Introducing the CBS Essentials’ 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts list, our picks for the best presents of 2022
CBS Essentials
Welcome to the CBS Essentials 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts series, our list of the most buzzed-about holiday gifts of the season. We’ve based our top 100 gift picks on our own bestsellers, owner reviews, product analysis and extensive research into holiday 2022 bestseller predictions. Our list includes some of Apple’s newest products, the top toys of 2022, game-changing kitchen appliances and so much more.
Top products in this article:
12.9″ Apple iPad Pro 6th generation (Wi-Fi, 128 GB), $1,099
iRobot Roomba j7+ robot vacuum, $599 (reduced from $800)
Rimowa Original suitcase, $1,325 and up
You can view (and shop) the latest additions to our 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts list below. All make excellent Hanukkah and Christmas presents.
Many of these gifts are available with faster shipping for Amazon Prime members.
If you don’t have an Amazon Prime subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial now.
CBS Essentials’ 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts
This article will be continuously updated throughout the holiday season as more of our 100 Most Wanted picks are released.
Sonos Roam
Sonos
The feature-rich Sonos Roam ticks many boxes, making it a great value for your money — even though it does sit at a higher price range. A standalone Bluetooth speaker that supports Sonos’ multi-room ecosystem, it boasts Qi charging (although you have to buy the charger separately), Google Assistant and Alexa support for voice control and Sonos Trueplay, which allows you to retune the speaker based on your surroundings. Bass lovers will also appreciate its controlled bass-heavy sound.
Its “well-balanced sound” and “surprising bass for the size” are among the many things Best Buy reviewers appreciate about Sonos Roam. One reviewer concludes that “if you are in the market for a small, portable speaker and value balance sound over excessive bass or gimmicky features, the Sonos Roam is worth a look.”
iRobot Roomba j7+ robot vacuum
Amazon
The iRobot Roomba j7+ features a powerful three-stage cleaning system with iRobot’s most powerful suction. The home-cleaning device uses an edge-sweeping brush to get into corners. The Roomba j7+ features dual multi-surface rubber brushes that flex to adjust to different floor types. Best of all, they don’t get tangled with pet hair.
When it’s done cleaning, the device automatically empties into its included clean base for easy dirt disposal with enclosed bags. Just empty the cleaning station once every 60 days.
iRobot Roomba j7+ robot vacuum, $599 (reduced from $800)
Nintendo Switch OLED
Amazon
The Nintendo Switch OLED has a larger 7-inch OLED screen that offers vivid colors, deeper blacks and better contrast than previous Nintendo Switch models when used in hand-held mode. It also comes with a wider kickstand, a new dock style, twice the storage and improved speakers for an even better gaming experience.
The Nintendo Switch OLED Model is now the third Switch console in Nintendo’s lineup. The OLED Switch retails for about $350, or $50 more than the non-OLED Nintendo Switch model ($299).
The Nintendo Switch OLED Model is available at Best Buy, Amazon and GameStop, but we found the best deal on the Switch at Walmart.
Nintendo Switch OLED, $345 (reduced from $350)
Great Jones family style cookware set (5 pc.)
Great Jones
Great Jones makes modern kitchen pieces that last. The female-founded brand boasts a wide variety of cookware and bakeware, plus mixing bowls, kettles and more.
This must-have cookware set has everything you need to cook a holiday feast, make a cozy Sunday night dinner or throw together a casual weeknight meal. The set includes: an 8-quart stock pot, a deep sauté pan, a 3-quart sauce pan, a non-stick frying pan made with a non-toxic ceramic coating, two stainless-steel lids and a gorgeous 6.75-quart enameled cast-iron dutch oven that comes in seven colors.
Great Jones cookware makes a low-risk gift, too. The company offers a 60-day trial and free returns on its products.
Great Jones Family Style cookware set (5 pc.), $495 (regularly $615)
KitchenAid Professional 5 stand mixer
KitchenAid
Few kitchen gadgets look as impressive on a countertop as a KitchenAid stand mixer. No matter what KitchenAid stand mixer color or model you choose, this multi-tool signals to all who enter the room that you know your way around the kitchen. It’s powerful and versatile enough to take on any cooking or baking task (with the right attachment).
