The 34 Most Popular Gifts of 2024, According to GH Readers
From top-tested picks to editor-approved favorites, these gifts were runaway hits with Good Housekeeping readers this year.
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The holiday shopping season is here, and to help you out on your search for the best gifts for your friends and family, I'm taking a look back at the standout gifts that were a hit with Good Housekeeping readers in 2024.
To cull down the list to the 34 most popular gifts, I made sure to think of everyone on your holiday list: your Gen Z little sister, your hard-to-impress dad and the bestie who always gives the most thoughtful presents (this year, you can compete for the win). Here you'll find the best of the best from this past year, from top-tested picks to editor-approved favorites (and yes, I've tried a ton of these trendy products myself!).
Who it's for: Plant and LEGO lovers.
Why we picked it: This botanical set has earned nearly 11,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, with customers noting it's fun yet easy to put together. I have all nine succulents on display in my apartment right now, and it looks adorable.
The details: This set contains 771 pieces and is recommended for those 18 and up.
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Who it's for: Who couldn’t use a hydration boost? This internet-famous water bottle makes the perfect gift for any age.
Why we picked it: The Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances Lab conducted in-depth tests of this insulated water bottle, and concluded it's a worthy investment. The bottle offers versatile drinking options — sip through the straw or tilt to drink through the spout — and features a foldable handle for added convenience. It keeps drinks cool and performed well in temperature retention tests, maintaining ice throughout an entire workday.
The details: The stainless steel version is available in three sizes and 20 colors.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Owala FreeSip Water Bottle
Who it's for: Teens will love this pocket-sized mini printer, which lets them print everything from study notes to photos — and even turn them into stickers — directly from their phones via an app.
Why we picked it: This Bluetooth-compatible thermal printer uses heat to create black images on white paper, allowing you to turn any photo into a sticker.
The details: Available in four colors, it comes with one roll of printer paper.
Who it's for: Teens and tweens who want to see their name in lights.
Why we picked it: With close to 3,000 5-star reviews, Amazon shoppers say they love the quality of these signs as well as the ability to dim them.
The details: Signs are available in 12 colors and 30 fonts. Plus, you pick the name, phrase or command (up to 48 letters). You can expect your sign to arrive in about a week.
RELATED: 60 Best Gifts for Teens That Will Make You Look Cool
Who it's for: A loved one whose hands are always cold in the winter.
Why we picked it: Amazon shoppers and GH readers alike are obsessed with Orastone's pocket-sized hand warmer. Compact, rechargeable and capable of delivering up to four hours of warmth, it's a top gift pick for her. It heats up in just two minutes and even includes a convenient strap for attaching to your purse or wrist.
The details: This comes available in five colors and patterns.
Who it's for: Teens and tweens who love glowy yet natural-looking makeup.
Why we picked it: Searches for this illuminating liquid makeup-skincare hybrid increased by 5,000% in 2024, according to Google's Holiday 100. The brand also offers great value for its price.
The details: They can wear it on its own, under makeup or mixed with their favorite foundation.
Who it's for: Students, men and women
Why we picked it: Using only a damp cloth, our pros were impressed by how easy it is to clean.
The details: No more wasting paper! This 42-page smart notebook — rated the best value pick by GH experts — includes a calendar, to-do list, weekly planners and lined pages.
RELATED: The Best Smart Notebooks
Who it's for: Your mom, girlfriend or sister who likes dainty and minimal jewelry.
Why we picked it: Online reviewers love that it feels lightweight, looks trendy and seems to hold up well.
The details: Gift them a simple yet dainty necklace with their initial without spending over $15. Online reviewers love that it feels lightweight, looks trendy and seems to hold up well. It's made from brass and plated in 14K gold.
Who it's for: Anyone who spends a lot of time driving.
Why we picked it: This compact dash cam is great for road-trippers. Online reviewers love the features, like the wide angle lens, and the low price point.
The details: They can connect to the camera via an app, where they can live stream, download videos and edit or share footage.
RELATED: The Best Dash Cams
Who it's for: Tweens, teens and teens at heart.
Why we picked it: They're well-loved, TikTok viral and available in an array of playful colors, including pink, blue and yellow.
The details: Online reviewers agree they're super comfortable, warm and stylish.
