In the second part of our series, we learn more about what’s happened to Wirecutter writers Mike Cohen and Gregory Han in the year since the LA wildfires. And how they both wish they’d better understood their insurance policies before the fires.  

Mike and Gregory both found temporary housing after the fires, but they soon needed to start replacing the things they use daily. And to do that, they had to produce exhaustive lists of their belongings to their insurance companies for reimbursement. For Mike, this was particularly daunting, as everything he owned had burned. 

Both Mike and Gregory wish they had better documented their belongings before the fires, because this would have made it easier to prove what they owned. 

This episode also covers the struggles Gregory faced to convince his insurance company that his home needed professional cleaning (called remediation) to remove toxic ash and other pollutants. 

We recommend listening to part one before this episode. Part three of the series publishes on Monday, January 12. 

Actionable steps you can take from this episode:

• Document your stuff. After a disaster, insurance companies often require an itemized list of lost or damaged possessions. This task will be made much easier if you’ve documented what you own. Take a video as you walk through your home, from room to room. Open every cabinet and drawer, and capture brands and models. Don’t forget the attic, garage, or basement. Do this every few years, or any time you’ve had a major life change when new stuff enters your home.
• Digitize your documents. After a disaster, you’ll likely need official documents to prove who you are and where you lived. Scan or photograph passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, and other important documents. Find more tips on digitizing documents here.
• Read your insurance policy. Knowing what your policy covers will help you navigate insurance claims in the face of a disaster.
• Assess your home for potential disasters. Research your climate risks and make a list of potential home modifications–such as cutting back trees, installing gutter guards, or even putting on a new roof.
• Make sure you have the right type of insurance. Most home insurance policies include fire coverage, but depending on where you live you may want additional coverage for floods, earthquakes, or other disasters.

You can find out more about Gregory Han on his website and on Instagram @typefiend

Additional reading:

• The True Cost of Recovering From the LA Wildfires, Part 1
• The LA Wildfires Devastated the Homes of Two Wirecutter Writers. Here’s What They Learned While Recovering.
• Build Your Own Disaster-Prep Kit 
• How to Prepare Your Pantry for an Emergency 
• 9 Extreme Weather Survivors Share the Tools That Helped Them Get Through Disaster 

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

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. 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

Exactly one year ago, on January 7, 2025, the Palisades and Eaton Fires erupted, eventually burning down more than 16,000 structures and killing at least 31 people, becoming among the most destructive and deadly wildfires in California’s history. 

Two Wirecutter writers, Gregory Han and Mike Cohen, lived through the Eaton fire. Both lived in Altadena, just outside Los Angeles. Gregory’s home was damaged, while Mike’s burned to the ground. They collaborated on an article sharing their biggest lessons of recovery, which Wirecutter published last July, as part of our emergency preparation coverage. 

Now, in a special podcast series, we’re sharing the biggest lessons they’ve learned from the past year–—and what they can teach you about how to prepare for a disaster. 

Unfortunately, climate change is making extreme weather events more frequent, more intense, and more unpredictable. In the last year alone, we’ve seen cataclysmic floods in the Texas Hill Country, deadly tornadoes in many parts of the U.S., and increasing flash floods across the country, just to name a few. No one is completely insulated from these types of events. 

In this first episode, we’ll introduce you to Gregory and Mike, and why they think it’s imperative to invest in your community before a disaster. 

Look for part two of this series on Friday January 9, and part three on Monday January 12.

Actionable steps you can take from this episode:

• Invest in your community before a disaster. Information can be hard to come by during and in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. This is when knowing your neighbors can be invaluable. Both Gregory and Mike relied on neighbors and others in their community for information before, during, and after the fires. They’ve continued to share resources with this community as they’ve worked toward recovery over the past year.
• Create an easy way to communicate with your neighbors. This could be a text chain or a group chat–through something like WhatsApp or GroupMe. Maybe you’re already involved with a group that may eventually help in an emergency. Mike’s neighborhood thread started as a group of local dog owners before the fire. 
• Join a volunteer organization in your community. After the fires, Gregory joined a group to do brush cleanup, which has helped deepen his connection with the people who live close to him.

You can find out more about Gregory Han on his website and on Instagram @typefiend

Additional reading:

• The LA Wildfires Devastated the Homes of Two Wirecutter Writers. Here’s What They Learned While Recovering.
• Build Your Own Disaster-Prep Kit
• How to Prepare Your Pantry for an Emergency
• 9 Extreme Weather Survivors Share the Tools That Helped Them Get Through Disaster

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

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. 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

In this episode, our guest is Suleika Jaouad, author of The Book of Alchemy and creator of The Isolation Journals Substack. We delve into how journaling can help you unlock creative potential and navigate life’s challenges. 

Suleika shares her personal journey with journaling as a lifeline during her battle with leukemia and a pathway to "creative alchemy" – transforming difficult experiences into meaningful expression. She highlights the benefits of journaling on mental health, and how it has changed her life.

The discussion also explores practical aspects of journaling, from overcoming the fear of a blank page to maintaining consistency through accountability and prompts. Suleika shares her preferred tools—a fountain pen and quality paper—and the rituals that help her stay consistent. 

Plus, Wirecutter writer Arriana Vasquez tells us about digital notebooks, an innovative way to modernize the writing experience without sacrificing the tactile pleasure of it. 

Listeners will gain actionable insights into starting and sustaining a journaling practice.

Products we recommend:

• The best hardcover notebook: Leuchtturm1917 Hardcover Notebook Classic (A5)
• The best pen: Uni-ball Jetstream RT
• The best digital notebook: Supernote A6 X2 Nomad
• Best for replacing your paper notebooks: reMarkable 2
• Best for reading and annotating ebooks: Kobo Elipsa 2E

Suleika’s favorites: 

• A fountain pen: Lamy
• Le Labo Santal No. 26 Candle
• The journals of famous writers she keeps on her desk: Susan Sontag, Virginia Woolf, Audre Lorde, Frida Kahlo and Sylvia Plath

More Suleika Jaouad

• Instagram:/suleikajaouad
• Facebook: /SuleikaJaouadPage 
• Website: https://www.suleikajaouad.com/
• Substack newsletter: https://theisolationjournals.substack.com/about
• The Book of Alchemy

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

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. 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

In case you missed our bonus episode, we are re-airing it! 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 recommend: 

• 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 the 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:

• This Tiny Airbag Has the Power to Lift an Entire Fridge
• These Candles Made Me a Candle Person. Now I Eat My Cheerios by Candlelight.
• The Best 53 Christmas Gifts for Everyone on Your List 
• I Test Kitchen Tools for a Living. This $12 Staple Is the One Item I’ll Never Give Up.
• The Little Water Filter That Lets Me Drink Stream Water

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

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. 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

It happens every year: the season sneaks up, the calendar fills, and suddenly it’s gift-giving time… and you’ve bought nothing. To help you avoid the panic-buy spiral (and the regrettable “kitchen TV”-style gifts that follow), we brought in Samantha Schoech, senior staff writer on Wirecutter’s gifting team. Sam spends all year researching, testing, and vetting gift ideas—so she knows exactly what still delivers when you’re short on time, short on ideas, or short on shipping days.

In this episode, Sam shares the most common last-minute pitfalls, the places she trusts for reliable gifts in a crunch, and the affordable, thoughtful picks she returns to again and again. She also talks through subscription gifts that still “arrive” instantly, the universally-loved standbys you can grab at a grocery store, and the standout items from Wirecutter’s gift guides that ship fast and feel special.

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

This episode covers: 

• Why last-minute gifts go wrong. Sam says that the final hour encourages overspending on gifts that aren’t exactly a good fit.
• How to avoid panicking when you’re rushed. You don’t have to spend a ton of money just because you’re late. There are still budget-friendly, easy-to-find options like olive oil or fancy chocolate or spices that you can pick up in person the day of and still manage to make it feel like a thoughtful gift.
• Presentation matters. Even if you’re running behind, don’t underestimate the power of a beautiful wrapping job!
• The gifts that will always “arrive” instantly. Sam says that she will always love a subscription gift because they can be specific and special and you can send them out instantly. She often will gift credits to an audiobook service, or a vinyl subscription service.
• Where to shop in a true time crunch. There are plenty of reliable options that will still be open last-minute, like big box stores, grocery stores, drug stores, and some smaller mom-and-pop shops. Plus, Sam says that Amazon has saved a lot of procrastinators, as long as you give yourself at least two days for shipping.
• When it’s officially too late. Sam doesn’t really believe that there’s anything as too last minute…but there is such a thing as too late. Even if it’s the day of, she believes you can still find a perfect gift. But, if the holiday has passed, then you’re too late.

Products we recommend:

• Our favorite olive oil: Graza Sizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Our favorite audiobook service: Libro.fm Credit Bundle
• Our favorite vinyl subscription service: Vinyl Me Please Records of the Month
• Our favorite candle: Boy Smells Hinoki Fantôme Candle
• Our favorite watercolor set: Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolors 48-Color Set
• Our favorite teapot: Hario ChaCha Kyusu Maru Teapot
• Our favorite slippers: Glerups Slip-On With Leather Sole
• Our favorite pocket knife: CRKT Drifter
• Our favorite umbrella: Davek Solo

Additional reading:

• The 33 Best Last-Minute Christmas Gifts of 2025
• Gifts You Can Get at the Grocery Store in 2025
• 7 Book Subscription Services We Love in 2025 
• 30 Days With These Japanese Watercolors Turned Me Into a Painter (Sort Of)
• These Durable and Cozy Slip-Ons Are Probably the Last Slippers You'll Ever Buy

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

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. 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

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the way people use the internet, gather information, shop online, and interact with products at home. If you’ve ever wondered what chatbots (like Gemini or Claude) are truly good for and how to use them smartly, this episode is essential. 

Our guest Kevin Roose, a New York Times tech columnist and co-host of the NYT podcast Hard Fork, has spent years reporting on AI and constantly uses these tools. Kevin shares strategies to make chatbots work better for you and reveals which tools he finds best for different purposes.  

We also discuss how average people use AI today, what to watch out for regarding kids and AI, and how companies are gaming the system to rank higher in AI search results. 

This episode covers: 

• Optimizing your chatbot experience with custom instructions: By default, chatbots like Claude and ChatGPT can be prone to excessive flattery. To fix this, access your chatbot’s settings and instruct how you want the model to address you. Kevin shares this example of custom instructions he gave Claude:
  • "Claude should talk to me informally like a wise and trusted friend. I don't like preamble, just get to the point. I appreciate honest feedback and don't like sycophancy, but I also appreciate praise when warranted. I am not always right, but neither is Claude. I value Claude's perspective and appreciate being pushed to consider views I may not have considered. Don't end every response with a follow-up question." 
• AI productivity tools to try: Kevin uses NotebookLM to collect research for the book he’s writing. He relies on Cora to summarize personal emails and draft responses for important messages. And he uses Super Whisper to dictate emails and writing.
• How to use different chatbots for different tasks: Kevin turns to Claude for creative work, coding, and “matters of the heart” when he needs advice. He prefers Google’s Gemini for research and Perplexity Comet as an AI-powered browser. He uses ChatGPT less frequently (mostly for reporting), because the New York Times company is suing OpenAI and Microsoft over alleged copyright violations.

Products we mention:

• Matic robot vacuum (read our first impressions here)
• The best robot vacuum: Roborock Q7 M5+
• The best pre-lit artificial Christmas tree: National Tree Company 7.5-foot Feel Real Downswept Douglas Fir

Additional reading:

• The Matic Is a Whole Different Kind of Robot Vacuum
• I Got Early Access to Amazon’s New Gen AI Alexa+
• I Think We Can Safely Call Google’s Gemini for Home a Fiasco
• I Tested 9 AI-Powered Scheduling Assistants. My Favorite Is the One With the Least AI.

More Kevin:

• Hard Fork
• Kevin’s website
• Kevin’s Instagram

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

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. 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

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:

• Bearaby Nappling weighted blanket
• Brother CS7000X sewing machine
• Lego Traditional Chess Set 40719
• Arteza Acrylic Paint (Set of 24)
• Planet (board game)
• Lego Creator 3in1 Birdhouse 31143

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:

• L.L.Bean Sonic Snow Tube
• Razor RipRider 360 tricycle (or consider a two-wheeled bicycle)
• Magna-Tiles Downhill Duo 40-Piece Set
• Kikkerland Postcard Paint Book
• Lego Animal Crossing Isabelle’s House Visit 77049

Additional reading:

• 43 Best Holiday Gifts for 6-Year-Olds of 2025
• 46 Best Gifts for 8-Year-Olds of 2025
• 31 Best Gifts for 9-Year-Olds of 2025
• 34 Best Gifts for 10-Year-Olds of 2025
• The 42 Best Holiday Gifts for Tweens
• The 59 Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids in 2025
• The 4 Best Kids Craft Subscription Boxes for 2025
• 11 Best Lego Sets for Kids of 2025 

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

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. 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

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:

• 18 Best Board Games of 2025
• Board Games We Love for Kids and Families
• The 8 Best Two-Player Board Games of 2025
• The 4 Best Solo Board Games of 2025
• The 5 Best Party Games of 2025
• The 6 Best Card Games of 2025

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

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. 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

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: 

• MyDaVinci Custom House Portraits
• Cadence Capsules
• Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Travel Bundle Del Día

For a sister who loves crafted and personalized things 

• AnnMariaJewelry Hammered Handwriting Cuff
• custom Funko Pop figurines

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

• Standard Baggu Bag
• Baggu Go Pouch Set
• Stanley The IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler (20 ounces)
• TravelCard Plus travel charger
• Tusk Siam Passport Cover
• Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries
• Fallot Dijon Mustard Pail
• Peregrino Anchovy Stuffed Olives

Hannah’s favorite new gift items 

• Block Design Reversible Glass Vase
• Sakura Cray-Pas 16 colors
• Tiny Vinyl

Additional reading:

• 54 Gifts for People Who Have Everything 2025
• My 16 Favorite Gifts for the Hard-to-Please
• You Asked, We Answered: 19 Gift Ideas for Older Adults
• 34 Best Gifts for Co-Workers of 2025
• The 61 Best Gifts Under $100 for 2025
• The Wirecutter Show: Gifts for the Hard to Please 

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

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. 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

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: 

• Cookie Week 2025 Recipes (including Mortadella Cookies)
• Eggnog Snickerdoodles
• Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
• Gingerbread Latte Cookies
• Chewy Brownie Cookies
• Adobo Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Gochujang Caramel Cookies

Additional reading:

• The 11 Best Spatulas of 2025
• The Best Holiday Cookie Baking Gear for 2025
• The 4 Best Kitchen Scales of 2025
• The 3 Best Baking Sheets of 2025
• The 11 Best Spatulas of 2025
• The 7 Best Butters of 2025

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

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

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. 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