The Wirecutter Show

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Gift Guide 2025: Kids Tell Us What They Want Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

The holidays are here, and that means it's time to tackle the hardest shopping challenge of all: finding the perfect gift(s) for the children in your life. In this episode, we skip the parental guessing games and go straight to the experts!

Rosie sits down with three brutally honest critics—Dior (8), Robinson (11), and Chloe (6)—to get the definitive, unfiltered word on what kids really want this year. Listen as they enthusiastically share their current wish lists and, more importantly, evaluate a handful of Wirecutter's tried-and-true, age-appropriate recommendations.

Their hilarious, insightful, and sometimes merciless critiques will help you cut through the noise, avoid the toys that will be forgotten by New Year's, and confidently pick a gift that will be a genuine hit.

If you’d like to receive hand-picked gift recommendations right to your inbox, subscribe to Wirecutter’s gifting newsletter, The Gift!

Dior, Age 8

Items on Dior's Personal Wishlist:

A nail kit
Nike shoes
Dog toys and dog-themed toys
Reborn baby doll

Wirecutter gift guide picks discussed:

Wacom Intuos S drawing tablet
Vans Classic Slip-Ons
Cuisinart ICE-21P1 ice cream maker
Lava Lamp Original
Levain Bakery Signature Cookie Assortment
Warmies Capybara stuffy toy

Robinson, Age 11

Items on Robinson's Personal Wishlist:

Pokemon video games and cards
LEGOs
Dungeons & Dragons merch and items
Manga (specifically Shonen)
Books

Wirecutter gift guide picks discussed:

Chloe, Age 6

Items on Chloe's Personal Wishlist:

Remote control snake
Sleeping bag (unicorn theme!)
Barbie doll house
Panda toy that comes with a baby bottle, toilet, and diaper

Wirecutter gift guide picks discussed:

Additional reading:

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

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

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A Game Night Survival Guide Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

When the holidays roll around, many of us romanticize the idea of a cozy game night—only to remember the part where someone has to read the rules, explain them, and keep the vibes going while everyone tries not to flip a table. If you’ve ever sighed at the sight of a board game box (or struggled through a four-hour strategy game you didn’t sign up for), this episode is for you.

James Austin, Wirecutter’s staff writer covering games and hobbies, shares how to host a game night that actually stays fun, how to pick games that match your group’s vibe, and which games work best for kids, adults, mixed-age families, multilingual gatherings, or friends who are already a few drinks in.

If you crosswords and other NYT games, check out Puzzle Mania! from The New York Times Games editor Joel Fagliano.

James’s favorite resources to learn new games:

If you don’t want to read the rules, Watch It Played and Good Time Society have videos explaining how to play many board games
BoardGameGeek can tell you how to play a game your interested in
Board Game Arena is a great resource for playing digital versions of board games
Pagat.com explains the rules to every card game

Games for kids

Rhino Hero (age 5+) and Rhino Hero: Super Battle (age 5+)
First Orchard (age 2+)

Games for mixed-age groups or families

A Fake Artist Goes to New York - especially good for avoiding awkward conversations
The Gang - cooperative but silent play
The Crew - no talking!
Sushi Go! - adorable and easy to play
Monikers - great for big groups
Anomia - a great starter game
Dixit - a visual game without reading, good for kids and non-english speakers
Carcassonne - interactive and easy to understand
Coup - quick to play

Party Games for adults (including boozy groups)

Codenames - match words by meaning
Wavelength - opinion-based fun
Anomia - lots of shouting!

Strategy games

Catan - the original “Euro” style game
Bohnanza - if you like the interactive trading of Catan
Brass: Birmingham - if you want a complex strategy game with a lot going on

Games you can play with just a deck of cards

Oh Hell! - James’ family-favorite, trick-taking game

Two-player favorites

Splendor - can be played with more than two as well
Star Realms - build decks of cards that become more powerful as you play

Games for solo play

Final Girl - a horror-movie themed game
Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective - solve challenging mysteries just like a famous detective

James loves:

The Stormlight Ring by Thorum (his wedding ring)

Additional reading:

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Gift Guide 2025: What to Get the Hardest People On Your List Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

Gift giving can be challenging when you're shopping for people who seem to already have everything they need (or who are just super hard to please). Hannah Morrill, Wirecutter’s gift editor, walks us through how to approach selecting presents for these trickiest recipients.

