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TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Box is on sale for $150.81 at Amazon, down from its $179.95 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Box $150.81 at Amazon
$179.95 Save $29.14   Shop Now at Amazon

Ascended Heroes has become the white whale of the Pokemon TCG when it comes to finding a reasonable price, but rare Amazon price drops like this are a limited-time chance to get these hard-to-find boxes closer to market price.

As of Nov. 4, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Box can be picked up for $150.81 at Amazon, saving you $29.14 compared to its typical $179.95 price with a 16% discount. From third-party seller Midwood Soles, free delivery is scheduled for Nov. 12 at the time of writing. If this one happens to run out, there’s also another go-to from CTY Market at $150.82, also with free shipping. 

For comparison, we last covered this ETB at $183.41, but thanks to a steady decline in market price since then, we’re now back to the lowest price we’ve seen for this Ascended Heroes box in months — confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel.

SEE ALSO: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Poster Collection hits new record low price on Amazon — save nearly $10

Walmart currently has it listed at $127.92, while TCGplayer offers unopened boxes starting at $124.97 with shipping included, just $1.84 above its $123.13 market price.

As for what’s in the Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Box, each contains nine titular booster packs of trading cards, an exclusive full-art foil N's Zekrom promo card, 65 card sleeves, 40 Energy cards, dice, a player's guide, a collector's box, and other accessories.

If it’s any particular chase cards from the expansion you’re after — like the now-$650+ SIR Mega Gengar ex, $580+ SIR Pikachu ex, and $420+ SIR Mega Dragonite ex — you can buy any single Ascended Heroes card on TCGplayer. 

I love Wikipedia, and I've spent many hours of my life sitting in front of my computer, going down the wiki rabbit hole while sipping coffee and listening to music.

The trend of “cleaning” your smart TV is growing in response to sluggish software filled with advertisements. But there’s risk involved when using coding assistants to poke around your TV, and the process might not go far enough to combat some of the industry’s dirtier tricks.

Nintendo has audaciously remade The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for a modern audience, and I love thinking about the fact that a bunch of people at Nintendo had to get together and try to nail down exactly what made the game such a monumental success.

Upon its release in 1998, Ocarina of Time for Nintendo 64 was far from the first 3D action-adventure game. It didn't invent lock-on targeting, cinematic storytelling, labyrinthine 3D level design, or any of the other features it's often credited for. What made it special at the time, at least in my view, is that it was arguably the first game to do all of those things really well, at the same time, as part of a cohesive, unforgettable experience.

In trying to capture that magic, Nintendo chose a relatively safe approach in developing this remake. Ocarina of Time for Switch 2, which finally launches on Nov. 5, is strikingly similar to the original on an experiential level. If you've played through the N64 version recently, as I did about six months ago, you might find a somewhat disappointing lack of surprises here.

But I think I can live with a remake that disappoints only because it's a little too much like the original. This is supposed to be a nostalgia trip, after all. I do have some quibbles about the new Ocarina of Time that I'll get to shortly, but broadly speaking, this is a visually brilliant reimagining of one of the most important games ever made. What it lacks in surprise, it makes up for by faithfully and respectfully translating Ocarina into something a bit more modern without compromising what made it great.

SEE ALSO: Early Black Friday gaming deals on Samsung monitors, Nintendo Switch, and comfortable chairs are live The new Ocarina is a lot like the old Ocarina

As has been clear since Nintendo first started showing off this love letter, the remake does not rock the boat. This is Ocarina of Time, almost exactly as you remember it, but with new visuals and some small revisions along the way.

That means the story, the player's general objectives, dungeon layouts, and boss fights are mostly recreated in a near one-to-one capacity. A few boss fights have been mildly remixed, as have some dungeon puzzles, but having played the N64 release earlier this year, there really weren't very many moments in the remake that felt all that novel. Nintendo's philosophy is clearly that Ocarina was not a game that needed reinvention on a design level.

As thrilling as it would be to see a Final Fantasy VII Remake-level re-interpretation, Ocarina's world, dungeon, and puzzle design were huge parts of what made it so awesome in the first place, so I understand wanting to (mostly) retain those elements.

It's a respectable, if a little boring, approach.

You can let go of any lingering fears that the remake sanded down the wacky tone of the original. When it's different, it's mostly in an exciting way Sheik's new design is very cool. Credit: Nintendo

When playing Ocarina of Time for Switch 2, I found myself getting excited every time I encountered something Nintendo did change.

Most prominent, of course, is the visual overhaul. As I explained in a preview last month (before being backed up by an interview with the developers), this version of Ocarina was inspired by and evokes high-end puppetry. Character faces are cartoonish and stylized almost exactly as they were in the N64 original, but their hair and clothing feature extreme levels of realistic detail, as do most of the game's environments.

It's a really neat look that especially pops when you play it on a nice TV rather than watching it in a YouTube window. Individual character personalities, even from minor players like Ingo the ranch-hand or the creepy windmill musician guy, shine through just as much as they did in 1998. You can let go of any lingering fears that the remake sanded down the wacky tone of the original.

If anything, some of the NPCs or monsters are even creepier than before. Wait until you see the remade Happy Mask Salesman, for example. I also enjoy this remake as a demonstration of what the Switch 2 hardware is capable of. Water ripples and fog dissipate based on player actions in a believable manner, texture quality is almost scarily high, and sunlight scatters beautifully on the grass in Hyrule Field. The best part is that it all runs at a near-perfect 60 frames per second.

Threads of Time is handy, but not game-breaking. Credit: Nintendo

Nintendo also made some thoughtful alterations to the way Ocarina plays. Namely, Link's movement controls are much snappier and more responsive than they were on N64. The much-talked-about new jump button reduces the likelihood of accidentally launching yourself off a ledge in the wrong direction, and a sprint feature eliminates the need to somersault everywhere without being fast enough to trivialize traversal.

Combat feels juicier and more satisfying, too. The spirit of encounters hasn't changed much; you're still locking on and waiting for an opening before getting in a few strikes. But outstanding hit animations do a lot of work to make those hits feel more impactful.

I'm a little more mixed about how items work in this remake. In the N64 original, you could map three usable items onto the N64's C-buttons, a controller feature that the Switch 2 does not share. Accordingly, Nintendo chose to make it more like Breath of the Wild, with the ability to map one item at a time to a universal "use item" button. The compromise here is that you can open up a quick-swap menu and switch between items fluidly, but it does make enemy encounters that require the use of more than one item in quick succession a little awkward.

The Temple of Time rocks. Credit: Nintendo

I also appreciate the addition of Threads of Time, which functions like a quest log in a contemporary game. In the original Ocarina of Time, players had to rely more on Navi the fairy constantly telling them what to do. Now, you can just open a menu and see all main story and side activities laid out cleanly, with hints on what to do next in each thread. Notably, this does not include objective markers on the map or anything like that, so it feels to me like the information that was already there is being presented in a friendlier way, rather than the game holding the player's hand too much.

As a nice bonus, that means Navi doesn't interrupt exploration nearly as often as she did in the original.

Musically, Ocarina's wonderful score has been fully re-recorded with real instruments and a tasteful smattering of some of the same digital samples that defined the original work. Sprinting across Hyrule Field while an even more triumphant version of that legendary music hits hard, even nearly three decades later. And yes, the new version of the Gerudo Valley theme is fantastic.

SEE ALSO: The most exciting part of the 'Zelda: Ocarina of Time' remake has nothing to do with playing the game But not all changes are welcome, and there could stand to be more Love the Water Temple. Credit: Nintendo

As you'd expect, not every alteration Nintendo made to Ocarina is for the best.

While they aren't outright bad, necessarily, I fail to see the need for fully voice-acted cutscenes at critical junctures in the story. In practice, it makes certain sequences longer than they would be if I could button through text at my own pace. I never really felt that the voice acting brought me closer to the events on screen. If anything, because the acting is so cartoony, it took me out of the story at times.

Ocarina has never been known as a particularly difficult game to finish (let's not forget it was designed for kids), but Nintendo redistributed some of the gameplay friction in different directions, resulting in an adventure that's, like, 10 percent easier than it used to be. A small handful of puzzles have been slightly simplified, while enemies don't hit that hard. I was never in danger of hitting a game over screen, but your mileage may vary if you don't have an encyclopedic knowledge of the original game like I do.

It's just kind of a strange decision to make Ocarina easier when more recent entries like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are, by Nintendo standards, pretty mean games. I should note, though, that this isn't exactly an across-the-board change. For instance, Great Fairies now ask for large sums of money before they'll give Link upgrades, and since wallet enhancements are tied to finding hidden collectibles, it's now really inadvisable to ignore those. I do like that change, FWIW.

While I greatly enjoyed most of my time with the Ocarina of Time remake, and find most of its changes refreshing in one way or another, there is no denying that just a little more novelty would've made it a better experience. Even just a couple of new NPCs or side quests would've gone a long way.

The verdict: The new Ocarina of Time is still a legendary adventure

Even with those misgivings, Nintendo's Ocarina of Time remake for Switch 2 is a sharp and beautiful reminder of what a great game it's always been. The word "resplendent" came to mind when exploring Hyrule.

Dungeons like the Forest Temple and Water Temple still shine as brilliant examples of early-ish 3D level design, and are just as fun to get lost in today as they were in 1998. Most boss battles still provide an excellent closing argument for each dungeon, and it is admittedly nice to play a Zelda game that revolves around using hookshots, boomerangs, and other gadgets and gizmos to complete puzzles again.

I would just recommend creating some distance between yourself and the original N64 version (or its 3DS remaster) before jumping in. The less vivid your memories are, the better a time you'll have.

"The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" (digital copy) $59.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Nintendo

TL;DR: Hasbro’s new $49.99 adult Blooms by Play-Doh craft kit lets fans sculpt a 15-flower ACOTAR centerpiece complete with a book-cover vase and Truth-Teller dagger. Preorders are live at Amazon ahead of its Jan. 2027 release.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hasbro Play-Doh Blooms ACOTAR $49.99 at Amazon
  Preorder at Amazon

If you are still daydreaming about starlit skies and shadowed mountain courts, your bookshelf is about to get a major upgrade. Just a week after the arrival of A Court of Splintered Harmony, Hasbro is giving Sarah J. Maas readers a whole new way to step into Prythian: an adult floral craft kit under its new Blooms by Play-Doh line, designed specifically for ACOTAR fans.

Aimed at crafters 17 and up, the all-in-one set lets you build an entire 15-flower arrangement from scratch — no glue guns, wire clippers, or sculpting experience needed. Everything you need comes in the box, making it easy to spend an evening decompressing without staring at a screen.

Rather than classic neon clay, the kit uses a moody, Night Court–inspired color palette packed with enough compound to build 12 large blooms alongside three smaller, hand-formed accent flowers.

Putting the entire bouquet together is surprisingly simple, guided by an illustrated booklet filled with full-color photos and tips. You place the compound into the blooming tool, press down, and watch the petals open up automatically as you shape them. Once the sculpted petals dry, you can mount them onto the included wire stems and weave in artificial greenery sprigs to fill out the volume.

Credit: Hasbro

A light mist of the included finishing spray seals the compound to prevent cracking, fading, or drooping on your shelf over time. The completed arrangement slots directly into a clear display vase styled after the series' book covers, topped off with a miniature Truth-Teller dagger pick that slides between the stems for a sharp fantasy accent.

Whether you are looking for a weekend craft project, a centerpiece for your next book club meetup, or an activity for a bachelorette party, locking in a pre-order is the safest bet to dodge the inevitable sellouts that usually hit Maas merch.

Preorder the kit today to guarantee your arrangement lands on your shelf this January.

TL;DR: New and eligible returning subscribers can lock in three months of Audible Standard for just $0.99 per month and pocket a free $20 Audible promotional credit to spend on audiobooks before Jan. 31, 2027.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Audible: $0.99 per month   Get Deal at Audible

Pretending you are going to plow through a towering stack of physical books this winter is a noble goal, but audiobooks are what actually get finished while you are commuting or running errands. If you want to stock up on audiobooks before winter travel kicks in, Audible is discounting its Standard membership to $0.99 per month for your first three months and adding a $20 promotional credit.

That saves you over 80% on the normal price, bringing your total to less than $3 for three full months. With the $20 credit included, you're getting way more value back than what you pay to sign up.

How Audible Standard Works

The Audible Standard plan works a little differently than the pricier Premium Plus tier. Normally running $8.99 per month, Standard lets you pick one audiobook every month from Audible’s massive catalog of bestsellers and brand-new releases. You also get unlimited streaming access to a wide library of bingeable podcasts, all playable on your phone, tablet, or web browser.

Your monthly audiobook selections remain in your library to enjoy for as long as your membership is active. The one detail to remember is that Standard does not roll over unused monthly selections. You will want to pick your title each month before your billing date refreshes, or that month’s pick evaporates.

SEE ALSO: YouTube could be coming for Spotify and Audible's audiobook listeners How the $20 bonus works

The $20 promotional credit is credited to your Audible account within 48 hours of payment verification, followed by a confirmation email. It cannot be redeemed for cash or gifted to someone else, but it applies directly toward cash purchases of audio titles sold on Audible.

Unlike your monthly Standard picks — which stay tied to an active subscription — any audiobooks you buy using this cash credit are yours to keep permanently, even after canceling.

The credit, however, does have an expiration date: you must spend it by Jan. 31, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. PT. You qualify as long as you don't currently have an active Audible account or trial, and haven't used more than two Audible promos in the last 14 months.

Once your three discounted months end, the plan automatically renews at the regular rate of $8.99 per month plus tax. You can cancel online at any time on your Account Details page before the fourth billing date to avoid regular charges.

Remember, changing your credit card on the final payment screen can accidentally invalidate the promo code. If the price jumps back to the normal price after you update your card info, customer service can help you reapply the $0.99 rate and credit it before you buy.

The offer runs through Dec. 28 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Trade three loose dollar bills for three months of listening and pocket a free $20 bonus before time runs out.

SAVE $200: As of Nov. 4, the 13-inch M5 MacBook Air is on sale for $1,099 at Amazon ahead of Black Friday. This deal saves you $200 compared to paying its full price of $1,299.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 13-inch $1,099 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $200   Get Deal at Amazon

November is officially here, and you know what that means... Black Friday sales are nearly upon us. Some retailers are even starting up early, with Apple devices among the many deals popping up right now. This includes the 13-inch M5 MacBook Air (16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD), currently on sale at Amazon.

As of Nov. 4, eager shoppers can scoop up this M5 MacBook Air for $1,099 instead of its full price of $1,299. Ultimately, this deal saves you $200 on this laptop before Black Friday sales officially start and matches its price during October Prime Day. If you're a student looking for a new laptop, this is a model we highly recommend.

SEE ALSO: The 65+ absolute best stocking stuffers for 2026

The 13-inch model may be our top pick for college students, but its larger 15-inch model is our favorite pick for most people, so it's certainly worth every cent. This model boasts 16GB of Unified Memory and a 512GB SSD, to boot. Plus, it offers 18 hours of battery life and features the M5 chip for a solid performance boost.

Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth said this MacBook "might be too powerful for its own good" in his 4.6/5 review. He continued on to say that it has "a premium design, great speakers, a bright and sharp display, and the user-friendly macOS 26 Tahoe." Overall, it "offers fantastic performance for the value."

If you can't wait to get your hands on it, don't wait for Black Friday; save $200 on the 13-inch M5 MacBook Air (16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD) today at Amazon.

SAVE $110.01: As of Nov. 4, the Ruko F11PRO 2 drone is on sale for $239.98 at Amazon. That's a 31% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ruko Ruko F11PRO 2 Drone $239.98 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $110.01   Get Deal at Amazon

Early Black Friday deals are starting to land at Amazon, and there are already some pretty tempting deals for anyone looking to buy a drone.

As of Nov. 4, the Ruko F11PRO 2 drone has dropped by $110, bringing the price down from $349.99 to $239.98. This is the lowest-ever price for this drone, according to camelcamelcamel.

The Ruko F11PRO 2 is built for shooting seriously impressive aerial footage, with the ability to shoot 6K photos and record 4K video. Its image sensor captures fine details and vivid colors, and it has a three-axis brushless gimbal that helps keep footage steady when the wind picks up. The drone also comes with two batteries in the box, so you'll get up to 70 minutes of combined flight time.

And if you're a beginner when it comes to using a drone, this model is a great starting point. It has GPS-assisted flight modes that make getting started much less complicated. As well as this, you can use orbit mode to capture shots from different angles, or cruise control and waypoint mode to help guide your flights. So there's no need to feel out of your depth; this drone helps you along the way.

Find this deal at Amazon right now. However, note the "limited time" stamp. We don't know how long this price will stick around, so don't wait too long if you're interested.

SAVE $79.71: As of Nov. 4, the Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box is on sale for $129.99 at Amazon. That's a 38% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Marvel Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box $129.99 at Amazon
$209.70 Save $79.71   Get Deal at Amazon

Marvel's heroes and villains are stepping into the world of Magic: The Gathering.

The Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box brings iconic characters from the Marvel Universe into the collectible card game, giving fans the chance to build their dream team and discover their favorite characters in card form. And as of Nov. 4, you can pick up this booster box for less, with a $79.81 saving on the usual list price of $209.70 at Amazon.

This Booster Box lets you build a team of iconic heroes and villains, equip them with recognizable gear, and unleash their abilities. Each booster contains 14 cards, including at least one Traditional Foil card and one to four cards of Rare rarity or higher, with the chance to find special borderless alternate-art designs.

Play Boosters are made for both collecting and playing, whether you want to find new cards, build decks, or enjoy Limited games with friends. The box contains 30 Play Boosters, so there's plenty to open, trade, or add to your collection.

Find this deal at Amazon right now.

The fitness tracker world is crowded, and researching the best model is now a major task. If you're not looking to spend a ton of money, Google has a new Fitbit that might be perfect.

The Fitbit Edge feels rightfully placed between the minimalist Fitbit Air and the Pixel Watch 5. Not only does the $179.99 price fit in the middle of the two, but its functions land somewhere in the middle. It adds elements missing on the Fitbit Air like onboard GPS and an altimeter. But it lacks features you’ll find on the Pixel Watch 5, like Google Wallet for contactless payments.

Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

I’ve been wearing the Fitbit Edge for the last few weeks, testing out its comfort and functions. While it has tons of features that will be great for some people, I’m still more excited about the Fitbit Air compared to the Edge. 

Functions on the Fitbit Edge are great for all levels of fitness

Google has gone back to a screen with the Fitbit Edge after giving us the faceless Fitbit Air. The Edge’s display is still quite small when compared to most Garmins or an Apple Watch, but it packs in features.

The Google Health Coach is one of my favorite aspects about the Fitbit lineup. It takes just a few minutes to come up with a detailed fitness plan. The “coach” checks in, but not in a badgering way. Instead, I find the reminders helpful to get a snapshot of what type of movement would be best based on other metrics like sleep and heart rate. 

Google's impressive sleep stats are easy to understand. Credit: Google Health screenshot A daily readiness score helps determine the best activity for the day. Credit: Google Health screenshot

Nutrition tracking is also a main feature with Google’s Fitbit platform. You can scan barcodes into the app or even take photos of food to enter it into your daily intake. 

What I like about the Fitbit Edge

Function aside, I like the looks of the Fitbit Edge. It’s simple, sleek, and doesn’t look massive on my wrist. Google ships the Edge with a silicone Active Band in two sizes. I’ve found this to be the most comfortable option from the few I’ve tested.

I also like the Magnet Band, but I found it fiddly to get the right fit. For a fancier look, the Metal Links Band looks snazzy. The $149.99 price, however, is kind of scary considering the Edge itself doesn’t cost much more. I haven’t tested it, but I suspect my favorite band would be the Performance Loop Band since that’s my preferred option on the Fitbit Air. But the point stands that Google has plentiful options for bands that make the tracker feel more customized to your liking.

The Fitbit Edge comes with the Active Band (left), and the metal band (center) and magnet band (right) are add-on accessories. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

Like the Fitbit Air, the Edge is beyond impressive when it comes to battery life. I’ve been getting about a week of wear before I need to recharge. When it does need a recharge, it takes less than 90 minutes to top out at 100 percent. I also found Google’s claim to be true that a five-minute recharge earns you about a day of battery life.

Compare that to the Apple Watch 11, which Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder found to get about 24 hours on one charge when testing, and there’s a clear winner. If you value long battery life, you’re better off with the Fitbit Edge.

On top of the battery life, Google has made the Edge with a replaceable battery, a first for the brand. Should the battery crap out in a handful of years, pop a new one in, and you’ll be back to new.

Comfort earns big points, but the Air wins

Up until the Fitbit Edge arrived on my doorstep, I had been wearing the Fitbit Air for over four months almost 24/7. The Air remains the most comfortable fitness tracker I’ve ever worn. I wouldn't consider the Edge to be uncomfortable, but it doesn’t go unnoticed on the wrist like the Air. After a week or so, I got more accustomed to the feel of the Edge and noticed it less often, but it doesn’t disappear like the Air does.

I like the Fitbit Edge but not as much as I like the Fitbit Air with the Metal Mesh Band. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

Pair this slightly less comfortable fit with the new Fitbit Air Metal Mesh Band that I love, and I’m still more excited about the Air compared to the Edge. I should mention I have petite wrists, so your comfort with the Edge will vary.

Fitbit Edge: Who it’s for

The Fitbit Edge is perfect for those who want an uncomplicated fitness tracker that doesn’t come with a shocking price tag. It has great fitness tracking metrics and impressive sleep monitoring. It’s also pretty comfortable on the wrist, and the week-long battery life is a major benefit.

If you’re looking for something without a watch face or you want to barely notice you’re wearing a fitness tracker, I think the Fitbit Air is a better option. However, if you want a watch face to glance at the time or you like to track stairs climbed, you’ll want the Fitbit Edge. On the flip side, if you’re looking for a fully functional smartwatch and fitness tracker in one device, I think the Pixel Watch 5 wins over the Fitbit Edge.

Fitbit Edge $179.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

Anyone else reading A Court of Splintered Harmony on their Kindle? The e-book is far easier to carry around than the hardcover, which is great because I've been toting my Kindle around everywhere to finish Sarah J. Maas's latest installment. But as much as I'm imagining reading it, the experience isn't quite the same as reading the physical book since it's not as easy to flip between pages — and at the beginning of A Court of Splintered Harmony, there's a map that I keep wanting to refer back to.

That's why this video from @melissaclausrealtor came at just the right time.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Melissa Claus 🏡 Realtor San Antonio + New Braunfels (@melissaclausrealtor)

In the video, Claus shows how to pin an image in the Kindle book you're reading and then reference back to it later in the book. Perhaps some fantasy readers had already figured out this great Kindle feature, but it was a revelation for me.

How to pin an image or text on your Kindle

Pinning an image or text is unbelievably easy. Go to the page you want to pin and then press to highlight your desired text or image. A menu then pops up, and you'll find a little pin. Click on the pin and it's automatically added to all of your pins.

Highlight either an image or text within your e-book to pin it. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The pins then appear along the footer of your screen. Click on the pin and all of your pins will appear.

The pin decal on the footer of an e-book. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

You can even zoom into images on your pin. As always with e-readers, temper your expectations with images on your device. The resolution on a Kindle is 300 ppi, which is low compared to smartphones, which usually have a resolution of 460 ppi. The image will appear slightly blurry, but turning up your brightness does help increase the contrast for a better picture.

You can pull up your pins anywhere in the book to reference it. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable When viewing your pin, you can zoom into images and text, too. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

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SAVE $3.81: As of Nov. 4, the KPop Demon Hunters Collectible Trading Cards Classic Edition is on sale for $31.99 at Amazon. That's an 11% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kpop Demon Hunters KPop Demon Hunters Collectible Trading Cards (Classic Edition) $31.99 at Amazon
$35.80 Save $3.81   Get Deal at Amazon

Rumi, Mira and Zoey have taken over screens, playlists, and pretty much every corner of pop culture, so it was only a matter of time before trading cards got in on the action. If this is up your street, or if you just love anything KPop Demon Hunters related, you'll currently find the Classic Edition set on sale at Amazon.

Normally $35.80, as of Nov. 4, they are discounted to $31.99.

The KPop Demon Hunters Classic Edition trading cards celebrate the film's anniversary with colorful artwork inspired by its characters, epic showdowns, and iconic scenes. Each box contains 20 packs, with five cards in each, featuring vibrant designs printed on premium card stock.

Look out for the special ZR cards inspired by “Honmoon” (the magical shield in the movie), which use fluorescent ink to bring the patterns to life and recreate the look of the film's full-powered showdown. If you're a true KPop Demon Hunters fan, these cards are a great addition to your collection, or a great place to start one.

You'll find this set available to buy on Amazon right now.

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.