IT General

TL;DR: Get new, open-box Bose QuietComfort headphones in Cypress Green for $184.99 (reg. $359), with adjustable noise-canceling and up to 24 hours of battery life.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones - Cypress Green (Open Box) $184.99
$359 Save $174.01   Get Deal

Your playlist should be better than competing with every conversation in the room. For a limited time, new, open-box Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones in Cypress Green are $184.99 (reg. $359). They combine adjustable noise-canceling, customizable sound, and a comfortable fit for days when you’d rather choose your own soundtrack.

Quiet Mode helps block distractions, while Aware Mode lets you hear your surroundings without stopping the music. Want something between the two? Create custom modes in the Bose app and choose your preferred noise-canceling level. There’s also Wind Block for breezy environments.

The audio gets similar flexibility. High-fidelity sound brings out detail, and adjustable EQ lets you change the bass, mid-range, and treble. Whether you prefer a little extra low end or a different balance for your next album or podcast, the controls are yours.

Multipoint Bluetooth keeps the headphones connected to two devices at once, so switching between your laptop and phone doesn’t require another pairing routine. A built-in microphone handles calls and access to your voice assistant.

Plush earcup cushions and a padded headband help keep longer listening sessions comfortable. Battery life reaches up to 24 hours with noise-canceling on, and a 15-minute charge provides up to 2.5 hours of playback.

There’s a useful backup, too: the included audio cable lets you keep listening without Bluetooth, even with a depleted battery. Just note that noise-canceling and EQ are off in that mode.

These headphones are listed as new, open-box, a category typically associated with excess store-shelf inventory. Get the Cypress Green Bose QuietComfort headphones for $184.99 (reg. $359) through Nov. 8.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Ready or not, the holiday shopping season is underway. Choosing the best Christmas gifts for the ones you love is either an epic quest that you look forward to every year — or one you dread. Luckily, we spend our days testing all the latest gadgets, trending products, and gift-worthy gear, and we know exactly what to recommend.

For 2026, our Christmas wishlist is simple: it's all the awesome stuff we loved most this year, including the products we named Mashable Gift of the Year winners. That includes the newest gadgets, the swoonworthy items we just had to buy for ourselves, and some classic all-time Mashable favorites. With input from our own tech reporters, shopping editors, and product reviewers, every single Christmas gift idea we recommend is an item we use, love, or have given to others ourselves.

Whether you're searching for the best Christmas gifts for mom and dad, your sweetheart, cool teens, or stocking stuffers everyone will love, start with our Christmas gift guide. So, join us as we put on our Santa hats and share the very best Christmas gift ideas of the year.

The best stocking stuffers of 2026 Credit: Kodak A tiny device that reduces your screen time

Several Mashable reporters dramatically curbed their screen time with the help of the Brick, a pocket-sized gadget that locks certain apps on your phone. That physical element makes it way more effective than traditional screen-time apps. "My favorite use of Bricking my phone is before bed, as it ensures social media isn't the first thing I see when I wake up," said lead shopping reporter Samantha Mangino. Throw in a cute Brick Case while you're at it, too. Read our full review of the Brick.

Opens in a new window Credit: Brick Brick $59 at Brick
  Shop Now at Brick Anker charging products

Charging devices are always some of the best practical gifts and stocking stuffers. Anker has an endless number of high-powered charging solutions, but we’re especially fond of two. First, the ultra-thin Nano MagSafe Power Bank attaches magnetically to compatible phones for convenient wireless charging. Then, there’s the Nano Smart Display Charger, which can fast-charge smartphones and let you know when it's done with a built-in smart display.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Nano Smart Display Charger, 45W $29.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $5.00   Get Deal at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Nano MagSafe Power Bank $54.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $5   Get Deal at Amazon Some classic wired earbuds

Wired earbuds are back in style, and Apple's EarPods — the white 'buds that used to come with old iPhones — are a classic, affordable option. Senior shopping reporter Haley Henschel replaced her uncomfortable AirPods Pro 2 with them and never looked back. "Join me on the wired side," she wrote. "The sound quality is good enough [and] the cover charge is cheap."

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple EarPods (USB-C) $19 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon The cult-favorite Kodak keychain camera

The Kodak Charmera is a miniature camera that comes in a blind box (like a Labubu), so you don't know exactly which color you're going to get. The best part is that it can actually take photos and videos — it's not just a decorative toy — and its shots are delightfully nostalgic. Multiple Mashable staffers have one of these hanging on their keychains or purses' hardware.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kodak Kodak Charmera $34.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Budget wireless earbuds with elite call quality

The Nothing Ear (3a) are an excellent AirPods Pro alternative and some of the best budget earbuds available. They sound as good as they look, delivering clear, bold audio in a transparent design. Call quality is their biggest strength, rivaling earbuds that cost nearly three times as much.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing Nothing Ear (3a) $99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Rechargeable hand warmers

These rechargeable electric hand warmers come personally recommended by Mashable tech editor Timothy Beck Werth, who's been slipping them into Christmas stockings for years. They have a cute design and built-in flashlight, but most importantly, they keep your hands and fingers nice and toasty even in the bitter cold. If you're looking for gifts under $25 for a White Elephant or Secret Santa gift exchange, we promise these will be popular.

Opens in a new window Credit: Orastone Orastone Rechargeable Hand Warmer $29.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Some cute first aid kits

A Welly first-aid kit is another of our go-to stocking stuffers. The brand is best known for its adorable, kid-friendly Bravery Bandages with fun designs, but even adults will appreciate this colorful and travel-friendly med kit, which has all the essentials you need to treat little bumps, scrapes, burns, and ouchies. Pack one in your dopp kit when you travel, or keep it in your medicine cabinet year-round.

Opens in a new window Credit: Welly Welly Quick Fix On The Go First Aid Kit (2-Pack) $15.88 at Amazon
  Get Deal at Amazon The best Christmas gifts for techies Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Amazon's new tablets

Amazon just dropped some iPad alternatives for Android users with tighter budgets: the new Alexa tablets. Their premium aluminum chassis are sleek and colorful, and the Alexa+ AI assistant is built right into them. Plus, unlike Amazon's older Fire tablets, they have full access to the Google Play Store. If your gifting budget has no bounds, we think the high-end Alexa Tablet 12 Pro with an optional "nanomatte" display is one of the best Christmas gift ideas for digital artists.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Alexa Tablet 8 (64GB) $229.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro (128GB, Nanomatte display) $549.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A phone-free smart alarm clock

The Ambient Dreamie is a new smart alarm clock that "makes it easy to pretend like your phone doesn't exist," Henschel wrote. "It doesn't require an app for setup, and it eliminates most excuses for bringing your phone to bed by offloading your alarms, night lighting, and sleep content." She said it helped her fall asleep faster and wake up easier. This fall, the Dreamie added a podcast feature, and contactless sleep tracking is next on the docket. Read our full review of the Ambient Dreamie.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ambient Ambient Dreamie $249 at Ambient
  Shop Now at Ambient Apple's updated smart home speaker

Apple finally revisited its HomePod mini smart speaker this fall to give it a faster processor and a new "Sound Glow" feature that can sync with your music. A future software update will add support for the company's Siri AI assistant; if you link it to your phone or iPad, it'll be able to recognize your voice and compete tasks for you using your calendar, texts, and emails. Crucially, it also now comes in pink and green.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple HomePod mini 2 $149 at Best Buy
  Shop Now at Best Buy A colorful, budget-friendly laptop

This spring, Apple dropped a budget bombshell in the MacBook Neo, a colorful laptop that doesn't look or feel as cheap as it really is. (It starts at just $699.) "Most cheap Windows laptops and Chromebooks have plastic components, but this little guy has the same luxe, all-aluminum build quality as any other MacBook," Henschel wrote, adding that its A18 Pro chip is "extremely impressive" in basic computing scenarios. It's a Mashable Choice Award winner, and we think it's the best laptop for kids and younger students. Read our full review of the Apple MacBook Neo.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $699 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A credit card-sized AI notetaker

Shopping for someone who runs every decision past ChatGPT? We've got just the thing. We’re talking about Pocket, a voice recorder that hides discreetly in any pocket. Moreover, this is a personal AI assistant programmed to take notes, transcribe meetings, and summarize calls. Pocket does a terrific job of extracting key info and providing visual maps of conversations. It's also a great gift idea for college students.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pocket Pocket AI $159 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A chic smart ring

Another Mashable Choice titleholder, the new Oura Ring 5 has a slimmer design that makes it more comfortable to wear for long periods of time — yet it still lasts up to seven days per charge. According to Mangino, who's used to wearing an Apple Watch, its jewelry-like look and fit make it the ultimate everyday wearable. Its "exceptional" activity tracking (her words) and useful health insights are just the icing on the cake. Read our full review of the Oura Ring 5.

Opens in a new window Credit: Oura Oura Ring 5 $399 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Pokémon 30th Anniversary memorabilia

Pokémon fever is running high for the legendary franchise's 30th anniversary. So, whether you're shopping for a 5-year-old or a nostalgic millennial who’s still a kid at heart, expect Pokémon gifts to be in very high demand for Christmas 2026.

Select brands have collaborated with the IP to release various special-edition products, including Adidas and Beats. We're also huge fans of the adorable Lego Smart Play Pokémon sets. Our advice: grab available items ASAP or bookmark product pages to watch for restocks. You can thank us later.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Pokémon Smart Play: Training House with Pikachu $69.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Beats by Dre Beats Pill – Pokémon Special Edition $149.99 at Beats
May be out of stock. Learn More at Beats A fancy e-reader

A fitting gift for any modern bookworm is an e-reader. We've also named the new Amazon Kindles some of our favorite Christmas gift ideas of the year (keep scrolling), but there are other options we love. Another Mashable favorite, the Kobo Libra Colour, lets readers highlight passages in color and makes comic books and graphic novels more engaging. We also love the new reMarkable Paper Pure, a powerhouse e-ink writing tablet that doubles as an e-reader for PDF and ePub files, without any ads or pop-ups. Read more about the best e-readers.

