Sunday, December 22, 2024

Google’s Holiday 100 list is here and these are the 10 best gifts worth buying in 2024

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There’s something to be said for uncovering hidden gems, but following the trends is sometimes your safest bet — especially when you’re buying a gift for someone you don’t know that well. When in doubt, turn to Google’s Holiday 100 list, aka the 100 most-searched products of the year.

So, what does the search engine’s 2024 list of trending gift ideas tell us? Nostalgia has tons of pull — searches for turntables soared 50%, while interest in trucker hats hit an all-time high. People are also desperate for some quality R&R, given that there were more searches for “white noise for sleep” and “portable sauna” than ever before.

You’ll also see plenty of the usual suspects — I’m talking cozy slippers, plush bathrobes, top-rated leggings and, ya know, a trending Dyson product or two. And yes, buzzy brands like Laneige, Coach, Our Place and Kendra Scott got mentions too.

Although you can (and should) take a look at the complete list, keep scrolling to find a pared-down list of gift ideas that caught my eye as Yahoo’s gifting editor. From a pint-size speaker to a good ol’ Lego build, you’re sure to steal the show with any of these data-backed picks. (And if you need even more ideas, look no further than our main Christmas gift guide, along with these tailored finds for the men and women in your life.)

Amazon

Taylor Swift and Simone Biles are just some famous faces — er, necks — that have donned this dainty dazzler. And while it’s been an entire decade since its debut, this gemstone-adorned necklace is hotter than ever, with Google searches increasing by a whopping 175% in 2024. Popular among teens and adults alike, this everyday stunner comes in a variety of eye-catching combos — from this understated rose quartz beauty to more daring statements. 

$55 at Amazon

Amazon

If you’ve got a kid (or heck, a kid at heart) in your life, then you know Lego all too well. The perennial favorite reached new heights in 2024, earning the title of this year’s most-searched toy. There are dozens of sets for builders of all ages: cars with working engines, a miniature Hogwarts, a fancified feline and so much more. A standout: This zero-maintenance plant that breathes life into any space — once the 327 pieces are put together, of course! 

$24 at Amazon

Our Place

Selena Gomez is a big fan of Our Place, so it’s no wonder that searches for the brand’s small-but-mighty oven were up 50%. Set it (on your countertop) and forget it: This space-saving gem can air fry, bake, roast, toast, reheat and broil with a simple turn of a dial. It also comes with four accessories — a nonstick sheet pan, air fryer basket, wire rack and crumb tray — to help you get the job done. That’s not all: This multitasker’s dream earned a coveted spot on our list of the best air fryers

$149 at Our Place

Tonies

Now, here’s a screen-free toy that both kids and parents can get behind. Stick a teeny-tiny Tonie (like Playtime Puppy) on top of this little box to play stories, songs and educational games. Searches for the starter set increased by a staggering 5,000% this year — snag yours now, then grow their collection of Tonies as the years go on. 

$100 at Amazon

Amazon

Tailgate season is in full swing — and perhaps that’s why searches for “small portable speakers” are up by 75%. Want one that’ll play the pump-up jams and pre-game highlights loud enough for all to hear? Go with this glowing mini, which ranked highly in our tests for the best outdoor speakers. “Despite being tiny (and adorable), the Soundcore Glow Mini is, well, an audio tour de force,” raved Senior Tech Writer Rick Broida. “In my testing, I was constantly surprised by the quality of music I heard from this little thing. Also impressive: Soundcore promises up to 12 hours on a charge; I’d have expected half that, given its size.”

$40 at Amazon

Bombas

Slippers never go out of style. Searches soar every December, which is likely due to two unrelated reasons: the dropping temperatures and the fact that slippers make a reliable (and appreciated) last-minute Christmas gift.

There are a million slippers to choose from, but these Sherpa slip-ons are some of the best money can buy. They cover all the bases: an ultra-soft interior, cushiony footbed and rubber outsole, so you can pop outside without changing shoes. Plus, they’re part of Bombas’ buy-one-give-one model, which means the brand will donate one clothing item for each purchase. 

$80 at Bombas

Williams Sonoma

2023 was the Ninja Creami’s time to shine, but here’s the scoop: Searches for “ice cream maker” shot up 50% this year, proving that traditional methods will always reign supreme. 

Nab this Cuisinart bestseller to make a batch of ice cream, frozen yogurt or sorbet in 20 minutes tops. Just pour the ingredients of your choice into a pre-frozen bowl, switch it on and let the magic happen. 

$70 at Amazon

Amazon

Peek into any tween or teen’s makeup bag and you’ll spot a tiny tub of Laneige’s bestselling lip treatment. The brand claims that one lip mask is sold globally every two seconds, which makes perfect sense given that searches skyrocketed 70% in 2024. 

So, what’s the deal? People — from TikTokers to Hollywood A-listers like Drew Barrymore and Sydney Sweeney — are obsessed with the look, feel and hydrating benefits of this leave-on lip mask. See for yourself by picking up this set of five minis in an assortment of sweet scents, including mango and watermelon pop. 

$21 at Amazon

Amazon

Move over vacuums: Dyson is now dominating the haircare scene. This year, it was all about the “pink Airwrap,” which had more Google searches than ever before. Sure, it’s spendy, but this is a luxury product that comes with six attachments for different hair lengths, textures and styles. It’s also a major timesaver: “The Airwrap has significantly sped up my hairstyling process while making my hair look better than a standard hairdryer ever could. My strands are fine, but I have a lot of them, and I can safely say this tool has cut my drying and styling time in half,” Senior Deals Writer Britt Ross wrote in a recent review

$600 at Amazon

Amazon

Who doesn’t love a good throwback? Retro handheld games were a top search this year, proving that nothing — and I mean, nothing — beats the classics. Take everyone’s favorite classroom game and give it a modern(ish) twist with this fast-moving game. To win, players (ages 8 and up) must repeat random sequences of flashing lights by pressing the colored buttons in the right order. It starts off nice and slow, but then it picks up speed.

$20 at Amazon

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

Your go-to shopping guide: See all of our gift guides in one spot. We’ve got gift ideas for all the different people in your life — men, women, kids, you name it.

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