This year... we wanted to deliver the Wishmas list a little differently, even though our goal every year is to try and present affordable + value. This year we want to lean in even further so that any money shelled out is something you can look at an appreciate for the positive impact it made (in one way or many others).
Amazon Gift Card – While this may seem as if a lot of thought wasn't put into it, it's actually a great option at this moment in time. This adaptable gift helps those who may have needs during this challenging economic window based on job loss, or just a need to cover the basics due to a rise in costs. Amazon has multiple options that cover needs that may include food (via
Amazon Groceries), but also the wants the gift recipient may have. So this lands at the top of the list this year.
Multi-Tier Vertical Planter (indoor/outdoor) - Do you know someone with a green thumb or do you want to help someone shave down on costs by growing some of their favorite fruit, veggies, or herbs at home? This could be a great option, especially with the cost of produce going up based on a number of challenges. This is perfect for those who don't have the outdoor space or they have a patio at best, because it can fit on the patio or someone near the kitchen or dining area.
The upper tiers also water the lower tiers, so no need to worry about it being a complicated process. You can make this even more of a custom gift by providing them with seeds or fruit/vegetables that they do like and then they can start the growing journey from there. This is literally one of those gifts that keeps on giving at... $24.77 for the 5-tier option. Green thumb magic... in the... aiiirrrrrr!!!!!
This is a great gift for families, because everyone in the household can aid in keeping the plants alive and well, and the reward is food! Teaching kids how to grow and take care of plants is definitely a valuable skill.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max - This is a broken record gift, but... that's because it's a great all around gift when it comes to entertainment, and more. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (for those who don't own a smart TV or what to expand the options of your Fire TV... in terms of streaming games) is a great option, especially if you have Amazon Prime.
You get Amazon Prime Video access, Amazon Music, Live TV, Amazon Luna (stream games free... like Fortnite and plenty of others), Xbox Game Pass (stream via a subscription), Amazon Luna +, games from your Ubisoft account + Ubisoft+, games from your GOG library, EA. You also get the Fire TV Ambient experience if you want to showcase digital art in a canvas like way on your telly, and this is the best option.
You will also open the door to
GameNight on Luna for family and friends where you dive into casual gaming fun. You put the game controller to the side and use your cellphones instead... with up to 16 players for some of the titles. If that isn't a party, I don't know what is.
Of course you get other streaming options to use via this Fire TV stick, but regardless... it all points to money in the bank. If you can have free fun at home via a service you're already paying for, win!
If they're gamers... then you already know what it is,
grab a bundle that comes with the controller!
Self-Care Basket -
For the... Ladies, I think a self-care basket would really hit home this year. It's a great way to help them kick back, relax, and take a load off their minds in between the grind.
I can't forget about the Gents in this regards too. Often guys will try to push it to the limit and beyond, but we have to take a breather too (even if it's hard). Being able to practice
self care helps with clarity, reduced stress, and the ability to get back into the game even stronger.
So this type of gift is a great to help the recipient collect themselves, especially if they're dealing with a lot right now.
Do you see where we're going with this Wishmas Guide yet? Let's continue!
One thing I do urge you to avoid when it comes to any office chair is one with a built-in massager. When it comes to the
Sofetura Office Chair with the built-in massager... I don't mind having the built-in massager when I want to use it, but... that's a feature that they won't be using for the most part. It runs for 5, 10, and 15 minutes per session.
An add-on massager is a much better option if anything at all, especially if the gift recipient plans to get in the zone and put in some serious work in that chair for hours on end.
You don't want the built-in tech poking them in the back, making them desire an option that's far more practical. While the pillow that comes included with this option helps pad it, it's not good enough, especially if they want to do the full recline and put their feet up and rest. The ability to do a full recline and lay back for some R&R is nice, but they won't be able to keep that pillow there comfortably. Adding a slim pad helps (but...).
I can't tell you what to do with your coin... but my review of this chair reveals that this is never the way to go for long term use. So if you had one of these in your sights, there are plenty of other options. Consider one that can hold a good amount of weight, ergonomic, with adequate padding.
Udemy - When it comes to the office setup, either the gift recipient is planning on working from home for a company or for themselves for one reason or another (that may include a recent layoff). If they're on the fence about going back to school... and it's for something they don't require a degree for or the debt that comes with it, hook them up with an affordable course?
The course will brush up their skills or teach them something entirely new that they'd be able to obtain a certificate from once its complete. This is yet another gift that keeps on giving because it can increase their value when it comes to companies or potential clients, and since we don't work for magic beans... that boosts the money they'd be able to earn. (Ka-Ching!)
By the way, if they're already in the groove or could use an updated version of Office... hook them up for less. A one-time purchase is a steal for you, without the need for them to sign up for a monthly Office 360 plan. Grab
Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for less than $20!
Car Phone Holders - There are some good car holders, and there are some really lousy ones. You will find some with the suction cups which can be cool... when they hold, and others that slide onto the vent. Those work, but you still find that they fall off. One that I think is a solid gift is the J-1 Phone Mount for $4.31. This particular option has an adjustable hook that you can extend according to how deep the hook needs to go in order to connect, and then you twist to tighten. The installation is super simple, and once it's on, you just sit the phone in the cradle and the sides close on the phone to hold it.
Since it's not flush with the vent the way some other mounts are, it doesn't block the buttons or the vent. Another plus is that you're able to rotate it with ease and the USB connects without the concern of it being blocked.
When you want to release the phone, you just squeeze the triggers you see behind the lower sides of the phone, and it will be released. If someone else uses the phone mount, let them know how to properly use it and that will increase the chances of it not being broken. A phone mount is always a worthwhile gift to increase their safety on the road... especially if they don't have one or a really crappy one. If it falls off... it needs to go (no joke).
The hook extends 3.0CM
Hook
Twist to tighten
Add the phone mount
Insert phone and get your roll on!
These are what you press to release the phone from the mount.
Suprent Cordless Hair Clippers - For the Gents who want to remain groomed up, faded + fresh... this is a great option so that they can shave down the costs even further. This is a great all around option that the household can use too if running to the barber isn't feasible right now. This is a gift that keeps on giving. The battery life is solid, and I haven't had to charge the clippers yet (I'm going on my 5th haircut).
I cut my hair low, not exactly a bald fade... but close to it. I've been able to cut my hair in half the time because of how sharp the blades are. Will they truly remain sharp for the long haul by way of the "self-sharpening blades" they allegedly have? We shall see, but I haven't had to pick up my other clippers yet.
You can grab these for 53%off right now, so if they needed clippers... these are available for $18.98! These feel really nice too, so don't think you're getting a raggedy option. I also appreciate the fact that these clippers don't overheat the way my other clippers do... so no need to adjust my hand due to the heat. 5 out of 5!
Digital Games - Prefer to gift that special someone a newer game while also saving some money? There are some great platforms like Loaded that allow you to get access to a set amount of stock for a great price. You can literally get the new
Assetto Corsa Rally for $17.79, which is the 4th installment in the franchise... released on Nov. 13, 2025 on Steam!
You can buy the games through Loaded for any platform the digital game is available for, but if you're unsure... grab a
gift card and call it a day. This will allow them to pick and chose games that may have caught their eye but they just didn't have the coin... and removes the need to find out what their specs are if they game on PC.
When it comes to Steam, those who saw that
Horipad Steam controller once upon a time and thought it would be a cool buy... will be happy to know that the pro controller is on-sale. I'd say if that special someone needs a controller and they game on Steam, this could be a win! It's a rechargeable wireless pro controller that works with the PC & Steam Deck. You also get dedicated buttons for quick access to Steam menus, capacitive touch thumbsticks, programmable buttons, a gyro sensor, etc. The XInput is also available for Windows OS.
For the... Younglings, I certainly believe that they will benefit greatly from courses on platforms like
Udemy (for kids). They don't expire and they get upgraded accordingly. It opens the door for them to learn new skills that aren't taught in school that could make a positive impact on their future.
This year, while you could just give them a toy... take inventory of what they already have. I can understand limited time collectors items, new
STEM activities, and
video games but... loading them up on
toys that only add to a pile is a bit of a waste when the money could work for them. So... consider going affordable, creative, educational, and essential (clothes, shoes, etc.).
That said, there are book sets + courses that are worth adding to their gifts that are geared directly towards them. One of which is the
Little Economist Box Set 1.
This box set includes:
Like other items in this guide, this is certainly a gift that keeps on giving and is geared towards children ages 4 to 8 years old. It can even be a great gift for teachers, homeschool groups, and parents. Courses like
The Complete Personal Finance for Kids and Teenagers, covers Financial Planning, Budgeting, Roth IRA's, taxes, interest rates, etc.
One that I don't want to forget about adding to this guide, are items that aid in physical exercise. It can be a
soccer ball your children collectively play with, a
basketball,
football,
jump ropes,
skates, etc. If they don't have any of these potential gifts and they're not dealing with challenges that would prevent them from using such items, then... it could be worth adding a few of these to their gifts line up. Not only do they add to the fun, but it decrease the chances of childhood obesity or aids in the fight against it. This is certainly no shade, but increasing the chances of better health is not bad either. It also gives you another activity to spend quality time with them as well. Consider the options in your area to better figure out what type of gift you'd get in terms of physical activity-based gifts.
If there are a bunch of smooth sidewalks all over the place, that would be awesome for skating. If you have a basketball court in the area, then consider taking that route, while a field could result in a number of routes that all lead back to fun.
Last but not least... I can't forget about experiences. This year, we suggest more family based activities to keep more coins in your pocket, but if you want to gift an experience... at least save with
Groupon! Groupon is usually that website that people are aware of, but... it often gets forgotten no matter if you're able to save a significant amount on experiences, food, beauty & spas, etc.
On that note, it doesn't even have to be an experience, it can be a service on the lines of getting an oil change or brake pad replacements, etc. So regardless of the route you take, make a positive impact via a memorable gift... or save it for later.
