The 10 best gifts to buy this holiday season, according to a professional product tester

By MORIBA CUMMINGS - U.S. LIFESTYLE AND CONSUMER REVIEWS WRITER

Published: 16:30 EST, 24 October 2025 | Updated: 08:05 EST, 27 October 2025

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Yes, I test and review products for a living! It's an exciting and fulfilling job since I get to sift through the fluff to find the products that are actually worth buying and, most importantly, live up to their hefty claims. In the end, my goal is to recommend the best finds so you don't waste your money, especially during gifting season.

Speaking of gifting, right now, everyone's getting their holiday shopping lists together. If you're in the same boat and are unsure of where to start, I've rounded up the best products I've tested and personally used throughout the years that make the best gifts.

From the best and safest space heater for the fall and winter months to a soundbar and subwoofer combo that gives you that room-shaking movie theater sound in your very own living room, these products will give you an instant confidence boost this holiday gifting season.

The best tested gifts to buy this holiday season, at a glance

How we test

We put all of our products through a rigorous testing process to determine which ones are worth recommending to you. From weekender bags and headphones to cashmere sweaters and smart home devices, we test every product for at least a week (usually longer), and use them in real life for practical, trial-based testing. In some instances, our product testing experts will also reference products they've been using for years. 

Dreo Whole-Room Heater 715
Bissell PowerClean Cordless Stick Vacuum

From a compact space heater to help them brave the winter cold to a cordless vacuum that's more affordable than it looks, these products make the best gifts

Check out some of our "how we test" guides below:

Why trust us

While implementing and enforcing a thorough testing process is essential for producing honest and well-researched content, we also believe that experience is invaluable. This is why all of our testers are experts in their field.

Moriba has been testing and reviewing products across a range of categories, from travel and men's fashion to tech and home for over six years and formulates the testing methodologies and rubrics we use in most of these verticals.

His reviews are honest, impartial, direct and don't shy away from highlighting the bad as much as the good to help you make the most informed buying decision.

The best gifts to buy this holiday season, after months of testing

1. Noise-canceling earbuds: Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Bluetooth Earbuds 

2. Luxury weekender bag: Hartmann Reserve Weekender Duffel

Full buying guide: The best weekender bags of 2025, tested and reviewed

3. Leather wallet: Nomad Card Wallet Plus

Full review: This is the best men's wallet I've ever had 

4. Quality soundbar: JBL Bar 500 Soundbar and Subwoofer Set

Explainer: Should you buy a soundbar for your TV? Here's our expert take 

5. Digital picture frame: Aura Aspen 12-Inch Digital HD Picture Frame

Full review: The best digital picture frame of 2025, tested and reviewed 

6. Cordless free-standing vacuum: Bissell PowerClean Cordless Stick Vacuum

7. Durable unisex fragrance: Byredo Mojave Ghost

Full buying guide: The best long-lasting men's colognes, tested and reviewed 

8. Luxury home scent: LAFCO Woodland Spruce Reed Diffuser

9. Food storage set: Caraway Food Storage and Minis Set

10. Room-filling space heater: Dreo Whole-Room Heater 715 

Our verdict

If you're unsure of where to start when gift shopping, my pro-tip is to always lean toward something practical. Everyone loves a gift they can use, especially in their everyday lives. 

With the temperatures dropping and the holiday season just around the corner, the Dreo Whole-Room Heater 715 and LAFCO Woodland Spruce Reed Diffuser make the best timely gifts.

The Caraway Food Storage and Minis Set also make for a thoughtful holiday gift for storing all of those inevitable leftovers. And with everyone gearing up for holiday travel, the Hartmann Reserve Weekender Duffel will make the best gift that they'll reach for every time they take a trip in the new year.

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