By Haddon Libby
Google and Amazon recently released their lists of the most popular gift ideas for 2024. The listings are based on consumer search histories over the last few months.
Both companies have Apple’s AirPod Pros as the top gift. The latest Airpods are not only good for listening to music or talking on the phone but also have strong noise cancelling but can serve as hearing aids. Check with retailers like Walmart and Amazon when buying as there are deep discounts for the holiday season.
For the Kitchen
Most of us start our days with a cup of coffee each morning. It should come as no surprise that Keurig coffee pod machines are a top gift. For those who prefer their coffee hand-pressed, the AeroPress at just $30 is one of the highest rated options on Amazon.
Most households have toaster ovens. Searches for the Wonder Over by Spice are up 50% this year. This $149 toaster oven can toast, roast, bake, broil and air fry like most. What makes this oven different is that it looks like a small oven.
Ice cream machine searches are up 60% this year. The Cuisinart 1.5-quart ice cream maker is listed as the top option at just $55.
With nearly 250,000 reviews, the DASH Mini Maker for Waffles is a top choice with a price tag of just $12.99. Just 5” wide and 3” tall, this device comes in 17 colors. Its small size makes its usage less cumbersome and easier to clean than many other options.
For the Home
According to Google, luxury candle maker Diptyque is a top search item for its scented mini candles. A set of five candles is selling for $100.
With the rise in popularity of the vinyl record, there are many good options with prices starting at $39.
Personal Care
For fitness and health tracking, the best-known option is the Apple Watch. The challenge with this option is that the watch needs to be charged regularly. Another option is the Oura Smart Ring. With a battery life of up to 8 days, the Oura ring tracks 30 biometrics like sleep, exercise and heart health. Available in six colors, the ring costs $349 with a monthly membership fee of $5.99.
Google reports that unisex fragrance searches are up 130% this year. The Maison Margiela Mini Perfume Set at $75 includes five 7ml scents like Beach Walk, Jazz Club and Sunday Morning.
Men’s Skin Care searches are up 80%. A Kiehl’s gift set is amongst the top options at $35.
A great stocking stuffer for women is a Laneige Lip Mask. With flavors like Gummy Bear, Cotton Candy and Candy Cane, this gift makes for a perfect stocking stuffer.
Massagers are another popular holiday gift. A unique option is the TheraGun Mini Massage Gun. At $199, the massage has a smartphone app that helps track usage while offering a number of programs to be used when working on different parts of the body.
For the Golfer
With more than 130 golf courses in the Valley, we have more than a few avid golfers in the area. How about a 3’ by 9’ putting green? Par Three Golf Putting Greens are a top option that can replace a rug in many home offices for less than $50.
For Kids
A popular gift amongst kids is the Disney Crystal Surprise. At $8, each crystal opens to share of Disney character with a packet of slime or sand. If the character is dipped in water, it changes color.
At $29.99, the Cookeez Makery Freezy Cakez Fridge is fun for the aspiring chef. Simply mix the ingredients, shape the dough and place it in the pet mold where it chills into a cake in its fridge.
Haddon Libby is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Winslow Drake Investment Management. For more information on our services, please visit www.WinslowDrake.com.