Opens in a new window Credit: reMarkable reMarkable Paper Pure with stylus $399
  Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kobo Kobo Libra Colour e-reader $259.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A home theater upgrade

We think the TCL QM6K is the best TV for most people. Former senior shopping reporter Leah Stodart deemed it "the quintessential beginner fancy TV": a nice QLED model with adequate brightness, deep blacks, great color, and a high-enough refresh rate for gaming, but a reasonable price tag. (Every size is usually on sale for well under $1,000 — even the huge 85-incher.) It's primo "for casual home theater purposes," Stodart wrote. Read our full review of the TCL QM6K.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 65-inch QM6K Mini LED 4K TV $799.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon The best Christmas gifts 2026: For parents and grandparents Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable A smart bird feeder

Birdbuddy's smart feeders are super popular Christmas gifts, and the brand just came out with two new models: the Birdbuddy Nook and Birdbuddy Home. Henschel tested them and prefers the Home because it has a larger seed reservoir and two built-in solar panels. However, the small, affordable Nook is "ideal for tight spaces like balconies and patios," she said. Both feeders are super easy to set up and have an upgraded, scratch-resistant camera with AI-powered bird species recognition.

Opens in a new window Credit: Birdbuddy Birdbuddy Nook Solar $159 at Birdbuddy
  Shop Now at Birdbuddy Opens in a new window Credit: Birdbuddy Birdbuddy Home $219 at Birdbuddy
  Shop Now at Birdbuddy The new Apple HomeView

This fall, Apple came out with its first-ever smart display, the HomeView. Parents can use it for FaceTime calls, sending messages, listening to music, catching up on shows, and answering questions or controlling other smart home devices via Siri AI. It also doubles as a digital picture frame. (Like Amazon's Echo Show devices, it's basically an all-in-one hub.) Up to six people can set up their own profiles on it, so it's well-suited for bigger households.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple HomeView $299 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Digital picture frames

If your family is spread out in different states, then a digital picture frame lets mom, dad, or your grandparents keep track of the entire family — no matter where they are. Everyone in the family can add new pictures remotely, and their picture frames will show a slideshow of your latest adventures.

Opens in a new window Credit: Aura Aura Digital Picture Frame, Carver, 10 inches $179 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Board games that fit on a bookshelf

Classic board games stir up sweet family memories. WS Games leans into that with its vintage-inspired collection. Battleship, Candy Land, Clue, Monopoly, Risk, Scrabble, and numerous other classics receive a bookshelf-worthy makeover. Each edition has a hardcover-style design and interior storage for the pieces, so it can sit proudly on a bookshelf instead of being tucked away in a closet.

Opens in a new window Credit: WS Games WS Games Vintage Bookshelf Editions Check prices at Amazon Shop Now at Amazon A smokeless fire pit and poker

What are the best Christmas gifts for men, you might be wondering? We have a whole separate list of gift ideas for guys, but to make things quick, Breeo's USA-made fire pits rock.

They're smokeless, capable of providing hours of entertainment, and available in stainless or corten steel finishes, the latter of which develops a rustic patina over time. Breeo also sells a lot of accessories for its fire pits, including a Heavy Duty Fire Poker — another one of our go-to unique gifts for men. It has the feel and heft of a harpoon, and it can shift logs around until you have the perfect blaze.

Opens in a new window Credit: Breeo Breeo Smokeless Fire Pit X19 $399 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Breeo Breeo Heavy-Duty Fire Pit Poker $69 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A robot vacuum that also mops

The best robot vacuum and mop combos can take two chores off Mom and Dad's plates — a priceless Christmas gift, if you ask us. Out of all the new models that Stodart tested this year, she thought the Eufy C28 was the best affordable option. Additionally, its "AI-powered small obstacle avoidance will reliably avoid toys, cords, laundry, or whatever else you didn't have time to tidy up," Stodart said. Read our full review of the Eufy Robot Vacuum C28.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy Robot Vacuum C28 $799.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Spa-quality plush bath towels

There is something so luxurious about a brand-new set of bath towels that all match and feel wonderful. It's like a warm hug each time you get out of the shower. Brooklinen's are particularly loved by our staff — tech editor Werth said, "I firmly believe that Brooklinen's Super-Plush towels are the best towels in the world, period. They're insanely fluffy yet dry faster than you expect."

Opens in a new window Credit: Brooklinen Brooklinen Super-Plush Turkish Cotton Bath Towels (Set of 2) $109 at Brooklinen
  Shop Now at Brooklinen A festive outfit for Skelly

There's a non-zero chance that your parents, like so many other homeowners with a little disposable income, have procured a 12-foot skeleton from the Home Depot within the last few years. (It can talk now, in case you didn't hear.) If that's the case, this custom Santa costume will give them an excuse to leave it up through the holidays. We won't tell their HOA if you won't.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Home Depot 12 ft. Skelly Santa Outfit Kit $58.98 at The Home Depot
  Shop Now at The Home Depot The best gifts for creators Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable The Apple AirPods Max 2

Apple’s flagship headphones have never been cheap, but thanks to Black Friday sales, the holiday shopping season is your chance to score a pair at a discount — or hope someone especially generous puts them under the tree. This time of year, they're often marked down as low as $449.

Beyond the price, the Apple AirPods Max 2 are an upgrade from the original, boasting the H2 chipset for enhanced active noise cancellation and integrated smart audio features such as Adaptive Audio and Conversational Awareness. They also support true lossless audio over USB-C connection to hear more detail and nuance from Apple Music tracks. Read our full review of the Apple AirPods Max 2.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max 2 $549 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A portable power bank

The travel-friendly Anker Prime Power Bank packs enough power to charge an entire laptop on the go, and it's an incredibly practical gift for anyone with a lot of devices to keep charged (i.e. everyone). Wherever you are, this portable power bank can charge a laptop, a handheld gaming console, and a smartphone — all at the same time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Prime 3-Port Portable Power Bank and Charger $129.99
$179.99 Save $50   Get Deal A TikTok-famous wireless mic

DJI is best known for its drones, but don't sleep on its creator-friendly cameras and microphones, either. The DJI Mic Mini has a cult following among TikTokkers, and it's a personal favorite of our own reporters. Compatible with both iPhones and Androids (plus a host of cameras), these are the exact microphones that the Mashable social team uses at events such as VidCon. Read our full review of the DJI Mic Mini.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) $95 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon An upgraded vlogging camera

The Mashable Choice Award-winning Insta360 Luna Ultra is a new 8K gimbal camera with dual lenses and a detachable two-inch touchscreen for remote operation. Mashable assistant editor Amanda Yeo thought the latter was a really neat feature: It "turns the Luna Ultra from a nifty handheld camera into a super flexible vlogging tool that can capture more angles with ease, and is particularly attractive for solo shooting," she wrote. It's a solid investment for any aspiring or professional creator. Read our full review of the Insta360 Luna Ultra.

Opens in a new window Credit: Insta360 Insta360 Luna Ultra $769.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon An Octobuddy

The Octobuddy is a colorful silicone suction mount that lets you stick your phone onto any smooth surface for impromptu videos. TikTok-obsessed teens will undoubtedly appreciate its simple design that makes filming GRWM videos and dance challenges way easier. We frequently see the Octobuddy mentioned in our In My Bag creator interview series.

Opens in a new window Credit: Octobuddy Octobuddy Classic $14.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon The best gaming gifts Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Grand Theft Auto 6

The latest installment in the Grand Theft Auto series has been 13 years in the making, and we're not being dramatic when we say it's the most anticipated video game of all time. Its story will follow a criminal couple through the streets and swamps of Leonida, a fictional version of Florida. If its soundtrack is anything to go by, it'll be a banger. If you preorder GTA 6 before launch day on Nov. 19, your giftee will get bonus vehicle, weapon, and character cosmetics.

Opens in a new window Credit: Rockstar Games "Grand Theft Auto VI" (PlayStation and Xbox) $79.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

The secret ingredient to some of the very best gifts of 2026? Pure, unadulterated nostalgia.

