Introducing the ultimate gift guide: electronics, small appliances, and other gear in 25 categories. These items should cover you no matter what your loved ones (or, hey, you) want. We’ve tested all these models, and we recommend them. Pictured products appear first on the category lists and other choices follow.
Happy shopping.
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ELECTRONICS
Blu-ray players
- Panasonic DMP-BDT220, $115
- Samsung BD-E5300, $80
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Toshiba BDX5300, $110
Camcorders
- Sony HDR-CX210, $370
- Canon Vixia HF R300, $250
- JVC Everio GZ-EX250, $320
(See also: Five large appliance features that are worth it)
E-book readers
- Amazon Kindle Paperwhite with special offers, $120
- Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight, $120
- Amazon Kindle with special offers, $70
GPS navigators
Headphones
- Klipsch Image S4i (II), $100
- Bose QuietComfort 15, $300
- Grado Prestige SR80i, $100
Laptop
LCD TVs
- Vizio E552VLE (55-inch), $850
- Samsung UN46EH5300 (46-inch), $750
- Sony Bravia KDL-40EX640 (40-inch), $800
Plasma TVs
- Panasonic Viera TC-P55ST50 (55-inch), $1,200
- Samsung PN51E550 (51-inch), $850
- LG 50PA5500 (50-inch), $650
Rugged point-and-shoot cameras
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS4, $320
- Canon PowerShot D20, $350
Smart Phones
- Samsung Galaxy S III (16GB), $200 to $280 (varies by carrier) with two-year contract
- Apple iPhone 5 (16GB), $200 with two-year contract
SLR Cameras
- Nikon D3200, $700
- Canon EOS Rebel T3, $500
Speaker system
Tablets
- Amazon Kindle Fire HD (16GB, Wi-Fi only), $200 (plus $10 for charger)
- Google Nexus 7 (16GB, Wi-Fi only), $200
APPLIANCES & HOME
Blenders
- Vita-Mix 5200, $450
- Ninja Master Prep Professional QB1004, $60
- KitchenAid KSB 565, $100
Cookware
- Calphalon Contemporary, $450
- Scanpan Classic, $400 (non-stick)
- Starfrit Alternative Eco Pan, $110 (non-stick)
Cordless drills
- Hitachi DS18DSAL, $140
- Rigid R9600, $180
- Craftsman 17310, $90
Drip coffeemakers
- Kalorik CM2582, $60
- Mr. Coffee BVMC-SJX33GT, $30
- Waring Pro CMS 100, $60
Food processors
- Cuisinart DLC-2011 CHB, $200
- Cuisinart DFP-14BCN, $200
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KitchenAid KFP715, $150
Gas grills (medium-sized)
- Vermont Castings Signature Series VCS322SSP, $1,099
- Char-Broil Gourmet TRU-Infrared 463250512 (Home Depot), $400
- Kenmore 16142, $350
Hand mixers
- KitchenAid Architect Series KHM920A[CS], $100
- KitchenAid Artisan KHM7TWH5 7-Speed Digital, $80
- Cuisinart Power Advantage HM-50, $50
MORE AT COnsumer Reports
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Knives
- Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Professional “S”, $315
- Wüsthof Trident Classic #8418, $350
- Ginsu Chikara, $75
Single-serve coffeemakers
- DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Circolo, $150
- Smart Café My Invento, $120
- DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Piccolo EDG200T, $45
Stand mixers
- Breville BEM800XL, $300
- KitchenAid Classic K45SS[WH], $291
- Hamilton Beach Electrics 6322[1], $184
Toaster ovens
- Breville Smart Oven BOV800XL, $250
- Breville BOV650XL, $180
- Oster TSSTTVMNDG, $80
Water filters (carafe-style)
- Clear2O CWS100A, $30
- ZeroWater ZP-010, $35
- ZeroWater ZD-013, $35
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