

Pros

• Easy to assemble
• Great variety of vehicles and minifigures
• Poseable AT-RT

Cons

• No specific characters from the movies or TV series.

Once this 285-piece set is assembled, kids can stage a battle between the 501st Legion Clone Troopers and the Separatist Army’s Battle Droids and relive the action from Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The set includes five minifigures (three Clone Troopers and two Battle Droids), an AT-RT, and a BARC Speeder for the ultimate firepower. The AT-RT features posable legs and attachment points for a blaster, while the BARC Speeder has two stud shooters, bringing the battle to life. It’s a fun and exciting way to bring Star Wars: The Clone Wars to life and see who has the edge in the fight for good versus evil.

Best budget: Millennium Falcon Microfighter

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Millennium Falcon Microfighter features a compact build that can pair well with other Lego Star Wars sets.

Specs

• Pieces: 101
• Minifigures: 1
• Size: 1.5 x 3 x 3 inches (HWD)
• Ages: 6+

Pros

• Small, compact build
• Only 101 pieces
• Pairs well with other Lego Star Wars sets
• Affordable

Cons

• Lots of small pieces that can be easy to misplace

This Millennium Falcon Microfighter set shrinks the famous starship and includes a Han Solo minifigure, so you can take the smuggler anywhere you want. At 101 pieces, this is a great introductory set for kids playing with Lego for the first time. The Millennium Falcon features a seat for Han Solo, who carries his own blaster. The starship also includes two stud shooters, so you can bring the Empire fleet to its knees. It’s a fun, accessible set that can pair with anything else on this list, or make for a great toy out in the backyard.

Things to look for when picking the best Lego Star Wars sets

Since we’re talking about a specific subset of toys from a single company, picking your next Lego Star Wars set isn’t really about finding something good or bad, but about picking something that’s going to capture your interest and imagination.

There’s enough variation in size, complexity, and price that you should keep in mind what you’re looking for right now, in the moment. Some sets are straightforward and made to be put together in one quick session. Others are much larger, more intricate projects that might take a few days or longer. And, of course, you’ll want to pick something you think is cool and that resonates with the specific parts of Star Wars you connect with most.

Number of pieces

Lego sets have become much more expansive and intricate over the years. These days, the biggest sets often contain several hundred or even thousands of pieces. The number of pieces in a given set should give you a rough sense of much time it will take to build and how complex the process will be. Don’t buy the 7,541-piece Millenium Falcon if you don’t want to spend a week or more focused on the project.

With larger sets, we also recommend coming up with a plan for storing the pieces before you start, so you don’t lose any or, worse, wind up stepping on a piece that fell on the floor.

Ages

While Lego is appropriate for any age, the varying scale and complexity of the sets may make more sense for some people than others. Lego includes age recommendations on each box and provides helpful information for parents picking sets for kids on its website.

We picked Lego Star Wars sets that appeal to a wide range of age groups. If you’re picking a Lego set for a child, consider whether they have the patience and experience to complete it. 

Play vs. display

The core purpose of Lego, generally, is to inspire creativity and encourage play. That said, the company increasingly makes sets aimed at adults that are meant to be put on a shelf and displayed, rather than treated as a toy. For example, this collection of replica helmets.

Many of the made-for-display sets feature some kind of special designation, such as the “Master Builder” or “Ultimate Collector” series. You can also tell by looking at the piece count: The extremely large sets with detailed designs are often made for display. In some instances, Lego will offer multiple versions of the same set—one that’s more for play and another for hobbyists.

Price

Lego Star Wars sets range dramatically in price, from as little as $10 up to $800. In general, larger sets containing more pieces are more expensive. There’s also a substantial price jump when you start looking at very detailed sets for hobbyist Lego fans and collectors.

We tried to highlight options that run the gamut in price, from the exorbitant to the affordable. Lego should be accessible to everyone, and the prices should reflect that.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best Lego Star Wars sets

There’s something special about assembling Lego Star Wars sets, bringing them to life piece by piece. The picks on our list explore some of the Star Wars saga’s most iconic moments and should appeal to all levels of fandom, from collectors to casual builders to young kids just getting started. Remember to have fun with whatever you pick, and may the force be with you.

The post The best Lego Star Wars sets of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best swaddle		Dreamland Swaddle		SEE IT	This sleep sack acts like a gentle weighted blanket for baby.
Best for formula users		Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced		SEE IT	Mix up a bottle of formula fast with this smart formula dispenser.
Best privacy blanket		WeeSprout Nursing Cover for Breastfeeding		SEE IT	Use this privacy poncho in eight different ways.

It’s a cliche because it’s true: new parents never sleep. Unfortunately, shuteye isn’t something you can wrap up and hand to an adult in charge of a tiny human (though we do have some gift ideas to enhance their sleep for those rare occasions). But there are still plenty of ways to make the new chapter of their lives easier—and more fun. Here are the best presents for new parents that will keep them sane while keeping baby happy.

• Best for storytime: Slumberkins Narwhal Snuggler
• Best baby clothes: MakeMake Dress
• Best swaddle: Dreamland Swaddle
• Best for formula users: Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced
• Best hook-on highchair: Chicco Caddy Portable Hook-On Chair
• Best plate: Silikong Suction Plate for Toddlers
• Best for a night out: Darden Restaurants Gift Card
• Best for a helping hand: Amazon Home Services
• Best diapers: Huggies Little Snugglers Newborn Diapers
• Best for on-the-go: JJ Cole Bundle Me Winter Baby Car Seat Cover and Bunting Bag
• Best for boogers: FridaBaby Baby Nasal Aspirator
• Best for car rides: Yogo Baby Car Roller Sunshade
• Best for diaper changes: Beba Bean Pee-Pee Teepee
• Best baby monitor: eufy baby monitor
• Best sleep tracker: eufy Smart Sock and Monitor
• Best earplugs: Etymotic Research MP9-15 MusicPRO High-Fidelity Electronic Earplugs
• Best stuffed animal: Cloud b Soothing Sound Machine
• Best door silencer: ICObuty Door Silencer
• Best privacy blanket: WeeSprout Nursing Cover for Breastfeeding
• Best for the nursery: Uncommon Goods Personalized Birth Announcement

Best for storytime: Slumberkins Narwhal Snuggler

Slumberkins

SEE IT

Having a new baby comes with endless gifts from well-wishers. While an abundance of toys, books and clothes is not inherently an issue, new parents may begin to worry about spoiling their young child from an early age. Enter Slumberkins, which pairs an adorable stuffed animal toy with a matching book focused on a specific theme of personal and moral development. We received a fluffy Narwhal, coupled with an accompanying story promoting Growth Mindset. The set together fosters a can-do attitude and teaches children to approach challenges with enthusiasm and a strong sense of self. We were also treated to the Big Foot set, which encourages self-worth through a sweet story about rejecting materialism and embracing inner creativity. Slumberkins are the perfect gifts to give conscientious parents who aim to raise thoughtful, kind, and confident children.

Best baby clothes: MakeMake Dress

MakeMake

SEE IT

Babies inevitably grow out of their clothes, which often means that much of children’s clothing is made of flimsy and environment-unfriendly material. MakeMake Organics offers adorable and beautifully crafted garments that are perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions. Each outfit is Instagram-ready, but won’t leave your child fussing with discomfort. My daughter wore the Cotton Ruffle dress in Driftwood for her one month photo shoot, and the compliments were endless. MakeMake offers clothes for babies and toddlers as well as nursery and bath time essentials like sheets, towels, and play mats, all featuring their soft and cozy organic fabrics.

Best swaddle: Dreamland Swaddle

Dreamland

SEE IT

A big parental fear prior to childbirth is the lack of sleep. There is now an entire market for sleep-saving products, many using savvy technology, from motion-sensor rocking bassinets to oxygen-monitoring anklets. The Dreamland weighted swaddle addresses the same need without unnecessary or habit-forming bells and whistles. It couldn’t be easier to use, is super-soft, and the gentle weight provides instant relaxation for babies, prompting longer stretches of sleep. It’s machine washable, escape-proof, and features a two-way zipper for quick diaper changes. You can choose whether to swaddle your baby’s arms or keep them free. It’s worth the price and makes a great gift for sleep-deprived parents.

Best for formula users: Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced

Baby Brezza

SEE IT

When a baby is hungry, time is of the essence. If new parents use formula, the Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced will help them mix up a bottle in no time. The device works with formulas from all the major brands and water to mix up the ideal balance and consistency. Parents can also customize the amount from one ounce to ten ounces and select from three different temperatures. And an indicator light will also turn on when it’s time to clean the funnel. A WiFi enabled version for $20 more allows parents to set up a feeding from the accompanying app and provides notifications when supplies are low for reordering.

Best hook-on highchair: Chicco Caddy Portable Hook-On Chair

Chicco Caddy

SEE IT

Most restaurants have high chairs, but the houses of friends and family may not be so accommodating. This hook-on chair works on most any tabletop, saving new parents from the agony of eating with a child in their laps.

Best plate: Silikong Suction Plate for Toddlers

SiliKong

SEE IT

Most kids throw food on the floor. Efficient, enterprising kids throw the whole plate. Make them work harder for their messes with this compartmentalized plate that sticks to most surfaces.

Best for a night out: Darden Restaurants Gift Card

Darden Restaurant

SEE IT

New parents can use plenty of help around the house, but they could also use a break and some one-on-one time (with each other—or a plate of pasta). A simple gift card may not seem thoughtful, but they’ll forgive you—especially if you pair it with a promise to babysit.

Best for a helping hand: Amazon Home Services

Amazon

SEE IT

Looking after a new baby is hard and time-consuming, and it’s inevitable that other household duties will fall by the wayside. If you aren’t able to give the new parents a helping hand yourself, consider booking them a visit from an Amazon-approved worker. They have reviewed contractors for almost any task imaginable, from simple cleanings to handyman services to iPhone repair.

Best diapers: Huggies Little Snugglers Newborn Diapers

Huggies

SEE IT

This is the equivalent of handing a new parent cash. And everyone loves cash.

Best for on-the-go: JJ Cole Bundle Me Winter Baby Car Seat Cover and Bunting Bag

Amazon

SEE IT

Say goodbye to blankets (which can bunch in awkward spots, slip off, and even get tangled in stroller wheels). Say hello to easy, cozy transfers between strollers and car seats.

Best for boogers: FridaBaby Baby Nasal Aspirator

Amazon

SEE IT

A newborn doesn’t come out of the womb gracefully blowing its nose into a tidy tissue fold. You gotta go get those breath-restricting boogers. And the best snotsucker on the market is the NoseFrida. It’s hygienic, weirdly entertaining, and comfortable for the child, unlike most bulb-shaped booger busters.

Best for car rides: Yogo Baby Car Roller Sunshade

Amazon

SEE IT

These top-rated sunshades protect your baby’s delicate skin from the blazing sun. And unlike cling-on shades, they neatly roll up when not in use, eliminating the eyesore factor.

Best for diaper changes: Beba Bean Pee-Pee Teepee

Amazon

SEE IT

Because no diaper change should come with a free fountain drink.

Best baby monitor: eufy baby monitor

Amazon

SEE IT

Amazon’s choice in the crowded baby monitor space is this gem from Eufy, which displays 10 times more detail than ordinary 240p displays. It also boasts a wide-angle lens attachment, 330-degree coverage, a built-in thermostat, instant smart alerts, two-way audio, and nightvison. The FHSS connection means the product is connected right out of the box—no WiFi setup necessary, and no burden on your home network.

Best sleep tracker: eufy Smart Sock and Monitor

eufy

SEE IT

New parents keep tabs on their baby’s sleep and wake times, but how about real-time sleep data? Just pull one of Eufy’s Smart Socks on your baby, and it will provide detailed analysis of essential health metrics to your phone, including heart rate and sleep states. The associated monitor will also alert parents when the baby wakes up and comes with a night vision camera that lets you see what’s going on in the child’s room even in the dark. Designed for newborns through 18 months, the sock can be worn on either foot and is washable.

Best earplugs: Etymotic Research MP9-15 MusicPRO High-Fidelity Electronic Earplugs

Amazon

SEE IT

Because someone in the house should get some peace and quiet. When one parent is tending to a screaming baby in the middle of the night, it’s not always possible for their spouse to find a quiet spot to catch some Zs. These Etymotic plugs are designed to combat the noise at rock shows, so they have an outside shot at working on a cranky child. (Note: We would never condone wearing earplugs simply to neglect a loud baby.)

Best stuffed animal: Cloud b Soothing Sound Machine

Cloud b

SEE IT

This cute lamb plays 8 sounds, including white noise and gentle lullabies. An auto-off timer (set in 30-minute intervals) conditions their baby to sleep without the noise—and makes it so mom and dad don’t have to tip-toe back in to turn it off.

Best door silencer: ICObuty Door Silencer

Amazon

SEE IT

Mom finally got the baby to sleep after hours of rocking, nursing, singing, and cooing. She gently places her little bundle of joy down in the crib, sleepily tip-toes out of the room, closes the door behind her, and—CLICK—”Wahhhhhhhhhhh!” For under $10, you can help your favorite new parent avoid such a scenario.

Best privacy blanket: WeeSprout Nursing Cover for Breastfeeding

WeeSprout

SEE IT

Look for one with generous size (for maximum privacy) and an open neckline (for maximum bonding), that’s also machine washable. This one from WeeSprout checks those boxes, plus it can be used eight ways.

Best for the nursery: Uncommon Goods Personalized Birth Announcement

Uncommon Goods

SEE IT

Showcase the newborn’s stats with this personalized birth announcement, drawn in the style of a nursery-appropriate coat of arms.

The post The best presents for new parents appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

So you’re flush with gift cards and $5 checks from grandparents but aren’t sure what in the wild world of e-commerce is noice and what’s noise. Luckily, the PopSci staff is always searching for tech toys that live up to the hype. One of the perks of the job is we get to go hands-on with a ton of stuff every year, so when something stands out it’s either really dope or truly helps us cope. Eager to share our personal discoveries with equally passionate gadget geeks, we’ve put together this short list of our No. 1 purchases in 2023 so you can shop for the best things with confidence.

• Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Gooseneck Electric Kettle
• Red Wing Iron Ranger Boots
• Squid Industries Squiddy B
• Garmin Instinct GPS Smartwatch
• Ninja NC299AMZ CREAMi Ice Cream Maker
• The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen Cookbook
• Elden Ring
• Game Boy: The Box Art Collection
• Fluance Ai61 Bookshelf Speakers
• BOSGAME Mini PC
• Leg and Hip Recovery System
• Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs Recovery System
• PURITO Daily Go-To Sunscreen
• Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater with Remote
• Kenny Hoots Mini Hero Tabletop RPG Treasury
• Planta and Reframe apps/subscriptions
• Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50
• Welly Traveler 20oz insulated bottle
• Bearaby Cotton Napper knitted weighted blanket

Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Gooseneck Electric Kettle

Fellow

SEE IT

Fellow’s maximized minimalism designer accessories aesthetic has become iconic in barista circles (and corners), and for good reason. This electric kettle, available in multiple finishes, sits on a minimalist base equipped with a 1200-watt quick-heating element and coin-shaped sleek LCD screen so you can quickly dial in to-the-degree temperature/set a brew stopwatch for the coffee-brewing method/tea type you’re using. And the gooseneck spout allows for precise saturation. The standard edition is a proven workhorse, but I recommend you go all-in and splurge on this newer Pro edition. For an extra $30, it adds a high-resolution color LCD, plus more scheduling options/guide modes/temperature hold time adjustments (Wi-Fi upgradeable if/when new features get released). I’ve found it invaluable as my mood swings like a jittery overcaffeinated pendulum between pour-overs and French press coffee, oolong and Earl Grey teas. — Tony Ware, associate managing editor, gear and reviews

Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger Boots

Red Wing

SEE IT

Some things you wear just because they look good, and some things you wear just because they feel good. Then there’s that rare third category, the things that constantly make you feel good about your look. The Red Wing Iron Ranger 6-inch boots are a $350 investment in timeless style for decades to come. These rugged oil-tanned full-grain leather service boots—originally crafted for Minnesota miners—are distinctive and dependable, carrying a long legacy and manifesting raw denim’s perfect complement. To get them to their optimal state, however, they demand respect. First, they run big, and the right pair can be anywhere from one half- to a full size smaller than your sneaker size. Second, the break-in period is rough. Real rough. Am I going to let a boot break my will? Maybe, though it might break my body first. However, after a couple of weeks and five to eight wear sessions, the leather upper and the cork midsole mold to your feet and reveal themselves as now perfectly yours, setting the stage for enviable polish, comfort, and longevity. — Tony Ware, associate managing editor, gear and reviews

Squid Industries Squiddy B

Squid Industries

SEE IT

I have never met a fidget device that scratches my itchy brain quite like this one from Squid Industries. It’s styled after a balisong (or butterfly knife), which typically includes a blade sandwiched between two handles attached to hinges on one end. The design allows it to flip open in a practical use case quickly, or perform elaborate tricks. The Squiddy B is plastic instead of metal and replaces the blade with a dull, spatula-like plank that won’t leave you with a stab wound if you mess up a trick. It has a learning curve, and I’m still horrible at the more advanced tricks, but that’s part of why I like it so much. I can mindlessly flip it or concentrate on practicing the skills depending on my mood. The lowly fidget spinner can’t compete. — Stan Horaczek, executive editor, gear and reviews

Garmin Instinct GPS Smartwatch

SEE IT

I’m a fan of Garmin’s Instinct line of rugged outdoor watches, and those with the solar-charging option can keep ticking for a long time without being plugged in. These adventure watches can be expensive, however, so I bought a gen-one model without solar when it was on sale. These are great everyday timepieces that aren’t too bulky and come in handy for tracking outdoor activities, as well. — Rob Verger, Technology editor

Ninja NC299AMZ CREAMi Ice Cream Maker

SEE IT

One of PopSci‘s “Best of What’s New” winners for the home category in 2021, the Ninja CREAMi easily makes any frozen dessert you can fit in its pint containers. If you can freeze it, you can turn it into ice cream, and the machine has several other settings for milkshakes, mix-ins, and more. The only real limiting factor is how good you are at combining ingredients. — John Kennedy, DIY editor

The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen Cookbook

SEE IT

Crafted by Sean Sherman, James Beard award-winning chef and member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe, this acclaimed cookbook goes beyond sharing recipes and culinary anecdotes: It shares a new vision of foods and dishes that are truly native to North America. That means no dairy or beef products and no grains. Despite the dietary exclusions, the ingredient lists are rich, diverse, and easy to access. You’ll learn about fishing, foraging, and, best of all, sustaining yourself from the land you live on. — Purbita Saha, deputy editor

Elden Ring

SEE IT

Elden Ring is officially the “Game of the Year,” at least according to the Game Awards. Personally, I think it lives up to that title (and then some)! This game has over 200 hours of content in the first playthrough, and even then, it has high replayability. It has thrilling combat that feels great (hello, parries), an open world packed with secrets to discover, and one of the best stories Hidetaka Miyazaki has ever crafted (though he had some help from George R. R. Martin). And if you’re worried that this Fromsoftware or “Soulsborne” game is too difficult, don’t be! This is their most accessible title ever. Play Elden Ring! — Jess Boddy, associate editor, special projects

Bitmap Books’ Game Boy: The Box Art Collection

Bitmap Books

SEE IT

As a fan of retro video games, my jaw dropped when flipping through Bitmap Books’ Game Boy: The Box Art Collection. Lovingly assembled, the hardcover book contains scans and screenshots of titles from the Game Boy’s entire library—both domestic and abroad—along with information on each title. It’s clear this was a labor of love, and supporting Bitmap Books is one of the surest ways to guarantee video game knowledge is preserved for generations to come. — Brandt Ranj, commerce reporter

Fluance Ai61 Bookshelf Speakers

Fluance

SEE IT

Powered bookshelf speakers are my favorite audio hardware category, and Fluance’s Ai61s offer everything I could ask for. The speakers have USB, RCA, and optical inputs, plus support for Bluetooth, so I’ve been able to connect them to everything from a turntable to my smartphone without an adapter. Soundwise, the Ai61s punch well above their weight, offering deep bass and smooth midrange without distortion at high volumes. The company even made sure the volume knob felt good to turn, although I’ll admit to using the included remote a lot of the time. If you’re short on space but want big sound, these speakers get my highest recommendation. — Brandt Ranj, commerce reporter

BOSGAME Mini PC

Bosgame

SEE IT

I’ve always wanted to get into PC gaming, but my preference for the Mac and distaste for tower-shaped computers has always held me back. Bosgame’s Mini PC has solved that problem for me. The lunchbox-sized PC fits neatly in my home entertainment center, and is powerful enough to play the titles I want at 1080P without struggling. Its integrated graphics card may not be able to handle Elden Ring at 4K and 120fps, but for mid-tier games (or older titles) it’s just fine. The convenience of being able to hit a button and have a console-like experience using Steam’s Big Picture mode is well worth the price of admission. — Brandt Ranj, commerce reporter

NormaTec Pulse 2.0 Leg and Hip Recovery System

NormaTec

SEE IT

I’ve had pain in my feet and legs due to chronic plantar fasciitis since I was only six years old. A friend and fellow athlete introduced me to these boots, and I love them. They are really helpful after a tough swim or dryland workout. I’ve typically paid per session to use them at a recovery center or gym, but would love to be able to sit at home and watch Jeopardy! while getting some sweet compression therapy. The bags inflate and deflate to give your legs and feet a nice massage that helps reduce pain, improve circulation, and improves recovery. It’s a crazy expensive gift, so I hope that inflation hasn’t affected the North Pole quite so much. — Laura Baisas, science news writer

Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs Recovery System

NormaTec

SEE IT

These also make my legs feel amazing and are super easy to use. They’re great if you are an athlete, work on your feet all day, or just want to give your legs some TLC. — Laura Baisas, science news writer

PURITO Daily Go-To Sunscreen

SEE IT

It’s just a great product—it’s inexpensive, has amazing SPF performance (Korean sunscreens FTW), has a smooth texture that doesn’t leave a white cast or oily residue, absorbs beautifully, doesn’t stain my white shirts, and it doesn’t peal. I honestly don’t know why people are not only buying this SPF. The only drawback is that it’s an import, so it takes a bit longer to get to you, but honestly, that only matters because we’re spoiled kids who expect things to be on our doorstep in 24 hours. — Sandra Gutierrez, associate DIY editor

Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater with Remote

SEE IT

I live in a cold apartment and am also a person who gets cold easily. This space heater from Lasko keeps me cozy and comfortable as the temperatures drop. It heats a cold room super fast thanks to its oscillation, and I’ve never been afraid that it will catch on fire. The remote means I can turn it on without getting out of bed or off the couch. And that remote is attached to my hip at all times because this heater has made me infinitely less cold-cranky when the temperature hits below 45 degrees. — Amanda Reed, commerce staff writer

Kenny Hoots Mini Hero Tabletop RPG Treasury

SEE IT

The pandemic finally allowed me to embrace my inner tabletop RPG fan, and these handmade gaming accessories are gorgeous, handy, and super fun to use. For the truly discerning D&D dungeon master, you really can’t beat these bespoke kits and battle maps made in New Orleans. — Andrew Paul, news writer

Planta and Reframe apps/subscriptions

SEE IT

I guess these aren’t officially “things,” but this was definitely a year of getting my stuff together, in terms of keeping plants alive and being more conscious of the way alcohol affects our lives. Planta and Reframe both kept me on track, offered help when I needed it, and, in general, made me feel less clueless and stressed about what sounds like pretty simple stuff, but it turns out is hard. Would recommend spending a lil extra $$. — Sara Kiley Watson, news editor

Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50

SEE IT

The Vitamix FoodCycler isn’t cheap, but I love how it converts the banana peels, coffee grounds, and newspaper I produce daily into something useful. I pop the scraps into the device, and I’ve got several cups of fertilizer for my plants and neighborhood trees a few hours later. — Jen McCaffery, commerce special projects director

Welly Traveler 20oz insulated bottle

SEE IT

There’s no shortage of water bottles to choose from, but Welly’s Traveler takes it up a notch. This vacuum-insulated stainless steel bottle keeps your favorite drinks hot for 12 hours or cold for 24. It’s also designed with a removable infuser for enhancing your beverage of choice. The Traveler is also dishwasher safe, and Welly donates 1% to clean water efforts around the globe for each purchase. — Jen McCaffery, commerce special projects director

Bearaby Cotton Napper knitted weighted blanket

SEE IT

Whether I’m curling up with a book or streaming “White Lotus,” the Bearaby Cotton Napper is a cozy companion. This blanket comes in four weights (10, 15, 20, and 25 pounds) and wraps you like a hug. Its chunky, knitted design is made from organic cotton that’s OEKO-TEX-certified for not using any artificial fillers. And this wrap comes in a range of subtle colors (Midnight Blue, Moonstone Grey, Asteroid Grey, Evening Rose, and Cloud White) that look great on your couch. — Jen McCaffery, commerce special projects director

We would be remiss if we didn’t say that we’d be honored if you used some of your holidays haul to subscribe to PopSci+, a premium subscription that allows readers to access all our magazine stories, exclusive columns, and in-depth photo tours on a new, ad-free platform. That’s 150 years of scientific knowledge and authority for only $12 a year.

The post The best things we bought in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

The beauty of the digital era is that if you’ve waited until the absolute last second to get someone a gift, you don’t have to worry about shipping logistics or stock issues. Instead, you can send someone something virtual, which will arrive in their inbox the day it’s purchased (or sometimes can be pre-scheduled). There’s no harm in giving someone a gift card, especially if you know where they often shop, but we have some alternative suggestions. We’re focusing on subscriptions to services your friends and family members may enjoy throughout the entire year, which may not be tangible but are very thoughtful digital gifts as they acknowledge and nurture that special someone’s interests.

• Best for the perpetual student: Masterclass
• Best for the cord-cutter: Sling TV
• Best for avid readers: Kindle Unlimited
• Best for busy book lovers: Audible
• Best for online shoppers: Amazon Prime
• Best for people who want to relax more: Headspace
• Best for travelers: Airbnb Gift Card
• Best for TV watchers: Paramount Plus
• Best practical gifts: Backblaze Cloud Storage
• Best for people who love language: Rosetta Stone Lifetime Subscription

Best for the perpetual student: MasterClass

MasterClass

SEE IT

MasterClass subscribers get unlimited access to thorough video courses taught by masters in their chosen field(s). Courses are taught video prerecorded video instructions and include cooking taught by Gordon Ramsey, drumming taught by Ringo Starr, and writing taught by Roxane Gay. MasterClass offers new classes regularly, so this subscription will only get more valuable over time.

Best for the cord-cutter: Sling TV

Sling

SEE IT

Cord-cutters sometimes regret their decision to cancel cable service. Internet video streaming is incredible, but sometimes you want to watch the latest episode of your favorite show or sports match as it airs. A subscription to Sling TV allows you to stream live TV from several premium channels, including CNN, ESPN, TLC, TNT, and TBS. Sling can be accessed on any device, so they can stream any of their shows from anywhere.

Best for avid readers: Kindle Unlimited

Amazon

SEE IT

There’s bound to be a person in your life who continues to complain about how they’ve never read the classics, or missed this year’s hit novel. A Kindle Unlimited subscription makes a great gift because it’ll give them instant access to millions of books on demand. These books can be read on a Kindle or any device that runs the Kindle app, including smartphones and tablets. Kindle Unlimited’s library contains titles from every genre and is continually refreshed, so they’ll always have something new to read.

Best for busy book lovers: Audible

Audible

SEE IT

If you’re shopping for someone who can’t read as much as they’d like because of time constraints, give them the gift of Audible. The audiobook service has millions of titles, and their subscription will allow them to download one to two books per month and listen to them on their smartphone, tablet, and even Echo smart speakers. Audible will automatically sync their place, so they can leave off at a certain point on one device, and pick the “book” back up on another without losing any time.

Best for online shoppers: Amazon Prime

Amazon

SEE IT

We all know someone who has completely abandoned in-person shopping, and chances are they’d benefit from an Amazon Prime subscription. Prime members get free two-day (or even one-day) delivery on millions of items, plus fun perks like free access to a selection of the Amazon Video and Amazon Music libraries. An active Prime subscription will also allow your friend or family member to take part in Amazon’s Prime Day, a two-day deals event that happens over the summer.

