Best presents of 2022: CBS Essentials' 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts
Welcome to the CBS Essentials 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts series, our list of the most buzzed-about holiday gifts of the season. We've based our top 100 gift picks on our own bestsellers, owner reviews, product analysis and extensive research into holiday 2022 bestseller predictions. Our list includes some of Apple's newest products, the top toys of 2022, game-changing kitchen appliances and so much more.
Top products in this article:
12.9" Apple iPad Pro 6th generation (Wi-Fi, 128 GB), $1,070
iRobot Roomba j7+ robot vacuum, $639 (reduced from $800)
Rimowa Original suitcase, $1,325 and up
You can view (and shop) the latest additions to our 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts list below. All make excellent Hanukkah and Christmas presents.
Many of these gifts are available with faster shipping for Amazon Prime members.
If you don't have an Amazon Prime subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial now.
CBS Essentials' 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts
This article will be continuously updated throughout the holiday season as more of our 100 Most Wanted picks are released.
Nuface Trinity starter set
The Trinity starter set is a great option for first-time NuFace users. The portable Trinity toning device stimulates the face with an FDA-cleared microcurrent treatment that promises to improve contour and skin tone while reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The device comes in a kit which includes a charging cradle, power adapter and two ounces of hydrating leave-on gel primer.
Nuface Trinity starter kit, $339
NordicTrack T Series 6.5 S treadmill
The NordicTrack T Series 6.5 S treadmill is equipped with one-touch, 0% to 10% incline control, can reach speeds of up to 10 mph, and be folded up into the frame for storage. It has a 300-pound capacity.
"Precise and well-crafted, the unit smoothly folds upright to reduce the footprint in my living space," reviewer Morgan Powers says. "The console immediately synced with my home Wi-Fi. Graphics/audio on the 10-inch monitor are crystal clear."
The treadmill is available in two varieties: one with a 5-inch display screen; and, one with a 10-inch display screen.
NordicTrack T Series 6.5 S treadmill (5" inch display screen), $649
NordicTrack T Series 6.5 S treadmill (10" inch display screen), $996
Razer Enki gaming chair
This sleek gaming chair will make an excellent addition to your gaming setup.
It has built-in lumbar support and adjustable armrests for maximum comfort. Its shoulder arches and wide seat base ensure correct weight distribution for long-lasting comfort. This chair reclines up to 152 degrees. Find it in three colors.
Razer Enki gaming chair, $340 (reduced from $400)
Samsung Galaxy S22
The Samsung Galaxy S22 is a CBS Essentials reader favorite. This 4.3-star-rated smartphone gets rave reviews due to its high-quality camera, sleek design and user-friendly operating system. We believe that it would make an excellent gift for any Samsung phone enthusiast in your life.
"The S22's build quality is excellent, the weight and screen size are in my opinion, perfect," a verified customer says. "The OLED display is impressive, to say the least. The actual overall quality of the device has me very impressed."
The phone has an 8K video camera with auto-focus video stabilization. The camera also takes exceptional photos, thanks to features like adaptive color contrast, portrait mode, and night mode. The high-quality camera makes the Samsung Galaxy S22 a great gift for smartphone photographers, travelers, active social media users or anyone that wants to capture family memories in stunning detail.
Samsung Galaxy S22 (128GB), $700 (reduced from $800)
Sonos Roam
The feature-rich Sonos Roam ticks many boxes, making it a great value for your money -- even though it does sit at a higher price range. A standalone Bluetooth speaker that supports Sonos' multi-room ecosystem, it boasts Qi charging (although you have to buy the charger separately), Google Assistant and Alexa support for voice control and Sonos Trueplay, which allows you to retune the speaker based on your surroundings. Bass lovers will also appreciate its controlled bass-heavy sound.
Its "well-balanced sound" and "surprising bass for the size" are among the many things Best Buy reviewers appreciate about Sonos Roam. One reviewer concludes that "if you are in the market for a small, portable speaker and value balance sound over excessive bass or gimmicky features, the Sonos Roam is worth a look."
iRobot Roomba j7+ robot vacuum
The iRobot Roomba j7+ features a powerful three-stage cleaning system with iRobot's most powerful suction. The home-cleaning device uses an edge-sweeping brush to get into corners. The Roomba j7+ features dual multi-surface rubber brushes that flex to adjust to different floor types. Best of all, they don't get tangled with pet hair.
When it's done cleaning, the device automatically empties into its included clean base for easy dirt disposal with enclosed bags. Just empty the cleaning station once every 60 days.
iRobot Roomba j7+ robot vacuum, $599 (reduced from $800)
Nintendo Switch OLED
The Nintendo Switch OLED has a larger 7-inch OLED screen that offers vivid colors, deeper blacks and better contrast than previous Nintendo Switch models when used in hand-held mode. It also comes with a wider kickstand, a new dock style, twice the storage and improved speakers for an even better gaming experience.
The Nintendo Switch OLED Model is now the third Switch console in Nintendo's lineup. The OLED Switch retails for about $350, or $50 more than the non-OLED Nintendo Switch model ($299).
The Nintendo Switch OLED Model is available at Best Buy, Amazon, GameStop and Walmart.
Great Jones family style cookware set (5 piece)
Great Jones makes modern kitchen pieces that last. The female-founded brand boasts a wide variety of cookware and bakeware, plus mixing bowls, kettles and more.
This must-have cookware set has everything you need to cook a holiday feast, make a cozy Sunday night dinner or throw together a casual weeknight meal. The set includes: an 8-quart stock pot, a deep sauté pan, a 3-quart sauce pan, a non-stick frying pan made with a non-toxic ceramic coating, two stainless-steel lids and a gorgeous 6.75-quart enameled cast-iron dutch oven that comes in seven colors.
Great Jones cookware makes a low-risk gift, too. The company offers a 60-day trial and free returns on its products.
Great Jones Family Style cookware set (5 piece), $495 (regularly $615)
KitchenAid Professional 5 stand mixer
Few kitchen gadgets look as impressive on a countertop as a KitchenAid stand mixer. No matter what KitchenAid stand mixer color or model you choose, this multi-tool signals to all who enter the room that you know your way around the kitchen. It's powerful and versatile enough to take on any cooking or baking task (with the right attachment).
The 4.7-star-rated KitchenAid Professional 5 stand mixer is on sale at KitchenAid right now for the lowest price we've seen in a while. This bestselling KitchenAid stand mixer makes a fantastic Christmas present -- so much so that we've named it one of CBS Essentials' 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts. It's the best stand mixer to buy this holiday season.
What sets this KitchenAid stand mixer apart is its bowl-lift design. The bowl is held by two arms, providing sturdy bowl support when mixing heavy ingredients or large batches. The device has 10 speed settings and includes the accessories: power-knead spiral dough hook, flat beater and stainless-steel wire whip.
KitchenAid Professional 5 stand mixer, $250 (reduced from $450)
Vitamix 5200 blender
The professional-grade Vitamix 5200 blender has a dial that can be rotated at any point during the blend to achieve the texture you want. Its blades move so fast that you can make hot soup out of cold ingredients, right in the blender.
The Vitamix 5200 blender comes with a tamper (a tool that lets you manually move ingredients in the blender) to help with thick blends.
Vitamix 5200 blender, $430 (reduced from $550)
Lego Marvel: I am Groot
Build a moveable Baby Groot from Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" with this 476-piece Lego set. It also comes with a pretend cassette tape and display nameplate.
(You can read more on why Lego Marvel: I am Groot is a most wanted Christmas gift here.)
Lego Marvel: I am Groot, $44 (regularly $55)
Squishmallows
One reason why Squishmallows make a great Christmas or Hanukkah gift: Young kids absolutely love the toys -- they're appropriate for children as young as 2 years old. Plus, they come in so many different shapes and sizes: there are Dalmation Squishmallows, caterpillar Squishmallows, beaver Squishmallows, succulent Squishmallows and even squishmallows that look like strawberry milk. Each Squishmallow has its own personality and quirks listed on its tag.
Add to their Squishmallows stuffed animal collection with this cheerful 14-inch rainbow platypus named Brindall. She loves to garden!
Squishmallows 14" Platypus, $25
Not the perfect Squishmallow? Check out all the cute and cuddly Squishmallow toys available on Amazon now. Some are on sale.
Mr. Christmas Alexa compatible Christmas tree
This reviewer-loved artificial Vermont spruce Christmas tree from Mr. Christmas is selling out fast -- it's only available in the 7'5" option now. This Christmas tree's lights have 40 different colors and functions, like a sparkle setting. You can also schedule them to turn on and off. Just tell Alexa.
Mr. Christmas Alexa compatible Christmas tree, $500 (reduced from $600)
The Jacket Maker Ionic black leather jacket
Choose from seven colors in this men's sheepskin leather jacket. It has zippers at the cuffs, four outside pockets and two inside pockets. Jackets are offered in eight standard sizes, or pay $50 extra for a custom fit based on the recipient's measurements.
The Jacket Maker Ionic black leather jacket, $270
The Jacket Maker Alison black leather biker jacket
This women's cowhide leather biker jacket comes in four colors. It has zippered cuffs and a removable belt. It has three zippered pockets and one coin pocket on the outside, plus two inside pockets. This leather jacket can be custom fit for an extra $50.
The Jacket Maker Alison black leather biker jacket, $290
Apple iPad Pro (2022)
Apple's high-end tablet, the iPad Pro, features a Liquid Retina XDR display, a pro camera system (12 MP wide; 10 MP ultrawide) and a Thunderbolt port for lightning-speed data transfers. Looking for a traditional laptop experience? It's compatible with Apple's Magic Keyboard.
The latest iPad Pro comes with several major upgrades. One of the most notable changes is that the 2022 iPad Pros are equipped with the M2 chip, the same fast and powerful chip included in the latest MacBooks. The M2 chip makes this the fastest iPad yet -- and an excellent choice for video editing, streaming or gaming.
The Apple iPad Pro is available with an 11-inch Liquid Retina display or a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display. Memory configurations range from 128GB to 2TB. You can also choose between cellular and Wi-Fi only connectivity options
11" Apple iPad Pro 4th generation (WiFi, 128 GB), $749 (regularly $799)
11" Apple iPad Pro 4th generation (cellular, 128 GB), $988 (reduced from $999)
12.9" Apple iPad Pro 6th generation (Wi-Fi, 128 GB), $1,070
12.9" Apple iPad Pro 6th generation (cellular, 128 GB), $1,292
Apple iPhone 14
Apple's new iPhone 14 offers several improvements over the prior model, including a new operating system with iOS 16. It is getting a camera upgrade, improved retina display and a larger battery. The new iPhones will feature 6GB of RAM, an increase over the 4GB offered in the iPhone 13.
The iPhone 14 has a new 12MP main camera with a larger sensor and wider aperture. The upgraded smartphone also includes an improved front-facing camera with autofocus for better selfies. Apple states that the new camera system will provide strong improvements for low-light photography through its new Photogenic Engine. Apple also introduced Action Mode for improved video quality for capturing moving subjects.
One notable design change is the pill-shaped cutout at the top of the phone screen. This cutout features small privacy indicator lights that alert users that the microphone or camera is in use. One the iPhone 13, these indicator lights are easier to miss but the iPhone 14 has redesigned them to appear brighter (even in sunlight) and placed them front and center at the top of your phone screen.
The iPhone 14 is also available in a Max version, with a larger phone screen. The iPhone 14 Plus has a 6.7-inch screen whereas the standard iPhone 14 has a 6.1-inch display screen. Apple has decided to ditch the iPhone Mini this year, so these are the only two sizing options for the iPhone 14.
The iPhone 14 starts at $799, though we found it slightly cheaper at Walmart ($779). The iPhone 14 Plus will start at $899.
Apple iPhone 14 on AT&T (128GB), $779 (reduced from $800)
Apple iPhone 14 on Verizon (128GB), $779 (reduced from $800)
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds offer 30 hours of listening time with the included charging case. They have an upgraded wireless chip for improved audio functionality, a new low distortion driver for clearer audio and improved active noise cancellation. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 provide truly custom sound: You can use your iPhone's camera to analyze your unique ear anatomy and find the perfect audio settings for you.
The design of the Apple AirPods Pro 2 is fairly similar to the previous generation, but Apple has introduced touch control to the AirPods 2 to help users more seamlessly control their AirPods. Users will also get a new extra-small tip with their AirPods. The case did get a notable design upgrade with a new lanyard loop and a built-in speaker to help you find your lost AirPods case.
Apple AirPods Pro 2, $230 (reduced from $249)
Apple AirTags
Your friend or family member who is constantly losing their keys, wallet or Apple AirPods could really use some Apple AirTags this Christmas. These tiny trackers work by sending out a Bluetooth signal that can be anonymously detected by nearby devices. Then, even if your own phone isn't handy, you (and only you) can locate these trackers on an Apple "Find My" map.
If your iPhone is handy, then it can lead you straight to the AirTag via the phone's "Precision Finding" feature (found on the Apple iPhone 11 and newer models).
Apple AirTags are water-resistant, and designed to last for up to one year on a standard, replaceable battery.
Apple AirTags (4 pack), $95 (reduced from $99)
You'll get the best per-AirTag price when you buy a four pack. But if you only need one, single Apple AirTags are available at Amazon.
Little Live Pets Mama Surprise
This interactive guinea pig toy needs to be fed and brushed like a real guinea pig. The device makes 20 sounds and reactions as kids pat, feed, groom and interact with her. And just like the real thing, this mama guinea pig can give birth.
According to the brand, when the toy receives enough love and attention, "her heart will start glowing and she'll let out a melody to let you know that a baby is about to arrive." This guinea pig mama can deliver three babies. Each baby is delivered with a care package and surprise themed accessories, including rock 'n' roll, preppy and princess themed babies.
"I was looking for a gift for my 4 year old niece who has everything. I thought this toy is so different, she can't have this at home," wrote an Amazon customer who purchased the play set. "She absolutely loves it! She carries the mom everywhere and keeps the babies in the cage. She would be so excited when the mom would 'give birth.' It has really kept her busy. The mama pig makes the sweetest sounds. My niece loves the mama pig more than the babies. I am thankful for this sweet toy."
(You can read more on why Little Live Pets Mama Surprise is a most wanted Christmas gift here.)
Little Live Pets Mama Surprise
Apple Watch Series 8
The Apple Watch 8 is available in 41mm and 45mm sizing options. Shoppers can choose between stainless steel or aluminum casing and several different colors; new watch band options are available via Nike and Hermes.
One verified Amazon owner says they love the new Apple Watch 8: "I do not regret my decision to buy this watch at all!" Not sure what size to get? Check out our guide on how to pick the right Apple Watch size.
(You can read more on why the Apple Watch 8 is a most wanted Christmas gift here.)
Apple Watch 8 GPS (41mm), $389 (reduced from $399)
Apple Watch Series 8 GPS (45mm), $458 (reduced from $508)
Cosori Dual Blaze smart air fryer
The Cosori Dual Blaze air fryer connects to your phone, so you can scan the barcode of your favorite frozen foods to get the ideal temperature and time settings. This smart air fryer can also be operated by voice command.
The kitchen gadget uses dual heating elements and Cosori's 360 ThermoIQ technology to make real-time temperature adjustments during cooking, so you'll get evenly cooked and crisped food, without having to shake or flip whatever's in your basket. The non-stick basket is dishwasher safe.
"I love how easy it is to cook many different types of food in my new air fryer. No heavy greasy foods to deal with and the foods retain their natural flavors. Extremely fast cooking speeds and the model I chose makes shaking and turning foods over a thing of the past. The foods come out tender crisp and browned perfectly," Amazon customer who purchased the Cosori Dual Blaze 6.8 quart smart air fryer says.
(You can read more on why the Cosori Dual Blaze air fryer is a most wanted Christmas gift here.)
Cosori Dual Blaze smart air fryer (6.8 quart), $180
Rimowa Original
The Rimowa Original is one of the most iconic suitcases of all time. Engineered in Germany out of top-of-the-line aluminum, the grooved suitcase is equipped with everything you need in a travel companion. Features include TSA-approved locks, a flex divider for organized packing, a telescopic handle and a smooth, multi-wheel system. While the surprisingly lightweight suitcase (the smallest carry-on weighs 9.3 pounds) might be a splurge, consider it an investment in a long-term travel buddy.
The brand recently added a lifetime guarantee on all new suitcases purchased from July 25, 2022, covering all functional aspects, but excluding wear and tear. Rimowa also offers in-store repairs and even in-hotel repairs at participating international locations.
Available in three carry-on sizes, two check-in and a large trunk version in titanium, silver and black.
Rimowa Original, $1,325 and up
100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: The best gifts to give this Christmas
Pick out a great hiding spot and check out CBS Essentials' 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts of 2022. We've based our top 100 gift picks on our own bestsellers, owner reviews and our own extensive research into the most-buzzed-about gifts of 2022.
Stay tuned to the CBS Essentials 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts Series for our picks of the hottest gifts to give in 2022.
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: The Apple iPhone 14 is the best phone to give this Christmas
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: Why the Rimowa Original checked bag is the best luggage for travel this Christmas
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: Why the Cosori Dual Blaze air fryer is the best to use and gift this Christmas
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: Little Live Pets Mama Surprise is our top gift for girls this holiday
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: Apple Watch Series 8 is the best smartwatch to give this Christmas
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: I am Groot Marvel Lego set is our top gift for boys in 2022
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: Apple AirTags make the best stocking stuffers for Christmas 2022
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: Why we love custom leather jackets by The Jacket Maker
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: The 4.9-star-rated Santa's Visit Lego set is our favorite to gift this Christmas
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: NordicTrack T Series treadmill is the best home fitness machine this Christmas
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday: Why the KitchenAid Professional 5 stand mixer is the holiday kitchen gadget on everyone's wish list
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: Apple iPad Pro is the best tablet to gift in 2022 -- and it's on sale at Amazon now
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: Why the iRobot Roomba j7+ is the best robot vacuum to gift this year
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: This squishy plush is the best toy for toddlers this Christmas and Hanukkah
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: One major retailer is selling the Nintendo Switch OLED for less than the others
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: This blender is a chef's dream
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: Why our staff loves Great Jones cookware and why you will too
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: Why the Mr. Christmas smart tree is the best Christmas tree of 2022
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: Apple AirPods Pro 2 are the best headphones to gift (and they're on sale now)
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: Sonos Roam
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: You need to see this wild deal on Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphones
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: The Google Pixel 7 Pro is the best Android smartphone to gift in 2022, and it's on sale
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: Why the Razer Enki gaming chair reigns supreme in 2022
- 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: The NuFace Trinity promises a 5-minute face lift
