Robinson on Preteen Interests

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 

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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