Best for people who want to relax more: Headspace

Headspace

SEE IT

Meditation can seem intimidating, but Headspace walks you through it step by step, breaking multi-minute sessions into digestible chunks. The app is available on iOS and Android, so all your friend and family member has to do is pop in a pair of earbuds, choose the type of meditation they’d like to do, and hit play. Headspace is very beginner friendly, which is why it makes a particularly good gift.

Best for travelers: Airbnb Gift Card

AirBnb

SEE IT

If you know someone with wanderlust, Airbnb will help finance their new adventure—and it’s a gift they might not see coming. Airbnb is the premiere service for renting apartments or homes for short (or longer) stays. Many people don’t know the service offers gift cards, which makes this gift a little more personal.

Best for TV watchers: Paramount+

Paramount

SEE IT

Paramount Plus has one of the largest libraries of on-demand TV shows (and movies) on the internet, so if you know someone who loves to binge-watch the latest CBS shows rather than settling for clips on YouTube, this is the best digital gift. The service has also begun dipping its toe into offering live sports, especially UEFA Champions League games, so this also makes a great gift for fans of soccer.

Most practical: Backblaze Cloud Storage

Backblaze

SEE IT

Everyone goes through memory and hard drive space faster than they might think. And, if they are serious about keeping their files safe, they should be backing things up to multiple locations, ideally to desktop drives at their home or office along with a cloud backup. Redundancy is the best way to ensure all those files stay intact should something happen. And while a physical drive may not arrive in time for the holidays, a cloud-based backup system is a perfect digital gift.

Best for people who love language: Rosetta Stone Lifetime Subscription

Rosetta Stone

SEE IT

If you’re shopping for someone whose New Year’s resolution is to learn a new language, gift them a lifetime subscription to Rosetta Stone. The well-known language learning platform will lead them from basic phrases to advanced conjugation in small steps. They can continue to review previous chapters until they’re comfortable moving on. Rosetta Stone was a PC-only application, but you can download the service’s mobile app to learn on the go.

The post 10 last-minute digital gifts people can enjoy during the holidays (and beyond) appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

• Best bang-for-the-buck headphones: Meze Audio 109 PRO
• Best professional-grade headphones: Audeze MM-500 Planar-Magnetic Headphones
• Best summit-fi headphones: Focal Utopia 2022
• Best portable DAC/amp: iFi xDSD Gryphon
• Best Bluetooth turntable: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB Manual Direct-Drive Turntable
• Best powered stereo speakers: KEF LS50 Wireless II + KC62 Subwoofer
• Best compact connected speaker: Bluesound PULSE M

Best bang-for-the-buck headphones: Meze Audio 109 PRO

Meze Audio

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Since being launched in 2015, the Meze Audio 99 Classics headphones have been a gateway drug to the audiophile addiction because of the immediate rush delivered by the detailed but never-fatiguing sound. Well, that precision-driven high is heightened 10x by the Meze Audio 109 PRO, one of the all-star introductions of 2022 for its comfortable balance of euphoria and technicalities. A dynamic, open-backed headphone, the 109 PRO shares the design language and agreeable ergonomics of its sibling but refines and reinforces the organic texturing and warm but never congested bass response thanks to a new beryllium-coated polymer + cellulose-carbon driver in the sustainably harvested walnut ear cups. Punchy with panache that performs well above its $799 price point, the 109 PRO can be another flavor to some and end-game to others, able to please an audiophile regardless of experience.

Best professional-grade headphones: Audeze MM-500 Planar-Magnetic Headphones

Audeze

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Know someone with a home studio that wishes they could work on their mixes more but is worried about disturbing housemates or neighbors? But they’re also just a music lover in general? Audeze—the Southern California-based headphone designers that probably did the most to popularize planar-magnetic headphones—has introduced what amounts to a set of portable, personal near-field studio monitors in 2022. And they’re equally amazing for less analytical, more leisurely listening—especially with vocal material. Developed with renowned mix engineer Manny Marroquin, the $1,699 MM-500 feels solid in the hand but not excessive on the head. And, once music starts playing, it’s like the headphone itself isn’t even there—the song laid out before you without ever being overly diffuse, perfectly poised for a scintillating playback session or identifying where to apply that last little bit of EQ glue. Thanks to the lithe transients, spacious midrange, and energetic bass of its orthodynamic drivers, the MM-500 headphones can be both a daily driver and a sonic scalpel as it makes music more approachable and more transparent. It’s an imminently pleasuring, natural not just neutral response. (And, if you’re looking for something portable and potent, the Audeze Euclid is the best planar-magnetic in-ear monitor you can gift before going all-in on something custom like the superlative Campfire Supermoon. And both of these take on even more life/reveal even more layers when paired with the XBass II and XSpace processing of the iFi xDSD Gryphon, featured below.)

Best summit-fi headphones: Focal Utopia 2022 Headphones

Focal

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Suppose someone you love is looking to replicate the indulgence of a luxury listening station. In that case, the Focal Utopia headphones are as close to a pair of freestanding loudspeakers as you can slap on a head. These flagship open-back over-the-ear headphones produce an ultrawide frequency response and holographic imaging with startling realism thanks to 40mm M-shaped beryllium drivers inspired by high-end audiophile towers. Soft lambskin earcups and headphone padding make these headphones feel as good as they sound. As we said in our best headphones roundup, the Focal Utopia 2020 (still a compelling buy at its $3,399 “closeout” price) is “the idyll ideal—impressing not with its sheer power, but with its absolute prowess.” And the $4,999 2022 model further enhances the emotional resonance while reducing the detrimental vibrations. Both highs and lows are extended without reduced focus or lightning-quick finesse, especially when paired with a DAC/amp such as the Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition.

Best portable DAC/amp: iFi xDSD Gryphon

iFi Audio

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Those new ‘cans can’t showcase their best without proper power, which can be difficult to get on the go … difficult, that is, if someone doesn’t have the iFi xDSD Gryphon. The magic of the Gryphon lies in its versatility, which more than justifies its $599 price. You can cut the cord and use it, when fully charged, for up to 8 hours on the go with Bluetooth streaming over SBC, AAC for iOS, and up to 96kHz using LDAC, LHDC/HWA, or aptX HD/Adaptive on Android devices. Or you plug it in via USB, Coax, or Optical and ensure that no audio bit gets adulterated by wireless compression. Once you’re listening, you can enhance bass and/or upper midrange presence, as well as soundstage with iFi’s innovative XBass II and XSpace analog enhancements. Connected to your PC over USB-C, it will act as an external soundcard, eliminating the need for a dedicated desk setup—perfect with headphones and, when the Gryphon accepts a digital source, ports on the back can even be used to feed an external amp or powered monitors. The tremendous 1000mW @ 32 ohms of power on offer over its balanced connection also means this DAC can drive even very demanding headphones. The single-ended connection is much more limited at 320mW but is still enough to drive the vast majority of cans available today. And if you’re a fan of sensitive in-ear monitors (IEMs), don’t worry. The Gryphon also offers an iEMatch mode (assignable to either output) to prevent hiss from invading your favorite tracks, while maintaining dynamics.

Best Bluetooth turntable: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB Manual Direct-Drive Turntable

Audio-Technica

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Audiophiles don’t emerge like Athena, fully formed from another’s headspace and innately imbued with wisdom. No, they must be nurtured and taught the ins and outs of signal-chain foibles. And they’re not all going to have the space or inclination to start stacking components. A great entry point for the budding music-first audiophile is a turntable packed with connectivity options. The $399 Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB—featuring a high-torque DC servo direct-drive motor with selectable 33-1/3, 45, or 78 rpm speeds—is compatible with virtually any music system, thanks to its variety of outputs, both digital and analog. On the digital side, you can pair the turntable via aptX with Bluetooth speakers, headphones, or DAC/amps like the Gryphon above. Listeners can also use the USB port for copying your albums digitally to a computer. In the analog domain, the built-in preamp allows you to connect the turntable to line-level inputs on a preamp or receiver. You can also bypass the preamp to connect to an external unit. Thanks to its multiplicity of output types, the AT-LP120XBT-USB is a turntable you can hold onto as you amass a rig and bank account more in line with boutique turntables that cost in the multi-thousands. If you’re more concerned with budget, maybe because you’re gifting a teen their first turntable, Audio-Technica also offers a more affordable belt-driven Bluetooth option, the AT-LP60XBT-BK.

Best streaming speakers: KEF LS50 Wireless II + KC62 Subwoofer

KEF

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If you want to give someone sonic depth without a deep footprint, package the KEF LS50 Wireless II standmount speakers with the KC62 subwoofer. The dual 6-inch woofers in the improbably small sealed subwoofer couple perfectly to one of our top powered speakers, an effortlessly integrated component capable of bringing a wide sweet spot to a small room. KEF’s striking, copper-hued Uni-Q driver—backed by Metamaterial Absorption Technology to reduce unwanted reflections and distortion—orients a 1-inch vented aluminum-dome tweeter in the acoustic center of a 5 ¼-inch magnesium-aluminum alloy woofer cone to create a wide listening sweet spot. A bass-reflex cabinet with elliptical rear ports is designed to maximize accurate, musical low end. And those bass notes can reach as low as 11Hz once handed off seamlessly via DSP to the KC62, opening the LS50’s headroom to soar. Plus, copious connectivity (Spotify to TIDAL to Apple Music; AirPlay 2, Google ChromeCast, and Roon to Optical, Coaxial, and HDMI, plus more) means you’ll never want for showcase sounds. At a little under $4,000 for the pair, it’s not a cheap set-up, but its wow factor is priceless.

Suppose you’re looking just for bookshelf speakers that still offer plenty of lows and hi-fi pedigree. In that case, we recommend the JBL 4305P ($2,200/pair), which debuted at CES in January 2022 and is the first powered model in its consumer Studio Monitor series. This fully loaded speaker features a 45-25,000 Hz frequency response, built-in Class D amplification, 24-bit/192 kHz converters, and six audio inputs that can connect to a huge range of digital and analog sources to provide comprehensive, hi-res wired and wireless connectivity. Each speaker features a 2410H-2 1-inch compression driver mated to a High-Definition Imaging horn for crystal-clear highs and lifelike dynamics. A 5.25-inch cast-frame, fiber-composite cone woofer operates in a bass-reflex configuration with dual front-firing tuned ports. The end result is the lively dynamics expected from a horn-guided tweeter presented with punchy authority, especially in its beefy midrange, that’s not surprising for a company with heritage firmly entrenched in both control rooms and live sound reinforcement. When it comes to high-res streaming, the 4305P takes quality to the next level, thanks to an integrated streaming engine that provides wired and wireless network audio capabilities via Ethernet, Google Chromecast Built-in, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth 5.1, combo XLR and ¼-inch TRS phono connectors, asynchronous USB and optical digital inputs and a 3.5mm analog in.

Best compact smart speaker: Bluesound PULSE M

Bluesound

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So far, we’ve suggested lots of gear for an optimized listening station. But maybe you are shopping for someone interested in a multiroom set-up. A great place to start is any place with the $449 Bluesound PULSE M, a compact cylinder of a speaker that runs off BluOS, letting it stream music from a myriad of sources over Wi-Fi. Whether in the corner of a kitchen counter or on a bedside table, the PULSE M’s upward-firing woofer and dual tweeters (angled outward 45 degrees) disperse a surprisingly expressive, expansive soundstage considering its more diminutive dimensions. Pair two in parallel and you can have a wider, true stereo setup, or put them throughout a home and organize them by zones to handoff audio just to the speaker where the listener is or broadcast the same track throughout all rooms. (You can integrate these with any speaker system running BluOS; for example, augment them with the Bluesound PULSE SUB+, put them as rear channels with the $999 Bluesound PULSE SOUNDBAR+, or use them on the same network as the $1,499 PSB Alpha iQ stereo speakers, if you want something more powerful.) AirPlay 2 or aptX HD Bluetooth let you stream directly to the PULSE M (from, say, a Bluetooth turntable like we recommended above), plus the PULSE M has a USB-A port for connecting file-filled thumb drives and a 3.5mm dual analog/digital input for connecting a source with an aux cable.

The post Last-minute gifts for the serious audiophile in your life appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

If you’ve put your holiday shopping until now, you’re probably feeling a lot of pressure. We understand. Holiday shipping deadlines are coming up fast, but you’re still safe if you place your order today. We’ve rounded up the best last-minute holiday gifts across all categories, so you’ll find something for everyone on your list. Please note that, in many cases, you’ll need to shop at Amazon with an active Prime subscription to guarantee holiday delivery. If you’re not a subscriber, don’t worry, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial. Not all of the gifts are on Amazon, however, so it may not be a necessity. We just want to offer you options, and we’ll keeping this introduction brief so you can save precious seconds and finalize that cart before arrival dates slip past the 24th!

• Best earbuds: Apple AirPods Pro 2
• Best headphones: Bose Noise-Cancelling Headphones 700
• Best bone-conduction headphones: Shokz OpenRun
• Best smartwatch: Garmin Forerunner 745
• Best pet DNA test: Embark Breed + Health Dog DNA Test
• Best for the couch potato: The Comfy Wearable Blanket
• Best for the backyard: Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0
• Best for the office: Felt Letter Board
• Best for students: Rocketbook smart reusable notebook
• Best compact garden: SereneLife smart starter kit 
• Best smart oven: Brava smart oven
• Best coffee-pod brewer: Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Espresso Machine by Breville in Titan
• Best self-care gift: Aroma Humidifier for Essential Oil
• Best for avid readers: Kindle Unlimited
• Best for the perpetual student: MasterClass
• Best for the cord-cutter: Sling
• Best smart speaker: Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
• Best portable speaker: Tribit StormBox Blast
• Best TV: Hisense U8H
• Best wireless charger: Twelve South PowerPic
• Best home security: Blink Smart Cameras

Best earbuds: Apple AirPods Pro 2

Apple

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Let’s not beat around the bush here: Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are arguably the hottest holiday gift this season. Apple’s latest earbuds sound better, last longer, and cancel out more noise than the pair they replace while keeping the same iconic look, feel, and shape. Active noise cancellation is the biggest feature for office workers, as it’ll allow them to concentrate on work instead of being distracted by the sound of typing keys, swiveling chairs, or idle conversation. One of the most underrated features of the AirPods Pro 2 is the microphones, which are surprisingly good at picking up a speaker’s voice without much room noise. At their price, you won’t find a more well-rounded, fully featured pair of earbuds than the AirPods Pro 2.

Best headphones: Bose Noise-Cancelling Headphones 700

Amazon

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Quality headphones are a staple item you can use every day—and this Bluetooth-connected, noise-canceling option from Bose has the durable design and powerful tech that will make them last for years. Whether you’re working from home or in the gym, this wireless pick offers 11 levels of ANC, so you can tailor your auditory surroundings to your personal preferences. And with 20 hours of battery life, a crisp microphone system for calling, a super-comfortable padded design, and Alexa and Google Assistants, these headphones are ideal for everyone from audiophiles to commuters who want to tune out while on the train.

Best smartwatch: Garmin Forerunner 745

Garmin

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Here’s the thing: You don’t need a watch to run. Sometimes it can be incredibly relaxing to simply go for a jog without any regard for pace or distance. But let’s face it, there is a fair percentage of runners (myself included) that are stat-obsessed. And keeping track of your mileage can be a helpful tool if you’re beginning a training program or starting a buildup for a specific race, like a 5K or a marathon. The Garmin Forerunner 745 has everything a runner needs to geek out on, including GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring (with a resting heart rate feature), pulse oximeter, as well as apps to track your menstrual cycle and how much water you drink in a day. With this watch, almost nothing is left unchecked, making it one of the best gifts for runners.

Best pet DNA test: Embark Breed + Health Dog DNA Test

Amazon

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Shelters aren’t great at identifying breeds for the pooches in their kennels—it’s difficult to do on sight alone. But if you’ve ever wondered what your pup is made of, you can buy this DNA kit and figure it out for sure. Purebred dogs are massive inbred, which makes it easy to identify which traits come from which lineages, plus you probably don’t have to worry about privacy issues with this one like you would for a human DNA test.

Best for the couch potato: The Comfy Wearable Blanket

The Comfy

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The Comfy looks ridiculous, but any semblance of pretension melts away whenever one puts it on. This is basically a blanket masquerading as a one-size-fits-all oversized hoodie. The Comfy is probably best recommended for at-home use, but it’s well worth a look if you’re shopping for someone who just wants to binge-watch shows all winter without freezing. The Comfy’s sherpa inner lining and microfiber outer lining are soft to the touch, which makes it easy to wear for hours at a time, while the centered pouch gives one a place to put their hands. The Comfy is objectively ridiculous, but it’s also ridiculously warm.

Best for the backyard: Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0

Solo Stove

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We’ve all sat around a fire pit that didn’t provide enough heat unless you were close enough to be pelted with eye-watering smoke, but Solo Stove’s Bonfire fixes all that. The fire pit provides ample warmth while keeping smoke to a minimum thanks to a unique design that catches ash in a pan rather than letting it smolder at the bottom of the pit. We’ve seen the Bonfire 2.0 in action, and the results were impressive—there was still some smoke, but not nearly as much as we’d experienced on a traditional fire pit. Solo Stove’s big innovation with this iteration of the fire pit was building it with a removable ash pan, which can be lifted (once cooled) to dispose of ash in one fell swoop. It’s the type of convenience feature that’ll make whoever you gift it to much more inclined to bust it out more frequently.

Best for the office: Felt Letter Board

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Ever look at a church or fast-food signboard and feel so jealous? Why do they get to share their witticisms about deadly sins or daily combos and you have no such platform!? Well, now you’re in luck. From famous quotes to limericks that might require a visit from HR, you can broadcast it all the old-fashioned way, right from the comfort of your cubicle. With a 10×10 inch space, this felt board has room for opinions cliché to controversial. The 374 pre-cut letters feature a rustic style and bold font, and you even get nine bonus cursive words for extra flair, plus extra clips to hold photos or notes. With this set, your coworker can make every day a red letter—er, white letter—day.

Best compact garden: SereneLife smart starter kit 

SereneLife

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But not all of us have five vertical feet of space, not hundreds of dollars, to dedicate to gardening indoors. If that’s the case, try a smaller countertop version to grow a few small plants at a time.

Best smart oven: Brava smart oven

Brava

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Brava’s smart oven seeks to answer two questions home cooks face at least once a day: What should I cook, and how long will it take? The 10-in-1 countertop appliance provides you with answers to both by presenting you with an ever-growing list of recipes that cater to any diet or dietary restrictions. In our tests, we cooked everything from s’mores to fried eggs, and the results were both fast and tasty. You can control the oven using an app, or by navigating through its controls via a touch screen on top; either way, you’ll be guided through recipes from conception to execution. Part of this appliance’s appeal is its size: The Brava Oven will heat up a lot faster than a full-sized one, which allowed us to cook s’mores in just three minutes. By cutting down on the cook time, we were encouraged to cook more often rather than opting for takeout. This is an ultra-luxe gift, but well worth it if you know someone who loves to cook but struggles to come up with new meals for their rotation.

Best self-care gift: Aroma Humidifier for Essential Oil

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Aromatherapy diffusers are the sensory gift that keeps on giving. If you give someone the portal, they can swap out a sequence of their own essential oils until the cows come home. This big ol’ wooden pick can run for 6 hours straight. If it looks like a genie’s bottle that’s because it grants three wishes at once: In addition to diffusing oils, it also works as a humidifier and party light with seven “soothing” colors.

Best for avid readers: Kindle Unlimited

Amazon

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An Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription will put millions of books from every genre into the hands of whoever’s lucky enough to receive it. The service allows subscribers to download and read as many books as they’d like from a massive library on any device that has a Kindle app. If they move from one device to another, Amazon’s servers automatically keep track of their place. That’s better than a bookmark. This gift subscription—for 6 ($48), 12 ($80), or 24 months ($144)—may encourage lapsed book readers to finally catch up on contemporary titles, while voracious ones will find their literary cravings satisfied. It also avoids long waits to borrow books that come with otherwise excellent library apps.

Best for the perpetual student: MasterClass

MasterClass

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MasterClass subscribers get unlimited access to thorough video courses taught by masters in their chosen field(s). Courses are taught video prerecorded video instructions and include cooking taught by Gordon Ramsey, drumming taught by Ringo Starr, and writing taught by Roxane Gay. MasterClass continues to offer new classes on a regular basis, so this subscription will only get more valuable over time.

Best for the cord-cutter: Sling

Sling

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Cord-cutters sometimes regret their decision to cancel cable service. Internet video streaming is incredible, but sometimes you want to watch the latest episode of your favorite show or sports match as it airs. A subscription to Sling TV allows you to stream live TV from several premium channels including CNN, ESPN, TLC, TNT, and TBS. Sling can be accessed on any device, so they’ll be able to stream any of their shows from anywhere.

Best smart speaker: Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

Amazon

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If you know someone who’s been thinking about making their home smarter, but doesn’t know where to start, get them the Amazon Echo (4th Gen). Amazon’s latest smart speaker looks modern, has a surprisingly good dual-driver audio system, and will immediately become the hub of their smart home. Alexa, Amazon’s smart assistant, allows you to use the Echo hands-free, issuing voice commands to play music, get news updates, hear about the weather, play games, and even order products. Controlling smart-home accessories through the Echo is much easier using apps, which can be cumbersome and require your full attention. Saying, “Alexa, turn on the hallway light,” is a lot more intuitive. If you’re feeling extra generous, gift somebody two Echos so they can have this functionality in multiple parts of their home (plus an intercom system).

Best portable speaker: Tribit StormBox Blast

Tribit

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Tribit’s StormBox Blast is the best portable party speaker you can still get before the holidays. It can last up to 30 hours on a single charge, supports the latest version of Bluetooth, and has earned an IPX7 rating, which means it can be fully submerged underwater without being damaged. LED light strips on the sides of this speaker can light up and pulse to the beat of music, or turned off to conserve power. And did we mention it’s $35 off with a coupon (don’t forget to click)?

Best TV: Hisense U8H

Hisense

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We can’t think of a better holiday gift than a new TV, and Hisense’s U8H is the gold standard in its price range. The set is available in sizes ranging from 55 to 75 inches, but the 65-inch model will be the sweet spot for most people. The U8H has four HDMI ports, two of which support 4K gaming at 120Hz with high dynamic range enabled. This is a big deal if the gamer in your life has a PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, as they’ll be able to play cutting-edge titles at their highest levels of fidelity. The U8H’s 336 local dimming zones allow the TV to offer incredible contrast, while support for Dolby Vision ensures colorful scenes look clear and natural rather than being blown out. If you’ve been saving up to set that special someone up with a really big gift, this should be your first (and arguably only) choice.

Best wireless charger: Twelve South PowerPic

Twelve South

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Twelve South’s PowerPic is the most inventive wireless charger we’ve seen yet, and its unique design makes it an especially cool gift. The 10W wireless charging stand is built into a picture frame, allowing you to slip any 5×7-inch photo behind your phone’s resting spot. The picture will be revealed when the phone is not charging, so the PowerPic serves a dual purpose. If you know the person you’re gifting this to well enough, you can stealthily open the package, put in a meaningful picture, reseal it, then watch their face light up when it’s revealed.

Best bone-conduction headphones: Shokz OpenRun

AfterShokz

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Without a doubt, Shokz has cornered the bone-conduction headphone market. The company produces thoughtfully engineered, top-quality products, creating an audio experience to complement the activities you enjoy. The OpenRun (formerly the AfterShokz Aeropex) is, overall, an excellent pair of bone-conduction headphones. Available in four colors and two band sizes, the OpenRun fits gently, yet securely, around the back of the head, looping around the ears and resting against the temples. The headphones employ patented eight-generation bone-conduction technology, are equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 SBC, and feature PremiumPitch 2.0+ signal processing, which prevents bleed, minimizes distortion, and produces a more dynamic bass with minimal vibrations. The battery lasts for eight hours and each pair comes with two magnetic USB charging cables, which can provide a full charge in just two hours. A dual noise-canceling mic will let you make clear calls and included earplugs can help you tune things out when the time is right. An IP67 rating means this pair can withstand dirt, dust, sweat, and rain, while a built-in moisture detector will let you know when it’s getting wet. However, while the OpenRun is water-resistant, it’s not designed to be fully submerged in the pool.

Best coffee-pod brewer: Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Espresso Machine by Breville in Titan

Nespresso

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If you want a complete home coffee setup in a single click, we highly recommend a Nespresso. The name is almost synonymous with single-serve espresso pod systems (much like Keurig was office break rooms). The VertuoPlus, however, lets you bring that elevated experience to 5 oz. and 8 oz. coffees alongside single and double shots. Bold or mild, hot or iced, there are 30+ permanent Nespresso blends, augmented by seasonal offerings (all sold separately). Opening one of these will perk the recipient up even before the first delicious cup.

Best home security: Blink Cameras

blink

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There are blink-and-you’ll-miss-them deals, then there are still-available Blink deals on home security devices that won’t miss any area you need to keep an eye on. Available in models including wireless weather-resistant outdoor, compact indoor plug-in, video doorbell, and more, Blink cameras bring peace of mind at affordable prices. HD live views and two-way audio can be accessed in the Blink Home Monitor app, and the system works with Alexa, among many other features.

The post Great last-minute gifts that will still get there by Christmas appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best espresso machine		Breville Barista Express		SEE IT	Pull your own specialty shots at home with this professional-grade espresso machine.
Best coffee-pods system		BRUVI		SEE IT	Make espresso, coffee, cold brew, and more at home with the BRUVI.
Best nitro cold-brew system		GrowlerWerks uKeg		SEE IT	You don’t need to leave your home to get nitro cold brew.

It’s hard not to love local coffee shops. Members of your community often run them, and they’re a great place to hang out, catch up, or get work done. They often have a unique energy and drinks that, once upon a time, you probably won’t find at home. With the right gadgets, however, your friends and family members can get that elevated experience in their hyperlocal café—the one in their own kitchen. And if selecting something for a caffeine connoisseur makes you jittery, don’t worry. We’ve got you. Pick one or two of the options below to help them make delicious DIY drinks, or buy them the whole lot so they can live a life of liquid luxury, whether you’re getting something delivered in time for holiday cheer or a sweltering summer. No matter the temperature, you can get a warm fuzzy feeling knowing you gave great coffee gifts and they can brew something to match the mood.

• Best coffee subscriptions: Roasting Plant Coffee 
• Best coffee bean canister: Fellow Atmos Vacuum Coffee Canister
• Best travel mug: Welly Camp Cup
• Best Burr grinder: OXO Conical Grinder with Scale 
• Best coffee scale: Acaia Lunar Coffee Scale 
• Best kettle: Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Kettle 
• Best French press: Simpli Press 
• Best for pour-overs: Origami Pour-Over Coffee Dripper
• Best automatic siphon: Tiger Siphonysta
• Best portable coffee maker: AeroPress
• Best one-touch coffee brewer: Bonavita Connoisseur 8-Cup Drip Coffee Maker Machine
• Best programmable drip machine: Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker
• Best espresso machine: Breville Barista Express
• Best one-touch espresso machine + milk frother: Café Affetto
• Best coffee-pods system: BRUVI
• Best DIY cold brew: Ball wide-mouth Mason jars + a Klein reusable filter
• Best cold-brew pitcher: Takeya Deluxe 
• Best nitro cold-brew system: GrowlerWerks uKeg
• Best milk frother: Zulay Executive Series Milk Frother w/ Stand
• Best instant coffee: Cometeer
• Best flavored syrups: Torani variety pack
• Best canned caffeine: Taika Canned Coffee + Tea
• Best caffeinated snack: Pocket Latte Choco Nuts

Best coffee subscriptions: Roasting Plant Coffee 

Roasting Plant

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If the budding barista doesn’t start with actually good coffee, none of the rest of this guide will amount to a hill of beans. The problem is, most store-bought coffee you’d pick up for a gift basket, care package, etc., is already past peak freshness. So just skip the middle man and buy them a freshly roasted micro-batch from Roasting Plant Coffee—a Lower East Side New York roaster with a patented, automated Javabot system that pulls together on-demand blends via pneumatic tubes, then roasts them on the spot for shipping. This assures what arrives at the door—whether it’s a single bag of the rich, redolent, decadently chocolatey house blend or dynamic single-origin samplings as part of Roasting Plant’s subscription service—is a never-stale, constantly satisfying staple in your house.

A cup of coffee is a part of the routine for millions of people, but how many people can say they enjoy that sip down to a cellular level? Danger Coffee offers whole beans and grounds, augmented with 50 trace minerals, nutrients, and electrolytes to remineralize the body and ensure more than a caffeine buzz. Danger Coffee prides itself on sourcing the best beans and blends them with regularly depleted micronutrients to make the discerning, daring connoisseur feel more energized, engaged, and powerful. And none of the antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, etc., take away from the heady aroma or robust flavor. Heard of butterproof coffee? It’s from the same mind, biohacker Dave Asprey, so Danger Coffee pairs perfectly with the original recipe for coffee blended with grass-fed butter and MCT oil.

Got wanderlust but won’t have the chance to get on the road anytime soon? Whether you want a Pacific Northwest pick me up (savor Caffe Ladro) or North Carolina cuppa (source Counter Culture), you can sample the spectrum of light to dark roasts from around the country (and the globe) with a highly customizable Seattle Coffee Gear Coffee Subscription. If you want a crowd-pleaser in the box, the Crew Brew Blend by Tony’s Coffee has a jammy, creamy, vivacious nature. (Some of us are only slightly biased by actually being named Tony, and who doesn’t want a signature blend.) Oh, and Seattle Coffee Gear is a great place to buy all kinds of coffee-making accessories—small manual components all the way to superautomatic espresso machines—while you’re setting up a delivery. A true one-stop shop. 

Best coffee bean canister: Fellow Atmos Vacuum Coffee Canister

Fellow

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There’s not much point in sourcing freshly roasted coffee beans if they’re just going to be left to let the oils stagnate and turn bitter. Preserve flavor and aroma by limiting oxygen exposure. Fellow makes a lot of our favorite coffee accessories because of a minimalist modern aesthetic that belies the functionality. This vacuum-sealed storage container (available in glass or steel and 0.4L, 0.7L, and 1.2L sizes) has a tight silicone seal and a twist mechanism to air, then a button to release pressure, to increase the stuff of life’s shelf life. 

Best travel mug: Welly Camp Cup

Welly

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The coffee lover will ingest a lot of java over their lifetime, so they should have a cup they can enjoy for just as long. Minimize waste and maximize enjoyment with the Welly Camp Cup, which you can take from car to campsite. Copper insulation keeps beverages hot or cold up to 14 hours, and the slide top is leak-resistant. The handle is made from environmentally friendly bamboo and comes in four fun colors: black, bone, berry, and navy. The company also makes a fabulous bottle, the Welly Traveler. This large-capacity bottle is triple-insulated and made from BPA-free and eco-friendly materials, including natural bamboo. Its stainless-steel construction allows it to trap heat or, alternatively, prevent heat from seeping in to keep beverages cold. Welly offers its bottles in several sizes, but we like a larger version that’s big enough to last through long meetings or a day-long hike. Our coffee consumption isn’t a problem; it’s a solution!

Best Burr grinder: OXO Conical Grinder with Scale 

OXO

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Before you drink coffee, you have to grind coffee. Crushing up those little brown beans increases their surface area and allows you to extract everything tasty. Doing it yourself ensures optimal freshness. Burr grinders churn out more uniform grounds than those with blades, which is imperative for an enviable end result. The OXO Conical Grinder has a large hopper that can hold up to 12 oz. of beans, 15 grind settings (fine espresso to coarse French press, with many micro-adjustments in between), plus an integrated scale. You just dial in exactly how much coffee you want ground, push a button, and the OXO stops grinding when it hits your desired grams. The self-measuring capabilities really help with consistency and remove an additional step between you and that first sumptuous sip. 

Are you a fan of AeroPress, pour-over, French press, or cold brew specifically and looking for a statement piece? The Fellow Ode Brew Grinder is a compact obelisk found in many hip cafés. Its single-dose hopper and 31-step mechanism (with 64mm flat burrs and grinds knocker) are perfect if you approach the ritual of making each cup as captivating chemistry. (Note, however, that it’s not great for a fine espresso grind.)

Best coffee scale: Acaia Lunar Coffee Scale 

Acaia

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A kitchen scale comes in handy for many things, including measuring out coffee grounds. Acaia Lunar Coffee Scale displays weights to 0.1 grams on a backlit digital LCD screen and can hold about 4 pounds (plus it connects to your phone via Bluetooth for additional views/functionality). That’s more than enough for brewing, but it’s also good for home bakers who want to move beyond the standard cup, tablespoon, and teaspoon measurements. And its coffee applications go beyond dry beans. Waterproof, it’s compact enough to fit into the drip tray of an espresso machine for dialing in shots as you watch the timer and yield display. Of course, it’s also pricey, so if budget is a concern, or pour-overs are your preference, we recommend the tried-and-true Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale and Timer.

Best kettle: Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Kettle 

Fellow

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There’s that name again. Fellow gear has become iconic in barista circles (and corners), and for good reason. This quick-heating electric kettle, available in multiple finishes, sits on a minimalist base equipped with a 1200-watt quick-heating element and coin-shaped sleek LCD screen so you can quickly dial in to-the-degree temperature/set a brew stopwatch for the coffee-brewing method/tea type you’re using. And the gooseneck spout allows for precise saturation. A newer Pro edition adds a high-resolution color LCD, plus more scheduling options/guide modes/temperature hold time adjustments. More of a manual type when it comes to your pour-over? There’s the Fellow Stagg Stovetop Pour-Over Coffee and Tea Kettle.

Best French press: Simpli Press 

Simpli

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One of the most convenient things about a French press is having one vibrant vessel able to make enough indulgent coffee for two people. One of the least convenient things about a French press is sediment seeping into the coffee, and then having to scrape out soggy grinds, really sapping some perk off the experience. Simpli Press, however, makes the promise of “French press without the mess” through the use of a stainless steel double filter that locks into a coffee basket, maintaining all the ambrosial oils while holding back more silt and making it easier to lift and dispose of the residue. If the price is a bit too high and you don’t mind an old-fashioned cleanup, however, the Bodum Chambord French Press is a classic for a reason.

Best for pour-overs: Origami Pour Over Coffee Dripper

Origami Japan

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The Origami Pour Over Coffee Dripper might be the nicest looking “coffeemaker” we’ve ever seen. Think of it as doing double duty as a home decor gift and a way for someone to get their morning fix. The Origami’s ceramic body works with most paper filters (such as the Melitta #4 Cone Coffee Filters, Natural Brown). It features a wave-like design to allow for increased airflow and easy drainage. Combined with the right water temperature, grind size, and amount of coffee, these elements result in a smoother flavor. The dripper comes in 16 colors and two sizes: 4.3- and 7-ounce. Make sure you grab a resin or wood holder to ensure the dripper sits snuggly on your cup when pouring the hot water over. It’s dishwasher safe, but we’d still recommend giving it a light hand-wash yourself.

Best automatic siphon: Tiger Siphonysta

Tiger

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It’s hard to enjoy an impossibly smooth cup of coffee if making it is incredibly rough. Luckily, Japan electronics company Tiger Corporation has introduced an automated siphon machine, helping take the hassle out of one of the most statuesque and scientific methods of coffee brewing. Instead of percolating, aka boiling, the coffee as in a traditional drip machine, a siphon uses a two-chamber system, vapor pressure, and gravity to transport heated water up to and pull it down from coffee grinds. Typically a lengthy, theatrical process, vacuum brewing with the automated Siphonysta is a so much simpler, but no less dramatic experience that transforms freshly ground specialty beans into a single luxuriously smooth cup, almost tea-like in subtleties, but in under three minutes. The lack of a paper filter means every sip is as divine as the first. Plus, you can adjust acidic to bitter to really extract exactly how you’d like to start your day. If you’ve got a more steampunk aesthetic in your kitchen, however, there’s always a manual siphon machine for that.

Best portable coffee maker: AeroPress

Aeropress

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Absolutely do not just mix grounds directly with water in a desperate attempt to get a buzz. I’ve done it (on a dare). Inadvisable. The AeroPress makes it easy to make actual coffee on the go. The portable press comes with a funnel, a scoop, and a stirrer to help you fill its narrow cylindrical body. Just add water, wait a few minutes, and press the plunger down, and you’ve got brew in your cup. Your initial purchase also includes 350 paper microfilters and a filter holder, so you’re set for almost a year’s worth of joe from the get-go. Plus, there are reusable metal filters for various grind sizes available if that’s more your speed.

Best one-touch coffee brewer: Bonavita Connoisseur 8-Cup Drip Coffee Maker Machine

Bonavita

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If you’re having people over for dinner or game night, etc.—or maybe your day is just stacked with meetings—you might not have the time or desire to make individual cups of coffee, no matter how delicious. That’s where a trusty drip machine comes in. This one can fill the stainless steel, double-walled thermal carafe in just six minutes, using a 1500W heater to douse the hanging flat-bottom filter basket with 198°-205°F water, including a pre-infusion mode, for optimal saturation. The result mimics artisan pour-overs but with a compact brewer’s on-demand capacity, proving you don’t have to sacrifice café quality for convenience.

Best programmable drip machine: Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker

Cafe

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You’re very connected to your daily coffee, so why not be connected to your coffee maker. Wi-Fi-enabled—able to be controlled through the SmartHQ app, Alexa, and Google Home, with Voice-to-Brew controls—this 10-cup machine with insulated thermal carafe lets the countertop connoisseur store settings for cups, temperature, and strength, whether you prefer Gold, Light, Medium, or Bold roast. And if you don’t want to speak, or even tap, to get the coffee process bubbling, you can also schedule your personalized preferences to start your day off right.

Best espresso machine: Breville Barista Express

Breville

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When you really want to go hard at home, you want the Breville Barista Express. It’ll grind beans to espresso-grade fineness, compress them into a dense puck for flavor extraction, brew one or two shots at a time, and even froth milk for luxurious lattes. It’s a beast of a machine and an expensive item, but if you’re looking for a splurge, it’s great at what it does. You might need a few tries to perfect your skills, but the process is ultimately straightforward. All that’s left to do is practice your latte art.

Best one-touch espresso machine + milk frother: Café Affetto

Cafe

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Like its connected coffee maker above, the Café brand’s Affetto model uses Wi-Fi and automation to take the guess(and mess)work out of espresso. This local network espresso machine dispenses a ristretto shot, an Americano, a customized cup, or hot water at the push of a button—on the machine or your smartphone, as the SmartHQ app allows users to set drink preferences by volume and strength. An integrated hopper stores the beans, then a stainless steel conical burr grinder delivers an adjustable, but consistent grind on demand. A gentle bloom gradually increases under 20 bars of pressure for even extraction, and a built-in foaming wand lets you achieve an airy cappuccino, a denser latte macchiato, and other beverage recipes in the app. This is the machine for when you need a little push but don’t have the time to pull.

Best coffee-pods system: BRUVI

BRUVI

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If you want a complete home coffee setup in a single click, we highly recommend taking advantage of the BRUVI Bundle. It includes BRUVI’s BV-1 coffee maker, 20 B-Pods (which feature 40% more sustainably sourced coffee than other systems), a premium water filter, and a reusable Japanese Knot bag. The BV-1 can scan the B-Pods to customize how the machine should optimize the brew, achieving what the roaster and you intended every time, and it allows you to set it on a timer using a smartphone app. If you want fresh, great-tasting coffee—whether espresso, Americano, cold brew, etc.—conveniently waiting for you every morning, this is the best investment you’ll make all year. Oh, and the B-Pods are designed to break down in landfills, so the BRUVI means less wasted time and less waste on the Earth.

Best DIY cold brew: Ball wide-mouth Mason jars + a Klein reusable filter

Ball, Klein

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A set of truly massive 64-ounce mason jars will serve you in countless ways, but they’re especially excellent for making cold brew. Fill one of Ball’s wide-mouth jars with water, add a reusable filter or disposable bag full of grounds, let it sit for a day, and you’ll have enough of the stuff to last two people at least a week. You probably won’t need 3 gallons of cold brew at a time, so fill the others with dry goods like flour or sugar, or learn how to preserve food. You can even use one as a big water bottle—hydration is important.

Klein’s stainless steel, 100-micron mesh reusable cold brew filter fits all wide-mouth mason jars, so it’ll sit tight in whatever you have. It’s not just good for coffee, either—you can stuff it with loose-leaf tea or use it to infuse water with various flavors. There’s the added benefit of not having to buy new filter bags when you run out, but if you prefer disposable ones, you can get 120 from Homyhee for about the same price. If you plop ‘em into a 64-ounce jar, though, you’ll have to use two, as the company recommends about a ¾-cup (100 grams) for a 32-ounce container.

Best nitro cold-brew system: GrowlerWerks uKeg

GrowlerWerks

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Nitro cold brew is infused with nitrogen gas for a creamy, smooth, somewhat fizzy feel that can be likened to beer. The uKeg Nitro is the first piece of gear to cover coffee brewing and nitro infusion in a single appliance. Use the 12-cup capacity keg to make cold brew just as you would in a Mason jar, then charge the lid with a nitrogen cartridge, shake it a bit, and open the tap to dispense your drink. It takes up slightly more space in the fridge than a big Mason jar, but it also keeps your brew good for a bit longer.

Best instant coffee: Cometeer

Cometeer

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Take the hassle out of your morning routine whether you’re living through blistering heat or numbing cold. I’d wanted to try Cometeer ever since it popped up on my Instagram feed, and I’m glad I finally did. The flash-frozen, recyclable brew capsules not only produced a more balanced and complex cup than most bland instant coffees, but they are insanely easy to make. Toss a pod or two in a glass of liquid (hot or cold) and you’re ready to go. I threw two pods into my to-go container with about 14 ounces of water and ice, shook, and it was ready to drink. Cometeer grinds the beans at their freshest, brews the coffee into a 10x concentrate, and then uses a nitrogen shower to capture its peak flavor before shipping it to your door. And you can customize your roast and delivery preferences. If you’re looking for an elevated quick fix in the morning, a Cometeer subscription is the way to go.