Hannah also answers listener questions with dozens of specific gift recommendations.

If you’d like to receive hand-picked gift recommendations right to your inbox, subscribe to Wirecutter’s gifting newsletter, The Gift!

Products we recommend:

For a professional sailor who loves to travel:

For a sister who loves crafted and personalized things

An upgrade to an everyday staple that anyone would love:

Zojirushi SM-KHE

Heritage Brand items for a couple who can afford the best

Pendleton Block Plaid Organic Cotton Fringed Throw
Falcon Enamelware 3-Pint Jug
L.L.Bean Boat and Tote
Shaker-Style Parlor Broom by Larry Antonuk
Faribault Mill Monhegan Cotton Throw (formerly known as the Brahms Mount Monhegan throw)

For co-workers you want to impress without breaking the bank

Hannah’s favorite new gift items

Additional reading:

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

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How to Nail the Perfect Cookie with NYT Cooking’s Vaughn Vreeland Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

Holiday baking season is here, and nobody knows how to bake a delicious cookie better than Vaughn Vreeland, host of NYT Cooking’s Bake Time and author of the book, Cookies. In this episode, Vaughn breaks down the gear you actually need, and shares clever fixes for common cookie problems—from his best advice to using browned butter in a recipe to reducing sugar without sacrificing flavor. He also walks us through his best tricks for better texture, picture-perfect tops, and the surprising savory ingredients that make sweet cookies even better.

This episode covers:

The essential gear every baker needs. Vaughn recommends a strong silicone spatula (“spoonula”), a cookie scoop, a rimmed baking sheet, a kitchen scale, and a cooling rack that fits inside the sheet pan are all key tools to make the baking process easier.
Nice-to-have upgrades that actually make a difference. Vaughn says that offset spatulas, ring molds for perfectly round cookies, and oven thermometers improve consistency and confidence.
How to troubleshoot flat or spreading cookies. Chilling the dough (always after scooping), adjusting sugar ratios, refreshing your baking soda/powder, and avoiding overcrowded pans can help with this common problem.
How to reduce sugar without ruining texture. According to Vaughn, water is the secret ingredient in cookies. If you’re going to reduce the sugar, and possibly some of the fat, a splash of water can help rebalance the dough.
Savory ingredients that level up cookies. Miso, olive oil, gochujang caramel, and other surprising add-ins create depth, balance sweetness, and make flavors pop.
Lightning-round fixes for common cookie issues. Hard? Overbaked. Cakey? Too much flour. Burning on the bottom? Your oven might run hot.
The best advice for any cookie baker. Mistakes happen—but baking should stay fun. And if all else fails, at least you’ll have a cookie at the end of the day.

Wirecutter picks for baking cookies:

Our favorite silicone baking mat: Silpat Nonstick Silicone Baking Mat
Our favorite spatula: GIR Mini Flip Silicone Spatula
Our favorite cookie scoops: Norpro Grip-EZ 2-Tablespoon Stainless Scoop
Our favorite kitchen scale: Escali Primo Digital Scale
Our favorite baking sheet: Nordic Ware Naturals Baker’s Half Sheet
Our favorite offset spatula: Ateco 4.5-Inch Offset Spatula 1385
Our favorite cooling rack: Sur La Table Stainless Steel Cooling Grid
Our favorite hand mixer: KitchenAid 7-Speed Hand Mixer

Other products Vaughn recommends:

Cookie ring molds: Cookie Cutter Set
An oven thermometer

NYT Cooking Cookie Recipes Vaughn mentioned:

Additional reading:

More Vaughn

Vaugn’s new book: Cookies: The Best Recipes for a Perfect, Anytime Treat
Bake Time Newsletter from NYT Cooking
NYT Cooking on YouTube
Vaughn’s Instagram
Vaughn's Facebook

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

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Gift Guide 2025: What Our Experts Are Giving This Year Nov 28, 2025

Show notes

Wirecutter’s staff tests thousands of products every year, and of that mountain of items a few always stick out as the best of the best. To close out 2025, we asked our experts to share the things they loved most–and what they think would make great holiday gifts.

