The Wirecutter Show

Episode: Gift Guide 2025: Kids Tell Us What They Want
Hosts: Rosie Guerin (producer), with contributions from co-hosts Christine Cyr Clisset and Caira Blackwell
Date: December 12, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode ventures straight to the most discerning gift recipients of the holiday season: kids! Rosie Guerin sits down with children of various ages—Dior (8), Robinson (11), and Chloe (6¾)—to ask them what’s on their wishlist and get their honest, often surprising, reactions to Wirecutter’s 2025 kids gift guide recommendations. With funny detours and razor-sharp opinions, these “real experts” reflect on what truly makes an excellent gift for kids today.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Challenge of Gifting to Kids (00:26–01:18)

• Rosie sets the stage by emphasizing how kids can be both deeply specific and blissfully unspecific about gift requests. She introduces the plan: talk directly to kids about what gifts spark joy.
• Quote: "Kids are perhaps the most complicated recipients on a gift list. Almost always discerning, committed to honest feedback, specific about what they want, and sometimes incredibly unspecific." — Rosie (00:29)

2. Gift Wishlist Deep Dive: Dior, Age 8 (04:03–09:11)

Dior’s Holiday & Family Traditions (04:26–04:57)

• Big celebratory gatherings with extended family.

Dior’s Gift List (05:02–06:26)

• Top gift requests:
  • Nail kit ("I really want to be a nail tech when I grow up.")
  • Nike shoes
  • Dog toys for her puppy, Chanel
  • A reborn baby doll ("It's like a baby but it's realistic to a real baby... Some are a little creepy.")

Reacting to Wirecutter Picks (06:33–08:29)

• Drawing tablet: Thumbs up—Dior already loves to draw and is excited by the idea of a digital tool.
• White Vans: Fashion-forward pick.
• Ice cream maker: Hugely enthusiastic ("Like, how long would it be until you ran to the kitchen and made ice cream?" "Um, probably five minutes.")
• Lava lamp and cookie subscription: Pure joy at the thought ("You just got, like, really excited hearing about the cookies." — Rosie, 07:50)
• Stuffies: Dior adores stuffed animals, especially dogs. A custom stuffy of her puppy would be a dream.

Gifts Dior Would Give Others (08:29–09:04)

• Mom: Slippers, pajamas.
• Dad: Journal book and clothes ("because he's trying to start a business and he can write down all his plans").
• Cousin: Mannequin for hair styling, makeup kit.

Notable Quotes

• "If you got a stuffy that looked like Chanel?"
  Dior: "I would die for it." (08:17)
• "That's so thoughtful." — Rosie on Dior’s choices, expressing the kids’ surprising empathy.

Takeaway

• For Dior: Gifts tied to personal interests (nails, art), pets, food, and hands-on play, plus thoughtful gifts for family, are all winners.

3. Preteen Perspective: Robinson, Age 11 (09:50–14:05)

On Giving vs. Receiving (09:55–10:19)

• Robinson enjoys both but especially the feeling of giving "the best gift."
• "There's a satisfaction of knowing you gave the best gift. And there’s also the satisfaction of getting a good gift."

Robinson’s Gift List & Strategy (10:44–11:45)

• Into the same things as his older brother (14): Pokémon, video games, Legos, DnD, manga.
• Follows Lego sets via monthly magazines and picks out books independently ("Books aren't as major presents, so you can expect to get more.").
• Gift-getting hack: List an expensive gift first, then less pricey options to make the latter more appealing by comparison.

Reacting to Wirecutter Picks (12:13–14:04)

• Weighted Blanket: Too expensive ("$140 for a blanket? That’s crazy. Absurd." — Robinson, 12:41)
• Sewing machine: No interest.
• Lego Chess Set: "What a great deal. 100%. Anybody could build this. Anybody could play it."
• Acrylic paint: Not personally interested, but approves value.
• Planet Board Game: Intrigued ("Honestly, yes. I kind of like that. I would play that.").
• LEGO Creator Birdhouse: Big yes for "3-in-1" re-buildable sets.

Takeaway

• Preteens are value-conscious and love multi-use, creative gifts (especially Legos). They’re independent in choosing, want practicality, and appreciate when gift givers think like one of them.

Notable Quotes

• "You are giving away all your secrets." — Rosie, after Robinson explains how to stack his wishlists for best results. (11:56)
• "Legos are great. Chess is a great game. $75. What a great deal." — Robinson (12:56)

4. First-Grader Feedback: Chloe, Age 6 and 3/4 (14:32–19:47)

Chloe’s Gift List (15:13–16:45)

• Wants:
  • A slower remote-control snake ("The one at Grandma’s moves too fast.")
  • New sleeping bag ("a unicorn one")
  • Barbie dollhouse ("I have a thousand Barbies," but doesn't want another Barbie)
  • Panda toy with bottle, toilet, and diaper ("You're going to change this panda’s diaper?" "Oh, brother.")

Wirecutter Reactions (16:42–18:18)

• Sled/snow tube: Already has one.
• Tricycle: Too easy, already on two-wheeler.
• Magna-Tiles vs. Lego: Prefers Legos, sorts and builds with them more.
• Painting: Likes structured crafts ("If there was an outline, I would paint inside.") Suggests markers/craft supplies are always appreciated, but only if not duplicates.

Chloe’s Activities (19:26–19:31)

• Plays hockey, ballet, gymnastics.

Takeaways

• Gifts should expand current play (Barbie dollhouse, not more dolls; new art supplies in different formats).
• Check with parents to avoid duplicates.
• Kids have clear preference hierarchies within toy types.

Memorable Moments

• "I already have some [Magna-Tiles]… I sort Legos a lot more when I build them. So if I had to pick… I would choose Legos." (17:51)
• "You're going to change this panda’s diaper? Oh, brother." — Rosie (16:45)

Quick Gift Takeaways from the Episode

• For creative kids: Nail kits, art supplies, drawing tablets, structured craft kits, three-in-one building sets (Lego birdhouse).
• For animal lovers: Custom stuffies, dog toys, animal-themed playsets.
• For hands-on, active kids: Sleds, remote-control toys, sports gear (with focus on what they already have).
• For preteens: Video games, Legos, manga, board games (like "Planet"), preference for value over price.
• Universal: Cookies, experience gifts, and anything that feels tailored to their passions.

Notable Quotes and Timestamps

• "I really want to be a nail tech when I grow up." — Dior (05:02)
• "Some [reborn baby dolls] are a little creepy." — Dior (06:13)
• "There’s a satisfaction of knowing you gave the best gift. And also the satisfaction of getting a good gift." — Robinson (10:14)
• "Three-in-one, which I honestly like those. I would take this." — Robinson on Lego sets (14:02)
• "If I had to pick between this [Magna-Tiles] and Legos, I would choose Legos because I sort them more and play with them more." — Chloe (17:51)
• "Check in with the parents… just to make sure you’re not double dipping." — Rosie (18:18)

Suggested Timestamps for Important Segments

• Kids’ wishlist intro & host setup: 00:26–01:18
• Dior’s segment (discussion, reactions): 04:03–09:11
• Robinson’s segment (discussion, reactions): 09:50–14:05
• Chloe’s segment (discussion, reactions): 14:32–19:47

Tone & Style

The episode is playful, candid, and rooted in the lived reality of kids—full of endearing tangents, unfiltered opinions, and moments of thoughtful kindness. Rosie’s role is that of an enthusiastic facilitator, balancing curiosity with gentle humor and empathy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re shopping for kids in 2025, this episode is full of actionable, sanity-saving wisdom. Kids know what excites them—and what doesn’t. LISTEN to them (and their parents), and you’re on your way to a winning, delightful holiday. Check the show notes for links to all the Wirecutter’s kid-approved picks and guides for every age and interest.