Best flavored syrups: Torani variety pack

Torani

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Not everyone likes their coffee black, and that’s OK. With this four-pack of Torani syrups, you get 25.4-ounce bottles of caramel, French vanilla, hazelnut, and vanilla flavorings to suit any coffee mood. You can also mix and match with other tastes to make unique sips. If you’re not a fan of those oft-used syrups, you can choose coconut, peppermint, or white chocolate, too.

The post Last-minute coffee gifts to turn any kitchen into a café appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best weighted blanket		Bearaby Cotton Napper		SEE IT	Cozy up with gentle weight on you.
Best bubble bath		Dr. Teal's Epsom Salt Antioxidant-Rich Matcha Green Tea Foaming Bath		SEE IT	Long-lasting bubbles means you can marinate in the tub for as long as you want.
Best supplement		Moon Juice Magnesi-om		SEE IT	Three kinds of magnesium and L-Theanine help you unwind after a long day.

You probably know more than a few people whose stress levels are running a little high right now. While there’s no gift that can truly combat the existential terror of the year ending, these products can at least take the edge off. Here are a few stress-relief gifts to help your favorite ball of anxiety unwind a bit.

• Best weighted blanket: Bearaby Cotton Napper
• Best pillow: MedCline Shoulder Relief Wedge and Body Pillow System
• Best eyemask: Loftie Sleep Mask
• Best fitness tracker: WHOOP
• Best for napping anywhere: Ostrichpillow Original
• Best for meditation: Core Orb
• Best sauna blanket: SunHome Saunas Infrared Sauna Blanket
• Best ice roller: ESARORA Ice Roller for Face & Eye
• Best percussion massager: Hyperbolt Bluetooth
• Best for alone time (wink wink): Wild Flower ENBY 2
• Best chocolate: fx Chocolate Exhale
• Best bubble bath: Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt Antioxidant-Rich Matcha Green Tea Foaming Bath
• Best supplement: Moon Juice Magnesi-om
• Best comfy pants: Betabrand Skinny-Leg | Power-Down Pants
• Best weighted vest: Pyvot Spark and Dash vests
• Best soaking salt: Adrina Dietra All Natural Bath Soak
• Best candle: Paige’s Candle Co.
• Best project: We Are Knitters Himba Snood Kit
• Best CBD gummies: Dad Grass Goodtime Formula CBD + CBG Gummies
• Best CBD balm: Papa & Barkley CBD Releaf Cream
• Best CBD prerolls: A pack of Bogarts by Bogart

Best weighted blanket: Bearaby Cotton Napper

Bearaby

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Weighted blankets aren’t just an Instagram ad fad. Used for years by people on the autism spectrum, these throws have a genuine calming effect. The extra weight and pressure on the body helps trigger your parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers your heart rate and sort of switches your fight-or-flight response off. This effect makes them great for restless sleepers, and there’s evidence that they can help negate some of the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by offering a constant but simple stimulus in the form of touch. Bearaby’s blankets are weighty enough to induce these effects, but unlike most products, they get their heft from the fabrics they’re woven from—not from little metal balls stuffed inside. That makes for a therapeutic blanket that looks and feels nice enough to drape across your couch (when you’re not ducking under it to cry).

Best pillow: MedCline Shoulder Relief Wedge and Body Pillow System

Medcline

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Is this pillow expensive? Yes. Does it look pretty? No. Will it change your life? Almost certainly. For people dealing with tense shoulders and necks, the bizarre design of this sleep wedge will protect from pinched nerves and other nighttime misalignments. Give your loved one the gift of a good night’s sleep for years to come.

Best eyemask: Loftie Sleep Mask

Loftie

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An eyemask is great for taking a quick power nap or to get total darkness while meditating. This one from Loftie—the same company behind this sunrise alarm clock that doubles as a lamp—is made out of orange silk and includes interior eye pockets to relieve eye pressure and protect eyelashes. The head strap is comfortable, very stretchy, and won’t fall off while you’re sleeping. Not only that, it’s just as stylish as it is practical. It’s also a great gift for travelers.

Best fitness tracker: WHOOP

Whoop

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The world is full of fitness trackers and other life-optimizing wearables, but the WHOOP Band is designed with a unique goal in mind: recovery. By tracking sleep, daily activity, and heart rate variability, this band helps users figure out which habits keep them feeling at their best.

Best for napping anywhere: Ostrichpillow Original

Ostrichpillow

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You’ve seen Moira Rose wear this pillow on Schitt’s Creek. Get one for yourself or your stressed-out friend to nap anywhere thanks to its immersive, plush design. Use it to rest your head against the wall, or pop your hands inside to put your head down on a table. It looks kooky, but getting a power nap anywhere will be your new superpower.

Best for meditation: Core Orb

Core

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This one ranked among our favorite personal care innovations of 2020. Research ties meditation practices to everything from lowered anxiety levels to better blood pressure and relief from gastrointestinal distress–but self-doubt can cripple attempts at finding zen. The handheld Core orb uses biofeedback and haptic guidance to steer you toward focus and calm. As you hold the softball-size device, ECG sensors monitor both pulse and heart rate variability to track how relaxed you are. Guided programs in Core’s app help you to further learn which meditation methods work best for you. If your chill vibes start to slip away, gentle vibrations will remind you to stay on task.

Best sauna blanket: SunHome Saunas Infrared Sauna Blanket

Amanda Reed

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Bring the relaxation of a sauna into your home with this infrared sauna blanket from SunHome Saunas. Simply set your temperature and time settings, wait for it to heat up, and shimmy into the sleeping bag-like tube. It will melt your achy muscles and make you feel like you’re in a warm cocoon. You can even watch TV, read a book, or play some video games while sweating your problems away.

Best ice roller: ESARORA Ice Roller for Face & Eye

ESARORA

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Ice rollers are often hawked as beauty aids, and they can definitely help reduce puffiness after a night of tossing and turning. But these chilly gadgets really shine when it comes to soothing migraines and jaw pain. If someone you love has been complaining of headaches or a clenched jaw, send them a roller and tell them to keep it in the freezer. Whenever stress strikes, they’ll be ready to gently massage their head, neck, face, shoulders, or anywhere else that could use a cooling balm.

Best percussion massager: Hyperbolt Bluetooth

Amazon

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Sometimes stress creates muscle knots so intense, an ice roller just won’t cut it. Your only recourse then is to beat the tightness into submission. Given you can’t show up at your bestie’s place and give them a deep tissue massage in person this year, gift them the next best thing. This percussive massage gun is powerful enough to melt away even the worst knots, and its Bluetooth capabilities mean users can follow tailored programs to optimize their massaging experience.

Best for alone time (wink wink): Wild Flower ENBY 2

Enby

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We won’t try to suggest that you could (or should) buy a vibrator for everyone on your holiday gift list, but for a close friend or a partner—especially a partner you can’t see in person as much as you’d like—the Enby is a great choice. It won a PopSci Best of What’s New Award in 2019 for serving as the most compelling gender-neutral sex toy on the market. It’s designed to please a wide range of bodies in all sorts of ways, and we probably don’t have to tell you why it’s great for stress relief.

Best chocolate: fx Chocolate Exhale

fx chocolate

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Honestly, you can buy any chocolate you dang please for your stressed-out friend. It’s bound to do them a world of good no matter what flavor or brand. But to give the sweet treat’s best properties a chemical boost, fx Chocolate adds in supplements meant to improve your mood. The company makes a few varieties to suit different needs, but fx Exhale is a good choice for stressed snackers. The actual impact of ingredients like L-theanine and GABA on human brain chemistry is still very much up in the air, but they can’t hurt. After all, it’s chocolate.

Best bubble bath: Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt Antioxidant-Rich Matcha Green Tea Foaming Bath

Dr. Teals

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Baths are relaxing and luxurious. And, with a product name like “Balance & Calm,” this Epsom salt foaming bath soak will ease your weary muscles, relieve stress, and moisturize your skin. Even better, the bubbles are long-lasting, meaning you won’t have to cut your bath short because the bubbles have deflated.

Best supplement: Moon Juice Magnesi-om

Moon Juice

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Magnesium is an incredibly important vitamin—it plays a role in approximately 300 body processes, including muscle and nerve function and energy production. Low levels of magnesium can cause brain fog, headaches, low mood, and insomnia. Enter Moon Juice’s Magnesi-om, which combines three bioavailable forms of magnesium with L-Theanine for mental and physical relaxation. Get constipated when you’re stressed? It contains magnesium citrate, which helps you poop. Plus, it’s a perfect afternoon pick-me-up or nighttime treat.

Best comfy pants: Betabrand Skinny-Leg | Power-Down Pants

Betabrand

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In the post-pandemic work-from-home present, it’s easy to stay inside … a lot. But plenty of Americans have to make regular trips outside the house—to work, to get groceries, or even just to get some fresh air. Those excursions are stressful enough without having to wear real pants for them. Betabrand is known for designing business-casual clothes that offer yoga pants levels of comfort, so your giftee can step out in style without feeling like they’ve gotten out of bed. If the skinny-leg style isn’t right for them, go a more unisex route with some chic joggers.

Best weighted vest: Pyvot Spark and Dash vests

Pyvot

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Have you ever looked at your dog and thought, “I could use a Thundershirt but for humans?” Enter the Pyvot vest, which acts like a gentle hug all the time. You can use it as weight resistance for yoga or walking, or wear it all the time for a weighted blanket on the go. It’s just as stylish as it is calming.

Best soaking salt: Adrina Dietra All Natural Bath Soak

Adrina Dietra

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There’s nothing quite like a hot bath to relax your muscles and cleanse you of your worldly troubles—at least for an hour or so. Help your loved ones get the most out of their bathing rituals with salt blends and teas designed to soothe their senses. Our favorite small business to buy luxurious bath treats from is Adrina Dietra’s apothecary, but Etsy is packed to the gills with other options from indie makers, too. And if you really want your gifts to come with a personal touch, you can check out our guide to making custom bath bombs at home.

Best candle: Paige’s Candle Co.

Paige’s Candle Co

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What’s better than a hot, scented bath? A hot, scented bath surrounded by hot, scented candles. Paige’s Candle Co. is a small, woman-owned business that makes vegan soy wax candles that smell out of this world. We’re especially big fans of the Spiced Mango Chai scent, which is a special holiday-season offering. For year-round relaxation, you can’t beat Lavender or Earl Gray.

Best project: We Are Knitters Himba Snood Kit

we are knitters

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One of the best ways to free your mind from stress is to fidget. Help your loved ones fully enjoy their next Netflix binge by giving them something to keep their hands busy: a beginner’s knitting kit. We Are Knitters provides everything they’ll need to execute a simple project, like this comfy snood.

Best CBD gummies: Dad Grass Goodtime Formula CBD + CBG Gummies

Dad Grass

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CBD gummies can taste bad, be too strong, be not strong enough, or have weird ingredients. Just like your dad who traversed multiple malls to find you a Tickle-me-Elmo, Dad Grass came to the rescue with its ultra-tasty, perfectly dosed CBD gummies. The company ditches gelatin for pectin, making them vegan-friendly, and they are also gluten-free. The company also posts its lab results online, giving you peace of mind before you pop one or two back before a very stressful meeting. Our commerce updates writer has tried all three varieties—Classic Formula, Goodtime Formula (pictured), and Nighttime Formula—and can attest to their tastiness and efficacy. We’re also a fan of their CBD joints and CBD tinctures.

Best CBD balm: Papa & Barkley CBD Releaf Cream

Papa & Barkley

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Alleviate cramps, aches, and pains with this CBD balm from Papa & Barkley, which contains 180 milligrams of CBD in each jar. Eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, and lavender oils leave behind a spa-worthy scent, and the balm itself sinks into the skin nicely. If you live in California, the company also sells balms that mix CBD and THC: there’s a CBD-heavy and THC-heavy variety.

Best CBD prerolls: A pack of Bogarts by Bogart

Bogart

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If you want to chill out legally, check out these CBD prerolls from Bogart, a Hudson Valley, New York-based company. Each pack includes five .6g hemp prerolls rolled in unbleached flax paper and hollow-tip filters. We love the way they feel and the chill we feel after a few puffs, but we’re also fans of the extra-chill, 70s branding.

The post Gifts for the most stressed-out people you know appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best earrings		Amazon Collection IGI Platinum Round Cut Diamond Stud Earrings		SEE IT	Your love for your partner is priceless, but a pair of $60,000 would sure sweep them off their feet.
Best for history buffs		1884 S American Silver Morgan Dollar		SEE IT	Gifting a piece of history will only cost you $1 million.
Best hair styler		Dyson Airwrap		SEE IT	Get salon-quality blowouts with this desired hair styler.

Window shopping on the internet has replaced browsing the mall for luxurious impulse buys. And, with anything and everything a click away, it’s easier to forget that the Fed keeps raising interest rates that directly impact the ole credit cards. But maybe you’re not concerned. Maybe you decided you should skip gifting lots of little things this year and go all-in on the one opulent item. Or maybe you’re just mentally compiling the bigshot shopping list you’ll cross off when you win the lottery. With extravagant inspiration in mind, we’ve collected some of the best indulgent gifts to lust over as you dream of Swarovski crystal-encrusted Sugar Plum Fairies.

