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The Express Gazette
Saturday, December 27, 2025

Gift picks go from wish list to repeat purchase as holiday shoppers race to finish gifting

A HuffPost roundup spotlights 26 items reviewers love enough to buy again as gifts, with Christmas delivery in focus.

Gift picks go from wish list to repeat purchase as holiday shoppers race to finish gifting

As holiday shopping tightens, a HuffPost Home & Living roundup of 26 gifts highlights items reviewers loved so much they’re buying them again for friends and family. The selection centers on dependable gifts likely to ship in time for Christmas when purchased promptly, giving shoppers a clearer path to check off lists without the stress of late deliveries.

Spanning kitchen gadgets, games, decor and small-business staples, the lineup includes a Jeopardy! day-to-day calendar for 2026; a Yonanas fruit soft-serve maker that turns frozen fruit into a creamy dessert; a PopLite personal popcorn maker for movie-night snacks in minutes; and a Lego flower bouquet that offers a long-lasting alternative to fresh blooms. Other repeat gifts include “You Need To Calm Down”: A Coloring Book for Swifties, with a second Reputation-style edition for more intense fans, and a hummingbird feeder from Sweet Feeders that brings a garden visit to the kitchen window. Glow-in-the-dark lightsaber chopsticks offer a playful twist for meals, while a set of Globbles provides a stress-relief fidget experience that families reuse year after year. A Mason jar–inspired cold brew maker helps friends save time and money, and Hues And Cues remains a favorite party game for players of varying ages because it’s easy to learn and hard to put down.

A moody nightlight, a retro-style portable Bluetooth keyboard and a five-year One Line A Day journal round out the list of everyday gifts that reviewers say people actually want again. These items illustrate a trend in which practical, thoughtful, and shareable experiences become repeat gifts—the kind of goods that family and friends are excited to pass along to others when the season arrives.

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm has become a TikTok-fueled lip moisturizer that reviewers say lasts and keeps lips hydrated, while Lulu Candles offers a small-business scented experience reminiscent of a luxury fragrance line in a cozy, affordable form. A shaved sheep plushie has charmed many as a desk-side companion, and a snap-on pasta strainer is praised for its convenience and durability across pots and pans. The Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza card game from Dolphin Hat Games is highlighted for fast-paced family play that spans generations, often becoming a communal favorite during gatherings. A stable, fully adjustable tablet floor stand and a wireless karaoke microphone are noted for solid build quality and versatile gift appeal, and a retro Bluetooth speaker designed to resemble a mini radio has drawn praise for its charm and portability.

Other entries include an organic cat grass kit with its own kitty-shaped mug; a marble board wire cheese cutter that doubles as decor and kitchen tool; a mushroom growing kit that yields fresh mushrooms right in the packaging; a projection alarm clock with a ceiling display; and a penguin-shaped egg cooker that makes six eggs at once on the stove. The notes emphasize that many picks come from small or mid-sized brands and gain momentum through social videos and enthusiastic reviews, underscoring a gift economy where whimsy meets practicality across homes.

The roundup also spotlights gifts that blend utility with entertainment value, appealing to households seeking affordable, shareable experiences. Some items ride social-media waves, while others are rooted in durable design or niche interests—what remains constant is the urging that shoppers act quickly to secure delivery by Christmas. Several products are tied to small businesses or creators, offering buyers a chance to support independent makers while diversifying holiday gifting beyond mass-market staples. This convergence of culture, commerce and community is emblematic of how Culture & Entertainment continues to influence gift choices—from home décor to game night staples, and from tangible objects to experiences that make social gatherings memorable.

Shoppers who want the best chance of delivery before Christmas are urged to check seller ETA estimates and consider expedited options. The roundup’s core message is simple: these are gifts buyers love enough to purchase again, suggesting confidence in quality and usefulness. With demand high and a wide range of price points, these items offer a mix of instantly usable goods and whimsy that can fit many holiday budgets and households. For anyone shopping for friends, family or coworkers, the takeaway is clear: repeat-loved gifts deliver both practical value and shared joy during the season.

Penguin egg cooker and related items


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