In need of holiday gift ideas? Don't wait until the last minute this year, especially if your shopping list includes hot holiday items such as Baby Yoda or the newest Apple smartwatch. From small kitchen appliances to novelty throws, we expect these 30 items to be among the most coveted gifts for 2022.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
$170 from Amazon
The brand behind the original line of multitasking multicookers just released this new Instant Pot that trumps all others. Why? When connected to the Instant Brands Connect app, home chefs can access a library of more than 1,500 smart recipes. Once a recipe is chosen, the app acts like a sous chef, guiding you through each step of the Instant Pot cooking process until dinner is ready for the table. Other features include mobile monitoring, a delayed start time, and more.
$399 and up from Amazon
The latest iteration of Apple's popular smartwatch does everything its predecessors do and more. The screen is also 20% larger. While we expect this newest watch to be hard to find, older models will be a staple of Black Friday sales.
Related: The Best 12 Days of Christmas Ornaments to Start a Holiday Tradition
Various prices from Amazon
Last year, the Star Wars The Child Animatronic Edition was the hot toy, selling out early and often. That will probably be the case again this year, but there are other fun Baby Yoda dolls, plushes, and other toys that will be popular.
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$89 from Walmart
Air fryers are nothing new; they've been a go-to gift for years now. What is new is the line of small kitchen appliances endorsed by Drew Barrymore. We love the sleek appearance of this air fryer, which stands out in a sea of lookalikes, and reviewers give it high marks.
$35 from Amazon
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Welcome to 2022, when a bidet is not a gag gift. Pandemic-proof the toilet paper supply of friends or loved ones with this compact dual-nozzle bidet attachment, designed for a low-stress, do-it-yourself installation.
$63 from Amazon
People sure have been stressed during the pandemic, and safe toys such as Nerf launchers are an easy way for the whole family to blow off steam and have fun. As in 2020, we expect Nerf's newest toys, including the Flipshots Flip-32 Blaster, to be a hot item at stores.
$849 from Amazon
The latest advance in robotic vacuums: self-emptying cleaners. When the Roomba's dirt cup is full, it returns to home base to empty itself, then resumes vacuuming. It's programmed to avoid pet messes and objects such as headphones that fall to the floor, and it's compatible with Alexa voice controls.
$400 and up from Target
Last year, PlayStations were impossible to find because they were the hot new gaming console. This year, they're still hard to find due to ongoing computer chip shortages and other supply issues. If you can find one (and that's a big if), grab it before it's gone.
$40 from Amazon
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Has 2022 left you feeling a little ... stressed? This heated massager has eight deep-kneading nodes, and it’s easy to adjust the heat level, speed, and direction. “Love is not a strong enough word,” one owner raves.
$69 and up from Amazon
Interactive toys that reveal a second toy have been all the rage for the past few holiday seasons (think Blume Dolls and LOL Surprise toys) and toy experts say Magical Mixies are going to be this year's must-have item. We believe it: Most retailers are already sold out.
$35 from Amazon
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This cult-favorite hot air brush is a perennial top seller among Cheapism readers and Amazon buyers alike. Reviewers say it makes salon-perfect hair attainable at home and is far easier to manage than a traditional hair dryer. Keep an eye on the price; we've seen it fluctuate by $10 or more during the holidays.
$9 and up from Amazon
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Let’s be honest: Loungewear is still what they’d want to wear even if they weren’t staying home more than usual. These trendy joggers with plenty of Spandex come in a ton of colors and are a bit more forgiving than tighter leggings and workout pants.
$200 from Amazon
Legos are a popular gift item year in and year out, but it's not just the kid-focused products such as the latest Harry Potter-themed Lego kit that may sell out. Lego's Constructor line of building kits is aimed at older kids and grown-ups, with challenging models to build — including this clever manual typewriter, which contains 2,079 pieces.
$25 from Amazon
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An Etch-a-Sketch might not cut it for kids used to colorful tablets, but this snazzy light-up board is a modern alternative. The reusable surface is compatible with washable gel markers, and a removable panel lets little perfectionists trace designs. Best of all, there’s no mess.
$200 from Amazon
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Buying for someone with limited outdoor space? They can bring their grilling game inside with this Ninja Foodi that can also air fry, bake, and roast. Smoke-control technology will keep their smoke detector happy, and nonstick parts are removable and easy to clean.
Related: Gifts for Foodies
$100 from Amazon
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Spare your favorite coffee lover the indignity of microwaving that half-finished cup over and over again. The Ember will bring it to the perfect temperature and keep it there, even sending a message to a smartphone when ready. (Too pricey? Mr. Coffee’s less-flashy mug warmer is an option too.)
Related: Perk ’em Up With These Great Gifts for Coffee Lovers
$350 from Amazon
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Looking for a “wow” gift for someone who’s been very, very good this year? The Bartesian is a must for any cocktail lover who misses being able to relax at their favorite bar. Making a drink is as easy as pressing a button, and users say the results are much better than you might expect from such a flashy gizmo.
Related: Gifts for Men Who Have Everything
$11 from Amazon
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For better or worse, we’re calling it: This is the hottest stocking stuffer for 2022. Made of brass alloy, this little key-ring gadget can take on touchscreens, keypads, elevator buttons, and even door handles, keeping your fingers clean. It comes with a retractable carabiner.
Related: 75 Gifts That Are Made in America
$40 from Amazon
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Another Cheapism favorite, the burrito blanket remains a trendy textile. It's 5 feet in diameter, printed on both sides, and made from soft microfiber fabric that will make the lucky giftee want to wrap up like a ... well, you know.
$33 from Amazon
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If you’re thinking of wrapping up some clothing, the name of the game these days is comfort. This open cardigan is soft and versatile, cozy enough for around the house but polished enough to dress up with boots and denim. Owners say it’s super snuggly, with a generous draped fit.
Related: Pajamas, Sweatpants, and Leisure Wear Perfect for Working From Home
$100 from Best Buy
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Smart speakers are another staple of holiday sales, so bargains will abound. Buy based on need. Unlike many competing devices, this device prioritizes premium sound, but it still has all the smart-speaker functions a smart home needs, including the ability to control Google Assistant-compatible devices.
$149 from Amazon
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No green thumbs are required for hydroponic gardening — only a love of convenience and fresh herbs. This Aerogarden comes with everything they need for their first harvest: six gourmet seed pods, LED grow lights, and plant food.
$80 from Amazon
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The best gift of all: being able to sleep in heavenly peace. Help boost someone’s chances with this app-connected white noise machine. It has a real fan inside, which means a more authentic sound than tinny recordings. Tone and volume are adjustable, and users can set schedules and timers with their smartphone.
$130 from Gravity
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In past years, weighted blankets have been a hot item. Will this be the year for weighted wearables such as this robe from Gravity? The removable 3-pound weighted wrap inside the collar is just enough to promote relaxation, but not so much that it feels too heavy to wear around the house.
$25 from Amazon
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A family-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity? Finally, something fun to come out of extra time spent at home. The decidedly adult content has been subbed out in favor of fart jokes and similar silliness.
$150 from Amazon
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Indoor play places may still be off-limits this winter, so get creative if you’re buying for kids (and their stressed-out parents). This innovative set turns a sturdy doorway into a swing, ladder, rope, trapeze, or rings, and it can hold up to 300 pounds.
Related: The Coolest Fort-Building Kits to Buy the Kids This Year
$80 from Amazon
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If you know a puzzle addict, a dedicated puzzle board is a thoughtful gift because it will let them take back their kitchen table. Four integrated sliding drawers help with sorting and storage, and they can move the board wherever they want to work. Looking for a cheaper option? A puzzle roll is even more portable.
Related: Incredibly Fun Toys for Adults
$13 from Target
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Got a baby on your list? They’re never too young for Taco Tuesday (although perhaps the margaritas will have to wait). This adorable set of baby toys includes a crinkly taco, an avocado rattle, and lemon and lime clackers.
Related: 30 Holiday Gifts for New Parents
$80 from Amazon
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Splurge? Yes. Worth it? According to the lucky men who own them, absolutely. As one says, “I love these slippers. More than my own metaphorical (and hypothetical) children. I love these slippers like an old friend that has always been there for you.” Made of water-resistant suede with a soft wool lining, they also have a rubber sole durable enough for out-of-the-house wear.
$26 from Whiskey River Soap Co.
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If you’re stuck for a gift idea, this hilarious candle that acknowledges the trainwreck that is the pandemic is sure to be a winner. If this one doesn’t strike the right note, be sure to check out the rest of the not-entirely-safe-for-work options.
$20 from Amazon
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Sure, it’s a bit on the nose, but buyers say this cooperative board game that challenges players to stop disease outbreaks and epidemics around the world is as challenging as it is fun. “When you win, you come away feeling like the hero of an apocalyptic movie, saving the world in the very nick of time,” raves one player. Count us in.