• Best hairstyler: Dyson Airwrap
• Best book: “The Impossible Collection of Champagne: The 100 Most Exceptional Bottles from Champagne” Book by Enrico Bernardo
• Best playhouse: Little Cottage Company Sara’s Victorian Mansion DIY Playhouse Kit
• Best razor: Panasonic ARC6 Electric Razor for Men
• Best handheld vaporizer: DaVinci IQ2 vaporizer
• Best to luxe up the kitchen: Kül Spark
• Best for kids: Kid’s Swarovski Crystal Embellished Mercedes G63
• Best for the bedroom: Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover
• Best for home office: Vestaboard Smart Messaging Display
• Best sauna blanket: Sun Home Sauna Infrared Sauna Blanket
• Best candle: Grapefruit Juniper Zodax Tiare 288 oz Outdoor Scented Candle
• Best for musicians: Rhodes Chroma + Midi CC+ (Fully overhauled)
• Best for musicians 2 electric boogaloo: Minimoog Model D
• Best hot tub: Luxuria Spas Legacy 6-Person 88-Jet 3-Pump Lounger Hot Tub
• Best speakers: KEF LS60 Wireless
• Best headphones: Focal Utopia
• Best Bluetooth headphones: Mark Levinson No. 5909
• Best Bluetooth speaker: Devialet Phantom
• Best percussion massager: TheraGun Pro
• Best blanket: A-Frame Merino Wool Blanket
• Best office chair: Herman Miller Eames Executive Chair
• Best for geeks: Tron Arcade Machine
• Best perfume: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540
• Best earrings: Amazon Collection IGI Platinum Round Cut Diamond Stud Earrings
• Best for history buffs: 1884 S American Silver Morgan Dollar

Best hairstyler: Dyson Airwrap

Dyson

SEE IT

Get salon-worthy hair every day with the revamped Dyson Airwrap, which was re-engineered with Coanda airflow for greater control, faster drying, and easier styling. Six attachments let you dry, curl, and coif hair sans-major damage compared to other stylers. We’ve tested this TikTok fan favorite, and we’re huge fans of the round volumizing brush attachment’s ability to give shampoo commercial-worthy volume and bouncy, smooth hair.

Best book: “The Impossible Collection of Champagne: The 100 Most Exceptional Bottles from Champagne” Book by Enrico Bernardo

Neiman Marcus

SEE IT

This artful coffee table book is great for wine aficionados and casual sippers. It’s bound by hand and stored in a wooden box, making it something meant to be presented, flipped through, and oogled. Sommelier Enrico Bernando highlights the best bottles in the prestige wine varietal’s long history. From recollections of tastings, tips, and anecdotes, this book is chock full of interesting wine facts.

Best playhouse: Little Cottage Company Sara’s Victorian Mansion DIY Playhouse Kit

Little Cottage Company

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Not all homes require a mortgage. Some can be had for only 10 bands. Take, for example, this DIY playhouse kit from Little Cottage Company, a cozy getaway close to home for the little ones in your life. It has all the hardware and pieces for assembly, along with an included floor kit. All you need to gift on top of this gift are shingles, drip edge, and paint.

Best razor: Panasonic ARC6 Electric Razor + Charging Station for Men

Panasonic

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Stop the bearded loved ones in your life from shaving with a sad three-blade drugstore razor by upgrading them to this electric razor from Panasonic. Six hypoallergenic Japanese stainless steel blades cut even the thickest beards with ease. The powerful, flexible razor easily glides over jawlines and chins thanks to its head that moves in 22 directions to stay close to the skin. Its beard sensor responds to different face contours and boosts and reduces power accordingly, performing 84,000 cross-cutting actions per minute. Your giftee will be able to shave wet or dry, and a 50-minute battery life ensures that face (or whole head) gets shaved thoroughly and attentively before it goes back in the convenient charging/cleaning station.

Best handheld vaporizer: DaVinci IQ2 vaporizer

DaVinci

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For your friend who loves consuming dried herbs and “herbal extracts,” the brushed-aluminum DaVinci IQ2 vaporizer has adjustable temperature settings, adjustable airflow resistance, and a mouthpiece that allows for a cleaner and purer taste. It will tell you when you’ve achieved your chosen limit. The ceramic oven area doesn’t burn the dried herbs and the zirconia vapor path provides a cooler vapor than other devices on the market. The IQ2 weighs only 5.6 ounces and has a 10-year warranty. The vaporizer also comes with a ton of extra goodies like a charging cable, cleaning supplies, and a carrying case. Check out our other favorite cannabis accessories to gift.

Best to luxe up the kitchen: Kül Spark

Kül

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If you’re shopping for someone who’s really into health and hydration, throw caution to the wind and get them the Kül Spark. The $1,500 water purification system can be hooked up to their plumbing and create cold, hot, ambient (room temperature), or sparkling water free of over 80 contaminants. Don’t worry, there’s also the option to use a refillable water tank. We’ve tried the Kül Spark for ourselves, and the difference in taste is real. The Kül Spark’s ability to dial in the perfect temperature is equally impressive. A touch-sensitive control panel on the right-hand side of the machine makes it easy to choose which type of beverage you’d like to make, or change certain settings. You can even see stats like how long it’s been since you’ve changed your filter, or how full your CO2 cartridges are. Yes, it’s luxe, but the Kül Spark is an incredibly generous gift for anyone who’s overly confident that their kitchen or home office has “everything.”

Best for kids: Kid’s Swarovski Crystal Embellished Mercedes G63

Neiman Marcus

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They might not be old enough to drive a big person car, but it’s never too late to get them behind the wheel—even if it is just a toy car. This tyke-sized Mercedes G36 looks exactly like its full-power cousin. The dash even has a slot for USC chargers, a charging port, music controls, and a headlight switch. The speed demon who gets to drive it will go a whopping four mph. Heck, this ride is so decked out that you’ll want to keep it for yourself.

Best for the bedroom: Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover

Eight Sleep

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If you and your partner have different temperature preferences when it comes to sleep, it can be hard to come to a happy middle ground, which can cause some tension. Give the gift of a good night’s sleep—along with health insights into your sleep cycle without the need for a wearable device—with the Pod 3 cover. It fits onto any size mattress and can be controlled from their phone via app. The cover even doubles as an alarm clock by silently waking up each person with chest-level vibration and thermal change.

Best for home office: Vestaboard Smart Messaging Display

Vestaboard

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We’ve never seen anything quite like the Vestaboard, which perfectly typifies the concept of ambient computing. The internet-connected smart board is made up of 132 “bits,” which flip to reveal different characters or colors. You can send messages to the Vestaboard through the company’s app, which is intuitive to use and comes pre-loaded with a few quotes and color patterns to show you its potential. A paid service called Vestaboard+ allows you to use applications to use the board in creative ways, like displaying the current song you’re listening to through a streaming service, current sports scores, or playing a word game. This is the ideal indulgent gift for someone who spends a lot of time in their home office, or wants a fancy family bulletin board in their living room. Vestaboard owners can grant other people access to their board, which will allow friends and family to send messages to it. The Vestaboard is a unique canvas for people to display meaningful quotes, words of encouragement, or mini works of art. We guarantee the person you gift it to won’t have seen anything like it.

Best speakers: KEF LS60 Wireless

KEF

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Everything about this set of slim floor-standing powered speakers is perfect, from the stylish outer cabinet to Uni-Q tweeter tech that puts all tunes into a sonic sweet spot—you can hear the accuracy and detail in every song that’s played. Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) absorbs unwanted sound from the rear of the tweeter for clear, pure sound regardless of the source. And copious connectivity (Spotify to TIDAL to Apple Music; AirPlay 2, Google ChromeCast, and Roon to Optical, Coaxial, and HDMI, plus more) means you’ll never want for showcase sounds. If you’re shopping for someone with a wide, broad music taste, these speakers are for them. From yacht rock to classic jazz to Afro beats, the LS60 wireless can play it all in stunning clarity.

Best headphones: Focal Utopia

Focal

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If the loved one you’re shopping for deserves fabulous music quality anywhere they go, the Focal Utopia headphones are as close to perfection as you can get. These flagship open-back over-the-ear headphones produce an ultrawide frequency response with startling realism thanks to 40mm M-shaped Beryllium drivers inspired by high-end audiophile tower speakers. Soft lambskin earcups and headphone padding make these headphones feel as good as they sound. As we said in our best headphones roundup, the Focal Utopia is “the idyll ideal—impressing not with its sheer power, but with its absolute prowess.”

Best Bluetooth headphones: Mark Levinson No. 5909

Mark Levinson

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Like a Lexus GS F for on-the-go listening, the Mark Levinson No. 5909 Bluetooth adaptive active noise cancellation headphones are polished and plush and packed with thoughtful details—physically and sonically. Bluetooth 5.1 supports AAC, aptX Adaptive, and LDAC connectivity, and the 5909’s internal digital audio converter plus 40mm Beryllium-coated drivers (similar materials to the Utopia above) presents nimble dynamics that are the material’s trademark. You can also use them with the USB-C to 3.5mm miniplug cable, which supports 24-bit/96 kHz playback with a frequency range of 10-40,000 Hz (well beyond human hearing), to get maximum resolution and effortlessly natural performance response from your source. The tuning is tight without feeling restrained—never boomy or blooming, just capable of unfurling when a stalking bassline or coiled riff needs to pounce. They’re $999, priced at the summit of Bluetooth headphones, but if you want to gift the luxury auto of portable audio, tie a big red bow on these and lead a loved one blindfolded to the snowy driveway … so to speak.

Best sauna blanket: Sun Home Sauna Infrared Sauna Blanket

Amanda Reed

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Surround yourself in a warm cocoon—and bring the spa experience to your living room—with this sauna blanket, which we included in our best portable saunas story. This jazzy sleeping bag-like blanket is easy to use: Temperature settings range from 35-75℃, and time settings range from 30-60 minutes. Pre-heat time only takes around 15 minutes. The industrial-grade Velcro keeps the heat in and feels sturdy to the touch. However, the blanket is easy to open—making cleaning a breeze. And its large interior circumference will make you feel cozy—not constricted. When you’re done using it, pack it away in the included carrying case.

Best candle: Grapefruit Juniper Zodax Tiare 288 oz Outdoor Scented Candle

Zodax

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If you’re shopping for a candle person, this mammoth 19-inch grapefruit-scented candle will last well beyond the holiday season. It has a burn time of 145 hours and weighs 18 pounds. Why gift a bunch of candles when you can buy a mega candle?

Best for musicians: Rhodes Chroma + Midi CC+ (Fully overhauled)

MadSparrow Shop/Reverb

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All music gearheads will recognize this rare analog synthesizer from the ’80s. Only 3,000 were made—and today are re-sold in varying conditions—which makes this refurbished, mint-condition piece from Reverb a grail. All you need is a legal copy of Ableton (or your DAW of choice), a couple hundred square feet, a bunch of mics and recording equipment, plus this SSL mixing desk, and you have the start of a professional studio.

Best for musicians 2 electric boogaloo: Minimoog Model D

Moog Music

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This revolutionary synthesizer can be heard in recordings from Parliament, Pink Floyd, Devo, Chaka Khan, Nine Inch Nails, Michael Jackson, Kate Bush, Portishead, Rush, Phil Collins, Beastie Boys, Radiohead, Herbie Hancock, Kraftwerk, Dr. Dre, and more. Now back in production—hand-assembled at the Moog factory in Asheville, NC—you get the legendary sound engine and signal path with contemporary MIDI integration to saturate your own timeless tracks. Oscillating over whether it’s a worthwhile purchase? Sure, it’s $5,000, but being able to access that vibrant vibe and have something in common with Trent Reznor … a drop in the bucket. (Plus, it’s a lil more wallet and space friendly than the Rhodes.)

Best hot tub: Luxuria Spas Legacy 6-Person 88-Jet 3-Pump Lounger Hot Tub

Luxuria

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This large hot tub can fit 6 people and comes with 88 hydrotherapeutic stainless steel jets to give your gift receiver a full body massage. It also has a Bluetooth speaker to play a sound bath from your preferred streaming service, and a digital control panel with different operation modes. This is a perfect gift for someone constantly stressed out and could use a dang break. You can also gift this more-affordable inflatable hot tub from Coleman if $8,000 isn’t in your budget. (Want to lower the cost even more while helping lower someone’s blood pressure? Check out our other gift recommendations for the most stressed-out people you know).

Best percussion massager: TheraGun Pro

Theragun

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If you’re shopping for an overworked person and their muscles need to be pummeled into relaxation, gift them the Theragun Pro. It has an effective professional-grade motor that works quietly. Four unique arm positions allow you to go underneath and around to reach wherever you need, and the ergonomic handle means your hands and wrists won’t get tired. The Theragun Pro also has five speeds between 1,750 and 2,400 ppms. Two swappable batteries each last up to 150 minutes and can charge wirelessly. The device includes six attachments: supersoft, dampener, standard ball, wedge, thumb, and cone. The included carrying case makes it simple to lug the whole kit on a trip or to the gym.

Best blanket: A-Frame Merino Wool Blanket

The Company Store

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If you’re looking for a gift that will be handed down over the years, consider this wool blanket from The Company Store. It’s made of pure Merino wool in Ireland, giving it softness, warmth, and some Irish hospitality. Its simple striped design is timeless, classic, and will go with multiple decor styles as it’s handed off to its new owner.

Best office chair: Herman Miller Eames Executive Chair

Herman Miller

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The Herman Miller Eames chair is a design icon with a rich history. Bring that level of class and style into someone’s home office with this swivel chair variety, which comes in both leather and fabric upholstery with a lightweight aluminum frame. It has a massive 12-year warranty if anything doesn’t meet Herman Miller’s high stands.

Best for geeks: Tron Arcade Machine

Arcade1Up

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Disney’s 1982 film, Tron, made movie history by fusing live-action and computer animation together. The person you’d gift this to already knows that, but are they familiar with the Tron arcade cabinet? Regardless, they’ll enjoy a piece of movie and videogame history in their rumpus room with this recreated cabinet of the original arcade game—and, hopefully, make some new multigenerational memories as they are sucked into the Grid. The company has other retro favorites available for purchase—but you’ll have to bring your own stack of quarters to signal who got next.

Best perfume: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris

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Perfume-heads know that Baccarat Rouge 540 is a must-smell scent that’s almost $200 for 1.2 fluid ounces thanks to its use of Ambergris, a stabilizing ingredient in perfumery that comes from dried whale hairballs. We have Rihanna to thank for its popularity: She shouted it out on the red carpet, and the first 250-bottle run of the perfume sold out in one month versus the predicted six. This floral-meets-woody perfume is expensive, but smelling like Rihanna is priceless.

Best earrings: Amazon Collection IGI Platinum Round Cut Diamond Stud Earrings

Amazon

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They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. If you consider your life partner priceless, you certainly won’t mind paying close to $60,000 for these earrings. Sparkling silver-tone stud earrings cradle two four-karat round-cut diamonds that are nearly colorless. And these diamonds are conflict-free, meaning they do not finance war when mined. You’ll only feel guilty about the dent you’re about to put in your wallet.

