Holiday Gift Guide: Top Picks for Everyone on Your List in 2025

The festive season brings joy and excitement but also the challenge of finding the perfect presents for everyone from family to colleagues. Choosing thoughtful gifts can feel daunting amidst the abundant options and deceptive deals prevalent as holidays draw near. Engadget provides comprehensive guides to simplify your gift-shopping, ensuring each selection brings happiness to your loved ones.

Unexpected Gifts for White Elephant Exchange

Inspired by the myth where the King of Siam used extravagant elephants to levy ruinous upkeep on displeased courtiers, the white elephant exchange is now a popular tradition. The tales may not be entirely factual, but they've led to fun gift-giving exchanges. Our suggested gifts are quirky enough to amuse and ever so slightly burden their new owners—perfect for this amusing holiday exercise.

Thoughtful Choices for Secret Santa

Selecting an ideal Secret Santa gift can be surprisingly complex. It should be meaningful yet light-hearted, helpful but not dull, all while remaining within budget. With clever and unique finds under $50, you'll discover items that cater to diverse personalities, ensuring grins and gratefulness all around, whether it’s for a casual colleague, a long-time friend, or a distant relative.

Top Tech and Gadget Gifts

Tech enthusiasts can be hard to shop for, but not if you have insider insights from Engadget. We've compiled a selection of the most impressive gadgets and gear guaranteed to delight the tech lovers in your social circles. These selections, chosen by our tech-savvy team, highlight the very best innovations that are sure to impress even the most tech-obsessed individuals.

Engaging Board Games for All Ages

Board games offer an excellent way to disconnect from screens and enjoy engaging interaction with friends and family. Whether it’s challenging word puzzles, intricate mystery games, or soothing playthroughs that celebrate life's small joys, our recommended games cover a variety of interests. There’s something for everyone, whether you're battling fictional monsters or solving mysteries in haunted settings.

Budget-Friendly Gifts Under $25

Gifting doesn't have to break the bank. Affordable, yet valuable presents exist, especially within the tech realm. You can find small gadgets that are practical and enjoyable, avoiding those destined to gather dust in storage. We've curated a collection of nifty items under $25 that are perfect for sticking to a gift budget while ensuring your present is well-received and cherished.

Affordable Gifts Under $50

Shopping around the holidays often means finding the best deals. You might assume only high-end tech makes suitable gifts, but we know invaluable tech does not have to be expensive. We've identified hidden gems that deliver both quality and affordability, perfectly fit to surprise and satisfy tech lovers without extending your budget.

Gifts for Tech Enthusiasts Under $100

Finding unique tech gifts under $100 requires understanding the recipient’s needs and filling gaps they don't know they have. Our selection features standout items from leading brands like Apple, Samsung, and Sony that blend dependability with innovation. Though these are our favorites, you can find equally excellent alternatives perfect for anyone who appreciates brand prestige.

Exciting Tech Toys for the Young

This year’s toy lineup is as inventive as ever, providing endless fun for children. Our picks, all under $100, are designed to entertain and educate, bringing joy long after opening. These toys are carefully selected to deliver excitement upon unveiling while offering lasting enjoyment throughout the holiday season and beyond.

Practical Gifts for Remote Workers

With remote working becoming increasingly common, consider gifts that enhance a home office's productivity and comfort. Overcome work-from-home difficulties, like equipment shortages and distractions, with our selection of tech-savvy gifts that bring convenience and harmony to a home office setting for your WFH acquaintances.

Travel Gifts for Adventurous Spirits

Traveling is often a delight but can be taxing. Make journeys smoother with practical travel gifts that alleviate stress for those who love exploring. Engadget offers guidance on ideal gifts for the traveler in your life, whether they’re globe-trotting or embarking on local adventures.

Perfect Present for Nintendo Enthusiasts

Nintendo fans celebrate iconic figures like Mario and Donkey Kong across various generational consoles. Outside gaming, an expanding universe of themed merchandise offers endless gift options. Our favorite picks should delight any Nintendo enthusiast, providing more than just gaming but enriching their everyday life with beloved Nintendo features.

Nostalgic Gifts for Retro Gamers

While the gaming world continually evolves, some yearn for vintage experiences. Instead of scouring for old game cartridges, explore our selection of retro-themed presents perfect for the nostalgic gamer, from upscaling devices to themed literature and artistic displays.

Essential Gifts for Gamers

The gaming landscape in 2025 is booming, making gift selection challenging amidst plentiful titles and devices. Diving into our expert-curated guide eliminates indecision, directing you toward ideal gifts that engage and enthuse any gamer, making your present both thoughtful and delightful.

Ideal Gifts for Moms

Moms may often claim to want nothing, but thoughtful, personal gifts always warm their hearts. Our selection includes unique tech gifts that stand out from standard gifts of candles and bath bombs, demonstrating both thoughtfulness and understanding of your mom’s preferences.

Tailored Gifts for Dads

Gift shopping for dads is tricky, particularly for self-sufficient ones. Yet, unique, practical goodies exist that can pleasantly surprise even the most prepared dad. Explore our dads' gift ideas collection, which suits everyone from the tech-averse to the gadget enthusiast perfectly.

Surprising Subscription Box Gifts

Subscription boxes make cherished gifts, offering a succession of surprises long after the holidays. They cater to all interests, from gadgets and books to clever DIY projects. Each box delivers fresh delight with its reveal, continually revitalizing the experience and enduring pleasure through surprise unboxings.

Unique Gifts for Culinary Enthusiasts

Home kitchens become vibrant with innovative and indispensable cooking gear. While luxurious gadgets aren't necessities, they make kitchen endeavors more delightful. Our recommendations highlight essential and premium tools that culinary fans might not purchase themselves yet will enhance their kitchen experiences.

Perfect Picks for Coffee Aficionados

In the coffee-making journey, aficionados constantly explore new methods and tools. Whether your giftee is new to artisanal brews or invested in refining their coffee rituals, our curated list includes diverse yet fitting choices for enhancing their brewing endeavors and complementing any coffee connoisseur's collection.

Innovative Gadgets for Pet Lovers

Pets bring joy to households, making devices for their care equally delightful. With offerings ranging from simple blankets to advanced cameras, our gift guide identifies perfect gadgets that enhance pet owners' experiences by making pet management fun and easy for both two-legged and four-legged family members.