For its latest remake, Nintendo modernized 1998's Ocarina of Time with better visuals and physics, new voice lines, a fresh score, and free camera controls. According to Mashable tech reporter Alex Perry, who got to play the game for an hour at a press preview event, it's a thoughtful update of a stone-cold classic. "It isn't the same as a brand new Zelda for [the Nintendo] Switch 2," he wrote, "but it'll do until the time comes." It's out Nov. 5, and you can preorder it now.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" (Nintendo Switch 2) $69.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Pokémon Pokopia

Clips of Pokopia gameplay went massively viral this spring, and for good reason. It's "Pokémon meets Minecraft, with a delightfully goofy premise and the potential for lots of town-building fun to be had either by yourself or with a group of friends via online play," Perry wrote. It's such a good game that a lot of people upgraded to the Nintendo Switch 2 just to play it. Read Mashable's full review of Pokémon Pokopia.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo "Pokémon Pokopia" (Nintendo Switch 2) $69.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo "Pokémon Pokopia" Expansion Pass (Nintendo Switch 2) $34.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon The best handheld gaming console

Perry called the Nintendo Switch 2 "a fabulous follow-up to an all-time legend." It won a Mashable Choice Award for its upgraded system software and great online social features. Perry also loved its new magnetic Joy-Con 2s, which are bigger and more satisfying to use than the original Switch's controllers. We think it's the best handheld gaming console to buy in 2026, even after a price hike. Read our full review of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 $499.99 at Best Buy
  Shop Now at Best Buy A Lego PlayStation set

Lego had retro gamers tweaking last year with its awesome Game Boy replica. For its encore, the iconic toy maker jumped a few gaming generations ahead, creating this Sony PlayStation set in celebration of the system’s 30th anniversary. It’s an awesome recreation of the original and features customizable details paying homage to two classic launch titles: Ape Escape and Gran Turismo. One look is enough to bring back 32-bit-era memories.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego PlayStation $179.99 at Lego
  Shop Now at Lego The best Christmas gifts for readers Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable The latest ACOTAR books

The sixth installment in Sarah J. Maas' hit romantasy series, A Court of Thorns and Roses, arrived this October, and no self-respecting BookTok member should miss it. If you really want to earn brownie points with your bibliophilic giftee, preorder them a copy of the next book, which is set for release in January. Both are available in hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and Kindle e-book formats.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bloomsbury Publishing "A Court of Splintered Harmony: The Valkyrie Cycle, Movement I" (Sarah J. Maas) $32 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Bloomsbury Publishing "A Court of Forgotten Melody: The Valkyrie Cycle, Movements II & III" (Sarah J. Maas) $38 at Amazon
  Preorder at Amazon Amazon's revamped Kindles

Amazon redesigned its Kindle e-readers for 2026 with fun new colors (ube! seaglass green!) and thinner, lighter form factors. After testing the updated base model, Mashable's Mangino crowned it the best budget e-reader. "What truly makes it stand out is just how lightweight it is," she wrote — at six inches and half a pound, it's excellent for travel. Read our full review of the new Amazon Kindle.

However, if you have a little more wiggle room in your gifting budget, Mangino thinks the new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is the best Kindle overall: It's waterproof, longer-lasting, and equipped with an adjustable warm light. Read our full review of the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition.

Psst: Don't forget to remove the Kindle lockscreen ads before you gift. To quote our tech editor, "it's borderline rude" not to.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle (16GB) $149.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32GB) $249.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A Kindle page-turning remote

Amazon's first page turner, the Kindle Click, "will level up your cozy evenings spent reading," said Mangino, and it's a must-have for the BookTok set. It lets you turn the pages of a Kindle or adjust its brightness when you're snug under the covers of your fuzziest blanket. (It's compatible with models from 2024 onward.) Unlike other page-turners we've tried, it works via Bluetooth. Read our full review of the Amazon Kindle Click.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Click $34.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon An e-reader stand

A gooseneck stand is a "luxury" for any regular e-reader user because it situates the device "within reading distance without any arm fatigue," Mangino said. Based on her testing, this Magipea model works nicely with both Kindle and Kobo models.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magipea Magipea Gooseneck Stand $25.99
  Shop Now The best gifts for music lovers Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable A party card game about chart-toppers

Trivia night at the local bar is fun, but hosting one at home can be even better. Hitster is an icebreaker that gets everyone working together to identify hit songs from the past century. Scan a card to play a track, then guess the year it was released. Themed editions — including All American, Guilty Pleasures, and Latino —broaden playability and let you tailor the music to your company.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jumbo "Hitster" $19.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A pair of stylish earplugs

Multiple Mashable editors and writers swear by Loop's earplugs, which look like jewelry, fit comfortably in most people's ears, and make a unique stocking stuffer. The Loop Experience 2 are great for regular concert- and music festival-goers; Mashable's Henschel even wore them to a Beyoncé show. "I could hear Beyoncé and her band perfectly, but the din of the stadium was almost completely suppressed," she wrote. They come in a range of color options, including some limited-edition metallic variants designed in partnership with Harry Styles.

Opens in a new window Credit: Loop Loop Experience 2 $34.95 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A beginner-friendly turntable

This spring, Sony launched some new Bluetooth record players for the first time in seven years. Henschel tried the entry-level PS-LX3BT model and called it "a stylish turntable with idiot-proof plug-and-play functionality." She pointed out that it has a USB-B port in the back, which you can use to rip vinyl tracks onto a laptop. If your partner collects vinyl, this is one of those Christmas gift ideas they'll appreciate for years to come. Read our full review of the Sony PS-LX3BT.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony PS-LX3BT Wireless Bluetooth Turntable $398 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A rad Bluetooth CD player

CDs are the latest retro tech to have a resurgence among Gen Z. Tracking down a cool old CD player on eBay will earn you a lot of cred, but if you don't want to go through the trouble, this see-through model from Retradisc looks really, really cool. It works with wired or wireless headphones, and best of all, it doesn't cost as much as Sony's new gold-plated Walkman.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retradisc Retradisc Portable Bluetooth CD Player $99 at MoMa Design Store
  Shop Now at MoMa Design Store Luxe noise-cancelling headphones

Technics continues to make a strong impression in the wireless audio market. When it comes to hi-fi headphones, the new EAH-A1000 are a sonic stunner that put many category leaders to shame. They crush the AirPods Max 2 in most areas and rival the Sony WH-1000XM6 sound quality, while also outlasting both competitors in playtime (up to 45 hours per charge) and multi-point pairing. Plus, the elegant craftsmanship is a 10/10. Every audiophile should have this at the top of their wish list this year.

Opens in a new window Credit: Technics Technics EAH-A1000 $449.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon The best beauty and grooming gifts Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Fulton & Roark fragrance sets

Choosing a signature scent for your hubby isn’t as easy as picking out a video game; you need to know their olfactory preferences. If you’re unsure what they like — or shopping for someone especially particular — let them decide with one of Fulton & Roark’s discovery sets. The variety gives them a chance to explore different scents and narrow down their next go-to fragrance. (Pro tip: We like Palmetto and Ghost Trees.)

Opens in a new window Credit: Fulton & Roark Fulton & Roark Classic Discovery Set $35 at Fulton & Roark
  Shop Now at Fulton & Roark Opens in a new window Credit: Fulton & Roark Fulton & Roark Cult Favorites Discovery Set $35 at Fulton & Roark
  Shop Now at Fulton & Roark Harry's grooming products

Harry’s has something for every man’s mug. Guys who prefer a clean-shaven look can reach for the brand’s shaving kit, which includes the popular Truman handle with secure grip and multiple five-blade cartridges that deliver close shaves. No-shave November devotees can keep their mane well-kempt with the beard wash and conditioning spray bundle.

Opens in a new window Credit: Harry's Harry's Original Shaving Kit $28.40 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Harry's Harry's Beard Grooming Kit $25 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A really nice electric razor

Every well-groomed gentleman deserves a luxury electric shaver in his life. The Panasonic Arc5 Pro is our pick for its comfortable, close shaves and flexible head, which is designed to improve cutting performance. It works for both wet and dry shaving, and the built-in pop-up trimmer provides seamless control and navigation to clean up edges around the neckline.

Opens in a new window Credit: Panasonic Panasonic Arc5 Pro + Cleaning Station $349.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A cooling red light mask

We think the Mashable Choice Award-winning Shark CryoGlow is the best red light mask you can buy right now (and one of the best Christmas gifts for women). It provides more complete coverage than other masks from brands like OmniLux or CurrentBody, and each bulb can emit red, blue, or near-infrared light.

Former senior shopping reporter Leah Stodart was convinced that the CryoGlow’s bacteria-killing blue light setting is what finally cleared a year’s worth of her relentless adult acne. Some cooling under-eye pads complete this luxurious self-care device. Read our full review of the Shark CryoGlow.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask $349.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A Dyson Airwrap dupe

Several Mashable staffers use Shark's FlexStyle multi-styler on a regular basis. (Mangino did her wedding hair with it!) It costs half as much as Dyson's iconic Airwrap but works just as well, if not better. It supports a ton of different attachments and has a unique twisting base that functions like a regular hair dryer on its own. Read our full review of the Shark FlexStyle.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle 4-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer $299.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon The best Christmas gifts for kids Credit: Skylight The Nex Playground

The Playground is a cubic gaming console designed for playing family-friendly games with motion controls — no need for a traditional gamepad. Perry described it as "a spiritual successor to the old Xbox Kinect." If this is the first time you're hearing of it, get with the program: It managed to outsell the PlayStation 5 on Black Friday 2025, and was difficult to find in stock during the holiday season last year. If you plan on gifting it within the coming weeks, we'd recommend adding it to your cart ASAP.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nex Nex Playground $299 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A NeeDoh

Fascinatingly, this squishy little toy is one of the hottest products of 2026. People have stormed stores and waited hours in line to buy them, and there's even a reselling market for them. Mashable's Mangino bought some before the hype and said they "quickly became coveted fidgets among our friends for their pleasing, pliable feel."

Opens in a new window Credit: Schylling Schylling NeeDoh Teenie 10-Pack   Shop Now at Amazon A special-edition Pokémon TCG bundle

Like wired earbuds, CD players, and other items from your childhood, Pokémon cards are so incredibly back — and dare we say, bigger than ever. The Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is a giftable bundle that includes 9 booster packs and plenty of other goodies. Amazon is also selling it on an invite-only basis; try your luck because it's well under market price, as of this writing.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box $59.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon The Skylight Buddy

Routine can give children structure and help them feel more secure. The Skylight Buddy guides kids through mornings, afternoons, and bedtime, while helping them develop healthy habits and independence. They can add and check off chores, events, and tasks. This digital calendar also functions as an alarm clock and nightlight, signaling wake-up and sleep times. Personalization features help families reinforce goals and daily commitments.

Opens in a new window Credit: Skylight Skylight Buddy $159.99 at Target
  Shop Now at Target A Toniebox 2

We recently named the Toniebox 2 one of Mashable's Gifts of the Year in our guide to the top gifts for kids. The kid-famous Toniebox is a favorite of the moms and dads on the Mashable team. Whether you're shopping for your own child or trying to earn a reputation as the cool aunt or uncle, kids and parents alike love these screen-free storytelling devices.

