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December 12, 2024

Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter

A great please-almost-anyone gift? This delightfully mini speaker. One of our experts’ favorites, it has a rugged design and small dimensions—it’s about the size of an overly stuffed wallet—that make it a joy to tuck in your pocket or toss in your tote when it’s time to go.

But don’t be fooled: It defies its size with satisfyingly robust sound and volume—perfect for adding tunes to cozy weeknight dinners, soccer-practice sidelines, or holiday parties. Plus? It’s under $50, so it’s a great entry-level gift for even the tune-blasting novice.

The best tiny, ultra-portable speaker→

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Rozette Rago/NYT Wirecutter

When it comes to surprising the music aficionado in your life with a new gizmo, the sea of technological jargon can make it difficult to know where to start. Luckily, our audio experts have spent hundreds of hours vetting headphones, speakers, and more, so you can choose the best (actually useful) gifts for the audiophile in your life.

Pass them the aux cord. Then one of these gifts→

This at-home lead-testing kit gives immediate, glow-in-the-dark results Spray your test object, pass the flashlight over the surface, and watch the presence of lead light up in bright green→

You’re probably measuring your pet’s food wrong Here’s how to get it right→

The best shower caddy Keep your toiletries wonderfully tidy→

Our brand-new guide to sleeper sofas After a months-long search, we found three actually comfortable options→

Photo illustration by NYT Wirecutter; source photo by iStock/Yaroslav Myronov

You probably have a few of these on your list: picky friends, fussy relatives, someone who already has everything they want. This week, The Wirecutter Show tackles advice on what to give that one person who feels impossible to buy a gift for.

For the wife with impeccable taste: perhaps a linen robe or a pick from our guide to best personalized gifts. And for the best friend who lives in a studio apartment: something utilitarian and delicious, like a tea subscription service.

Need help finding a gift for someone you know?

Submit a question to our gifting experts here→

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