RELATED: Is It Safe to Buy From TikTok Shop? Here's What Happened When We Ordered
Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope Featuring Bindi Irwin
Who it's for: Kids ages 3 and up who are interested in animals and plants.
Why we picked it: A Good Housekeeping Toy Award winner, our toy experts love this talking microscope that comes with over 100 facts and questions, as well as 60 full-color images. The voice you'll hear there is none other than Bindi Irwin, a wildlife conservationist and the daughter of the late and great Steve Irwin.
The details: Requires three AAA batteries (not included) and speaks in English, Spanish, French and German.
Who it's for: Home cooks and anyone who loves making smoothies.
Why we picked it: Good Housekeeping experts, impressed by the hardworking machine, rated it the best value personal blender — plus, over 80,000 Amazon reviewers have given it five stars.
The details: Home cooks will love this 11-piece blender set. The best-selling personal blender is great for whirling smoothies, chopping salsas and grinding nuts.
RELATED: 6 Best Personal Blenders for Smoothies, Tested by Experts
Who it's for: The home cook and homebody who loves ice cream.
Why we picked it: The Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliance Lab found the unique appliance performs well, plus it's fun to use.
The details: With the Creami, it's easy to make custom ice cream flavors at home. But that's not all, your loved one can also make sorbets, gelatos, milk shakes, smoothies and more.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker
Who it's for: Your loved one who deals with migraines.
Why we picked it: Whether they're prone to migraines or hate dealing with hangovers, this cooling compression cap will be a game changer — after they pop it in the freezer for at least two hours.
The details: The cap, available in pink or black, is designed to fit most face shapes and head sizes.
Who it's for: Kids over age 3 who want to practice their touchdown passes long after sundown.
Why we picked it: One of the most popular items in our gift guide for teenage boys, this football glows using LEDs, giving new meaning to "Friday Night Lights." Just touch the football to watch it light up (it shuts off automatically when not in use).
The details: Choose from three color options. You can also get him a soccer ball, volleyball or basketball, among others.
Who it's for: It's the perfect stocking stuffer for teens or adults.
Why we picked it: A regular pen? Not so giftable. But one that's also an LED flashlight, screwdriver, level and ruler? Now we're talking. A bestseller year after year, this versatile pen has over 4,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, where users call it "freaking awesome."
The details: Available in four colors, there's even a version that says "Best Dad Ever" on the side.
Anker Soundcore Space One
Who it's for: Music and podcast lovers who need an audio upgrade.
Why we picked it: Sure, wireless earbuds and AirPods are popular, but over-ear headphones are back in style — the sound quality tends to be better and it has a certain retro aesthetic. These noise-canceling headphones were ranked the best value pick during GH testing, with Lab pros noting they're lightweight, attractive and comfortable. Plus, it's hard to top the 40-hour claimed battery life.
The details: Available in three colors, you can also upgrade to a bundle that includes a carrying case.
RELATED: The Best Noise-Canceling Headphones
Who it's for: iPhone users who are frequent travelers and those who frequently misplace things.
Why we picked it: Our GH Institute tech experts named AirTags our best overall luggage trackers for their reliability and accuracy."Apple doesn't require a subscription for access to all features, so you don't have to factor in any additional pricing," adds Senior Reviews Writer & Analyst Olivia Lipski.
The details: Gift this set of AirTags with the matching keychain holders for an extra-good gift.
Kodak Printomatic Full-Color Instant Print Digital Camera
Who it's for: High school and college students who love capturing nights out with friends.
Why we picked it: When it comes to instant cameras, this adorable Kodak stands out for its high-quality photos at an affordable price. With over 14,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, kids and teens will love the adhesive-backed prints that double as stickers, while parents will appreciate the neck strap that helps keep it from getting misplaced.
The details: It features a built-in flash, a rechargeable lithium battery, a MicroSD card slot and two picture modes (color and black-and-white). For an extra $50, you can upgrade to a gift bundle that includes a case, an album, stickers, frames, markers and a 20-pack of Zink photo paper.
RELATED: The Best Cameras for Kids
Who it's for: The dad who loves to grill.
Why we picked it: These rolling grill baskets are as cool, clever and convenient as they come. He’ll be able to effortlessly grill all kinds of veggies over an open flame without worrying about food falling through the grates. Best of all, they’re dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
The details: This set comes with two baskets, plus a set of barbecue gloves.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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