Wish List 2025: A WIRED Gift Guide
The future of gifting is here, and it’s smarter, more stylish, and incredibly thoughtful. Our 2025 Wish List is curated for the innovators, the dreamers, and the adventurers in your life, featuring an array of items that blend cutting-edge technology with impeccable design and undeniable utility. From tools that elevate everyday tasks to gadgets that enhance well-being and experiences, this guide is your compass to the most coveted presents of the year.
A Cut Above: Chroma Scissors (Craighill)
Beyond mere utility, the Chroma Scissors from Craighill are a testament to the idea that even the most mundane tools can be objects of beauty. Crafted from durable stainless steel, these scissors offer a satisfyingly precise cut, but it’s their striking aesthetic that truly sets them apart. With vibrant primary accent colors adorning their minimalist design, they transform from a simple desk accessory into a statement piece. Ideal for the design enthusiast or anyone who believes their workspace should be as inspiring as their ideas, these popular slicers are often hard to keep in stock, so seize the opportunity to gift a blend of function and art.
Cold Comfort: Stormshadow Parka (Patagonia)
For those who brave the elements, Patagonia’s Stormshadow Parka is an indispensable shield against winter’s chill. This hooded parka is a masterclass in thermal engineering, featuring a robust waterproof shell generously insulated with 700-fill-power recycled down. Every detail is meticulously designed for warmth and protection, from the fully insulated, cinchable hood that seals out drafts to the double storm flaps guarding the zipper. Beyond its exceptional performance, the parka champions sustainability, utilizing recycled materials throughout its construction. This is the perfect gift for the recent transplant to a frosty city, the avid winter hiker, or the dedicated sports fan enduring a snowy playoff game.
Positive Affirmations: The Anti-Anxiety Notebook (Therapy Notebooks)
In an increasingly complex world, tools for mental well-being are paramount. The Anti-Anxiety Notebook, developed by Therapy Notebooks, offers a guided path to serenity through structured journaling. This isn’t just a blank canvas; it’s a carefully crafted resource brimming with expert guidance, practical tips, and therapeutic exercises designed by professional therapists. Utilizing principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), its pages prompt users to identify and reframe anxious thoughts, helping to break harmful patterns. For anyone navigating the challenges of anxiety, this notebook provides a tangible, daily practice for cultivating calm and clarity, making it a profoundly thoughtful gift.
Track Star: Ring 4 Ceramic (Oura)
For those seeking discreet yet comprehensive health tracking, the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic redefines wearable technology. Eschewing the bulk of traditional smartwatches, this elegant ring, fashioned from smooth ceramic, blends seamlessly into everyday life. Its advanced onboard sensors diligently monitor a wealth of metrics, including activity levels, heart rate, sleep patterns, stress indicators, and even women’s health stats. A single charge provides approximately a week of continuous use, a stark contrast to power-hungry wrist devices. This innovative wearable is an ideal present for the health-conscious individual who values sophisticated design and prefers to track their well-being without a prominent gadget.
Mega Mix: Bartender’s Toolkit (Umami Mart)
Elevate the art of cocktail crafting with the exquisite Bartender’s Toolkit from Oakland’s Umami Mart. This curated collection embodies the precision and elegance of Japanese barware, making it a dream gift for any aspiring or seasoned mixologist. The kit includes essential tools like a finely crafted julep strainer, a balanced stainless steel jigger for accurate measurements, a sleek stainless steel bar spoon, and a heavy, diamond-cut 1-pint mixing glass. Each piece reflects superior craftsmanship, promising durability and a refined aesthetic. Whether perfecting a Suntory whiskey highball or experimenting with an Oaxacan old-fashioned, this toolkit brings a touch of sophisticated flair to any home bar.
Eternal Sunshine: Everybody Wall Clock (Dusen Dusen)
Infuse a dose of playful charm and unique design into any living space with the Everybody Wall Clock by Dusen Dusen. This 12-inch, candy-colored timepiece is a delightful conversation starter, perfect for the emoji aficionado or anyone with an appreciation for whimsical decor. The clock features a vibrant blue back, artfully mimicking the sun’s radiating rays, while a bold red ring in the center gracefully indicates the hour. The focal point is a cheerful yellow disc, adorned with a smiley face, which serves as the minute hand, rotating once every hour. It’s a joyful, minimalist approach to time-telling that brings a smile to any room.