Whether you’re still finishing up your holiday shopping or you’re just here to soak up some end-of-year delight, this roundup is full of recommendations straight from the people who test stuff for a living.

If you’d like to receive hand-picked gift recommendations right to your inbox, subscribe to Wirecutter’s gifting newsletter, The Gift!

Products we reccommend:

Annemarie Conte enjoys the Yummi 12” Handcrafted Taper Candles
Jackie Reeve used The Company Store Company Cotton Voile Quilt to keep cozy after surgery
James Austin gave his groomsmen gemstone dice as a personalized gamer gift
Amy Kravetz gave her kid the Swatch Flik Flak Watch for a dose of nostalgia
Trey French takes the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System on every hike
Brent Butterworth loves the Sangean WR-15 tabletop radio with a bluetooth receiver for everyday, ad-free audio at his desk
Jennifer Hunter says the TWP Next Morning Shirt is a splurge-worthy wardrobe upgrade
Jon Chase added an Amazon Echo Dot to his child’s room for on-demand music and hasn’t looked back
Rachel Cericola thinks every nature lover deserves the Birdbuddy Pro bird feeder
Catherine Kast enjoys the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Scraper & Chopper for making everyday kitchen tasks a little easier
Thom Dunn’s kitchen renovation was postponed by loving the Cosori Original Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Ellen Lee loves the OMY Hair Chalk for a fun dash of color in anyone’s hair
Liam McCabe has found numerous uses for the handy Calculated Industries AirShim Inflatable Pry Bar & Leveling Tool
Nicola Fumo says Prada lip balm in a metal tube is instantly giveable (and refillable!)
Kaitlyn Wells uses the dracula-themed Ototo Gracula Garlic Crusher to help chop garlic without pain
Mel Plaut is sharpening all their knives (utility & kitchen) with the Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker
Kathleen Squires keeps every holiday roast perfectly cooked with the ThermoPro TP971 TempSpike Plus

Additional Reading:

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

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Mel Robbins' Expert Advice for Surviving the Holidays With Peace and Sanity Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

At Wirecutter, we have tons of advice about the practical side of the holiday season: giving gifts, preparing meals, hosting friends and family. But the emotional side of holiday gatherings can be even tougher. So, we invited Mel Robbins, host of The Mel Robbins Podcast, and author of The Let Them Theory, to walk us through her tools for keeping your cool through heated, holiday moments.

With the holidays approaching, we ask Mel to help us navigate the harder parts of the season: tricky family dynamics, lingering childhood patterns, fraught conversations, and the pressure that comes with hosting and showing up for everyone else. Mel walks us through how to stay grounded, protect your energy, and hold firm to your boundaries—even when you’re sitting across the table from the people who test them most.

This episode covers:

Breaking down The Let Them Theory. Mel walks through “let them” as a very literal tool—letting people have their opinions, their judgments, their disappointment, their expectations—and how the “let me” half shifts you back into control of your own reactions.
Managing holiday expectations. She talks about how the holidays are about enjoying yourself and showing up as you are, not who you’re going to impress.
Why family dynamics are hard to change—and why accepting that lowers your stress. She explains that people change when they are ready, and that wishing someone were different can entrench them further.
What to do when someone crosses a line or won’t back down. Mel says that the best way to exit an escalating conflict is to become the most boring person in the world, or “gray rock”. Don’t fuel the fire, don’t become part of the scene that’s being caused.
The difference between acceptance and enabling harmful behavior. Mel explains when “let them” no longer applies—specifically when someone’s views deny your identity or safety—and how boundaries shift accordingly.

Mel Loves:

Her custom belt buckle with a photo of her children. You can see it in this photo of her for Time Magazine. She recommends finding a seller you like on etsy!

Additional reading:

More Mel:

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

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Secrets to Better Pie Making Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

Baking a show-stopping pie for Thanksgiving can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Wirecutter senior staff writer Lesley Stockton, who has baked hundreds of pies and spent years testing kitchen gear, joins us to share her hard-won wisdom—from the best pie plates and rolling pins to foolproof tips for flaky crusts.

Lesley explains how to overcome baking anxiety, what tools are worth investing in, and her favorite nontraditional pies to bring to Thanksgiving. She also troubleshoots common baking issues (like burnt edges and tough dough), and reveals her go-to pate pâte brisée crust recipe that never fails.

This episode covers:

How to become a more confident pie baker: Lesley breaks down the basics into manageable steps—practice a few test doughs, learn one reliable crust method, and accept that small imperfections (a cracked edge or a slightly uneven flute) won’t ruin the flavor.
Why a tapered rolling pin naturally rolls the dough into a circle: A tapered pin helps roll a perfect round of dough better than a traditional rolling in with handles. Lesley says it’s easier to start in the center and roll outward, which gives you a uniform thickness and a near-perfect circle with far less fuss.
Always bake pies on a baking sheet: Put your pie plate on a rimmed sheet before it goes in the oven. That catches spills, makes handling safer, and prevents thermal shock for glass dishes. If you can, use a preheated baking stone under the sheet—the stone stores and radiates heat for a browner, crisper bottom crust.
Which pie plates to choose for each job: Glass (like Pyrex) is ideal for custards because it’s shallow; a deeper glass or stoneware dish works for deep-dish fruit pies; vintage metal tins conduct heat best, better crisping the crust, and reducing the chance of a soggy bottom (an undercooked crust). Lesley explains trade-offs—durability vs. browning vs. convenience—so you can pick the right plate for the pie you want.
Essential tools for mixing the dough: Most bakers will appreciate using a Cuisinart to easily mix dough. However, Lesley prefers “analog” tools, including an old-fashioned pastry blender and dough whisk, because they’re easier to clean and give her more control over the texture of the dough.
How to avoid (and fix) a soggy bottom: Options include par-baking when the filling bakes faster than the crust, dusting the shell with a mix of flour and sugar to absorb moisture, or brushing egg white on the shell to create a moisture barrier. She also stresses correct bake time—underbaking is often the real culprit.

Products we recommend:

Our favorite rolling pin: Whetstone Woodenware French Rolling Pin
Our favorite pie plate: OXO Good Grips Glass 9″ Pie Plate With Lid
Our favorite shallow pie plate: Pyrex 9-Inch Pie Plate
Our favorite pretty deep-dish pie plate: Emile Henry 9-Inch Pie Dish
Our favorite baking stone: FibraMent Home Oven Baking Stone
Our favorite food processor: Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor
Our favorite pastry blender: Crate and Barrel Pastry Blender with Beechwood Handle
Our favorite dough mixer: King Arthur Baking Company Dough Whisk
Our favorite butter: Kerrygold Salted Butter
The best gluten-free substitute for all-purpose flour: Cup4Cup
Lesley’s favorite pie-baking book: The Pie and Pastry Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum

Additional reading:

Additional Listening:

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Shop Secondhand Like a Pro Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

Buying used can be a great way to save money and find unique items—but it takes a sharp eye to find the real gems. And you need to be savvy to get a good price, as some vintage furniture and clothing can cost more than new items (and you can’t return them!).

In this episode, we talk with Wirecutter senior staff writer Ivy Elrod, who has spent years navigating secondhand marketplaces. Ivy walks us through her best strategies for finding high-quality used furniture, clothing, and other items–from scouring Facebook Marketplace to mastering the art of negotiation.

Plus, she gives us her best tips for envisioning your space before you start buying, and what to look for in photos to give you clues as to the quality of the items you’re looking for.

This episode covers:

Use visual tools to plan your space: Ivy recommends creating mood boards by creating a collage in Canva or Keynote, or even using the photo cut-out feature on your iPhone, to clip images of furniture you’re interested in and pasting them in pictures of your space to get a sense of how the pieces will look together.
Where to shop for the best deals (and how to stay safe): For in-person finds, Ivy recommends local options like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and estate sales. She also recommends always bringing a buddy to come with you.
How to evaluate quality before you buy: Ivy says that simple photos showing wear and tear are a sign the seller is being honest. Buyers who are upfront about any damage, and who include reference photos to show the extent, are probably more trustworthy to engage with.
Negotiate politely on price: “Haggling” is out, “negotiating” is in. Keep your ideal price in mind, be kind and ask for what you want, and be willing to walk away. Try language like “Would you consider X?” or “My budget is X, can we make that work?”
Don’t be shy in inspecting the items in person: Ivy recommends asking questions and engaging with the item when you see it IRL. Flip up cushions, view it from every angle, check for signs of bedbugs and critters—make sure you’ve seen everything you need to see before you bring it home.
Being late can actually get you a deal: At the end of estate sales, Ivy has found that sometimes sellers are more eager to give you a discount to avoid having to transport things back and forth.
Be ready to act fast: When buying used, timing is arguably the most important factor. People more often than not just want things out of their space. If you’re able to be there immediately, chances are that they’ll want to sell to you.

Additional Reading:

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

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Will Tariffs Affect Holiday Shopping? Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

Holiday shopping this season may look different than years past, as tariffs gradually increase prices on everything from electronics to kids’ toys. If you usually wait until Black Friday to find deep discounts, you may want to update your strategy this year.

Wirecutter’s deputy editor Annemarie Conte joins us to discuss how tariffs are impacting the prices on a range of goods, and how to plan for your holiday shopping accordingly. You can find more of her reporting in Wirecutter’s Guide to Navigating Tariffs This Holiday Season.

This episode covers:

Price increases may sneak up on you this year: Wirecutter’s deals team has seen incremental price increases across many categories. “This is death by a thousand cuts,” Annemarie told us. “It may be a couple dollars here, a couple dollars there. As you're shopping, you may actually not notice, and then when you think about how much you've spent in the cumulative, you're like, ‘Where did all that go?’"
Retailers are running out of existing inventory: Before the tariffs hit, many manufacturers and brands imported as much as possible to preempt extra costs. However, as they sell down this stock and need to import more, they will likely pass the increased costs on to customers.
Why you probably shouldn’t wait for Black Friday: Wirecutter’s deals team doesn’t anticipate seeing as many deep discounts as in years past. If you find a good deal now, Annemarie advises against waiting.
Beware of artificially-inflated prices: Retailers often inflate prices right before a deals event, such as Black Friday, so that they can then drastically cut the price during the event. For Amazon shopping, use tools like Keepa and CamelCamelCamel to track an item’s price history and how the price compares to past deals. For other sites, you can use Google Shopping to track prices.
Shipping may be slower this year: There may be shipping delays, especially for international orders. If ordering online, make sure you’re giving yourself at least two weeks for delivery.

Additional Listening:

The Wirecutter Show Bonus Episode: Tariff Shopping Confusion

Additional reading:

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

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How To Be Handier Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

If you’ve ever put off a home repair because you didn’t know where to start—or felt overwhelmed by the wall of tools at the hardware store—this episode is for you.

In this Wirecutter Show bonus episode, we chat with senior staff writer and tool expert Doug Mahoney, who’s spent years testing everything from screwdrivers to power drills. Doug breaks down exactly which tools you need to build your first toolbox, what’s worth spending extra on, and how to know when you’re ready to move from hand tools to power tools.

He also shares his favorite safety tips, the one tool every homeowner should have, and a few of his go-to picks for getting started.

This episode covers:

Why learning to use tools matters: Becoming handier saves money, gives you more control over your space, and makes your home feel like something you can shape—not just live in.
Where to start if you have zero tools: Doug says the “trifecta” for beginners is simple: a screwdriver, a hammer, and a tape measure. Add a utility knife and pliers as you go, and you’ll be able to handle most small jobs in your home.
Why pre-made toolkits aren’t worth it: Most ready-made toolsets are overpriced and filled with poor-quality gear. You’re better off buying a few solid, individual tools that last a lifetime.
What to look for in quality tools: The cheapest hammer or screwdriver might technically work—but good tools are easier to use, feel better in your hand, and perform better under stress.
When to level up to power tools: Once you’re ready to take on real repairs, a cordless drill should be your first power tool.

Products we recommend: