Episode Overview

Podcast: The Wirecutter Show
Episode Title: 11 of the Most Delightful Products We Discovered This Year
Date: April 10, 2026
Host: Christine Cyr Clisset
Theme:
This episode spotlights some of the most delightful, surprising, and genuinely useful product discoveries made by the Wirecutter staff over the past year. The focus is on the "Best New Picks Awards"—personal favorites and recommendations that stood out after extensive testing. Each staff member shares their undisputed gem, often with anecdotes illustrating how the product genuinely improved their day-to-day life.

Key Discussion Points and Staff Favorites

1. Shark Cryoglow LED Face Mask

Contributor: Brittany Ho, Supervising Editor – Newsletters & Programming
Timestamp: [02:45]

• Product: Shark Cryoglow LED Face Mask
• Why it Stands Out:
  • “It’s slightly terrifying. Like you strap it on, it looks like a hockey mask, lights start glowing, it starts whirring a fan. But it feels so, so, so incredible to use.”
  • Comfortable fit with adjustable straps and cooling pads under the eyes—“like someone just cut fresh cucumbers from the fridge and laid it over your eyes.”
  • Offers three light settings (red, blue, infrared) for skin health.
  • Noticeable improvements in skin: fewer breakouts, smoother texture, brighter tone.
• Memorable Quote:

  “It’s the best five minutes of my night every single night, easily.” — Brittany Ho [03:07]
  “It just feels so luxe… yes, it’s definitely pricey, but in my mind, totally worth the investment.” [04:27]

2. Spear & McKay Ellis Suit

Contributor: Mitch Moxley, Senior Writer – Men’s Style
Timestamp: [04:39]

• Product: Ellis Suit by Spear & McKay
• Why it Stands Out:
  • Classic design with wide lapels and quality tailoring.
  • Made from 100% merino wool—"very luxurious, especially for a suit at this price."
  • Offers both half and full canvas jacket construction, features rare in this price range.
  • Diverse color range and enduring style.
• Memorable Quote:

  "It’s the type of suit that’s just never going to go out of style. It should last you a really long time if you take care of it." — Mitch Moxley [05:35]

3. Pyrex Ultimate 10-Piece Glass Storage Set

Contributor: Kathleen Squires, Kitchen Team Writer
Timestamp: [06:18]

• Product: Pyrex Ultimate Glass Storage
• Why it Stands Out:
  • All glass with silicone lids, helping reduce plastic use.
  • Easily nest and stack for organization; various shapes/sizes.
  • Dishwasher, oven, microwave, and freezer safe (with no freezer burn).
  • Excellent at resisting odors, scratches, and chips.
• Memorable Quote:

  "Of all the containers we tested, these were the best at defying odors... My favorite thing about them, they’re easy to clean as they’re entirely dishwasher safe." — Kathleen Squires [07:14]

4. Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones

Contributor: Lauren Dragon, Senior Staff Writer – Personal Audio
Timestamp: [07:27]

• Product: Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
• Why it Stands Out:
  • "Super comfortable—you can wear them all day."
  • Top-tier noise cancellation and sound quality.
  • Excellent microphones for calls, especially outdoors: "I tested right near traffic and you could not hear cars going by, sirens, things like that."
  • Convenient features like awareness mode and gesture calls.
• Memorable Quote:

  “They’re one of the sets that people will come up to me and say ‘I got these because you recommended them and I love them.’ That’s usually a pretty good sign.” — Lauren Dragon [08:49]

5. Just One – Party Game

Contributor: James Austin, Staff Writer – Games and Hobbies
Timestamp: [09:02]

• Product: Just One Board Game
• Why it Stands Out:
  • Effective multi-generational, inclusive game.
  • Simple explanation and setup, yet robust gameplay.
  • Encourages creative clues without duplication—leads to unique fun.
• Memorable Quote:

  “Probably the easiest game to set up and explain that we recommend.” — James Austin [10:07]

6. Yamazaki Home Magnetic Storage Organizer

Contributor: Maxine Builder, Deputy Editorial Director
Timestamp: [10:16]

• Product: Yamazaki Home Magnetic Storage Organizer
• Why it Stands Out:
  • "Perfect little extra shelf you can stick on any magnetic surface."
  • Versatile across apartments and uses (kitchen, supplements, coffee stuff).
  • Incredibly sturdy—“The magnet just doesn’t slip down no matter how much I load this little shelf up.”
• Memorable Quote:

  "Everything Yamazaki Home does is so simple yet clever and this is just truly no exception." — Maxine Builder [10:59]

7. Stingray Spot Remover

Contributor: Andrea Barnes, Writer – Dishwashers & Laundry
Timestamp: [11:28]

• Product: Stingray Spot Remover
• Why it Stands Out:
  • “A clear and odorless spray on spot remover which removes all kinds of stains.”
  • Efficient on everything from wine to ketchup, and works well on both clothing and carpets.
  • Family-operated company, made in Las Vegas.
• Memorable Quote:

  “We test so many stain removers every year and this one was able to take out some really old stains in carpets and shirts.” — Andrea Barnes [11:55]

8. Citrend R300 CD Player

Contributor: Brent Butterworth, Senior Staff Writer – Home Audio
Timestamp: [12:20]

• Product: Citrend R300 CD Player
• Why it Stands Out:
  • Modern take on portable CD players with Bluetooth transmitter.
  • Connects to any sound system – Bluetooth, soundbars, wired headphones.
  • Nine-hour rechargeable battery and standout performance at ~$100.
• Memorable Quote:

  “If you have a bunch of old CDs you want to play, or if you’re like me and you like supporting bands by buying their CDs, the R300 is a great buy.” — Brent Butterworth [13:15]

9. Gap Vintage Soft Sweats

Contributor: Zoe Vanderweed, Senior Staff Writer – Style & Accessories
Timestamp: [13:28]

• Product: Gap Vintage Soft Sweats
• Why it Stands Out:
  • Available for men and women in inclusive sizes and cuts.
  • Made from cozy, touchable fleece that's light, not bulky.
  • Affordable at ~$60 and often discounted further.
• Memorable Quote:

  “They feel on par with a lot of the more expensive things that we tested. That’s why we love them.” — Zoe Vanderweed [14:43]

10. Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water

Contributor: Jen Sullivan, Senior Editor – Beauty & Personal Care
Timestamp: [14:53]

• Product: Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water
• Why it Stands Out:
  • Effective, gentle cleanser and makeup remover, even for waterproof makeup and sensitive skin.
  • Trusted by professionals: “I was interviewing an independent product formulator... she actually used the Bioderma Sensibio as the benchmark... and never was able to match how effective it was.”
• Memorable Quote:

  “All of our testers loved it and then it’s great for my super sensitive skin, it just confirms Best new pick status for me for sure.” — Jen Sullivan [16:16]

11. Duck Lamp ("This Is Fine" Meme Symbol)

Contributor: Ben Fruman, Editor in Chief
Timestamp: [16:19]

• Product: Duck Lamp (novelty, meme-inspired desk lamp)
• Why it Stands Out:
  • “A deceptively simple symbol of impossibly complex and destabilizing truths... an amusingly affirming reminder that when we stare into the hideously frightening maw of meaninglessness at the heart of so much of modern life, the sanest, the healthiest response is a good natured chuckle. Also, it’s a duck.”
  • Lying, unwell-looking duck—a joyful, ironic desk companion.
• Memorable Quote:

  “He actually makes me feel great… he makes the depressing realities at the heart of his appeal seem like a delightful joke when you look at him.” — Ben Fruman [17:37]

Notable Moments & Quotes

• On thrilling product discovery:

  “These are things we just talk to our friends and family about. The things we say ‘you gotta get.’” — Christine Cyr Clisset [00:35]

• On user enjoyment:

  “It’s just headphones that do what you hope headphones will do.” — Lauren Dragon [08:34]

• On product longevity:

  “It honestly looks as good as the first day I got it.” — Maxine Builder [10:26]

• On self-aware consumer humor:

  “He’s a duck. Smile, laugh. He brings a little bit of joy, a little bit of delight to the tougher moments of every workday.” — Ben Fruman [17:47]

Timestamps For Key Segments

• Start of Product Picks Segment: [02:30]
• Shark Cryoglow LED Mask – Brittany Ho: [02:45]
• Spear & McKay Ellis Suit – Mitch Moxley: [04:39]
• Pyrex Ultimate Storage – Kathleen Squires: [06:18]
• Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones – Lauren Dragon: [07:27]
• Just One Party Game – James Austin: [09:02]
• Yamazaki Magnetic Organizer – Maxine Builder: [10:16]
• Stingray Spot Remover – Andrea Barnes: [11:28]
• Citrend R300 CD Player – Brent Butterworth: [12:20]
• Gap Vintage Soft Sweats – Zoe Vanderweed: [13:28]
• Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water – Jen Sullivan: [14:53]
• Duck Lamp – Ben Fruman: [16:19]

Conclusion

This episode is a whirlwind tour through some of the year's most beloved and rigorously vetted products, as selected by specialists. The tone is warm and personal, with anecdotes illustrative of tested reliability, delight, and sometimes even existential humor. Whether you’re on the hunt for a sharper suit, a futuristic face mask, or just a little duck lamp to ease your day, these products come enthusiastically recommended by those who test gear for a living.

For the full award list and even more product gems, check out the show notes.