A Quiet Place: Aro Box (Reclaimwell)
In an age of constant digital connection, the Aro Box offers a sanctuary for mindful disconnection. This elegantly designed box houses four phone cradles and a quartet of interchangeable charging cables (USB-C and Lightning), providing a dedicated space for family members to deposit their devices. The philosophy is simple: when phones are in the box, screen time yields to quality family time, allowing both minds and devices to recharge. A clever companion app tracks usage, offering insights into digital habits. For the parental figure striving to foster deeper connections and reduce screen dependency, the Aro Box is a gift that encourages presence and peace.
Head Space: QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) (Bose)
Bose continues its legacy of audio excellence with the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), a refreshed 2025 edition that solidifies their position as a top choice for noise-canceling headphones. Leveraging decades of acoustic innovation, these headphones offer an unparalleled listening experience. Luxurious materials, a robust and refined build, and astonishing sound quality combine to create an immersive audio haven. For the audiophile or professional who values not only pristine sound but also the profound tranquility of total silence—whether in a bustling office, a crowded commute, or a dedicated creative zone—these headphones are an essential and deeply appreciated gift.
Dub Style: Riddim & Ting (Teenage Engineering)
Teenage Engineering, renowned for its "wizardly audio trinkets" and drool-inducing design, introduces Riddim & Ting, a compact synthesizer that pays homage to the soulful sounds of 1970s and ’80s Jamaican roots reggae and dancehall. This portable powerhouse comes loaded with hundreds of authentic instrument sounds, drum loops, basslines, melody loops, and a suite of drippy effects, including an iconic dub siren. The accompanying "Ting" is a CB-style press-to-talk microphone with its own onboard effects, perfect for adding vocal textures. For bedroom producers, aspiring party DJs, or any "selecta" passionate about rhythmic creation, this dub synth is a source of endless inspiration and authentic sound.
Roll Tape: CP-81 Portable Cassette Player (Retrospekt)
The humble cassette player, once relegated to dusty attics, is making a nostalgic comeback, and Retrospekt’s CP-81 Portable Cassette Player is leading the charge. This Walkman-style device is a perfect blend of retro charm and modern reliability, appealing to young collectors discovering analog sound and old-school enthusiasts reliving musical memories. Housed in a clear case, it performs all the essentials: play, rewind, fast-forward, and even records audio via a line-in jack. Each unit comes with adjustable on-ear headphones featuring classic orange foam earpads, completing the authentic vintage experience. It’s a "far out" gift for anyone enchanted by the tactile magic of tape.
Love Letters: Alphabet in Motion by Kelli Anderson
Kelli Anderson’s "Alphabet in Motion" is far more than a children’s book; it’s an inventive, perhaps even "nerdiest," pop-up book designed to captivate anyone with an appreciation for typography and mechanical artistry. Through 17 ingeniously engineered interactive pop-ups, this animated tome brilliantly demonstrates the intricate processes behind type design, from its rendering and traditional printing to its modern digital display. Accompanied by a 128-page essay delving deeper into the world of type and design, it’s a truly unique gift. Font enthusiasts, graphic designers, educators, and anyone with a love for smart design and mechanical marvels will be utterly enchanted.
Royal Scribe: Montblanc Digital Paper
Bridging the timeless elegance of pen and paper with the efficiency of digital technology, the Montblanc Digital Paper tablet is a sophisticated tool for the modern note-taker. This aluminum device offers a seamless way to capture notes, sketch freehand, annotate documents, or simply read in a distraction-free environment. The included pen, meticulously designed to emulate a classic Montblanc, boasts an impressive 4,000 levels of pressure sensitivity and comes with three distinct styluses, allowing for a personalized writing feel. A companion smartphone app effortlessly syncs all digital notes, making them easily shareable and accessible. It’s an executive-level gift for those who cherish the art of writing.
Dark Darts: Star Wars Darth Vader SP (Target Darts)
For the discerning dart player who also pledges allegiance to the Dark Side, the Star Wars Darth Vader SP darts from Target Darts are an imperial upgrade. Each dart is precision-crafted from 95 percent tungsten, offering superior balance and flight stability. The laser-engraved, black-coated barrel ensures a supreme grip, allowing for ultimate control. The set includes three darts fitted with 30-millimeter Swiss points, along with an additional set of 35-millimeter tips for customization. Completing the Sith Lord aesthetic are interchangeable red and black flights. Just remember to remind your beloved pub crawler that using the Force to cheat is strictly forbidden!
One Step Beyond: Explorer Mid Mens (Vivobarefoot)
For the barefoot runner or minimalist shoe enthusiast in your life, Vivobarefoot’s Explorer Mid Mens boots offer unparalleled protection without compromising the natural foot feel. These insulated ankle boots are specifically designed to navigate colder months, featuring ultra-thin 2.5mm outsoles that allow the wearer to feel the ground beneath their feet, promoting natural proprioception. Thermal insoles provide essential warmth, while 2mm lugs on the outsole ensure reliable grip on various terrains—be it city streets, snowy trails, or office hallways. This is the ultimate gift for those committed to natural movement, even when the temperature drops.
Paper Bag: The Natural ProtectPaper Travel Bag (Wren)
The Natural ProtectPaper Travel Bag from Wren challenges conventional material perceptions, offering an innovative and sustainable travel solution. This remarkable bag is predominantly crafted from kraft paper, a durable and stiff material commonly used in packaging, yet here it finds new life as elegant luggage. Reinforced with heavy canvas and treated with a water-resistant coating, the bag boasts a unique fabric-like feel while retaining its paper identity. Sized like a classic weekender, it features two spacious interior pockets and one secure zip pocket. It’s a distinctive and eco-conscious gift for the frequent traveler who values both style and sustainability.
Talk of the Town: The New Yorker x Garin Sweater (Garin)
Move beyond the tote bag and truly announce your cultural literacy with The New Yorker x Garin Sweater. This luxurious pullover, a collaboration celebrating The New Yorker’s 100th birthday, is a sophisticated statement piece. Crafted from 700 grams of premium micron cashmere by the esteemed brand Garin, it offers unparalleled softness and warmth. The unisex, relaxed fit ensures comfort and versatile styling, available in elegant sage or classic black. This sweater is the ultimate gift for the acutely literate, culturally steeped, and debonair individual who appreciates timeless fashion and intellectual caché. (And yes, WIRED, at 32, is right behind them!)
We Built This Starship: Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D (Lego)
Boldly go where no builder has gone before with the Lego Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D. This epic 3,600-piece model, a tribute to arguably the greatest reboot in television history, is a dream come true for any Star Trek: The Next Generation fan. Measuring an impressive 24 inches long when assembled, it’s meticulously detailed with features like a detachable saucer section and a lift-off roof over the bridge, revealing intricate interior elements. The set also includes nine iconic Lego minifigures, such as Picard enjoying his Earl Grey, hot; Data with his beloved cat, Spot; and Riker ready with his trusty trombone. It’s an immersive building experience that culminates in a magnificent display piece.
Light Fare: Glowmad (Chillbeam)
For the creative spirit or outdoor enthusiast constantly on the go, the Glowmad inflatable light bar from Chillbeam is a brilliantly versatile gift. This portable light is incredibly compact when deflated and becomes rigid with a single exhalation. It charges conveniently via USB-C or its integrated solar panels, offering an impressive 50 hours of illumination. Users can choose between warm or bright light settings, with multiple modes to suit any mood or task. Its magnetic back allows for effortless attachment to overhead beams, car hoods, or workbenches, making it an indispensable tool for content creators, campers, or late-night hackers.
Sole II Soul: Mind 002 (Nike)
Nike, a brand synonymous with innovation in footwear, introduces the Mind 002, a groundbreaking "mindfulness shoe" designed to enhance focus and presence. Developed in consultation with Nike’s own team of neuroscientists, this shoe features strategically placed nubs that run through the sole, gently pressing into specific pressure points on the foot. Nike asserts that wearing these shoes before significant events—be it a crucial game, an important presentation, or even a first date—can provide the wearer with an extra edge in concentration. This is an forward-thinking gift for the "Go Big or Go Home" striver in your life, offering a unique blend of athletic design and cognitive enhancement.
Cover Version: Tuneshine
For the music aficionado who cherishes the visual art of albums as much as the auditory experience, Tuneshine offers a delightful modern twist on classic display. This innovative gadget seamlessly syncs with popular streaming accounts like Spotify, Apple Music, and Sonos, automatically displaying the cover art of the song currently playing on its endearingly lo-fi 6-inch-square LED screen. It’s a simple yet beautiful way to bring the visual richness of a vinyl collection into the digital streaming era. For those using other streaming services, Tuneshine can be synced via last.fm. It’s a perfect addition to any mantelpiece, instantly becoming a conversation starter for music lovers.
Craft Table: ChompSaw (Chompshop)
Unleash boundless creativity in the young builders and artists with the ChompSaw from Chompshop. For children who see cardboard as a universe of possibilities, this kid-safe cutter is an invaluable tool. Designed like a rapid-fire hole punch, it effortlessly cuts clean lines through cardboard and construction paper. Safety is paramount: the 3-mm-tall slot beneath the cutter cover is too narrow for small fingers, ensuring remarkable safety during use. The clever design also collects all the chomped pieces in the bottom of the box, making for easy cleanup. Recommended for ages 3 and up, the ChompSaw is a gift that sparks imagination and hands-on learning.
New Wave: Shark Classic Leash (Freestyle)
The Freestyle Shark Classic Leash watch is a vibrant homage to surf culture and a timeless accessory for water enthusiasts. This updated version of the iconic Shark watch retains its classic cool while incorporating modern reliability. The 38mm watch is water-resistant up to an impressive 100 meters, and its buttons can be safely operated underwater, making it perfect for surfing, swimming, or diving. The standout feature is its comfortable and secure velcro strap, designed with the same type of closure found on a surf leash. With its sweet color combinations and practical durability, it’s a nostalgic yet highly functional gift for anyone who loves the ocean or simply the laid-back beach house vibe.
Ear Candy: Quad Pack (Gob)
For the dedicated concert-goer or anyone frequenting loud environments, superior hearing protection is a must. Gob’s Quad Pack earplugs offer an innovative and eco-conscious solution, providing 20 decibels of comfortable noise attenuation. What truly sets them apart is their material: these disposable earplugs are crafted entirely from 100 percent mycelium—the intricate network of fungus fibers from which mushrooms sprout. This sustainable alternative ensures that, unlike traditional petrochemical foam earplugs, they won’t add to ecosystem waste. While a 4-pack is an initial investment, larger quantities offer better value for your eco-minded loved one.
Roast Host: Atmos Vacuum Canister (Fellow)
For the coffee connoisseur in your life, the Fellow Atmos Vacuum Canister is the ultimate gift for preserving the peak freshness and flavor of their prized beans. Coffee’s delicate aromas and tastes quickly degrade when exposed to air, but this high-tech storage solution effectively combats oxidation. Simply pour up to 1.2 liters of beans inside, fasten the lid, and press the button; a powerful vacuum pump silently removes most of the air. This creates an optimal environment, ensuring that each brew delivers the vibrant, nuanced flavors intended by the roaster. Your coffee-loving friend will undoubtedly notice the difference and be eager to share their revitalized coffee experience.
Home Maid: Matic Robot Vacuum
The Matic Robot Vacuum represents the pinnacle of autonomous home cleaning, designed for those who demand spotless living spaces with minimal effort. Powered by an Nvidia chip and equipped with six infrared cameras, this robovac navigates a home with remarkable human-like intelligence, even in complete darkness. It actively learns the unique layout of its environment, ensuring comprehensive and efficient cleaning. Beyond its superior navigation, it excels at tackling both wet and dry messes, making it a versatile and powerful cleaning companion. This is the ideal gift for the busy homeowner who cherishes a pristine environment or for anyone seeking to outsource their daily cleaning chores to a truly smart assistant.
Precious Cargo: FamilyNext Pro (Urban Arrow)
For families seeking an eco-friendly and efficient alternative to car travel, the Urban Arrow FamilyNext Pro electric cargo bike is a transformative gift. Designed with the modern family in mind, this robust bike comfortably accommodates three "heartbeats"—one pedaling and two children securely nestled in the spacious front box. Engineered for safety and smooth rides, it features robust shocks, integrated lights, and a powerful 250-Wh Bosch pedal-assist system that makes navigating hills and carrying heavy loads effortless. While gifting a cargo bike is a significant gesture, for a partner yearning to streamline school drop-offs or embrace a more sustainable urban commute, the FamilyNext Pro is the ride of their dreams.
