Guardian Life & Style (US) • Jan. 6, 2026, 11:44 a.m.

<p>You can’t always get what you want – even when you review products for a living. From kitchen splurges to fashion staples, this is what our contributors dream of</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2025/dec/31/daily-rituals-habits-calm-better-2026">Simple daily rituals for building fun, calm and play into your days in 2026</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global/2025/sep/09/sign-up-to-the-filter-us-our-newsletter-guide-to-buying-fewer-better-products">Sign up for the Filter US newsletter, your weekly guide to buying fewer, better things</a></p></li></ul><p>This past holiday season, the Filter recommended gifts for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2025/nov/15/best-tween-holiday-christmas-gift-ideas-us">temperamental tweens</a>, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2025/dec/15/bet-gifts-skiers-snowboarders">skiers</a>, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2025/dec/12/best-gifts-to-buy-for-minimalists">minimalists</a>, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2025/nov/20/fitness-gym-workout-gift-guide">fitness buffs</a> and of course <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2025/nov/27/gifts-for-people-who-have-everything">the person who has everything</a>.

We told you about <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2025/nov/04/best-nostalgic-gift-ideas">reincarnated Furbies</a>, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/aug/23/banned-the-20-books-they-didnt-want-you-to-read">banned books</a>, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2025/oct/30/best-food-gift-ideas-home-cooks">fermentation crocks</a> and a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2025/dec/08/best-gift-ideas-for-cats">giant circular treadmill for cats</a>.</p><p>In short, we’ve recommended a lot. So, for the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/new-year">new year</a>, we decided to flip the script with a different question for our writers and editors: what do <em>you </em>want in 2026?</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2026/jan/05/new-year-wishlist-products">Continue reading...</a>

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