Best for history buffs: 1884 S American Silver Morgan Dollar

MINT STATE GOLD

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Were your parents into collecting all the state quarters in the aughts? Take their collection to the next level with this rare American Silver Morgan Dollar with Illinois pedigree from 1884. If dropping almost $1 million doesn’t make you the favorite child, we’re not sure what will. You can always read the silly reviews of this thing to make yourself feel better.

The post Gifts to help your friends and family indulge in luxury appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best for kids		Lego Super Mario Adventures Starter Kit		SEE IT	Build your own Mario levels out of Lego, then bring them to life!
Best for gaming		HyperX Pulsefire Haste Gaming Mouse		SEE IT	A beautiful candle with a complex scent is always a great gift.
Best for Kitchen		Cuisinart SG-10 Spice Grinder		SEE IT	A spice grinder is a niche kitchen item, but would be a great gift for a chef expanding their horizons.

Giving gifts on a budget can get very tricky. Those small purchases can add up if you plan to spread holiday cheer widely. Plus, Christmas is almost here! It’s easy to overspend on a last-minute gift when you’re under the gun. Whether you need cheap gifts for co-workers and distant relatives, plan to attend a White Elephant holiday party with a price limit, or need to keep the spending down this year, this list has you covered with affordable gifts that will still arrive by Christmas. After all, the best gifts under $50 can make someone just as happy as a present that breaks the bank. 

• Best for kitchen: Cuisinart SG-10 Spice and Nut Grinder
• Best for stargazers: Antspirit Heat Changing Constellation Mug Coffee Mug
• Best for coffee lovers: Cometeer Flash-Frozen Coffee Pods
• Best for crafts: Wax Seal Stamp Kit
• Best locator: Apple AirTag
• Best kit for good vibes: Poj Studio Incense Kit
• Best for gaming: HyperX Pulsefire Haste Gaming Mouse
• Best for kids: LEGO Super Mario Starter Kit
• Best for home cooks: Maldon Sea Salt
• Best for home office: Logitech Studio Series Desk Mat
• Best water bottle: CamelBak Eddy+ Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
• Best for dog owners: Ruff Dawg The Ball XL
• Best portable charger: Anker Foldable Wall Charger
• Best candle: Paddywax Relish Lavender + Thyme Candle
• Best block charger: Kerf Wireless Charging Block
• Best for wordsmiths: MainEvent Felt Letter Board
• Best gaming subscriptions: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Nintendo Switch Online
• Best board game: Forbidden Desert
• Best 420-friendly: Shine 24k gold rolling papers
• Best for the backcountry (or backyard): Silipint Silicone Pint Glasses
• Best for DIYers: Milwaukee Stud 16-Foot Tape Measure
• Best speaker: Anker Soundcore 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

The best gifts under $50: Our picks

Best for kitchen: Cuisinart SG-10 Spice and Nut Grinder

Cuisinart

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A spice grinder acts as a mini blender to blitz whole seeds for spice mixes (or whole beans for your coffee). It’s one of those niche little kitchen tools that can really amplify certain kinds of cooking. You can get a decent model for extremely cheap, but Cuisinart’s SG-10 is frequently rated among the best. It isn’t going to change someone’s life, but it’s a great way to gift someone a luxurious version of a gift for the kitchen for less than $50.

Best for stargazers: Antspirit Heat Changing Constellation Mug Coffee Mug

Anspirit

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A gift that speaks to one passion is great. But one that incorporates two? Stellar! PopSci keeps a close eye on the cosmos, and we also appreciate coffee after some late-night stargazing. Antspirit’s Heat Changing Constellation Mug Coffee Mug allows you to combine the two. Pour your favorite warm beverage in the 12-ounce porcelain container, and behold: when it reaches 158 degrees Fahrenheit, the constellations will appear.

Best for coffee lovers: Cometeer Flash-Frozen Coffee Pods

Cometeer

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Take the hassle out of someone’s morning routine, whether you’re living through blistering heat or numbing cold. I’ve wanted to try Cometeer ever since they popped up on my Instagram feed. The flash-frozen, recyclable brew capsules not only produced a more balanced and complex flavor than most bland instant coffees, but they are insanely easy to make. Toss a pod or two in a glass of liquid (hot or cold), and you’re ready to go. I threw two pods into my to-go container with about 14 ounces of water and ice, shook, and it was ready to drink. Cometeer grinds the beans at their freshest, brews the coffee into a concentrate, and then flash freezes it. If you’re looking for an elevated quick fix in the morning, Cometeer is the way to go. Plus, a $20 off your first order promotion lets you gift—to someone or yourself—a mixed roast box of 32 pods for under $50 (though the recipient will need to customize, pause, or cancel the subscription after the initial shipment).

Best for crafts: Wax Seal Stamp Kit

Xiao

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If you have someone on your list who sends letters (or likes the idea of sending them), a wax seal will make their correspondence more luxurious and theatrical. Both of those are qualities that I, for one, would look for from a piece of physical mail in 2022 and beyond. As you might expect, the price of a seal can get very expensive, but this stamp kit costs less than $20 and comes with a set of either nature- or night sky-themed designs; two things that we love here at PopSci.

Best locator: Apple AirTag

Apple

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One of my favorite things about having an Apple Watch is that it lets me ping my phone to find it when I forget where I last put it down. The Apple AirTag, a small disc-shaped GPS tracker, lets you use your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to find other things. There are obvious applications, like your keys or luggage, but it’s really an easy way to keep track of any important stuff. While a single AirTag costs less $50, you can easily expand the gift (or team up with a friend) and buy an accessory to hold the tag, like a keychain.

Best kit for good vibes: Poj Studio Incense Kit

Poj Studio

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An incense-making kit offers a double dose of relaxation: The process provides fun activity, and your incense serves up a little aromatherapy. This kit from Poj Studio, which specializes in traditional Japanese crafts made with sustainable practices, comes in three scents, including Yuzu and Sakura. This is a great crafty gift for people who don’t have enough time to do crafty things: Making incense only takes 30 minutes of active work. (The incense has to dry for a couple of days after, but they’re just left on a shelf). It may be just over the $50 line, but this gift is great because almost anyone can enjoy it.

Best for gaming: HyperX Pulsefire Haste Gaming Mouse

HyperX

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Gaming-related gifts tend to be expensive, but you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a great gaming mouse. In fact, most of the best esports mice tend to be fairly affordable because they’re relatively stripped down. The HyperX Pulsefire Haste is one of my low-key favorite mice I’ve reviewed in the last couple of years, thanks to its comfortable shape and lightweight design.

Best for kids: LEGO Super Mario Starter Kit

LEGO

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Building with LEGO is a meditative, fun, and creatively rewarding pastime for kids and adults. Playing Super Mario games can also be meditative and fun for both kids and adults. (Let me have this one, please). Thus, this Super Mario-themed LEGO kit, which lets you build and play your own levels, is a perfect fusion of fun, relaxation, and creativity.

If LEGO Mario doesn’t sound like a great fit for your gift recipient’s personality, there’s a whole range of small-to-medium-sized LEGO kits that cost between $25-50, from a TIE Fighter from Star Wars to a Bonsai. They’d all be great gifts under $50 for anyone who’s a kid at heart.

Best for home chefs: Maldon Sea Salt

Maldon

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Edible gifts are a hard needle to thread because they’re ephemeral. You don’t want to send something that’s going to be devoured in an instant. You also don’t want to send something that might take so long to eat that it might go bad. Maldon Sea Salt, a luxury “finishing” salt, which you put on top of your cooking to make it look and taste extra fancy, solves this problem. It’s not for chowing down but for letting your favorite chef make their cooking feel a little more special.

Best for home office: Logitech Studio Series Desk Mat

Logitech

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As I’ve made abundantly clear, I love XXL mousepads. It gives you room to stretch out and wave your mouse around without worrying about wandering over the edge of your mousepad. This year, more and more non-gaming companies have been getting in on the trend, including Logitech, which just released a set of colorful ones as part of its creator-focused Studio series. Each of the three Studio Series mousepads matches one of the colorways for Logitech’s new Pop Keys wireless mechanical keyboard, which I like quite a bit.

Best water bottle: CamelBak Eddy+ Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

CamelBak

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I’m a huge fan of CamelBak’s water bottles, which are well-made and have that fancy nozzle that sprays water in your mouth when you bite down on it. This insulated stainless steel model is on the pricey side for a water bottle but that’s because it’s durable, making it a great gift for anyone who works out a lot or likes to carry a water bottle around to ensure they stay hydrated.

Best pet toy: Ruff Dawg The Ball XL

Ruff Dawg

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I heard about this Ruff Dawg toy from a friend who said he was impressed at how the ball, which is solid rubber, has held up during playtime with his girlfriend’s mini cavalier Bernedoodle. It comes in a few very bright neon colors, which makes it easy to spot in tall grass, and it’s apparently easy to clean. It checks all the boxes for a great gift under $50 for a person on your list who loves their dog more than anything … or your dog.

Best portable charger: Anker Foldable Wall Charger

Anker

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Most people have a bunch of USB power bricks lying around from old phones, smart home devices, and any number of chargeable peripherals. Quantity is nice, but quality is better. The Anker Foldable Wall Charger is a compact plug that lets users charge three devices simultaneously. It comes with two USB-C ports and one USB-A port and works with devices from the MacBook Pro to the Samsung Galaxy S22, the iPhone 14, and more.

Best candle: Paddywax Relish Lavender + Thyme Candle

Paddywax

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Paddywax is a fragrant, aesthetically pleasing candle and is one of those sub-$50 gifts that never goes out of style. For the person who loves and frequently buys candles, your choice can convey how well you know the person you’re shopping for. If they don’t … well, everyone could probably use more soothing smells daily. This Lavender and Thyme candle comes highly recommended for its fragrance and deep color. There’s a whole wide world of candles in every scent, color, and price you can imagine, so don’t be afraid to poke around and explore the space. 

Best block charger: Kerf Wireless Charging Block

Kerf

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Wireless charging is slowly taking over from its corded counterpart. It’s extremely convenient for desk and/or bedside phone charging. Instead of buying another hunk of black plastic to keep on the nightstand, Pennsylvania-based tech company Kerf makes sustainable phone peripherals out of locally sourced wood. This wireless charger, which is basically just a handsome block of wood, works with any Qi-compatible wireless charging devices, including Apple, Samsung, and Google Pixel phones.

Now, it’s worth pointing out that this pick comes with a detachable USB-C cable, but doesn’t include its power supply, so your giftee will need to retask a power brick for the charger. (You can buy one with a charger included for an extra $20). Kerf will also do custom engraving upon request. Even if you end up spending more than $50, this gift is a really nice way to elevate a fairly mundane aspect of someone’s everyday life.

Best for wordsmiths: MainEvent Felt Letter Board

MainEvent

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I’m going to say it: Letter boards are pretty fun. Rather than buying a picture or ornament with a generic saying on it, you get to decorate your home with a message of your own. This felt letter board is easy to use and fairly large (17 x 12 inches). There’s also a smaller and less expensive 10 x 10-inch square version if you need one to fit a tighter room (or budget).

Best gaming subscriptions: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 3-month subscription or Nintendo Switch Online 12-month subscription

Xbox

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Buying the best gifts for gamers is so complicated, am I right? Luckily, there is a relatively inexpensive way to give the gamer in your life more games over the holidays. Xbox and Nintendo Switch feature services that allow you to play multiplayer games online and offer up some free games, making them relatively foolproof gifts under $50.

Nintendo

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Nintendo Switch Online grants you access to a curated library of retro games from two of Nintendo’s classic consoles, the Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Nintendo Entertainment System. (There is also a more expensive Nintendo Switch Online “Expansion Pack” that adds games from more classic consoles, but you will need to give a Nintendo eShop gift card from your person to buy it themselves).

Xbox

SEE IT

My favorite of the three for Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which provides access to a Netflix-like library of over 100 games you can download and play whenever, including every Microsoft-published Xbox exclusive.

All of these services are fairly essential, so you may find that they already have active memberships, but you’re still sparing them the maintenance cost of the console, even if that’s the case.

Best board game: Forbidden Desert

Gamewright

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One of the Popular Science team’s favorite board games, Forbidden Desert is a cooperative experience for between two and five players, who must work together to explore an inhospitable desert to unearth treasure from the ruins of a forgotten city swallowed by the sands. Players systematically excavate each space on the board to find parts of a flying machine to win while contending with limited resources and obstacles like sandstorms that may block their path and slow the dig. If Forbidden Desert doesn’t sound like your cup of tea—though, c’mon—a board game is generally a great gift for families and people looking for a new group activity that gets you away from screens.

Best 420-friendly: Shine 24k gold rolling papers

Shine

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Look. You could use these SHINE rolling papers made of edible 24k gold for all kinds of things. I, personally, am recommending you give them to someone who smokes cannabis and lives in a state where it’s currently legal. The gold doesn’t really enhance the experience beyond its aesthetic appeal, but that’s not the point.

Best for the backcountry (or backyard): Silipint Silicone Pint Glasses

Silipint

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Silipint

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Broken glass is annoying to deal with at best and dangerous at worst, which is why Silipint’s Silicone Pint Glasses are a wonderful gift. The shatterproof “glasses” are 100% food-grade silicone, so they are completely safe, available in some cool psychedelic colors, and a fun-meets-functional way to cut down on the amount of plastic campers might use on their trip. Plus, pint glasses are the perfect size for beer, water, and everything in between—whether you’re remembering to leave no trace or just out back on the patio.

Best for DIYers: Milwaukee Stud 16-Foot Tape Measure

Milwaukee

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We highlighted the Milwaukee Stud because it’s extremely long and extremely durable. I think that, explicitly or not, most people assume tools will last and last, but that isn’t always the case, especially if you use them a lot and don’t invest in the best. The Stud could be a “forever pick,” though, even for a master craftsman.

Best for music lovers on the move: Anker Soundcore 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Anker

SEE IT

It’s always nice to have the best portable Bluetooth speaker on hand, just in case some friends come over or you want to take your party outside. The Anker Soundcore 3 is our budget portable speaker of choice, with 24 hours of battery life, an IPX7 water resistance rating, and decent sound quality. There’s always room to spend more money on great audio, but this is a great gift under $50 for anyone who occasionally wants to turn a gathering into a party.

Don’t see the perfect present? We’ve collected 50+ more great gifts $50 and under.

The post These last-minute gifts under $50 will impress everyone on your list appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.