Here are some popular best-seller favorites of mine to give as gifts… for pet lovers, cooks, kids, travelers, and more!
Got a favorite gift to give not listed below? Let me know in the comments below!
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BEST GIFTS FOR PET LOVERS
Apple Airtags
I continue to use the new Apple AirTag by putting one on our dog’s collar. She goes out everyday with a pack of dogs hiking. Sure enough, I can pick up my iPhone and see where she is with incredible accuracy on the Find My app. Bummer that it doesn’t work for Android though. Best $29 spent all year.
Apple Keyring
While there are a ton of keyrings out there, we are currently loving Apple’s official keyring.
BEST GIFTS FOR COOKS & THOSE WHO LIKE TO ENTERTAIN
Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer
This affordable perfectly sized appliance will fry with air instead of fat grease. There is a smaller version, a larger version and this one which I think feels just right. A 6 Quart capacity is generous enough to fit 2 pounds of fries or a 4-pound chicken. The Instant Pot Vortex scores over 30,000 4 and 5-star ratings on Amazon.
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Secura Electric Wine Opener, Automatic Electric Wine Bottle Corkscrew Opener with Foil Cutter, Rechargeable
Nothing better than popping open a nice chilled Rose or White bottle this time of year using this go to super easy electric wine bottle opener with foil cutter. (I keep a couple extra on hand for gifts). Everyone we give these to wows over them. Clean stainless steel design that will give you about 30 bottles opened on a single charge. I keep the charger in the same kitchen drawer as bottle stoppers and drink accessories. It’s powerful and lights up while unscrewing a cork. Available here.
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Double-Wall Wine Glass set
Best birthday gift ever. I just celebrated my 40+ something big day and was given these amazing insulated double-wall wine glasses. The technology in the borosilicate glass is high quality and keeps temp cool on my Chardonnay and beer despite saying Red wine glasses. They work for any drink. And yes, they are dishwasher safe and don’t leave sweat rings on the table. Available here.
Margaritaville Bahamas Frozen Drink Maker
I recently went over to see one of my best friends, Chuck, on the beach having a small gathering for dinner. He’s an outstanding chef and knows how to entertain so it was curious to see his addition to his bar at the start of the evening.
It was this amazing margarita maker that made the most delicious frozen drinks in an instant. My wow was heard out loud and the smile of the host was loud and clear. It’s time to have some fun. This magical margarita invention got us there. Available here.
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BEST GIFTS FOR THOSE WHO LOVE TO TRAVEL
SleepPhones Wireless Sleep Headphones
Designed by a doctor, SleepPhones aim to be the world’s most comfortable, bed-friendly headphones. Wear a onesie, put on these SleepPhones, and you are set for a great slumber. If you need to sleep comfortably all snuggled up warm for the rest of the night without any disturbances, this is the gadget for you! The speakers inside the fabric headband adjust for the right fit. Hold the power button for 5 seconds to pair SleepPhones to your phone or any Bluetooth device. Remove from velcro enclosure before machine washing the headband. Recharge with the included micro-USB.
What I really like are the 12 hours of various sleep recordings on YouTube like White Noise. I’m already a big fan of a little-known wellness music app called Calm Radio that has soothing channels of commercial-free music like Spa and nature. They really help with anyone trying to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer without being awoken by snoring in the middle of the night. I sleep like a baby and cannot wait to take the SleepPhones to go on a long-haul flight.
SleepPhones are comfortable, easy to use, and have volume controls built into the band’s Bluetooth module for easy adjustment. For those who sleep warm, try the fleece fabric. Breeze fabric headband is more breathable and moisture-wicking especially if you decide to use it for exercise like running. Available on Amazon.
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Eagle Creek Pack-It Compression Sac Set
Go for the Medium & Large set which you’ll get more use from and offers the best value.
The medium size goes with you onboard for compressing a travel pillow and blanket from home. I never believe that the ones offered by the airline sealed in plastic are really germ-free. The large one is for your folded clothes to pack for a trip in your luggage.
I’m not kidding when I say that I can stack a rectangle of a week’s worth of clothes for travel in the large compression sac. The trick is folding the stack in the right size so that you can snug it into the compression bag. Making the edges as neat as possible keeps everything wrinkle-free….even a suit jacket. Sit on the full compression sac to expel as much air and then zip it up. You can fit an incredible amount into your carry-on or checked bag. Available on Amazon.
