Decorations, lights, and festive tunes might set the scene for the holiday season, but it’s family time and meaningful memories that make it special. Nothing beats having a month-long excuse to gather with your closest friends and family for celebratory meals, cheerful cocktails, and gift exchanges. Although festivities are always fun, the real magic is the time we get to spend and the moments that fill it, like an afternoon in the kitchen with siblings and cousins, loud bursts of laughter during a family card game, and sharing stories and warm drinks by a fire.
Indeed, when it comes to the holidays, time spent together is time well spent. So this holiday season, give the gift of togetherness with thoughtful gifts the whole fam will enjoy. Our favorite picks this year cover everything from family game time to kid-friendly cooking and outdoor sports.
No matter how you choose to spend your holiday, find the perfect gift to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Big Dill Pickleball Superstar Wooden Pickleball Paddles Set
$85
from
Big Dill Pickleball
The pickleball craze has been sweeping the nation for the last two years. And why not? It’s a fun sport that can be played both indoors and outdoors, and both adults and children get a kick out of the challenge. This starter set gives a family of four everything they need to play.
Under the Weather MyPod 2XL Pop-Up Weather Pod
The most useful gifts are those that are the most functional, right? This pop-up weather pod tent provides an innovative weather-protection solution for backpackers, campers, sports-goers, and any other outdoor enthusiast functions. Weather pods are water- and wind-proof, zip fully closed, and stay up to 35 degrees warmer inside than out. They also offer SPF protection. What could be better? It’s easy to use, tote, and store and even comes with a backpack carry case.
'The Humane Table: Cooking with Compassion'
Created for at-home cooks and beginners who share the American Humane’s dedication to be kind and respectful to animals, this cookbook features more than 100 carefully curated seasonal recipes from top chefs and national brands that incorporate ingredients respectfully produced by farmers, ranchers, and other American Humane-certified organizations.
Sugarwish
Starting at
$25
from
What’s better than holiday treats for the entire family to share? When the family gets to choose them! Sugarwish offers candy, cookies, snacks, popcorn, and other categories from which you can choose up to 12 items, depending on the size you order. Have everyone in the family take their pick and gather ‘round the TV for a nice movie once they arrive and enjoy them together.
Games, Games, and More Games
Price may vary
$75
from
Board games are always a good time! When you’re bored (hee hee) and even when you’re not, different types of games are the perfect choice for family and friend groups both big and small. For the older crowd, check out Rabble, a game of absurd words and ridiculous challenges. Taco vs Burrito, a strategy game, was created by a 7-year-old and is loved by both kids and adults. (Pssst: It’s the #1 gifted card game on Amazon.) For more traditional games, check out this beautiful Stax 4-in-a-Row and this Rolz Checkers/Chess Set, both by Umbra.
Anker NEBULA Capsule, Smart Wi-Fi Mini Projector
Bring movie night to any room — or even outdoors — with this portable, soda-can-sized projector. With built-in Wi-Fi, it streams your favorite apps and projects vivid images up to 100 inches, making it perfect for family movie marathons or gaming sessions.
Ooni Koda 12 Gas Pizza Oven
Making pizza becomes a spectator sport when families use this portable outdoor pizza oven that includes a custom fuel tray that keeps the temperature extra high. Use wood or charcoal to feed the flames. With just 15 minutes of preheating, the oven can reach 950 degrees, which cooks a pizza on a stone in just 60 seconds.
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker
A double-insulated freezer bowl is the secret to creating delicious ice cream in Cuisinart’s ice cream and frozen yogurt machine. The bowl holds up to two quarts. A large ingredient spout allows favorite mix-ins to be added easily, and the machine includes a retractable cord, replacement lid, paddle, and recipe book.
JYX Karaoke Machine With Two Wireless Microphones
Families who love to sing and perform will enjoy using this karaoke machine that includes two wireless microphones. A portable bluetooth speaker provides excellent sound, and the LED lights turn it into a party. A digital signal processor boosts the bass, moderates the volume, and creates a cleaner sound. When fully charged, its large capacity battery guarantees six to eight hours of music playtime.
Nostalgia Tabletop Indoor Electric S'mores Maker
Who doesn’t like eating s’mores? This electric s’mores maker brings a campfire tradition inside your home, thanks to a flameless heater. Simply plug in the machine, and your family can be roasting marshmallows in no time. The set includes four-compartment trays to share ingredients and two stainless steel roasting forks.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
