How to score the most popular gifts of 2023
The most coveted presents of the year and where to buy them.
Credit:
Reviewed / Meta / Nerf / Mattel
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Every year since time immemorial, there's been one or more gifts that rise to the top in popularity and desire. The first Christmas, frankincense and myrrh were huge. And who could forget 1996's Tickle-Me Elmo? We're not sure what this year's big gift will be just yet, but with Reviewed readers, the answer couldn't be more clear. They're crazy about virtual reality headsets, new-fashioned Nerf guns, always fashionable Apple accessories, and the ever-ubiquitous Barbie Dreamhouse. If you're looking to score the most popular gifts of 2023, we recommend doing it sooner rather than later, because they're all likely to go fast.
When to buy these gifts is a question with an easy answer: Now. But where you should buy them is a whole other question entirely. With so many competing retailers both in-store and online offering deals, picking the best place to buy isn't always easy. We're going to give a rundown of the top five most popular gifts Reviewed readers are going gaga for, as well as where we recommend buying them — whether that's Target, Amazon, or Walmart.
1. Barbie Dreamhouse
A decked-out mansion worthy of Barbie's greatness.
- Price: $139
- Who wants it: Barbie fans, gals of all ages
2023 is officially the Year of Barbie, thanks in large part to its blockbuster movie starring Margot Robbie. This dream house smacks of the one featured in the Barbie movie, complete with a swing, pool, television, and breakfast to stare at while having an existential crisis. We recommend buying it at Amazon because it's one of many great Black Friday deals. And in the unlikely event that it doesn't sell out, Amazon's Black Friday Week deals occasionally last through December, if you'd prefer to buy at the last minute.
2. Nerf Pro Gelfire Mythic Blaster
This nerf gun fires innovative polymer bullets that explode on contact, for a new spin on classic Nerf fueled fun.
- Price: $70
- Who wants it: Sneaky boys, outdoorsy types, dudes being dudes
Like Lego and Tonka trucks, Nerf toys have a sort of timeless quality. The great thing about Nerf stuff is that they're always innovating new ways to get into competitive bouts in cul-de-sacs and backyards, like the Nerf Pro Gelfire Mythic Blaster. Instead of foam bullets, this weapon fires soft polymer bullets that burst on impact without any pain or cleanup to worry about. It fires an impressive 10 rounds per second. We recommend buying it at Target because it's on sale right now. Target will also do price adjustments if it goes even lower at any point through Jan. 1.
3. Meta Quest 2
Seriously impressive, seriously immersive VR.
- Price: $249
- Who wants it: gamers, techies, movers and shakers
Meta Quest 2 isn't the latest VR headset, but it's available for about half the price of its successor on Amazon right now. It offers some of the best immersion tech that lets wearers tap into more than just games, but experiences. Amazon is a great place to grab this headset because it also offers plenty of bells and whistles to enjoy it, including this attractive charging dock.
4. Apple AirPods
Unparalleled sound, impressive battery life, perfect for Apple devices.
- Price: $190
- Who wants it: audiophiles, Apple die-hards, people looking to drown out the world
The second generation of Apple AirPods remains one of our favorite sets of earbuds on the market, because of its battery life, Adaptive Transparency mode, and fantastic noise-canceling capabilities. We recommend buying them on Amazon, where they're usually cheaper than other retailers, especially around shopping holidays.
5. AirTags, 4-pack
Keep track of valuables with these handy Bluetooth trackers.
- Price: $80
- Who wants it: people who are always losing their keys, phone, or wallet
While everyone has that big flashy gift in their sites during the holidays, Apple AirTags are one of those practical pieces of tech that can potentially offer something that's difficult to purchase: peace of mind. Just strap one of these bad boys to a valuable item like keys or a wallet or your luggage, and rest assured that you'll be able to find it easily in case it's misplaced. We recommend buying this four-pack at Target, which is currently running a deal on AirTag accessories with the purchase of any AirTag.
Where should I buy the most popular gifts of 2023?
These gifts are available just about everywhere, but you can almost set your watch to their availability at Target, Walmart, and Amazon. During the shopping season that's currently well underway, there are pros and cons for buying gifts at one of these three.
Why shop at Walmart?
Walmart is going face to face with Amazon with Walmart+, its answer to Amazon Prime. It grants free shipping on everything without any order minimums, including same-day grocery delivery, and big discounts on household items, discounts on gas, and plenty of mobile scan-and-go options when you shop in-store. Members also get a free Paramount+ subscription. For last-minute shopping around the holidays, this is a fantastic service to rely on, and in-store pickup options means the truly last-minute shopper can pick up gifts on their way to the celebration.
Why shop at Target?
Target is great for anyone looking to dig for deals. Its price matching is some of the best out there, and the retailer will match prices on qualifying items on or before Christmas Eve 2023 (Sunday, December 24). With a valid proof of purchase, you can score that sweet, sweet price matching at your local Target store or by calling Target Guest Services at 1-800-591-3869. With Target Circle, the retailer's free reward program, you can score plenty of added benefits like access to sales events, discounts, and other sweet rewards.
Target is also pretty understanding when it comes to returns. During the year, you have up to 90 days after your purchase to return most items purchased (and an extra 30 days on top of that if you paid with a Target RedCard credit card) — and you have a full 365 days to return items from Target-owned brand like Cat & Jack, Good & Gather, A New Day, and Pillowfort. For the holidays, the already-generous return policy gets an upgrade: For many items purchased starting October 1, the 90-day return window starts on December 26.
Why shop at Amazon?
Amazon, like Walmart, is great if you're the kind of gift-giver who procrastinates. Amazon Prime pioneered the very concept of two-day shipping, which is a treat year-round but a godsend around the holidays. Amazon is heavy on deals too, and with a Prime membership, you can be sure that Amazon will keep you in the loop when it comes to scoring them.
A Prime membership has tons of added benefits, including special offers, a year of free Grubhub+, access to Prime Video's massive streaming library, and discounts you can set your watch to, and tons of other bells and whistles too numerous to name. Prime comes in handy during the holiday shopping season because it almost acts like a deals concierge. By making a wishlist, Amazon will keep track of prices and alert you the second your coveted item goes on sale. And while products occasionally sell out, Amazon will also notify you when it's back in stock.
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