The 4.7-star-rated KitchenAid Professional 5 stand mixer is on sale at KitchenAid right now for the lowest price we’ve seen in a while. This bestselling KitchenAid stand mixer makes a fantastic Christmas present — so much so that we’ve named it one of CBS Essentials’ 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts. It’s the best stand mixer to buy this holiday season.
What sets this KitchenAid stand mixer apart is its bowl-lift design. The bowl is held by two arms, providing sturdy bowl support when mixing heavy ingredients or large batches. The device has 10 speed settings and includes the accessories: power-knead spiral dough hook, flat beater and stainless-steel wire whip.
You don’t want to wait to buy a KitchenAid Professional 5 — it’s on sale right now for the lowest price we’ve seen all year.
KitchenAid Professional 5 stand mixer, $280 (regularly $450)
Vitamix 5200 blender
Amazon
The professional-grade Vitamix 5200 blender has a dial that can be rotated at any point during the blend to achieve the texture you want. Its blades move so fast that you can make hot soup out of cold ingredients, right in the blender.
The Vitamix 5200 blender comes with a tamper (a tool that lets you manually move ingredients in the blender) to help with thick blends.
Vitamix 5200 blender, $457 and up (reduced from $550)
Lego Marvel: I am Groot
Amazon
Build a moveable Baby Groot from Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” with this 476-piece Lego set. It also comes with a pretend cassette tape and display nameplate.
(You can read more on why Lego Marvel: I am Groot is a most wanted Christmas gift here.)
Squishmallows
Amazon
One reason why Squishmallows make a great Christmas or Hanukkah gift: Young kids absolutely love the toys — they’re appropriate for children as young as 2 years old. Plus, they come in so many different shapes and sizes: there are Dalmation Squishmallows, caterpillar Squishmallows, beaver Squishmallows, succulent Squishmallows and even squishmallows that look like strawberry milk. Each Squishmallow has its own personality and quirks listed on its tag.
Add to their Squishmallows stuffed animal collection with this cheerful 14-inch rainbow platypus named Brindall. She loves to garden!
Squishmallows 14″ Platypus, $25
Not the perfect Squishmallow? Check out all the cute and cuddly Squishmallow toys available on Amazon now. Some are on sale.
Mr. Christmas Alexa compatible Christmas tree
Amazon
This reviewer-loved artificial Vermont spruce Christmas tree from Mr. Christmas comes in five sizes. The price for the smallest, the 5-foot tree, is listed. This Christmas tree’s lights have 40 different colors and functions, like a sparkle setting. You can also schedule them to turn on and off. Just tell Alexa.
Mr. Christmas Alexa compatible Christmas tree, $266 and up
The Jacket Maker Ionic black leather jacket
The Jacket Maker
Choose from seven colors in this men’s sheepskin leather jacket. It has zippers at the cuffs, four outside pockets and two inside pockets. Jackets are offered in eight standard sizes, or pay $50 extra for a custom fit based on the recipient’s measurements.
The Jacket Maker Ionic black leather jacket, $270
The Jacket Maker Alison black leather biker jacket
The Jacket Maker
This women’s cowhide leather biker jacket comes in four colors. It has zippered cuffs and a removable belt. It has three zippered pockets and one coin pocket on the outside, plus two inside pockets. This leather jacket can be custom fit for an extra $50.
The Jacket Maker Alison black leather biker jacket, $290
Apple iPad Pro (2022)
Amazon
Apple’s high-end tablet, the iPad Pro, features a Liquid Retina XDR display, a pro camera system (12 MP wide; 10 MP ultrawide) and a Thunderbolt port for lightning-speed data transfers. Looking for a traditional laptop experience? It’s compatible with Apple’s Magic Keyboard.
The latest iPad Pro comes with several major upgrades. One of the most notable changes is that the 2022 iPad Pros are equipped with the M2 chip, the same fast and powerful chip included in the latest MacBooks. The M2 chip makes this the fastest iPad yet — and an excellent choice for video editing, streaming or gaming.
The Apple iPad Pro is available with an 11-inch Liquid Retina display or a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display. Memory configurations range from 128GB to 2TB. You can also choose between cellular and Wi-Fi only connectivity options
11″ Apple iPad Pro 4th generation (WiFi, 128 GB), $799
11″ Apple iPad Pro 4th generation (cellular, 128 GB), $984 (reduced from $999)
12.9″ Apple iPad Pro 6th generation (Wi-Fi, 128 GB), $1,099
12.9″ Apple iPad Pro 6th generation (cellular, 128 GB), $1,299
Apple iPhone 14
Apple
Apple’s new iPhone 14 offers several improvements over the prior model, including a new operating system with iOS 16. It is getting a camera upgrade, improved retina display and a larger battery. The new iPhones will feature 6GB of RAM, an increase over the 4GB offered in the iPhone 13.
The iPhone 14 has a new 12MP main camera with a larger sensor and wider aperture. The upgraded smartphone also includes an improved front-facing camera with autofocus for better selfies. Apple states that the new camera system will provide strong improvements for low-light photography through its new Photogenic Engine. Apple also introduced Action Mode for improved video quality for capturing moving subjects.
One notable design change is the pill-shaped cutout at the top of the phone screen. This cutout features small privacy indicator lights that alert users that the microphone or camera is in use. One the iPhone 13, these indicator lights are easier to miss but the iPhone 14 has redesigned them to appear brighter (even in sunlight) and placed them front and center at the top of your phone screen.
The iPhone 14 is also available in a Max version, with a larger phone screen. The iPhone 14 Plus has a 6.7-inch screen whereas the standard iPhone 14 has a 6.1-inch display screen. Apple has decided to ditch the iPhone Mini this year, so these are the only two sizing options for the iPhone 14.
The iPhone 14 starts at $799, though we found it slightly cheaper at Walmart ($779). The iPhone 14 Plus will start at $899.
Apple iPhone 14 on AT&T (128GB), $779 (reduced from $800)
Apple iPhone 14 on Verizon (128GB), $779 (reduced from $800)
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Apple
Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds offer 30 hours of listening time with the included charging case. They have an upgraded wireless chip for improved audio functionality, a new low distortion driver for clearer audio and improved active noise cancellation. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 provide truly custom sound: You can use your iPhone’s camera to analyze your unique ear anatomy and find the perfect audio settings for you.
The design of the Apple AirPods Pro 2 is fairly similar to the previous generation, but Apple has introduced touch control to the AirPods 2 to help users more seamlessly control their AirPods. Users will also get a new extra-small tip with their AirPods. The case did get a notable design upgrade with a new lanyard loop and a built-in speaker to help you find your lost AirPods case.
Apple AirPods Pro 2, $239 (reduced from $249)
Apple AirTags
Apple via Amazon
Your friend or family member who is constantly losing their keys, wallet or Apple AirPods could really use some Apple AirTags this Christmas. These tiny trackers work by sending out a Bluetooth signal that can be anonymously detected by nearby devices. Then, even if your own phone isn’t handy, you (and only you) can locate these trackers on an Apple “Find My” map.
If your iPhone is handy, then it can lead you straight to the AirTag via the phone’s “Precision Finding” feature (found on the Apple iPhone 11 and newer models).
Apple AirTags are water-resistant, and designed to last for up to one year on a standard, replaceable battery.
Apple AirTags (4 pack), $95 (reduced from $99)
You’ll get the best per-AirTag price when you buy a four pack. But if you only need one, single Apple AirTags are available at Amazon.
Little Live Pets Mama Surprise
Amazon
This interactive guinea pig toy needs to be fed and brushed like a real guinea pig. The device makes 20 sounds and reactions as kids pat, feed, groom and interact with her. And just like the real thing, this mama guinea pig can give birth.
According to the brand, when the toy receives enough love and attention, “her heart will start glowing and she’ll let out a melody to let you know that a baby is about to arrive.” This guinea pig mama can deliver three babies. Each baby is delivered with a care package and surprise themed accessories, including rock ‘n’ roll, preppy and princess themed babies.
