If You’re Already Dreading Holiday Mayhem, Here Are Some Gift Ideas To Get Your Shopping Started Early

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The rules are simple. Deal the deck out to all players (works with 3–8 players). Everyone keeps their mini deck face down and goes around the table, flipping a card face up and saying one of the five keywords (taco, cat, goat, cheese, and pizza — in that order). Once the card played matches the word said, it’s a race to slap that center card. Whoever taps in last has to take the center stack, and the round starts over. Whoever gets rid of all their cards first wins! Promising review: “I play this game with my girls, ages 6 and 8, as well as my mom. I almost think that it is more fun for my mom and me than the kids. The premise of the game is simple: to slap the pile once the word you say matches the image on the card, with special cards thrown in for extra fun. I have laughed so hard that I’ve almost cried at the silly antics this game has caused. I love that it’s fast-paced and very travel-friendly. I would totally recommend this as a gift.” — Melissa Yee
Promising review: “Love this! We love everything about this cute little duck. Convenient having three settings, easy and quick to use, and the lighting is soft. The 30-minute timer comes in handy as we keep it on our nightstand, and we sometimes forget to tap it to turn it off. The packing of this product was fun as well! Would be a cute kitschy gift as well…” — FL shoppers
Promising review: “This is my first review ever on Amazon but it was so needed and well deserved. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is on their self discovery and healing journey. Hands down the best journal I have so far. The questions are amazing and well worth the thought. This book will make you think and understand all of yourself. Past, present and future. So worth every penny and will definitely be gifting this to all of my friends and family. Such an amazing book/journal.” — Emily Velez
Available in seven flavors and as a variety pack
Promising review: “This is a tasty cocktail! I followed the recipe on the package — one satchel, 2 tablespoons of tequila, and 3 ounces of cold water. So easy and delicious. It has the tart, lime taste of a margarita and a very subtle kick. I would absolutely get more of this brand!” — heyshay07
A beechwood spatula is included and this beauty is dishwasher-safe! Available in seven colors.Promising reviews: “I have loved this pan so much that we now own two and have gifted them to six family members! It is truly the only pan you’ll ever need.” — Brenna Knaeble”Love this pan! So easy to clean! I cooked scrambled eggs, and they slid right out. Dishwasher safe. I love everything about it. Good pan to fry anything and deep enough to deep fry also.” — stacie robertson
Promising review: “Bought a six-pack for my neurodivergent family. We are all either ADHD or autistic. I struggle with compulsive hair pulling and bought these to help keep my hands busy. They are the perfect size, more satisfying than a stress ball, clean easily, are fun to hurl at the wall or ceiling, and so far have lasted very well. I did test the durability of one and did break one when I pulled it as hard as I could — the inside looks something like shaving cream and didn’t smell or anything. But if you have a kid who is an aggressive chewer, perhaps keep an eye on them.” — Amazon customer
This science kit includes natural crystal-filled geodes (quantity depends on the size you choose), a pair of safety goggles, geode display stand(s), and a learning guide.Promising review: “My daughter is 10 and this kept her busy for HOURS! She had so much fun and was excited every time she got a glimpse of what might be inside. A couple of them were pretty cool, while the rest were just white. She didn’t care, she loves them all. She was so proud to gift them to her grandparents.” — Michelle
Promising review: “I bought this item after my daughter recommended it. It helps with my headaches, tired eyes, and sinus congestion. It hooks to your music through Bluetooth for a total relaxation experience. I absolutely love it. Bought two more to give as gifts. Thank you.” — FloridaGirl
What Do You Meme? is a small business that sells card games/toys, plushies, and pool floats.Promising review: “This game is HILARIOUS. My kids love playing with it and taking turns hiding it (8, 6, and 3 years). They all think poop is funny and run around yelling ‘Silly Poopy, where are you?’ It keeps them busy for at least half an hour at a time and they leave me alone. Also? It’s pretty durable. I found it outside in my garden in the 20-degree winter weather. I guess my 8-year-old left it out there for a few days. It also gets thrown down the stairs and Silly Poopy just keeps on giggling and having fun.” — Adele
Promising review: “I still can’t get over what a great idea this is. I had an envelope of random ticket stubs that I was always worried about losing that now are organized and look great. It’s a really beautiful way to show some respect to the memories attached to the little scraps of paper.” — Bonna
Promising review: “I have very thick, wavy hair. I can never blow out my hair because it’s too hard to hold the round brush and hair dryer in the right spots. THIS!! It is everything all in one and the oval shape makes it so easy to use. It gets really hot. It is a little loud on high, but I’ve found if my hair is already a little dry then I can just use it on low. I used a blow-dry primer spray to accelerate the drying time and protect my hair. I’m in love! The flat iron always flattens my hair and makes it look dry. This straightens and retains the volume and gives it a soft, nondamaged look.” — SAHM2011Some reviewers with 4a–c curls like the barrel brush, but if you’re looking for something to blow out tighter curls or coils, consider checking out the Revlon one-step paddle brush, which is designed with curlier hair in mind!
Promising reviews: “My sister recently moved to Florida, and this was a gift for her new house. It’s hysterical and functional.” — Christina Basile”You could take the time, chop up all your veggies, but that’s lame and boring. This bad boy right here puts the fun back into it, and it’s way faster and easier. Pasta salads? Done. Tacos? Done. Fruit salad? Done. Also, it is very safe to use; injuries from knives are down 100%. Would recommend.” — Thomas H.
Curations By Kira is a Canada-based small business selling 3D-printed creations for nerds and fantasy lovers. The red version on the right is shown with the tray, which you can add to your order for an additional fee! available in nine styles with eight add-on optionsPromising review: “It works perfectly! The recipient loved her gift and has made many friends jealous. I showed them all where they could get their own.” — Christian
Wavelength is a social guessing game where individuals take turns being “the psychic” and must get their teammates to correctly guess the location on the spectrum dial that is associated with their clue!Everyone I know who has played this game loves this game! Brother, boyfriend, mom — everyone! You learn a little about the “psychic” every time, and it’s incredibly flexible to accommodate huge fluctuations in players (2 — 20). It’s a simple concept with a lot of depth since you have to adjust your thinking every round to match that of the “psychic.”
The bouquet includes 15 stems with a mix of flower and leaf varieties, including roses, snapdragons, and poppies, and it uses elements made from plant-based plastic. For a bit more greenery, check out the Lego succulents set instead! Promising review: “My husband got me this set for Christmas and I put it together immediately. I loved working through the directions and seeing each flower come to life. I purchased a simple glass vase to put them in and took them to school. Now my elementary students are obsessing over them!” — Not happy
Promising review: “This bath pillow is incredible!! The suction is very strong, the pillow is comfortable, it dries out quickly, and it’s easily washable so no mold! BEST GIFT and 100% satisfied!!!” — Cinthia
If they’re really into astrology, it even includes a live Q&A session with the team’s chief astrologer! You’ll just need to supply your recipient with the Amazon order number. Available in 366 styles.Promising review: “Something about giving a personalized gift makes it just that much more special and meaningful. I knew I picked the right one when my friend called me and was excitedly reading her astrological message. She said a lot of it resonated with her which we both thought was really cool. She also mentioned loving the scent and the candle’s design. Now I want to order more!” — SG
Promising review: “I bought these for my 4-year-old nephew and 2-year-old niece for when they come to visit. Right out of the box, they were excited and loved tossing them up in the air and watching them fall. I was amazed as to how long it kept their interest and the different ways they played with them. They dropped them off the stair landing, off the couch, in the yard, and held them behind them to expand as they ran. My niece liked ‘dancing’ with them and twirling it around. Good colors and very well made. Hours of fun and the best money I ever spent on a toy!” — hiker0811
Shire Post Mint is a family-run small business striking fantasy coinage one at a time from their Arkansas-based facility. Promising review: “The attention to detail and the packaging is spectacular! Blown away with the quality and uniqueness.” — Jess K.
Promising review: “Scissors skills are important both in and of themselves and because it strengthens the hand muscles to be used for learning to write. My 4-year-old LOVES this book. We received it this week and she has used it for a couple of hours each day. Many of the pages are cutting things out and putting them together (four-scoop ice cream cone, pizza with pepperonis, the components to build a house or a car, puzzles). We’ve used tape or glue to put the components together. This book is interesting enough to have caught the attention of my older children as well, although I make them let her do the cutting. 😀 Would make a great gift as it is so unique.” — Mom of 7
The mug and saucer are dishwasher and microwave-safe. Available in 17 styles.Promising review: “This set is adorable! The size, shape, and design were what I was looking for. It matches my black and white decor. It is a great addition to my cup/saucer collection. It’s also perfect as a gift. I will buy more.” — JK
Kit Steele is a Miami, Florida native and the self-taught artist behind this book! Promising review: “The book features 31 different recipes to make tea using various methods. These recipes are accompanied by 31 unique and individual watercolor paintings featuring dragons and teacups. The theme of each painting compliments its corresponding recipe. The dragons are very individual. Some are playful and whimsical, and others are very cute or interesting. They dance, play, and sleep in and around steaming teacups. They are all attractive and beautifully painted by the artist. The tea recipes themselves are lightyears beyond the simple teabag and kettle method. They are detailed and easy to follow. Kit’s book would make and excellent gift for anyone that loves Tea!” — Scott Ambruson
The Good Store was launched by the Green brothers — Hank and John — to create the best versions of the product we use daily while giving the profits away to those who need it. Currently, proceeds are being used to fund efforts to decrease maternal and child mortality in Sierra Leone, the country with the highest rate of maternal death in the world. Available in crew or ankle and in three unisex sizes.
It has four warmth settings, so you can pick one that’s perfect for the conditions too! Promising review: “I was skeptical, but this product amazed me. I plan to buy a bunch for Christmas presents. Quality materials and function beautifully. I purchased for a winter trip but started using immediately during a cold snap. I walked around a lake in freezing conditions. Turned these on in my pockets and couldn’t believe how well they work. Things I love: You can adjust the heat settings easily with a rubbery push button that isn’t easily triggered. You can see which setting it’s on with 1 to 4 red lights. I did not wear gloves and tried out each setting. They warm up quickly. Lowest setting was not lukewarm but warm enough for cold pockets. The highest setting gets really hot. Almost too hot to hold directly without a glove but not so hot you’ll get burned. I love that you can take your hands out of your pockets and hold them easily because they have a grippy side. I walked around for a bit with my hands out of pockets, and they didn’t get cold.” — Angela Gil
The Jelly Empire is a small biz run by artist Selina Briggs, who designs the cutest robot and food-themed goodies. Available in unisex sizes S–5XL, two styles, and in six colors.
Promising review: “I bought this as a fun little gift for my dad who loves karaoke. It was an instant hit — he loved how easy the Bluetooth was to set up, and how convenient it is to take karaoke mic night anywhere with you. Well worth it for the low price.” — Jen Vargas
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly looovveesss this bag for travel:”I snagged this backpack after hearing my colleague Chelsea Stuart sing its praises. I wanted a bag for some upcoming travel (2.5 weeks in Europe with just a carry-on for five flights) that opens up like a suitcase for easier packing. Since buying, I’ve taken it on two long weekend trips with no complaints. In fact, for both of those trips I packed MORE than I needed. Inside, you’ll find a mesh zippered pocket and a plastic pocket perfect for your toiletries. I can fit enough wet toiletries in the second pocket as I’d be allowed to carry-on for a plane. In the mesh pocket I put other necessities like cotton swabs, medicine, eye glasses, etc. The main compartment is deceptively deep so you can easily roll clothes and Lego-fit them in together without using packing cubes. AND it has stretchy X-straps to keep it all secure like you’d see in a roller suitcase so when I unzip it, everything stays put. But before I forget, there’s a separate cushioned laptop pocket close to the backpack straps that I found works well for books or a Kindle if your travel leaves you laptop-less. This isn’t the cheapest backpack option but if you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll get so much mileage on it and seriously save on some baggage fees, making it well worth the cost. This backpack and I are going places, for sure.”
It’s available in eight colors.