If your tyke already has a Toniebox, they can always use more Tonies — the little figures you put on top of the device to activate a new storytime. Bluey and Pokémon Tonies joined the party this year.

Opens in a new window Credit: Tonies Toniebox 2 Starter Set $149.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon The Yoto Mini

Another Mashable Gift of the Year winner, this portable screen-free audio player is a hit with the two kiddos of Nicole Cammorata, Mashable's director of special projects. "Compatible cards power up everything from chapter books and shorter stories to music and learning-based content," she wrote. For an incredibly sweet personalized gift, you can have grandparents, siblings, or friends record custom audio messages on blank Yoto cards.

Opens in a new window Credit: Yoto Yoto Mini (2024 Edition) $79.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon The best Christmas gifts for teens Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable A cool pair of Beats headphones

Gifting a pair of the best Beats headphones is a sure bet for any fashion-forward music lover. Fans of over-ear headphones will appreciate the modular Beats 360, which features a customizable design with swappable ear cushions, IPX4 sweat resistance, pleasant sound, and strong ANC. True wireless conformists can utilize the sporty Powerbeats Pro 2 for exercise and leisure; the revamped earhook design is optimized for comfort and sound performance.

Beats 360 Over-Ear Headphones $349 at Amazon
  See It at Amazon See It at Walmart See It at Best Buy Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 $199.95 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50.04   See It at Amazon A screen-free digital camera

Looking for the best gifts under $100? The Camp Snap 2 is one of our top picks. This screenless digital camera has six built-in filters and super simple controls. To transfer its photos to your phone, all you need is a USB-C cable. Mangino brought a Camp Snap 2 on her Grecian honeymoon this past summer, "and now I have the sweetest photos to look back on," she said. Read our full review of the Camp Snap 2.

Opens in a new window Credit: Camp Snap Camp Snap 2 $69.99
  Shop Now Funko Pop! collectibles

The merchandising gods are working their magic this holiday season in anticipation of the biggest MCU film yet: Avengers: Doomsday. Funko Pop has a tempting lineup of Marvel collectibles, including multiple versions of Doctor Doom, beloved X-Men characters, and a 10-inch jumbo Sentinel. Steve Rogers, Thor, Shang-Chi, and several other familiar faces round out the collection.

Opens in a new window Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable Funko Pop! Marvel: Avengers Jumbo Sentinel (Doomsday) $39.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon An aesthetically pleasing bedroom TV

If your teenager is allowed to watch TV in their room, upgrade their older set to the Mashable Choice Award-winning Hisense DécoTV. The 32-inch model "is compact enough to fit just about anywhere and simplistically chic enough to fit in with just about any decor," said Stodart. It'll be perfect for their college dorm room when the time comes. As a bonus, it costs much less than Samsung's smallest The Frame TV. Read our full review of the Hisense DécoTV.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 32-inch S5 DécoTV Series QLED FHD Fire TV $249.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A Blooms by Play-Doh craft kit

No one's too old for Play-Doh anymore: This summer, the modeling clay brand released its first-ever collection of adult craft kits, Blooms by Play-Doh. Each one comes with colorful, scented Play-Doh sticks that they can press and shape into a pretty floral bouquet, plus finishing spray and a clear vase. For crafty types who have grown bored of Lego's Botanical builds, this is one of our favorite Christmas gift ideas.

Opens in a new window Credit: Play-Doh Play-Doh Blooms Meadow Flower Bouquet Making Kit $39.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A (genuinely cool) flip phone

The new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is the best flip phone we've tested this year, and Mashable's Werth especially recommends it "for a stylish, on-trend young person." It's easy to hold in one hand, durable, and available in an extremely cute purpley-pink color. And while its camera setup isn't wildly impressive, it does take a mean selfie. Read our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 (256GB) $1,199.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A retro CD player

Retro tech is having another moment. Last year, cassette players were everywhere; this year, Bluetooth CD players are joining the old-school wave (there are two in this gift guide). They’re a fun pick for Gen Alpha teens who love iPods, disposable cameras, and DVDs, and you can pair it with their favorite artists' latest albums.

The Fosi Audio Merak works as a portable and desktop CD player, with modern extras including Bluetooth, USB drive playback, and one-touch CD ripping.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fosi Audio Fosi Audio Merak HiFi CD Player $139.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon The best gifts for foodies Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable A countertop slushie machine

The best Christmas gift for a hostess with the mostest is a Ninja Slushi Twist. It makes delicious frozen cocktails, slushies, and milkshakes just as well as the original Ninja Slushi, but now it works faster, picks settings for you, and adds a second mixing canister. That's right: Two flavors at once, baby. It's "just plain fun, and will make your home the go-to for your friend group," said Stodart, who gave it a Mashable Choice Award. Read our full review of the Ninja SLUSHi Twist.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Slushi Twist Slushie Machine $399.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A fancy tea gift set

Bless the tea sipper in your family with this flavorful collection of 18 premium blends that bring winter warmth and wellness. These loose-leaf teas come in plant-based sachets and are sourced from small-scale farmers. The assortment includes multiple varieties of black, green, mint, oolong, and white teas.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dona Dona Tea Library Gift Set $60 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A plastic-free air fryer

The viral Ninja Crispi and the new Cosori Iconic have both earned the Mashable staff's collective seal of approval. Why those air fryers, you might ask? Not only do they crisp up food nicely, but they're free of plastics and forever chemicals. The compact Crispi is ideal for cooking single-serve meals and meal-prepping; its glass containers come with lids for storing your leftovers. The Cosori is a sleeker stainless steel model with a bigger basket and handy smart controls. Read our full review of the Cosori Iconic.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Glass Air Fryer $179.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Cosori Cosori Iconic $249 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon The best Christmas gifts for fitness buffs Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable The latest Apple Watch

The new Series 12 is the best smartwatch for most iPhone users, in our opinion. It has a faster processor, pretty new ceramic finish options, and an improved heart sensor array. Mashable senior editor Stan Schroeder has been testing it this fall, and he said the latter is "the star of the show" because it "allows for far more frequent measurements." It also "opens the door for new apps such as Readiness and an overhauled Vitals app," he added.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $399 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon An affordable screenless fitness tracker

We loved the Google Fitbit Air when we first tested it, and love it even more after the latest update, which supports automatic detection for up to 100 sports and tracks blood pressure trends. It excels as both a fitness tracker and sleep tracker, making it a superb gift that athletes won’t ever take off. Not to mention it’s way more affordable than the Apple Watch Series 12, Oura Ring 5, and Whoop MG. Read our full review of the Fitbit Air.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Fitbit Air $99.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A versatile, spill-proof water bottle

Almost everyone on Mashable's shopping team owns an Owala FreeSip, which Mangino dubbed the "best water bottle ever." The 24-ounce insulated stainless steel bottle is designed to accommodate both sipping (via straw) and good ol' fashioned gulp when tipped back. For athletes, college students, teenagers, or anyone who drinks water, we think a colorful Owala is one of the best Christmas gifts under $50. Read our full review of the Owala FreeSip.

Opens in a new window Credit: Owala Owala FreeSip (24 ounces) $29.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A subscription-free AI sports tracking camera

Mashable tech reporter Matt Binder, a self-proclaimed "longtime soccer dad," tested the new XbotGo Falcon sports tracking camera for an entire youth soccer season this year. His verdict: It's "a smart pick for parents and coaches." Its footage is sharp, you can monitor it in real time from your smartphone, and it works with nine different sports (soon to be 12). It's a bit of a splurge, but unlike a lot of the competition, it doesn't require a subscription. Read our full review of the XbotGo Falcon.

Opens in a new window Credit: XbotGo XbotGo Falcon All-in-One 4K AI Sports Camera $769 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon The best gifts for outdoorsy people Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable A beach-ready football

Tossing the football is a holiday tradition for many sports-loving households. This year, rifle this waterproof football into your dad’s chest. Dime Labs cleverly designed its footballs with silicone grip strips for better handling, and a woven microfiber cover to survive the wettest conditions. It comes in two sizes – 10.5 inches and 8.5 inches – with the smaller version well-suited to kids practicing their quarterback skills.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Dime Lab The Dime Lab Water Football $32 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A cooler that can play music

It's a cooler. It's a boombox. It's both! We love the Igloo KoolTunes for its old-school design and surprisingly good audio quality. While it lacks deep bass, it offers clear, balanced sound and can get quite loud. "It's not a gimmick, but a fun fusion of summer party gear," said Mashable's Henschel. Read our full review of the Igloo KoolTunes.

Opens in a new window Credit: Igloo Igloo KoolTunes Playmate 14-quart Cooler $159.99 at Walmart
  Shop Now at Walmart A 3-in-1 portable fan

The new Shark ChillPill is another Mashable Gift of the Year winner. It's a powerful portable fan that stands out for its swappable misting and cooling plate attachments, long battery life, and fun colorways. (Justin Bieber's SKYLRK brand teamed up with Shark for a limited-edition "Heat" variant, which is long sold out.) It came in clutch for Mangino on some of the hottest days of the summer. Read our full review of the Shark ChillPill.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark ChillPill 3-in-1 Portable Fan $149.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon LifeStraw emergency water filter

The LifeStraw is a Black Friday classic that always goes on sale around the holidays, which also makes it a perfect stocking stuffer for people who love camping and the great outdoors. You can stick one end of this straw into virtually any water source — no matter how gross — and clean, filtered water comes out the other end.

Opens in a new window Credit: LifeStraw LifeStraw Personal Water Filter $15.96 at Amazon
  Learn More at Amazon A portable waterproof speaker

Portable Bluetooth speakers are crowd-pleasing gifts for just about anyone, from teenagers to parents, siblings, and friends. This year, we're loving the all-new Tribit StormBox Micro 3. It produces satisfying sound in a compact design, is fully waterproof, and comes in multiple standout colorways. Tribit’s speaker is travel-friendly, with a magnetic snap that can latch onto fridge doors or bike handles.

Opens in a new window Credit: Tribit Tribit StormBox Micro 3 Portable Speaker $66.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A take-anywhere insulated tumbler

Simply put, Yeti's stainless steel Rambler tumblers are crowd-pleasers. They're dishwasher-safe, incredibly durable, condensation-resistant, and available in a huge rainbow of colors and patterns. Pro tip: For a very affordable personalized Christmas gift, you can customize a Rambler with your own text, graphics, and logos on the Yeti website.

Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Rambler 20-ounce Tumbler $35 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon The best Christmas gifts for frequent travelers Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable A Twelve South AirFly Pro 2

The AirFly Pro is a cult-favorite Bluetooth adapter that makes seatback screens on older planes compatible with wireless headphones. After using it on round-trip flights between Chicago and London, Henschel said she'd "never fly without it again." The newer AirFly Pro 2 has simpler controls, improved sound quality, and pairs faster. Read our full review of the Twelve South AirFly Pro.

Opens in a new window Credit: Twelve South Twelve South AirFly Pro 2 $59.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A universal charger

Traveling abroad this winter? Take this handy adapter along. Anker’s latest travel charger works with outlets in nearly every country and can charge up to four devices at once. The voltage detection system monitors voltage, power output, and temperature in real time. All readings and charging statuses are displayed on the LCD screen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Universal Charger $79.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Chic travel jewelry cases

Travel jewelry cases are both thoughtful and practical, and we like this one in particular. The velvet box comes in a few different colors, and it ensures your wife, girlfriend, or daughter's favorite rings, necklaces, and earrings never get misplaced when she's away from home. If you're hunting for one of the best Christmas gifts for women under $25, look no further.

Opens in a new window Credit: Benevolence Benevolence Velvet Travel Jewelry Box $24.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A pair of very comfortable headphones

Cushy ANC headphones are a non-negotiable for long travel days, and lead shopping reporter Bethany Allard thinks the latest Bose QuietComforts are the best mid-range option for flying. When she wore them on a plane, "I heard minimal engine hum and was able to completely tune out conversations from my fellow passengers," she wrote. "I also never felt the need to remove the headphones due to wear fatigue." Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort headphones (2nd Gen).

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) $359 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A portable garment steamer

Nori’s garment steamers are a lifesaver for business travelers and fashion professionals. The Cloud Max makes de-wrinkling clothes a breeze, using gentle vacuum suction to pull fabric taut for smoother results. Anti-spit technology prevents leaks and water spots, and the steamer’s portable design fits comfortably in any travel bag.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nori Nori Cloud Max $138 at Nori
  Shop Now at Nori A durable weekender bag

A weekender bag bridges the gap between a backpack and a suitcase. It should hold a few outfits, toiletries, and an extra pair of shoes for a two- or three-day trip. Quince’s Voyage bag fits the bill with a dedicated shoe compartment, multiple pockets, and a padded shoulder strap. It’s currently on sale for half of its original price, while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: Quince Quince Voyage Nylon Dual Compartment Weekender $128 at Quince
  Shop Now at Quince

Still looking for more great Christmas gift ideas? Check out even more of our favorite gifts to give in 2026:

• The best tech gifts

• The best Christmas gifts for Dad

• The best Christmas gifts for Mom

• The best Christmas gifts for men

• The best Christmas gifts for women

• The best Christmas Gifts for teenage girls

• The best gifts under $50

• The best stocking stuffers

It's incredible that eharmony has managed to stay relevant in the online dating world. The dating site launched back at the turn of the millennium and held firm by focusing on a more substantive, personality-based approach to online matchmaking. It's not perfect, of course, and different daters prefer different approaches to finding partners.

While eharmony members generally appreciate the depth of its matchmaking algorithm, they sometimes complain about the cost and the number of fake profiles, particularly since artificial intelligence has become more widely available. 

Opens in a new window Credit: eharmony eharmony   Learn More

Here's what real eharmony users had to say about the site, from the best features to the worst experiences: 

Pro: The screening process weeds out unserious daters

If you're looking for some genuine substance on dating sites, you often have to filter out all the people who are only in it for short-term fun. At least, that's the case on other dating platforms. But eharmony largely bypasses that problem, first through its reputation (fun fact: it began as a Christian dating site!) and through its detailed sign-up process, which includes completing the eharmony compatibility questionnaire. 

Reddit reviewers have consistently lauded this focus on substance in the screening process ("it forces you to focus on depth over pure visuals") and found the compatibility scores, assigned based on your answers to the personality quiz you take when you sign up, to be a useful way of evaluating matches before starting a conversation. 

SEE ALSO: The best hookup apps for 2026: I swiped until my thumb hurt

Here's a story from one older gentleman: "My mindset was that I really needed to be fully honest in my answers, because why would I pay for a service and not be honest? After a few days, I got my matches. A day later, I got a nice message from a woman 10 years younger than me. We exchanged some messages, and then I looked at our match score after she prompted me about it. We were 126 out of 140. I decided to go with it because she and I were really vibing on each other. A year later we got engaged and will marry next year."

For reference, a compatibility score of 126 on eharmony is incredibly rare. As one Redditor responded, "When I was on there, I never had greater than 105 with any match." 

Con: Expensive membership fees

A common complaint over the years about eharmony has been the cost of the premium membership, which you need to sign up for to get the most out of the site (eharmony doesn't even let you see photos without upgrading to its premium service). There are three premium membership tiers to choose from (Light, Plus, and Unlimited), with pricing varying somewhat by your location, but you should expect to pay at least $15 per month for a membership, which makes it more expensive than a standard Netflix subscription but around the same price as a cheap gym membership.

Users have complained about both the price and the cancellation process: "I’ve tried eHarmony and found it way too expensive for what it offers, and to top it [off], the process of cancellation is so complicated," said one Reddit reviewer. Other users were unhappy with its automatic membership renewals or the difficulty of canceling a subscription, even just 12 hours after signing up. 

That said, eharmony entices users with steep discounts — sometimes up to 50 percent off the regular membership price — so if you keep tabs on offers, you can sign up and get substantial savings. 

Pro: eharmony caters to older daters

It's a fact of online dating: different sites are built for different demographics. That means certain age groups gravitate towards certain sites. You'll already know that if you've ever used Tinder as a middle-aged adult.

Older daters, divorced daters, and anyone looking for a more mature partner should definitely try eharmony. We named it the "gold standard" for daters over 40 for a reason — the older age bracket is eharmony's wheelhouse.

Here's a typical experience from an older male dater: "45 yo divorced guy here. I signed up with eHarmony and Bumble 2 months ago based on recommendations from co-workers. I've had much better luck with eHarmony than Bumble. My highest compatibility ratings are in the 110 to 116 range, and these comprise about 33 percent of my daily feed. The other 33 percent are in the 100 to 105 rating scale, and the final 33 percent are in the 89 to 99 rating scale. [...] In contrast, I have connected with zero women on Bumble Premium after 2 months."

Con: Proliferation of fake profiles

In the age of AI and cheaply produced deepfakes, dating sites have been swamped by fake profiles. Indeed, eharmony users have found themselves sifting through numerous fake dating profiles before finding a real human being to engage. It's frustrating.

One of the top-rated posts on the /r/eharmony subreddit in the last year decries, "The fake profile problem has got noticeably worse," complaining that of the 14 likes their account received, 11 came from obviously fake accounts. 

But how big a problem is this, really? For older daters unaccustomed to filtering out fake profiles and photos, it can be a major pain in the butt, sure. But if you're even remotely internet-savvy, you shouldn't have too much trouble distinguishing between real and fake users. And you're guarantee you'll encounter this problem on pretty much every dating platform — so don't let it put you off using eharmony. And because eharmony has tight restrictions for free members, you can largely side-step the fake profile issue if you upgrade to a paid subscription. This allows you to only interact with other paying members, which effectively eliminates those annoying bots. 

Putting White Lotus stars Sam Rockwell and Parker Posey together for a Hot Ones Versus was always going to be chaotic, but the 20-minute video above exceeds all expectations.

The First We Feast game sees the pair posing questions and challenges to each other. If they fail to answer or complete, they have to eat a spicy death wing.

Included is a contest to see who can blow out some birthday cake candles quickest, and a round of one-liner puns that must be delivered without laughing — but the highlight has to be a truly ridiculous game of charades.

From YouTubers and TikTok stars to streamers and podcasters, Mashable talks to creators about how they built their platforms, the gear they swear by, and the trends they see coming next. Read more of our creator coverage, sign up for our Trending Now and Top Stories newsletters or get Mashable push alerts to discover the internet's most exciting voices.

Where to check for Zelda Switch 2 stock: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at Nintendo Shop Now Amazon Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at Amazon Shop Now Walmart Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at Walmart Shop Now Target Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at Target Shop Now Best Buy Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at Best Buy Shop Now GameStop Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at GameStop Shop Now

If your current morning ritual involves violently hitting refresh on a dozen retail tabs, you already know the vibe: finding the Nintendo Switch 2: The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition is turning into an Olympic sport.

Between automated bot armies scooping digital drops, surprise order cancellations at Walmart, and inventory vanishing in seconds on Amazon, this custom black-and-gold console feels like a myth. But while digital storefronts look completely barren, stock is actively circulating behind the scenes.

Where to check for Zelda Switch 2 stock right now

Before getting into the restock details, bookmark these retailer pages to check for surprise drops:

• Nintendo Store — Out of stock right now, but you can add it to your wishlist to get pinged the second a restock hits.

• Amazon — Dropping tiny batches of consoles randomly throughout the day.

• Walmart — Out of stock, so make sure your in-stock email alerts are turned on.

• Target — Sold out online, but two drops are coming: in-store on Thursday, Nov. 5, and online on Friday, Nov. 6.

• Best Buy — Sold out online, but select stores are doing midnight openings on Nov. 5 with walk-in stock.

• GameStop — Online orders are off; you will have to walk into a store to find one.

Why is the console selling out so fast?

The feeding frenzy is being supercharged by Nintendo’s staggered release calendar. While the custom Zelda 40th Anniversary hardware dropped first on Oct. 29, the flagship game driving demand — The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 — arrives this Thursday, Nov. 5.

The remake rebuilds the 1998 classic from the ground up with modernized controls, a fully orchestrated soundtrack, reworked dungeon puzzles, and expanded Hyrule environments. Since the $520 console doesn’t include the game, everyone is rushing to lock down a system before launch day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 $59.99 at Amazon
  Preorder at Amazon What comes with the Zelda 40th anniversary Switch 2?

The package includes the special-edition Switch 2 system sporting a custom black-and-gold finish, themed Joy-Con 2 controllers, and a matching dock decorated with the gold Triforce emblem. It retains the platform's signature flexibility, letting you switch between TV, Tabletop, and Handheld modes whenever you want.

Inside the themed chassis, you get 256GB of built-in storage (expandable with microSD Express cards), a vivid display in handheld mode, faster load times, and support for up to 4K resolution on compatible TVs when the console sits in the dock.

The magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers add mouse-style tracking in supported games, while the new GameChat hub lets you voice chat and share your screen directly as you play. It also plays your older Switch games and supports standard multiplayer options.

How can you improve your chances of finding stock?

Landing limited-edition Nintendo hardware takes a little prep work, but these battle-tested habits will give you a real edge over the bots:

• Save your checkout details everywhere — Log in to Target, Best Buy, Walmart, and the Nintendo Store to save your shipping address and default card. Stopping to type a card number or billing zip code during a live drop is how you lose an order.

• Hands off the refresh button in Best Buy's queue — When an online drop goes live, Best Buy puts shoppers into a randomized waiting line to filter out scrapers. Touching the reload button resets your spot and boots you straight to the back.

• Watch for Walmart+ early-access paywalls — Walmart frequently locks headline console drops behind paid Walmart+ subscriptions for the first 30 to 60 minutes. If you have a membership, keep that tab signed in; if not, wait for the general public window to unlock.

• Dodge third-party sellers — Double-check the seller before buying. Marketplace scalpers frequently list units for jacked-up prices; make sure it says "Sold and shipped by [Retailer]" at the standard price.

• Skip the web wars and head to physical stores — Online checkout bots grab website stock in under 15 seconds. Showing up in person is easily your most reliable path to securing one without paying scalper markups.

Will the Zelda Switch 2 be restocked on Black Friday?

Most likely, yes.

Stores like Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy often hold onto popular gaming hardware to use as headline deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday week.

With that said, Black Friday restocks are usually the hardest ones to catch. You will be fighting website crashes, gift shoppers, and automated bots all at once. If you can grab a console during the Nov. 5 launch drops at Target or Best Buy, take it. Think of Black Friday as a backup plan, not your main bet.

Console hunting sucks right now, period. But between the surprise micro-drops and Thursday's physical store restocks, you still have real shots at retail price — just be ready to move the second that button turns yellow.

Results from the midterm elections were still rolling in while Jimmy Kimmel recorded his show on Tuesday, but there was enough information to show which way things were headed.

"It's all looking good for the Democrats," Kimmel says in the clip above. "Man oh man, would I hate to be the Door Dash driver who delivers Trump his Papa Johns tonight."

Kimmel goes on to mock the messages Trump and the Republicans were trying to push in the run-up to the midterms, saying they were vastly different from the issues Americans actually care about at the moment. He also spent time reflecting back on Trump's own efforts on the campaign trail, including his recent "ass" obsession.

"The only ass on Trump's mind tonight is the one that just got handed to him," Kimmel jokes. "The Democrats took so many seats JD Vance can't even find one to have sex with him tonight."

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

President Donald Trump has been posting through the U.S. midterm elections, and he doesn't appear happy with the results.

Millions of Americans went to the polls on Tuesday, casting their vote to choose their members of Congress. Democrats decisively took control of both the Senate and House of Representatives in a sweeping midterm victory, one which featured several upsets. South Carolina elected Annie Andrews as its first Democratic senator in 28 years. Texas voted in James Talarico as its first Democratic senator in over 30 years. Even Kansas swung blue, with Adam Hamilton becoming the first Democrat elected to its Senate seat in 94 years.

Still, it's possible that nobody was more upset than Trump. The U.S. president characteristically took to his social media platform Truth Social on election night, expressing his displeasure with the midterm's results as they came in.

SEE ALSO: Election Day 2026: The internet reacts to results as polls close

Trump's day started off well, the president posting at 12:07 p.m. ET / 9:07 a.m. PT that Guam had been called as a Republican victory. Guam has elected Republican Tony Ada as governor, taking the position from the Democrats for the first time since 2014.

"Guam, which has always been considered strongly Democrat, just had an early call for a REPUBLICAN Victory in the top spot, Governor — Congratulations to Tony Ada!" he wrote. "Also, the Republicans have the Majority in the State Senate. Wow, hopefully that’s an indication for things to come!"

However, Guam's election was separate from the U.S. midterm elections, and had no impact on the makeup of the Senate or House. Once the midterm results began rolling in, the Republicans' situation began looking less rosy.

At 4:11 p.m. ET / 1:11 p.m. PT, Trump shared a screenshot from right-wing YouTuber Benny Johnson in which he claimed that "Republicans are currently showing signs of PRESIDENTIAL-LEVEL midterms turnout already on Election Day." The president also posted that had been watching the pre-election results on Fox News, sharing a clip of commentators praising him. Republican pollster Matt Towery refuted the New York Times' prediction of a "blue surge" in the video, stating that his own polling placed both parties much more evenly matched.

Despite this, Trump began attacking Fox News by 6:36 p.m. ET / 3:36 p.m. PT, shortly after the first polls started to close.

"The FoxNews Poll, always the worst, is so insulting with the questions they ask. Every question is a hit job, and every answer is 'BULLSHIT!'" wrote the U.S. president.

Trump continued to criticise Fox News less than half an hour later at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT, claiming that its ratings are down "because they’re spending too much time covering the Trump Deranged Dumocrats." Fox News' viewership is down 27 percent compared to the same time last year, with Fox Corp. CEO Lachlan Murdoch blaming "viewer fatigue" after "some incredible news cycle[s] the last [few] years."

"All of those people who used to watch Fox, and no longer do, get it," Trump wrote. "It’s them, not me — My numbers are better than they have ever been."

Trump's approval rating fell to a record low just prior to the midterm elections, a Reuters/Ipsos poll finding that just 31 percent of Americans approve of his performance in office.

"The new CNN Poll stated that 'TRUMP' is at 99% among Republicans," Trump continued, misinterpreting a 2024 poll in which Trump received 99 percent of the "MAGA GOP" vote specifically when put up against Democrat Kamala Harris.

"Among Republican Presidents, 'TRUMP' is at 53%, compared to Ronald Reagan at 18%, and Abraham Lincoln at 8%!," he wrote, citing a CNN poll asking Republicans which president throughout history they most admire. The same poll found that 64 percent of Democrats most admired former president Barack Obama. Without accounting for party affiliation, 30 percent chose Obama, while 19 percent named Trump.

"No wonder FoxNews Ratings are collapsing, and they’re going to go down a lot further," Trump posted, further blasting Fox Corp. for donating to Democratic candidates. Fox Corp. donates to both Republicans and Democrats. "They’re way down, not because of me, but because they are AGAINST me!"

By the time of Trump's next posts at around 10:37 p.m. ET / 7:37 p.m. PT, the midterm election results were clearly indicating a Democratic sweep.

"I wasn’t on the Ballot and if I was, we would have won IN A LANDSLIDE! Thank you for your attention to this matter," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "I'm going to become a Political Pundit, both good and bad, on the reasons these Candidates won and lost!"

The president then posted an image of a red cap with the word "veto" embroidered upon it, reminiscent of his "Make America Great Again" hats. Calling in to Fox News, Trump said he was "a little bit surprised" by the midterm election results, and stated that he intended to deal with the Democratic majority Senate and House by blocking its attempts to pass legislation.

"It's the power of veto, it's one of the stronger powers that a president has. And they'll send all the things that are insane and I'll veto them and after a couple of months of vetos they'll come over and they'll say, 'how do we get this stuff done?' and we'll work together," said Trump. "I have the power of veto. The power of veto is impervious."

The U.S. Constitution does allow presidents to refuse to sign legislation, however it is not impassable. Congress can override a president's veto if it has a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate.

While Trump called in to speak to Fox News, he also blamed the program for the Republicans candidates' poor results. The U.S. president ended midterm election night by claiming on Truth Social that Fox News "bears responsibility for these losses by constantly and consistently putting on the Dumocrat opposition." Many former Republican voters have reported growing disillusionment with the party since Trump took office for his second term, disapproving of how he has handled issues such as the economy and the war in Iran.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

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If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Not these.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

THOSE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Large gun.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 4, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

RIFLE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Pal.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Nov. 4, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Nov. 3, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

BUDDY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

American airline.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

DELTA

Final Hurdle hint

Flora and fauna.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

BIOME

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

The Moon is currently in its waning phase, meaning the illuminated portion we can see from Earth is gradually getting smaller. As it moves through the Waning Crescent stage, only a small sliver remains visible before the Moon reaches its New Moon phase.

What is today's Moon phase?

As of Wednesday, Nov. 3, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Waning Crescent phase, with 25% of its surface visible.

Tonight, without the use of visual aids you should be able to spot the Aristarchus Plateau and that's all. With binoculars or a telescope, you'll be able to see this and the Kepler Crater.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on November 24.

What are Moon phases?

It takes the Moon around 29.5 days to pass through a complete lunar cycle. As it travels around Earth, the angle at which sunlight reaches its surface changes what we can see from here, producing the different phases, from the New Moon through to the Full Moon and back again. The cycle then starts over, as explained by NASA.

The eight phases are:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it's not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Looking for spoiler-free NYT Connections hints or just wondering why Connections is trending today? We've got what you need to understand the clues for today's puzzle without spoiling any of the answers.

Of course, Mashable has also provided daily hints and answers for Connections, Wordle, and Strands for years, so we can help you if that's also what you need.

While we are focused more on meanings than hints in this story, sometimes learning that many of the words have completely unrelated meanings is a clue in and of itself. Connections frequently includes clues that involve words within words and other visual clues.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 4, 2026 Bleach meaning

To remove color or stains from an item or to make it lighter and whiter using chemical agents or sunlight.

Iron meaning

A device with a flat, heated metal base used to press wrinkles out of clothing and fabric.

Tumble dry meaning

Machine drying rather than line drying or laying flat to dry.

Wring meaning

To squeeze or twist something tightly, usually with both hands turned in opposite directions.

Doorstop meaning

A device or hardware accessory used to hold a door open or closed, or to limit how far a hinged door can swing.

Flatiron building meaning

A famous thin, triangular skyscraper in New York City.

Pie slice meaning

A triangular piece of a round, baked sweet dessert.

Wedge meaning

A triangular-shaped object that is used to split, lift, secure or divide materials.

Loll meaning

To recline, sit, or hang in a relaxed, lazy or drooping manner.

Poke meaning

To quickly push, jab or prod someone or something with a finger, elbow or a pointed object like a stick.

Putter meaning

A specialized golf club with a flat, low-profile striking face designed to roll the ball smoothly along the grass into the cup from a short distance.

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Shuffle meaning

To jumble or change the order of items so they are in a random sequence.

Cracker meaning

A flat, dry, crisp biscuit or bread product made from wheat flour.

Fly meaning

To travel through the air using wings, or to operate/travel in an aircraft or spacecraft.

Wood meaning

A hard, fibrous natural material that makes up the trunks, branches and roots of trees and shrubs.

Works meaning

Operates, functions or performs a task.

Have you learned the meanings and still want the things? Check out the hints and answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're never in a hurry.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for November 4, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Same shape

• Green: Clothing instructions

• Blue: Just hanging around

• Purple: Explosive

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Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Triangular Prisms with a Sharp Edge

• Green: Words After "Do Not" on a Care Label

• Blue: Move Idly, with "Around"

• Purple: Fire___

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #1242 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Triangular Prisms with a Sharp Edge: DOORSTOP, FLATIRON BUILDING, PIE SLICE, WEDGE

• Words After "Do Not" on a Care Label: BLEACH, IRON, TUMBLE DRY, WRING

• Move Idly, with "Around": LOLL, POKE, PUTTER, SHUFFLE

• Fire___: CRACKER, FLY, WOOD, WORKS

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you work in corporate America.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 4, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Getting the job done

The words are related to working.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe office politics.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Human Resources.

NYT Strands word list for November 4

• Staff

• Labor

• Workforce

• People

• Human Resources

• Personnel

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a loose screw.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 4, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Crazy.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter T appears twice.

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Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter N.

The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

NUTTY

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

Canva is conducting its first mass layoff, which will potentially impact up to 1271 people. Co-founder and CEO Melanie Perkins announced today that the company will undergo a significant restructuring, with 22 percent of its staff to be affected.

SEE ALSO: Canva unveils Magic Studio, a suite of AI-powered design tools

"For some people, this will mean changes to their roles or being asked to relocate to centralised hubs," Perkins said in a note to staff. "Sadly, it will also mean saying goodbye to teammates and friends who have helped build Canva into what it is today."

Canva's browser-based design platform of the same name has become a popular tool for businesses, educators, students, and anyone else interested in easily creating visually appealing documents and presentations. Launched in 2013, the Australian company now has teams across 37 countries, and has claimed over 265 million monthly active users.

However, Canva's growth notably slowed this year, with reports that its monthly active user count was 208 million in July. In August, the design software company revised its revenue growth expectations from 30 percent down to 20 percent — almost half the 38 percent growth it saw last financial year. Canva further wiped $7.9 billion from its own internal valuation later that same month, taking it from $38.9 billion to $31 billion. Two of Canva's backers similarly reduced their valuations of the company, reducing it by 17 percent from $42 billion to $34.9 billion.

Some workers will be asked to relocate to Sydney, where more of Canva's product teams will now be based. Credit: Brendon Thorne / Bloomberg via Getty Images

Canva has previously pointed to the cost of AI as a significant factor driving its lowered revenue projections. While Perkins told investors in August that there is strong demand for its AI products, implementing them has been more expensive and taken longer than initially planned. In April, Canva launched Canva AI 2.0, a platform allowing users to create designs using conversational text prompts. Perkins had stated that Canva's cost per AI task had fallen by 90 percent since Canva AI 2.0's implementation; however, this apparently wasn't enough to prevent the company from lowering its revenue growth forecast.

"This has been our hardest year yet, and as we shared earlier this year, our growth has slowed for the first time in a decade," Perkins wrote to staff. "To set ourselves up for the next decade, we need to refound Canva, getting back to our roots of small, empowered teams with the freedom to make decisions, take ownership and focus on what matters most for our community."

In practice, this means that Canva will be consolidating multiple teams and giving broader roles to those with subspecialties. Sydney will now be the primary base for more of Canva's product teams, with some workers being asked to relocate to the city, while hybrid workers everywhere will be expected to spend two to three days a week in the office from January.

"We started with our mission and future goals, then considered the structures, skills and locations needed to achieve them," said Perkins, explaining how Canva came to the decision to restructure. "Only then did we look at what this would mean for individual roles."

Canva co-founders COO Cliff Obrecht, CEO Melanie Perkins, and CPO Cameron Adams. Credit: Alisha Jucevic / Bloomberg via Getty Images

Employees impacted by Canva's mass layoff will receive a minimum of six months' salary and be allowed to keep their work MacBook. Canva is also waiving the one-year vesting cliff for new workers, as well as offering 12 months of access to its employee assistance program and healthcare in relevant countries. Perkins stated that those laid off will be given support to find new roles elsewhere, including one-on-one coaching and a one-year subscription to LinkedIn Premium.

Further, Canva is establishing a Canva Collective Fund to provide $10,000 grants to laid-off workers interested in establishing their own venture. Applications for grants close Dec. 14, with Perkins stating that Canva will not take any ownership or equity in funded projects.

"This is without doubt the hardest moment in our thirteen-year history," Perkins wrote.

Workers at Canva have been given today off, with further information about the restructuring to be provided at a company all-hands meeting on Nov. 10.

Apparently, having a type extends to tax policy as well.

Welcome to Senate Island, where finding a connection means comparing healthcare plans and the next recoupling happens at the polls. The parody website, inspired by the hit reality show Love Island, gives Senate candidates the reality-dating-show treatment, inviting visitors to size up their political connections before casting a ballot in the 2026 midterms. The states are villas, the candidates are islanders, and finding a match involves comparing views on healthcare and housing.

Created by Chicago-based art director and designer Anweih Cox, the site launched Oct. 26 and has since attracted more than 80,000 visitors and half a million page views, according to The 19th. (Cox had initially hoped for 1,000 page views.) It also, naturally, went viral on socials.

The inspiration came from watching Love Island USA and thinking about the enthusiasm fans bring to voting on the show's app, Cox said. If people could get that invested in a recoupling, perhaps the format could make researching an election feel a little more approachable.

How does Senate Island work?

Visitors begin by choosing their state, or "villa," then meeting the candidates hoping to couple up with voters. In Texas, for example, the lineup includes James Talarico, Ken Paxton, and Ted Brown, presented in swipeable profile cards with their names, ages, and AI-generated portraits. (Apparently, the villa dress code is a button-down and khakis.)

Credit: Screenshot: Senate Island

From there, the "Casa Amor" tab takes visitors to a side-by-side comparison of candidates' positions on education, healthcare, housing, AI, and the cost of living. In our Texas walkthrough, selecting education brought up Talarico's opposition to using public school funding to subsidize private schools alongside Paxton’s support for universal school choice. The summaries keep the dating-show language going, with Talarico's entry describing that funding arrangement as a "dealbreaker."

Credit: Screenshot: Senate Island

The policy summaries borrow the language of dating profiles. For example, Florida Democrat Angie Nixon's cost-of-living entry opens with an invitation to swipe right in response to frustration with price gouging, while Republican Ashley Moody's entry frames tax proposals as a love language.

After choosing a candidate, visitors reach voting resources, including links to check registration, find a polling place, and learn more about their ballot. (Choosing someone on the website doesn't cast an actual vote.)

SEE ALSO: Election Day 2026 results updates: See live election results trackers as polls close

"It's important because a lot of times people feel very intimidated," Cox told The 19th. "You have to go through all these different sites sometimes just to hunt down the information you’re looking for, and so just having that starting resource that is on the more playful side just makes it feel less intimidating."

The project has reached someone very familiar with running a villa. Love Island USA host Ariana Madix commented on Cox's TikTok, writing, "you are brilliant."

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I was looking for a fun home lab project to try over the weekend and realized it's been a while since I last made something with an ESP32 board. I have a few different boards among my supplies, including several ESP32-C3 Supermini boards, and I thought, “Why not make a tracking tag out of a few of them? So I did a bit of research for ideas on how to do that and ended up doing a nifty little weekend experiment with the concept.

Election nights always come with a familiar routine. Put on the news. Open an election results page. Check social media to see whether anyone knows something the broadcast doesn’t. Repeat until the phone needs charging.

As Americans wait to learn how the 2026 midterms will shake out, the internet is settling in for a long night. As Americans await the outcome of the 2026 midterms, people are posting through the anticipation — with varying levels of enthusiasm.

Some users are convinced one more refresh will tell them everything they need to know.

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Others are treating their timelines like required reading. Missing a single post? Can’t risk it.

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For the election-map enthusiasts, meanwhile, this is practically the Super Bowl. Apologies in advance to anyone expecting a conversation about anything else.

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All those hours spent scrolling have apparently been training and waiting for this moment.

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Some users are questioning whether election-night anxiety really needs to be a group activity.

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Others are embracing the idea of getting together, provided everyone understands that the agenda is to refresh results and panic.

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Perhaps the most useful hosting advice, based on these reactions, is to ensure there are enough outlets.

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Somewhere between a makeup tutorial and a podcast clip, politics has become part of the daily scroll. Creators are slipping voting reminders into beauty videos, candidates are sitting down with podcasters, and campaigns are paying online personalities to help reach voters.

The 2026 midterms offer a look at how those relationships work in today's influencer economy. Campaigns brief influencers on competitive races and collaborate on posts, while advocacy groups provide training, research, and financial support. Tonight, creators will also cover the midterms across YouTube livestreams alongside familiar network broadcasts.

These arrangements give campaigns and political groups access to audiences who might otherwise tune politics out, while giving some creators the resources to make political coverage steady work. But a voter-registration reminder, a candidate interview, and a paid campaign post can appear in the same feed. Understanding who funds that content, and what they expect in return, is becoming part of following politics online.

SEE ALSO: Election Day 2026 results updates: See live election results trackers now Why campaigns are turning to creators

Creators offer something campaigns want: a highly engaged audience. That audience might follow for political commentary, but it might just as easily come for makeup tutorials or comedy.

"If we’re looking to engage and educate Americans in this modern era, we have to be ready to work with audiences from different places, with different experiences, and who engage with different types of content," Brian Tyler Cohen, founder of Chorus, a progressive nonprofit that supports creators with training, research, and monthly stipends, told Mashable.

That strategy fits how many Americans encounter news online. According to Pew Research Center's 2025 survey, 21 percent of U.S. adults regularly got news from news influencers, including 38 percent of adults ages 18 to 29. Among those regular consumers, 69 percent mostly came across that news rather than actively seeking it out.

Some Americans say creator content has influenced their decisions, too. In a Sep. 2026 Morning Consult survey, 26 percent of U.S. adults said posts from creators had affected whom they voted for in an election, while 56 percent said it had affected their views on political or social issues.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. What creator partnerships look like

Organizations such as When We All Vote, Chorus, YALLvote, and Gen-Z for Change work with creators to advance civic engagement and political advocacy. Their goals differ, from nonpartisan voter participation to support for progressive causes and candidates, as do the ways creators bring those messages to their audiences.

For some, that has meant using thirst traps to recruit poll workers. Leigh McGowan, the creator known as PoliticsGirl and a Chorus co-founder, said that creator Alex Cascio noticed her thirst-trap posts were driving poll worker sign-ups and shared a template with the organization. Other creators in the program then adapted the format for their own audiences, McGowan said.

A beauty routine offers another opening. Through When We All Vote's Voting Squad, beauty creator Gabriel Zamora incorporated a voter-registration reminder into a "GRWM" style makeup video, making voting information part of something his followers already came to watch. The nonpartisan initiative, founded by Michelle Obama, also works with beauty creators Golloria and Toni Bravo, health educator Joel Bervell, and houseplant creator Paige Tailyn.

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Separate from those organized programs, creators also build audiences around political commentary. Posting about a race or supporting a candidate does not, on its own, establish a paid campaign relationship. Progressive commentator Harry Sisson delivers short reactions and a daily political podcast, while left-wing Twitch streamer Hasan Piker's longer livestreams give him room to discuss events as they unfold. Political advocacy can extend offline, too. In April, Piker joined Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed at university rallies.

Candidate interviews are another way to reach those audiences, giving politicians a platform to make their case to a host's listeners. A guest appearance alone does not establish that the host is being paid by or working for the campaign. The progressive podcast Pod Save America, hosted by former Obama aides, interviewed Democratic Nevada gubernatorial candidate Aaron Ford in September, while conservative commentator Ben Shapiro interviewed Republican Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers. The strategy extends beyond explicitly political shows. In 2024, Donald Trump appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience, while Kamala Harris joined Alex Cooper's Call Her Daddy.

Who's paying for the political posts?

Campaigns also work directly with creators to make content. In Massachusetts, for example, digital creator Maria Comstock confirmed that she made a video with Sen. Ed Markey's team, writing that "Influencers are VITAL to modern political campaigns."

Other partnerships explicitly involve campaigns paying creators to publish posts, sometimes for substantial sums. During California's gubernatorial primary, Katie Porter's campaign paid lifestyle creator Avery Cyrus $25,000 for what appeared to be a single TikTok post (which has seemingly been deleted), while Tom Steyer's California gubernatorial campaign paid 17 influencers at least $5,000 each, the New York Times reported back in August. Steyer defended those payments in a Substack post as compensation for creators' work and time, comparing them with payments to campaign staff and consultants.

Nonprofit funding can support a creator's ongoing work rather than pay for a specific campaign post. Chorus, for example, says its monthly stipends help creators grow their platforms and inform their audiences on issues. For McGowan, that support addresses a gap in how Democrats approached online political coverage.

"After 2024, the narrative was that Democrats lost because they weren't showing up online," McGowan told Mashable. "The real problem was that progressive creators like us were there, but no one was supporting or amplifying us."

McGowan said creators in Chorus retain control of their platforms. The organization does not review or approve their posts or ask them to endorse particular candidates. It also does not require creators to disclose its support, citing harassment concerns.

What can audiences tell about creator/campaign relationships?

These arrangements differ in who pays, what the support covers, and how much control a creator retains. Independent commentary may involve no campaign or nonprofit relationship at all. But those distinctions may not be apparent to someone watching a post. A recent Center for Democracy & Technology report, based in part on more than 30 interviews, found that financial ties between creators, agencies, and political groups can be difficult to trace.

Color-coded arrows show how money, influence, and regulation flow among them. Credit: Center for Democracy & Technology

"The opaque nature of partnerships makes it challenging to distinguish between compensated and uncompensated political coordination online," the CDT's researchers wrote. They also noted that a creator's political beliefs don't necessarily reveal whether money is involved.

Questions about who funds election content extend beyond campaigns and advocacy groups. During the Los Angeles mayoral primary, several influencers paid by Kalshi or Polymarket partners promoted betting odds while spreading claims that officials were rigging the race against Spencer Pratt, according to an Oct. 29 CDT analysis. Kalshi later asked several influencers to remove posts that violated its affiliate marketing policies. The episode shows how commercial creator partnerships can also become a vehicle for election misinformation.

As the midterms move from voting reminders to results and reactions, the partnerships behind political content will matter beyond Election Day. Campaigns are paying for access to audiences, organizations are funding creators' ongoing work, and candidates are seeking out familiar hosts. For viewers, the face delivering the message may be recognizable. The relationship behind it can be harder to see.

If you haven't already, it's time to vote.

The 2026 U.S. midterm elections are today, and with them come answers from the American people on the future of the Senate, climate policy, LGBTQ+ rights, billionaire taxes, and more local issues than one can begin to count.

SEE ALSO: Election Day 2026: Find when polls open, close, and other voting details

The tech industry — led by SpaceXSI owner Elon Musk — has invested hundreds of millions in the outcome of this year's local elections amid a push to regulate the industry. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has threatened to sequester votes, block results certifications, and revolt against a theorized blue wave of democratic electorates.

All of this to say: Your ballot well and truly matters.

Check out the results trackers below to see how the rest of America feels on the issues, too.

Election results trackers with latest updates

The easiest way to track live election results is via online election hubs from known news outlets. These will be updated in real-time as estimated counts come in, and you can reliably keep track of multiple outlets' predictions at once versus switching channels.

• The Associated Press 

• Bloomberg

• NBC News House Tracker

• CNN Results Map

• ABC

• MSNow 

• FOX News 

• The New York Times Election Hub

• The New York Times Congressional seat tracker

• The Guardian

• Al Jazeera live election maps and results

Election livestreams and coverage

In addition, you can tune into live coverage of the elections. Major news outlets will be covering results in real-time for standard cable customers and on streaming services, as well as YouTube streams from CBS News, PBS NewsHour, and NBC News Now.

When will we know the official results?

Keep in mind that vote counts and race calls from news outlets are technically unofficial. Each outlet calculates results using different measures, and states vary in how and when they report outcomes. It may take days — even weeks, some experts say — to have final tallies in every state.

At least 14 state Senate races will be closely watched until official counts are called, including Michigan, Maine, Ohio, Texas, and Alaska. Alaska will be the last state to close its polls at 1 a.m. ET, which means predictions won't be made until late into the night or tomorrow, Nov. 4. Both Alaska and Maine also use a ranked-choice runoff voting system, which could delay results further.

UPDATE: Nov. 3, 2026, 11:12 a.m. This article was updated with additional information on when election results will be called.

If you're like me, you have more Raspberry Pis than you have monitors, or even monitor inputs. They tend to pile up as you buy an old Pi 3 here or a cheap Pi Zero there.