“I was looking for a gift for my 4 year old niece who has everything. I thought this toy is so different, she can’t have this at home,” wrote an Amazon customer who purchased the play set. “She absolutely loves it! She carries the mom everywhere and keeps the babies in the cage. She would be so excited when the mom would ‘give birth.’ It has really kept her busy. The mama pig makes the sweetest sounds. My niece loves the mama pig more than the babies. I am thankful for this sweet toy.”
(You can read more on why Little Live Pets Mama Surprise is a most wanted Christmas gift here.)
Little Live Pets Mama Surprise, $55 with coupon (reduced from $65)
Apple Watch Series 8
Apple
The Apple Watch 8 is available in 41mm and 45mm sizing options. Shoppers can choose between stainless steel or aluminum casing and several different colors; new watch band options are available via Nike and Hermes.
One verified Amazon owner says they love the new Apple Watch 8: “I do not regret my decision to buy this watch at all!” Not sure what size to get? Check out our guide on how to pick the right Apple Watch size.
(You can read more on why the Apple Watch 8 is a most wanted Christmas gift here.)
Apple Watch 8 GPS (41mm), $349 (reduced from $399)
Apple Watch Series 8 GPS (45mm), $379 (reduced from $429)
Cosori Dual Blaze smart air fryer
Amazon
The Cosori Dual Blaze air fryer connects to your phone, so you can scan the barcode of your favorite frozen foods to get the ideal temperature and time settings. This smart air fryer can also be operated by voice command.
The kitchen gadget uses dual heating elements and Cosori’s 360 ThermoIQ technology to make real-time temperature adjustments during cooking, so you’ll get evenly cooked and crisped food, without having to shake or flip whatever’s in your basket. The non-stick basket is dishwasher safe.
“I love how easy it is to cook many different types of food in my new air fryer. No heavy greasy foods to deal with and the foods retain their natural flavors. Extremely fast cooking speeds and the model I chose makes shaking and turning foods over a thing of the past. The foods come out tender crisp and browned perfectly,” raved an Amazon customer who purchased the Cosori Dual Blaze 6.8 quart smart air fryer.
(You can read more on why the Cosori Dual Blaze air fryer is a most wanted Christmas gift here.)
Cosori Dual Blaze smart air fryer (6.8 quart), $160 with coupon (regularly $180)
Rimowa Original
Rimowa
The Rimowa Original is one of the most iconic suitcases of all time. Engineered in Germany out of top-of-the-line aluminum, the grooved suitcase is equipped with everything you need in a travel companion. Features include TSA-approved locks, a flex divider for organized packing, a telescopic handle and a smooth, multi-wheel system. While the surprisingly lightweight suitcase (the smallest carry-on weighs 9.3 pounds) might be a splurge, consider it an investment in a long-term travel buddy.
The brand recently added a lifetime guarantee on all new suitcases purchased from July 25, 2022, covering all functional aspects, but excluding wear and tear. Rimowa also offers in-store repairs and even in-hotel repairs at participating international locations.
Available in three carry-on sizes, two check-in and a large trunk version in titanium, silver and black.
Rimowa Original, $1,325 and up
100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: The best gifts to give this Christmas
It may seem early to start shopping for Christmas and Hanukkah gifts, but trust us, it’s not. Last year’s holiday season was riddled with supply-chain issues, and CBS News is anticipating more of the same in 2022. Plus, there’s inflation — unfortunately, prices may rise even more before December comes.
So it’s time to shop for holiday gifts now. Pick out a great hiding spot and check out CBS Essentials’ 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts of 2022. We’ve based our top 100 gift picks on our own bestsellers, owner reviews and our own extensive research into the most-buzzed-about gifts of 2022, such as this I am Groot Lego set, a guinea pig toy that gives birth and this pooping purple turtle.
Stay tuned to the CBS Essentials 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts Series for our picks of the hottest gifts to give in 2022. Our list includes some of Apple’s newest products, the top toys of 2022, game-changing kitchen appliances (such as this air fryer) and so much more.
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