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BEST GIFTS FOR THOSE WHO LOVE TO CAMP, FISH, HUNT, & HIKE
Trauma First Aid Kit with Survival Gear
This military-grade first-aid system is great for travel, camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and anywhere you go. If you want to be ready for anything that can happen, this is the go-to kit that you can keep with your military sunglasses. I keep one in each car. What I love is that it not only has all of the first aid essentials, it also packs in outdoor emergency survival equipment including a compass bracelet, SAM splint, and an emergency blanket. If you feel you want to add more to this that you know the recipient will love, try something else – a cool gadget like a survival pen from https://knowpreparesurvive.com/gear/best-tactical-pens/. Small but handy gadgets like these are likely to come with any military-grade kit, although you can also buy them separately!
The outdoor survival kit is made with durable double-layer waterproof military 1000D nylon and quick-release velcro panel. Take this ultimate first responder kit into any weather. On the advice of an EMT friend, I added into my kit this QuikClot clotting gauze after learning it’s the best to have on hand to keep you alive in case of an accident involving a heavy gash. I keep an extra in my glove compartment. Available on Amazon.
NOMADIQ Portable Propane Gas Grill
Swap out your briefcase, handbag and backpack for the NomadIQ Portable Propane Grill that totes around easily. At 12.3 pounds this super lightweight tabletop BBQ grill can go anywhere outside. I keep one in the back of my SUV near the spare tire. (Yes, it fits easily). Also consider adding some more outdoor cooking gear like a knife set or utensils that you can get in outdoor stores like rei burbank or their website, along with this excellent grill. Swing by the grocery store for steaks, hot dogs, burgers, chicken, or fish and within 60 seconds you could be grilling. Dual burners are serious and accompanied by a portable propane tank (you can definitely get your fix at companies like kellypropane.com) – the quality is a winner. It might as well be your way to delicious outdoor cooking! I’d like to meet the genius designer who’s obviously not just smart but a foodie. Get it here.
Emergency Weather Radio Portable Power Bank with Solar Charging, Hand Crank & Battery Operated, SOS Alarm, AM/FM & LED Flashlight for Outdoor Emergency
Let the 17,953 high reviews tell the story. This emergency weather radio, portable power bank with solar charging, hand crank charging, SOS alarm, AM/FM radio, LED Flashlight should be in your emergency prep kit. Imagine the power you have to recharge your phone when all else has failed. This $30 survival tech tool could save you and your family. They’ve introduced a newer model I have yet to test simply because I love the tried and true one so much. Get it here.
Blavor Solar Charger Power Bank Charger
When it comes to emergency preparedness, the Blavor Solar Charger Power Bank with 4 outputs is what I use. It’s my failsafe for deep trouble in life when not even a car battery is available to keep your mobile phone up and running. It’s waterproof, has a solar charger bank and has a bright flashlight with an added compass. The 18-watt fast charging power bank can attach to the outside of a backpack and also simply set outside in view of the sky.
BEST GIFTS FOR KIDS
Ninja Bots Battling Robots 2 Pack
These innovative playful fighting robots got me laughing unexpectedly and everybody at home smiling ear to ear. Ninja Bots are hilarious and fun battling robots for kids ages 6 and up. You arm them for interactive battle with a pick of weapons including a hammer, spatula, boot on a rope. Children train them using hand gestures to become better fighters.
And using weapon recognition they’ll respond with different sounds and phrases depending on the weapon. Equipped with IR sensors, it’s up to children to train their Ninja Bots with hand gestures to become better fighters and level up four belts, from white to black belt! Available on Amazon.
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“Present Pets” unbox themselves!
Getting massive top ratings, Present Pets is a new, imaginative toy packed with innovation, love and barking excitement. It all starts with the unboxing event. Unwrap the outer box, tear the perforated part of the inner box, pull the tab on top and watch as the puppy busts out of the box on her own.
These soft interactive puppies are wrapped in a truly magical unboxing experience the whole family will love, as the child pulls the oversized gift tag sparking the pup inside to bark and paw its way out of the box.
After about two minutes of box-shaking anticipation and heart-bursting excitement the front of the box will topple down revealing one of two possible pups, adding another layer of surprise and delight to this toy! Available on Amazon.
Nostalgia LSM400 Indoor Electric S’mores Maker
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Click to jump to these sections:
- Cooks and those who like to entertain
- Kid Gifts
- Outdoors: Campers, Fishers, Hunters, Hikers
- Pet Lovers
- Summer Gadgets and Gear
- Travelers
Got a favorite gift to give not listed below? Let me know in the comments below!
Additional gift ideas from Kurt: