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Best staff pick gifts of 2021

We spend a lot of time with products here at BestReviews, and it’s not just in research and testing. We’re avid online shoppers, too. This year, we’re sharing our staff’s top gift picks for 2021. Find something unique for yourself among these products, or pick up a gift for someone on your holiday shopping list.

A pair of cycling shoes

Adidas Velosamba Cycling Shoe

This innovative cycling shoe transitions easily from bike to street, thanks to its integrated cleat soles and classic Samba design. The shoe features reflective stripes to boost the cyclist's visibility to drivers. Also available at Amazon.

A multifunctional veggie chopper

KEOKE 12-in-1 Vegetable Chopper

Slice and dice in 12 ways with this versatile veggie chopper. It takes the hard work out of food preparation, and it has a take-apart design for easy cleaning — either by hand or in the dishwasher.

A brand-new Marvel video game

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Deluxe Edition Video Game

One of the most-anticipated titles of the fall, this Marvel game takes players on a journey with Star-Lord at its helm. The Guardians of the Galaxy battle it out with cosmic threats and learn that every decision they make results in a chain reaction of events.

A deluxe beauty trunk

Drunk Elephant Trunk 5.0 Value Set

Drunk Elephant’s limited-edition trunk is chock-full of skin care goodies, including 10 of the beauty brand’s best-selling products. The assortment includes day and nighttime products for the face and body, all of which are cruelty-free. 

 

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A deeply-moisturizing face cream

Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream

Formulated with hyaluronic acid and rich shea butter, this deep moisturizer softens, brightens and firms skin. It replenishes the skin barrier and helps lock in moisture, leaving skin plump and hydrated. Also available at Kohl’s.

A dynamic hair styler

Dyson Airwrap Styler

The Dyson Airwrap, an innovative new hair styler, does it all: dries, curls, waves and smooths hair. The device leverages Dyson’s cyclonic technology to activate and set styles without extreme heat exposure. 

A tiny pie maker

Dash Mini Pie Maker

If you’re a fan of comfort foods like chicken pot pies or apple pies, then this tiny appliance belongs in your kitchen. The mini pie maker cooks single-serving pies within minutes, and it has nonstick hot plates for easy cleaning. 

A new Dungeons & Dragons book 

“Fitzban’s Treasury of Dragons” by Wizards RPG Team

This new Dungeons & Dragons book delivers a treasure chest of dragon-themed tools to Dungeon Masters for crafting new, exciting games. It provides comprehensive information on more than 20 types of dragons, including lair maps and additional spell options. 

A colorful sling backpack

Vera Bradley Lighten Up Reactive Sling Backpack

Ideal for packing light, this Vera Bradley sling backpack is popular for travel or everyday use. It’s made with sustainable, water-repellent fabric that will keep belongings dry and protected in wet weather.  It’s available in a dozen colors and prints. 

 

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An intelligent LED bike light

Nkomax Smart LED Bike Light

The intelligent light sensor of this LED bike light turns on automatically in low-visibility conditions, including fog and rain. Not only does it have a rugged design with an IPX6 waterproof rating, it’s equipped with a rechargeable battery with a 20-hour runtime. 

A tidy food and water bowl for dogs

Neater Pets Neater Feeder Deluxe Elevated & Mess-Proof Dog Bowls

Some dogs are messy eaters and drinkers, and fortunately, this elevated bowl system controls crumbs and splashes. The feeder has a unique take-apart design that is easy to empty, clean and disinfect. 

A bubbly, non-alcoholic wine

St. Regis Non-Alcoholic Brut Sparkling Wine

Raise a glass of this non-alcoholic St. Regis wine, which is made with a fine selection of Chardonnay grapes. It’s more than just a bubbly beverage; instead, it has authentic flavor, body and carbonation.

A convenient lap desk

LapGear Home Office Lap Desk

Ideal for casual use or work-from-home, this lap desk has all the amenities anyone could ask for. Not only does it have dual-bolster cushioning, there’s an integrated mouse and device holder that accommodates larger phones with bulky cases. 

A mindful breathing necklace

Todd and Vanessa Steinberg Mindful Breathing Necklace

This mindful breathing necklace was inspired by a conversation with a flute-maker who explained the breathing techniques used by ancient Japanese monks. The elegant piece is available in four finishes, including rose gold and matte slate. 

A whimsical eyeshadow palette

Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Eyeshadow Palette

A whimsical palette with 14 unique shades, there’s a shade and finish to match every mood. The full-pigment shadows are easy to blend and long-wearing, making them ideal for everyday and special occasion use alike. Also available from Macy’s.

A spinning pixie toy

Hatchimals Pixies Crystal Flyers

Once these crystal pixies are launched from their base, they soar in the air with glittering wings — but that’s not all. They have built-in sensors that respond to hand motions, which means you can guide their flight paths. 

 

Jennifer Blair is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money. 

 

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

 

 

 

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