The Popular Science Holiday Gift Guide

The holiday season is slowly creeping up, and if you’re the type of person who likes to knock their holiday shopping out before the stress of shipping deadlines looms large, we’ve got you covered. We’ve collected the absolute best gifts for everybody in your life, regardless of their interests or your budget. Need a quick idea for the lapsed gamer in your life? Or the person always complaining about their old earbuds conking out at the worst possible time? You’ll find what you’re looking for below. We’ll be continually updating this story with new gift ideas every week, so be sure to check back in if you need a last-minute gift idea or even more inspiration.

Nintendo Switch $299

The Nintendo Switch is still the gift we recommend for the gamer in your life. Nintendo—and plenty of third-party developers—have continued to stack the system’s library with impressive games year after year. There’s arguably never been a better time to pick up the Switch, thanks to the deep bench of titles. The Switch’s biggest feature, however, is that it’s a hybrid console. The person you gift it to can take it with them on the go and play their game library on the Switch’s 7-inch HD screen, then pop it onto a dock to continue playing on a TV. The switch (get it?) between handheld and home gaming is seamless, and the console comes with a pair of Joy-Con controllers, which can be used simultaneously by one person or individually to play multiplayer games. The option to play multiplayer games with someone at the drop of the hat when you’re outside your home is compelling, especially because of the Switch’s built-in kickstand, which allows you to angle it upward without using another accessory. The Nintendo Switch is still the easiest current-generation console to recommend, and if the gamer you’re shopping for already has one, we recommend checking out our guide to the system’s best games. (Looking for a more vivid experience and willing to spend a little more money? Check out the $350 Switch OLED.)

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation $169

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Apple’s latest earbuds are a great gift for anyone who needs active noise cancellation to concentrate but feels uncomfortable keeping gummy-tipped earbuds in their ears. The AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation have an all-new design, so they’ll fit comfortably in even more ears. They have a hard-shell design, which means they don’t create a tight seal around the ear, which can bother some people. However, they do support active noise cancellation and can significantly reduce certain sounds like airplane engine noise or idling cars, which makes traveling and exercising outside more comfortable. These design changes and feature improvements were welcome, but Apple also improved the audio hardware, so music, podcasts, and audiobooks sounded uniformly excellent. You can read our full review for more in-depth information, but the latest AirPods are the best earbuds to gift this year.

Kindle Paperwhite $159

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Shopping for a reader who’s on the fence about e-books? Amazon’s latest Kindle Paperwhite was just released, and it’s our go-to eReader recommendation. The device has a 7-inch high-resolution display, so text will look crisp and almost paperlike while reading. Amazon has upgraded the processor, which means pages turn more quickly, making it easier to move through books more seamlessly. The biggest benefit readers will find when using a Kindle is the ability to move an entire library around with them. The Paperwhite can hold thousands of books, and its battery is designed to last for weeks between charges. Amazon says the Kindle store has over 15 million titles available, so they can pick up the latest titles as they’re released while catching up on classics, too. The new Kindle Paperwhite is even equipped with backlights that will automatically adjust itself based on the amount of ambient light in the room, so reading sessions that move from day to night won’t get interrupted.

Ultimate Ears EVERBOOM $249

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Ultimate Ears’ EVERBOOM is one of the best Bluetooth speakers we’ve tested this year, and it’s a great gift for the music lover in your life. Even though it’s smaller than the $299 EVERBOOM, it still provides ample bass without reducing the quality of midrange and high frequencies, so songs sound just right. Ultimate Ears’ Boom app—available on iOS and Android—allows you to use your smartphone’s microphone to speak over the music like a DJ. One of the EVERBOOM’s most travel-friendly features is its IP67 durability rating, meaning it can survive being dunked underwater for several minutes or used in a dusty environment without being damaged. Gigantic volume buttons on the speaker’s face make it easy to turn the tunes up or down when necessary without a second thought. The EVERBOOM is a great gift for people who host, spend lots of time at the beach and pool, or want to take a great-sounding speaker with them on the go. (Got a friend who is an avid cyclist or hiker? Consider the easily attachable $79 UE MINIROLL for them to take with them on adventures.)

Ninja SLUSHi $299

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The Ninja SLUSHi is one of the most innovative appliances we’ve seen in quite some time and is a great gift for people who love to host. Your giftee can use the SLUSHi to make milkshakes, margaritas, and other frozen treats in as little as fifteen minutes with very few ingredients. In fact, some recipes only require a single ingredient, which is especially helpful in a pinch. We’ve tested the SLUSHi, and can confirm it makes a surprisingly good vanilla milkshake and frozen soda drink with basically the push of a button. It was also remarkably easy to clean. Many of the SLUSHi’s pieces are removable, and the appliance itself has a “clean” function that allows you to run warm water through its tank to clean some fixed pieces. If you’re stumped on what to get that friend with the “complete kitchen,” this gift will blow their mind.

Rumpl Back Country Puffy Blanket $150

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This super-packable blanket is built for serious trips into the wilderness, but it’s also a fantastic thing to chuck in your car or bring with you on just about any trip. This 52” x 75” blanket rolls up neatly into an included bag. It weighs just under 1.5 pounds, and it smushes down into just about any space thanks to the Nanoloft insulation. The shell has a PFAS-free water-resistant layer, so you can set it down on the wet ground and have a picnic without getting your sandwiches or Patagonia Baggy Shorts soggy. Integrated cape clips let you wear the blanket like a cape without having to hold it shut with your hands. Plus, the whole thing is machine-washable. There are cheaper models, like the Original Puffy Blanket, but if you’re giving a gift, you might as well go with the top-of-the-line. Plus, the Back Country puffy blanket comes in a ton of cool colorways to match anyone’s style.

Tushy Wave Non-Electric Bidet $189

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If you want to improve someone’s life drastically with a single gift, a bidet is the way to go. This non-electric model hooks up directly to the water supply, so it doesn’t require batteries or an outlet to work. That makes setup simple and opens it up to many different bathroom layouts. It has a dual-flow spout for comprehensive cleaning and a simple knob to control water pressure. A quick-release button makes it easy to take off for deep cleaning, and a soft-close feature prevents the seat and lid from slamming down. You can pick either a round or elongated model, depending on what kind of toilet you have.  

DJI Neo Drone $199

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It’s typically hard to recommend a drone as a gift. Most of the good ones are really expensive, and the cheap ones are basically toys that are more frustrating than fun. DJI’s Neo drone, however, provides a true UAV experience. You get a fully stabilized 4K camera, as well as the ability to track and follow moving subjects. It launches directly from your hand and can land all on its own without crashing catastrophically. The app-powered experience is super simple, which makes this great for beginners or more experienced flyers who don’t necessarily want to bust out their big, pricy, complicated rig for a casual occasion. One battery gets you 17 minutes of flight (varying with conditions, of course), so we recommend stepping up to the $289 kit with three batteries if you can swing the extra cash. 

Levoit Core 300 Air Purifier $99

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This compact model took home the best budget air purifier for allergies award in our buying guide, and for good reason. This 16-inch high device sits quietly in the corner of a room and sucks harmful particles out of the air. Each filter only needs changing once every six months, and the device runs basically silently except for the small fan. You can dim out all of the the lights on the display if you’re keeping it in your bedroom, the fan offers three modes, from tame to most powerful. It’s a great addition to any space, especially if someone has pets or loves to cook. Have you ever tried to get the smell of burned tortellini out of an apartment? It’s difficult without an air purifier.

Decibullz – Custom Molded Earplugs $25

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You might be surprised to find out how often a good set of earplugs can come in handy. Maybe you have a partner who snores or you’re planning to hit up your favorite underground music venue to catch some death metal bands. Or maybe you’re going to be using some power tools. Whatever your reason, these custom moldable earplugs will make the activity easier on your ears. They offer an NRR rating of 31, which makes them very powerful compared to those squishy little nugget-style plugs you’d get at the drugstore. In order to fit the Decibullz to your head, boil them in water to make the material warm and flexible. Once they’ve cooled down, mash them into your ear holes, and they form into the perfect shape. If you screw it up, just start all over.

Razer Kishi Ultra Gaming Controller $149.99

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Smartphone gaming has been popular for years, but playing complicated games using touchscreen controls can get tedious. If someone in your life is complaining about gaming-related finger cramps, the gift to get is Razer’s Kishi Ultra, one of the best mobile game controllers we’ve tested. Everything about the Kishi Ultra is premium, from the feel of its buttons and triggers to the way it’s curved to fit perfectly in the hand. Razer designed its gaming controller to work with Android devices and iPhones, so it is equipped with a USB-C port. It can even be used with a current or last-generation iPad mini. The controller comes with differently sized spacers, which you can swap in depending on the device you’re playing games on. Using the Kishi Ultra significantly impacted how fun and easy it felt to play games on the go. Any gamer who spends their free time waiting to play “Genshin Impact,” “Sayonara Wild Hearts,” or mobile ports of classics like “Chrono Trigger” and “Final Fantasy IV” will have their minds blown by this gift.

Anker Prime Power Bank $89.99

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Everyone has suffered from the realization that their smartphone, tablet, or laptop’s battery is about to run out sooner than expected, and you can save their behind by gifting them Anker’s Prime Power Bank. This battery pack is equipped with two USB-C ports, can output up to 65W of power, and has a capacity of 9,600mA—enough to recharge a smartphone once or twice fully. A screen on the Prime Power Bank’s front will allow you to see how much charge is left in the battery with the push of a button and will show how much energy (in watts) is being drained when devices are connected. However, the biggest reason we’re recommending this power bank over others is that it has a plug built in, so it can be connected directly to an outlet. This feature makes the Prime Power Bank more convenient to charge. Anker includes both a USB-C to USB-C cable and travel pouch with the Prime Power Bank, so the person who receives it will have everything they need to keep their devices fully charged while on the go in the new year and beyond. And if you need a more pocketable top-off, the Anker MagGo Power Bank is a Qi2 10,000mAh charger and one of our constant travel companions.

Sony PULSE Explore Wireless Earbuds $199

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In their quest to provide everything PlayStation for everyone with a PlayStation, Sony released the PULSE Explore wireless gaming earbuds for folks who want one less wire but fully immersive sound in their setup. Promising “3-D” reproduction of game soundtracks and spatial cues, the earbuds really deliver. And deliver without lag. Latency is very low when playing on PlayStation 5 with the included USB receiver. Bluetooth connections are possible with other devices (or PS5), but a higher level of latency is likely, which matters a lot in games. The sound quality is the other main draw. The planar-magnetic drivers, surprising for name-brand earbuds at this price point, bring incredibly detailed, rich sound. The integration with game audio is stunning, with precisely placed directional signals that actually make playing 3-D games easier by cluing you into the locations of enemies. It really was surprising how good these buds sound. The form factor takes a bit of getting used to. The key is to place the PS logos “right side up,” with the white “wings” at about a 45-degree angle. But the buds are surprisingly light. Just don’t plan for a ridiculously long gaming sesh; battery life is a bit short at 5 hours (though the USB charging case includes two additional charges for a total of 15). Still, the PULSE Explore is an excellent choice if you’re looking for exhilarating bursts of high-quality sound, specifically during PlayStation 5 games (either through the console or the Playstation Portal).

REDSHIFT ARCLIGHT Bicycle Pedals $140 – $200

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Every house has a mother hen—someone that, say, goes around constantly making sure all the devices are updated and power banks are recharged, etc. Because you never know what’s going to happen once someone leaves the house. Add motorized vehicles to the mix, and mother hen’s feathers might fall out. If you’re a city cyclist or need a gift for a road rider with a mother hen in their life, you can help smooth out said feathers or just make the right call yourself to reduce risks with the REDSHIFT ARCLIGHT Bicycle pedals. These ingenious flat pedals use swappable, rechargeable, waterproof LED lights to create 360 degrees of illumination and make your bike 57% more visible. Sensors keep rear LEDs red and front-facing ones white (whether you select solid or flashing light), no matter how you start and/or spin the pedals. They also sense whether you are pedaling or not, so they turn on and off to conserve battery. And battery life is up to 36 hours, keeping someone safer through plenty of rides and giving mother hen something to add to the fretting schedule. There’s also a PRO MTB-style pedal with traction pins available in black and silver, plus a PRO CNC machined Clipless version for racing types.

Jack Rabbit XG $1,750

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Know somebody who’s got places to be but doesn’t want to break a sweat? The JackRabbit XG is a versatile micro e-bike that’s an oddly addictive and stupid fun way to get that last mile or three. E-bike is a little deceptive: Foldable pegs replace pedals, and the whole thing relies on a throttle and a 500W motor to go up to 20 miles per hour with more stability than an e-scooter. At just 32 pounds, this compact commuter bike packs a surprising punch while accommodating riders from 4’9″ to 6’2″ (no, really, horse jockeys to rugby players)—though riders should expect some confused looks and “What is that?” type questions from passersby. It’s a fun and practical way to zip through dense urban settings, with a range of up to 20 miles and easily swappable batteries for everything from quick errands to adventurous joyrides. Don’t need quite as much range and live somewhere relatively flat? The 300W JackRabbit OG2 is even shorter, only weighs 25 pounds, and sells for $1,250. Its range is only 10 miles, but it’s hella easy to get up stairs or stash in tight spaces.

Eureka Ergonomic Typhon gaming chair $469

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There are a lot of things we can’t control. But sitting is somewhere we can invest time and money to get things right. And if you, or someone you know, search for all-day comfort, whether for gaming with a squad or zooming with a cohort, you want a fully adjustable chair like the Typhon from Eureka Ergonomic. After a bit of guided assembly, you end up with a vibrant framework of plastic, metal, and mesh that’s breathable yet supportive and comes with adjustable recline. Backside to backrest, armrests to headrest, this pressure-relieving posture-positive racerback exoskeleton (available in multiple colorways) makes an impression by not making impressions in your body. Investing in this chair will reduce fatigue on your body and mind, because you’ll know the one thing you’re not playing games with is your back.

Chirp Wheel Back Rollers $129

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The modern world can be metaphorically backbreaking and, at the very least, physically backstraining. Sitting at a computer day in and day out puts some real pressure on a spine. Even more enjoyable activities, like biking, can do a number on your musculature. Enter the Chirp Wheel, available in various sizes, though most recommendable at 10 inches or above. Unlike a foam roller, it actually stretches most of the vertebrae, along with the chest, instead of focusing on generalized muscle tightness. It helps stretch out a hunch, whether from leaning over a laptop or handlebars. It’s a simple daily activity that can make a difference and a gift that can keep on giving.

SOLOS AirGo 3 Smart Glasses $199-$249

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Tech companies have been trying to make smart glasses happen for a while now. After about a year of experimentation, a pair of Solos AirGo3 has won a place in our wearables rotation. They’re a compelling alternative to traditional wearables, offering standard features like fitness tracking and calendar notifications. While their ChatGPT voice assistant is clever, the real game-changer is simpler: they’re an excellent middle ground between headphones and staying present. Know someone who needs to maintain awareness of their surroundings? With these glasses, you can connect to two devices via Bluetooth and stream audio—podcasts, presentations, playlists—without being startled by coworkers, missing family conversations, or having cars sneak up on you while you bike. The audio quality won’t blow you away, but that’s not the point. These glasses excel at keeping you connected without broadcasting it to everyone around you or isolating yourself behind noise-canceling headphones. They also have been rolling out new software improvements throughout the year, including a new one-on-one translating feature. And, since the rechargeable detachable arms have all circuitry, AirGo3 frame fronts can be swapped out between everyday looks and sportier lenses, and they can accommodate prescription lenses. We’re showcasing the Xeon 5 above, but you can also check out the Argon 7, among others.

Ostrichpillow Sleep Mask $45

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There was a time when I couldn’t sleep on planes and would arrive at every destination exhausted. That time is over, however, thanks in part to this specific eye mask from Ostrichpillow, known for its peculiar powernap product. I’ve never seen one of those in the wild, but I have used the far more normal $69 GO neck pillow on my way to tell anyone who does a lot of business travel or is just preparing for the holidaze hustle, don’t sleep on this mask. Because you want to sleep on this mask. The concave interior of the molded foam allows for full coverage with zero pressure. It’s a total blackout that’s totally comfortable, also making them great for partners with different schedules, etc. Trust me, that family gathering will be exhausting enough. This gift will help you, or someone you love, arrive with more energy to abide.

WanderFull Black Matte HydroBag $59 – $79

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Looking for the perfect gift for that friend who shares articles about water and aging or progress on hydration goals or spends time watching videos about accessorizing Stanley Cups? Add the Wanderfull HydroBag to your cart right now. This hands-free bottle carrier wraps any water bottle up to 3.5 inches in diameter in a seasonally appropriate puffer jacket. This quilted tote is super light—we said puffer jacket, right?—with two spacious zippered pockets for a slim wallet or a few cards, keys, an emergency lip balm, an outer pocket large enough for most smartphones. It’s perfect for the festival-goer, dog walker, day-hiker, yogi, or anyone who’s ever shed a tear over a scratched water bottle—which, let’s be honest, is all of us now. These crossbody bags come in a variety of colors and interchangeable guitar-like straps, and a larger version that accommodates vessels up to 4.5 inches in diameter, including those with handles (like our next item).

HydroFlask Travel Tumbler $35

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Drinking water throughout the day is more important than most of us realize, and you can help your friends and family hydrate with Hydro Flask’s Travel Tumbler, which wowed us with its ability to keep drinks warm and cold for up to 12 hours or more. This makes it ideal for keeping tea or coffee warm or ensuring ice water is sufficiently chilled throughout the day, depending on the time of year. Hydro Flask offers this tumbler in a variety of sizes and colors, but we like the 32-ounce model, which features a handle, straw, and tapered shape that fits into a car’s cup holder. This tumbler is also dishwasher safe, which makes it easy to clean and maintain. Performance aside, the best reason to gift someone the Travel Tumbler is that they can use it daily without having to make a dramatic difference in their routine. It’s a practical, affordable gift for anybody in your life.

Nomatic Method Carry-On $349.99

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Premium luggage is the gift every traveler needs but sometimes hesitates to get. Be their hero by gifting Nomatic’s Method Luggage Carry-On to your favorite wanderlust. We’ve been able to get our hands on the Method for testing and have been impressed by all the little ways in which it edges out its competition, from how smoothly its wheels turn to the multiple zipper pockets inside, which help keep gear organized while packing. One of the questions travelers ask themselves is whether they can “get away” with a carry-on or if they have to grit their teeth and pay extra for a checked bag. The Method Luggage Carry-On makes this a moot point because it can hold up to 20 percent more items than bags with identical external dimensions. It can also be expanded from 39L to 47L with the pull of a zipper. Technical features, including a TSA-approved three-digit combination lock and a dedicated slot for an AirTag or other tracker, will give your favorite traveler some peace of mind. Trust us, this gift will be the first item they grab any time they book a trip.

Dyson Airwrap $599.99

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Everyone deserves a good hair day; the Dyson Airwrap helps make one happen. It’s got a bevy of attachments, including two curling barrels, two smoothing brushes, a fabulous hairdryer, and, my favorite, the round brush. The device uses the Coanda effect to dry and style the hair while reducing heat damage, giving you bombshell hair that would make Andie MacDowell, queen of L’Oreal hair commercials, jealous. In my experience, it takes your hair from soaking wet to dry in less than 10 minutes, which other stylers can’t achieve. Sure, it’s expensive, but I’ve had mine for years and will keep using it until the world ends, so this is the kind of gift that will keep reminding the recipient how much someone cares.

Audio-Technica AT-SB727 Sound Burger Portable Bluetooth Turntable $199

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The Audio-Technica Sound Burger is a piece of record history and a conversation piece. It was first released in 1983 and gave listeners a chance to spin their wax out of the house. In November 2022, the company brought it back for a limited run and upgraded it with USB-C charging and Bluetooth compatibility, so you can enjoy it whether you prefer headphones or speakers. After quickly selling out, it was brought back permanently to the AT lineup in 2023, allowing anyone to play 33 ⅓ and 45-RPM records with flair. The Sound Burger looks cool and works amazing, thanks to a dynamically balanced tone arm and VM cartridge. It’s a great gift for a music lover who could use a nifty addition to their record player stand. (And it won’t take up as much permanent space as some of the other Audio-Technica turntables we love.)

Ohsnap Snap Grip Luxe $39.99

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I love using a phone grip to prevent my phone from crashing to the ground while texting with one hand or falling onto my face when I’m lying in bed and scrolling. However, taking advantage of MagSafe charging and mounts with one attached is typically impossible. Other phone grips require you to remove them to charge wirelessly or use a MagSafe accessory. The Ohsnap Snap Grip Luxe changes that. It’s ridiculously thin—2.5mm to be exact—and it’s made of aerospace-grade aluminum. You can also attach it to anything magnetic to get a perfect selfie. The Snap Grip also has multiple gripping positions—I prefer the classic finger split, but you can also stick a finger straight through it. The best part is being able to use my MagSafe accessories, like this Otterbox Wireless Power Bank, without keeping track of a little doohickey I’m bound to lose. Ohsnap also sells cases that match the grips if you’re buying for someone who loves a little color coordination. 

Austrian Audio MiCreator Studio USB-C Microphone $199

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I’m a regular on Popular Science‘s The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week podcast. I used to rely on the mic from my Apple headphones to capture sound. Although they worked fine, it was time to upgrade. The Austrian Audio MiCreator Studio mic is stupidly easy to set up and use. All I have to do is plug it in—no joke. If you have no idea what you’re doing, the MiCreator manual runs you through everything. The cardioid condenser mic uses Austrian Audio’s Open Acoustic Technology to give a natural, open sound quality. Hear it for yourself. I also use it for voiceovers on our TikTok and Instagram. It looks great on my desk and makes me feel serious when talking about silly stuff like cartoon crushes or space lube. If you know somebody who’s an aspiring online personality, or just wants to be the best-sounding person on a work call, get them this mic.

Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser $39.99

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When I first snagged this water flosser, I kicked myself for not getting one sooner. To use, simply fill up the reservoir with warm water, place the tip in your mouth, lean over the sink, turn it on, and aim at the gumline. It feels soothing on gums, the same kind of soothing when you pick at a scab or peel off some skin post-sunburn. Plus, it’s easy to clean: Just dunk the reservoir and tip into some vinegar-y water, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and then rinse. It’s also battery-operated and dentist-recommended. If there’s one thing I love, it’s getting a compliment on my teeth during an annual cleaning. I also have a favorite floss, which is a perfect stocking stuffer. Dental work is expensive, so you’re doing your clean-freak family members a favor by gifting them this $40 flosser.