We’re fielding listener questions with pro tips for delighting picky friends, impossible relatives, and other challenging recipients on your holiday list.

Guest:  Staff writer Samantha Schoech

Products we recommend:

Beautiful Utilitarian Upgrades:

• Brushed Stainless Steel French Press
• Rough Linen Robe

Personalized Gifts: 

• Handwriting Cuff bracelet
• Personalized retro view finder
• Customizable drinking straw 

Experiential Gifts: 

• Teas to try together
• Bokksu Japanese Snack Box

Great for Dads: 

• Yeti Cooler
• LL Bean Wicked Good Slippers

Digital gifts that don’t clutter: 

• MasterClass subscription
• Libro FM  audiobook subscription
• Met Opera subscription
• BritBox British movies and TV subscription

For a brother who buys himself what we wants: 

• Williams Sonoma Monogrammed Steak Brand
• The best growler
• The best home brewing kit
• Happy Tooned Print

For people you don’t know that well: 

• Fast Growing Trees Citrus Trees

Sam loves:

• Italian loafers

Additional Reading: 

• Most Gift Baskets Are Terrible. These Are Great.
• 36 Gifts for People Who Have Everything 2024
• 28 Best Personalized Gifts of 2024 
• 15 Aesthetic Gift Picks (for Those With Impeccable Taste) 
• The 48 Best Gifts for Dads 2024

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

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Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

This week, we dive into our gift team’s best-in-class tips for finding awesome affordable gifts for everyone on your list.

Guest: Wirecutter editor Hannah Morrill

Additional Reading

• The 45 Best Gifts for Teens in 2024 
• 43 Best Gifts for Frequent Travelers of 2024 
• 25 Best Gifts for Plant Lovers of 2024 
• The 39 Absolute Best White Elephant Gifts Under $25
• 31 Best Secret Santa Gifts of 2024 
• 50 Wirecutter-Approved Stocking Stuffers for Adults

Products We Recommend

Great value:

• Baggu Small Cloud Carry-On

Playing with shape & size:

• Bonilla a La Vista Potato Chips
• Maldon Sea Salt Flakes (3 pounds)
• World's smallest Uno 

Novelty:

• Lazy Duck, Lying Flat LED Duck Lamp
• Puebco Empty Book
• Kikkerland Solar-Powered Rainbow Maker
• Emile Henry Salt Pig
• GurglePot Fish Pitcher

Utilitarian upgrades:

• TravelCard Plus
• MoMA Self-Watering Wet Pot Planter
• Heirloom Art Co. Larissa White Nightgowns

Tech ideas:

• Epicka Universal Travel Adapter
• Google Chromecast with Google TV

Cooking ideas:

• The New York Times Cooking Page-A-Day Calendar 2025
• Mosser Glass Jade 3 Piece Mixing Bowl Set

Beauty/Luxe ideas

• Dr. Singha’s Mustard Bath Salts
• Senteurs d’Orient Fleurs d’Oasis L’Huile

Secret Santa or White Elephant:

• 101 Pooping Puppies Jigsaw Puzzle
• LEGO Cherry Blossom
• Lonely Planet’s Where to Go When
• Retro Point & Shoot Camera Phone Converter

Hannah recommends:

• Dorsey Kate Riviere in Silver

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Follow us on instagram @wirecutter

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Most of the deals you’ll see for Black Friday and Cyber Week aren’t worth your time. This week, we reveal how to actually get a deal that’s worth your money.

Guest: Wirecutter senior deals editor Nathan Burrow 

Products we recommend:

• The best bluetooth speaker: Bluetooth Speaker: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4
• Nathan Recommends: Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO 

Additional reading links:

• Best Black Friday Deals 2024
• Daily Deals - Wirecutter
• Wirecutter Deals, Explained

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Follow us on instagram @wirecutter

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Thanksgiving is (almost) here, and this week Wirecutter experts share their best last-minute tips to make your holiday a success.

Guests: Wirecutter staffers Hannah Morrill, Rose Lorre, Lee Neikirk, Lauren Dragan, Ellen Airhart, James Austin, Phil Ryan, Michael Sullivan, Ben Frumin

Products we recommend: 

• Graza Sizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Taza Mexican-Style Chocolate Sampler
• Tony’s Chocolonely Super Milk Bundle
• Bananagrams
• Tide Pen
• Korky 99-4A Max Performance Plunger

Podcasts that are great for families

• Wow in the world
• Brains On
• Once Upon a Beat
• Radiolab for Kids 
• 99% Invisible 
• The Good Whale

Audiobooks for families

• Mouse and the Motorcycle
• Montgomery Bonbon: Murder at the Museum

Website recommendation for learning new card games

• Pagat

Additional Reading: 

• Taking better iPhone photos 
• The Best Fake Christmas Tree
• Rose Lorre's article about what to bring to Thanksgiving as a guest 

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Follow us on instagram @wirecutter

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Few ingredients are as loved (and villainized) as butter. We discuss how to pick a great butter, and the best ones for eating, cooking, and baking. 

Guest: Wirecutter staff writer Lesley Stockton

Additional Reading: 

• The 7 Best Butters of 2024
• The Best Vegan Butter

Products We Recommend:

•  Kerrygold Salted Butter
• Isigny Ste Mère Salted Butter
• Finlandia Imported Salted Butter Bar
• Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Butter Salted
• Kirkland Signature Butter Unsalted

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Follow us on instagram @wirecutter

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

NYT’s Sam Sifton and Wirecutter's Lesley Stockton reveal their pro tips for Thanksgiving success—from menu planning and hosting to the essential kitchen gear.

Guests: Wirecutter senior staff writer Lesley Stockton and assistant managing editor of The New York Times Sam Sifton

Additional Reading: 

• Thanksgiving: How to Cook It Well by Sam Sifton
• The Best Roasting Pan
• The Best Instant Read Thermometer
• The Best Chef’s Knife
• The Best Gas Grills
• The Best Gas Grill Tools 

Products We Recommend: 

• The best chef’s knife: Mac MTH-80
• The best instant-read thermometer: ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Follow us on instagram @wirecutter

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Making dinner every night can be a challenge. This week, we talk with Emily Weinstein, of New York Times Cooking, about how to overcome the monotony.

Additional Reading: 

• Easy Weeknight Dinners 100 Fast, Flavor-Packed Meals for Busy People Who Still Want Something Good to Eat by Emily Weinstein and New York Times Cooking
• When You Love To Cook But Also Have a Kid, Embrace the Microwave
• The Best Sheet Pans
• The Best Air Fryer 
• Best Electric Pressure Cooker
• Best Slow Cooker 

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Follow us on instagram @wirecutter

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Many people unknowingly put their pet in danger while driving or flying. This week, we talk about how to keep your furry friends safe and calm when traveling.

Guest: Wirecutter staff writer Mel Plaut 

Additional Reading: 

• The 6 Best Travel Carriers for Cats and Small Dogs of 2024
• Flying With Your Cat or (Small) Dog
• The 7 Best Multi-Tools of 2024

Products We Recommend: 

• SturdiBag Pro 2.0
• Feliway Travel Spray
• Peepeego Non-Slip Dog Pad
• Mel loves: Leatherman Skeletool CX and Leatherman Signal

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Follow us on instagram @wirecutter

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Millions of Americans are exposed to unhealthy levels of noise every day. This episode we discuss how to tell if you’re at risk of hearing loss and what to do about it. 

Guest: Wirecutter senior writer Lauren Dragan

Additional Reading: 

• The 4 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones of 2024 
• The Best Sleep Headphones (But We Hoped for Better)
• The 3 Best Earplugs for Concerts of 2024 
• The 5 Best Kids Headphones of 2024
• The 4 Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds of 2024 
• Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Kids Is a Growing Problem. Here’s How to Protect Little Ears.

Products We Recommend: 

• Apple Watch with sound metering: Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
• An app for any phone to monitor sound levels: NIOSH Sound Level Meter
• Earplugs for concerts or other loud moments: Loop Experience 2 or Loop Switch
• Noise cancelling earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM5
• Noise cancelling over-ear headphones: Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700
• Noise Isolating tips for most earbuds: Comply ear tips
• Earmuffs for babies: Ems for Kids Baby Earmuffs
• Earmuffs for kids and teens: Muted Earmuffs
• Earplugs for kids and teens: Loop kids
• Headphones for sleeping: AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless and Soundcore sleep A20
• Noise cancelling headphones for kids: Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet-Plus
• Lauren loves: Bearaby Cotton Napper

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Follow us on instagram @wirecutter

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Quality kitchen gear can last a lifetime–but not every pot, pan, or knife is made to last. This week, we discuss how to invest in durable cookware and tools.

Guest: Wirecutter kitchen staff writer, Michael Sullivan 

Additional Reading: 

• How to Clean and Season Cast-Iron Cookware
• How to Clean and Care for Wood Cutting Boards
• The Best Flatware of 2024 
• The 2 Best Toasters of 2024

Products We Recommend: 

• Best Cast Iron: Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
• Best Dutch Oven: Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
• Dutch Oven upgrade pick:Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven (5.5 quarts) 
• Aluminum Cake Pans: USA Pan Rectangle 9x13 Non-Stick Cake Pan
• Tri-Ply Pots & Pans: All-Clad D3 Stainless 12″ Fry Pan with Lid
• Tempered glassware: Duralex Le Picardie Tumbler, Kähler Hammershøi Tumbler and Kinto Hibi Tumbler
• Wood Cutting Board: Teakhaus Medium Professional Carving Board with Juice Canal 109
• Toasters We Like: Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Plastic Toasterand Breville BTA720XL Bit More Toaster

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Follow us on instagram @wirecutter

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

In the fall, rodents move indoors, seeking warmth and food. We discuss how to keep these critters out of your home and how to vanquish an infestation. 

Guest: Wirecutter senior staff writer, Doug Mahoney 

Additional Reading: 

• The 4 Best Mousetraps of 2024
• How a Bag of Dead Rats Proved the Terro Garbage Guard Really Works 

Products We Recommend: 

• Best Mousetrap: Tomcat Press ’N Set Mouse Trap
• Runner Up: Victor M393 Power-Kill Mouse Traps 
• For when you need a LOT of mousetraps: Victor Easy Set Mouse Trap
• Doug recommends: Pleasant Hill MacIntosh Fruit Press 4 Gallon + Wood Basket [please note, this product is often out of stock]

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Follow us on instagram @wirecutter

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast