around best products of the year

Although 2022 was hampered by inflation, supply chain issues and product shortages, this year set records for the biggest online Black Friday spending. And retail sales were up over 2021, signaling a potential return to a pre-pandemic economy.

Throughout the year, retailers were desperate to get buyers back on course for spending. For the consumer, this meant 2022 was filled with an abundance of sales. Consequently, despite the economic challenges, savvy shoppers could spend less and get more on items like smart home devices and wireless headphones.

As the year comes to a close, here’s a look back at the best all-around products 2022 had to offer.

In this article: Apple Airpods Max, Magic Mixies Magical Mixing Crystal Ball and The Growlerwerks uKeg Growler.

Tech and gaming gear

Garmin Approach S62 Golf Smartwatch

The Garmin Approach is a golfer’s best friend. It suggests clubs based on a variety of factors, such as wind speed and direction, along with telling you what distance uphill and downhill shots play like. Best of all, it lasts up to 20 hours in GPS mode, which is plenty of time for a round or two.

Sold by Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy

Logitech Brio 4K Webcam

Looking your best is important, and this webcam makes sure that happens on each and every video call. Besides the 4K resolution, it has auto light adjustment so you stand out in any environment. Noise-canceling omni-directional mics ensure you sound just as good as you look.

Sold by Amazon and Best Buy

Apple Airpods Max

When you want to totally immerse yourself in a rich audio world, the best way to do that is with over-ear headphones. These high-tech wonders have active noise cancellation, spatial audio and dynamic head tracking, which means you get that theater-like audio every time you slip them over your head.

Sold by Amazon

Eufy by Anker RoboVac X8

A robotic vacuum is only a benefit if it has the power to do the job. This one’s twin-turbine technology significantly increases the vacuum’s airflow to pick up more dust and debris. Its intelligent mapping system ensures that it knows where it has cleaned, so it can cover every spot.

Sold by Amazon

HTC Vive Pro 2 Virtual Reality System

This VR system gives you the clarity of 5K. The wide 120-degree field of view gives you a broader understanding of your virtual environment, while the visual angle aligns naturally with your eyes. Balanced construction means you can wear it longer without encountering discomfort, so you can be more fully immersed in your experience.

Sold by Amazon

Other top tech and gaming gear

• For the ultimate in iPhone charging convenience, the Anker 521 Magnetic Wireless Charger is the way to go.
• Sony’s Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones are great for listening to music, playing games or watching TV.
• Turn your phone into a gaming system with the Backbone One for Android.
• Listen to music in a whole new way with these AfterShokz Air Bone Conduction Wireless Bluetooth Headphones.
• Any outlet can be instantly transformed into a smart outlet with the Amazon Smart Plug. 
• Take control of your health with the Fitbit Charge 5.
• Not only will your dog be safe, but it will also be the envy of the neighborhood with the Blazin’ Safety Light-Up LED Dog Collar.
• Stream entertainment anywhere there’s a blank wall with this handy Samsung The Freestyle Smart Portable Projector.
• Your kids will love listening with these JLab JBuddies Studio Bluetooth Over-Ear Kids Headphones.
• An Apple MagSafe Charger makes it easy to charge your iPhone.
• Launch your career in professional photography with the Canon EOS Rebel T7.
• With this four-pack of Apple AirTags, never misplace what’s important again.
• Did you know that Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses have built-in audio recording, video recording and photo taking capabilities?
• If you have a JBL Flip 4 speaker, wherever you are, it’s a party.
• Creative types will love getting the Apple 10.2-Inch iPad.
• If you’re having trouble with dead zones in your home, an Amazon Eero Mesh Wi-Fi Router can help you solve the problem.
• The Kindle Paperwhite is designed for people who love to read.
• Not interested in console gaming? The Nintendo Switch Lite is perfect for you.
• A Panasonic 4K Blu-ray Player lets you play all those marvelous discs you’ve been collecting over the years.
• You’ll love computing with the LG FHD 32-Inch Computer Monitor.

Toys and games

Toniebox Audio Player Starter Set with Playtime Puppy

The Toniebox is an audio player for kids 3 and up. It delivers a screen-free listening experience that encourages imagination, and intuitive operation ensures that even the youngest child can operate it with ease. This starter set comes with 52 minutes of popular children’s songs.

Sold by Amazon and Best Buy

Magic Mixies Magical Misting Cauldron

Magic Mixies is 2022’s flagship toy. It lets kids mix up a magical potion and use their wand skills to create their own toy. The furry friend is an interactive critter that reacts to your child’s touch and can even perform a little magic of its own.

Sold by Amazon

DJI Mini 3 Pro Quadcopter with Remote Controller

The DJI Mini 3 Pro is a toy that’s priced for adults. This high-end drone is foldable, and it takes 4K video (at 60 frames per second) and 48-megapixel photos. It can take high-quality pictures at all hours of the day and features a gimbal for smooth operation.

Sold by Best Buy and Amazon

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

With over 40,000 ratings on Amazon alone, it is safe to say that this is a hugely popular card game. Simple to learn, easy to play and compact enough to be taken anywhere, this card game is suitable for all ages and a great way to make cherished family memories.

Sold by Amazon, Kohl’s and Target

Lego Ideas Ship in a Bottle

The pinnacle achievement of the crafter is to build a ship in a bottle. With this hugely popular Lego Ideas kit, you can do that with your favorite locking blocks. The ship features a captain’s quarters, cannons, mast, sails, a crow’s nest and more. This advanced set is recommended for ages 12 and up.

Sold by Amazon

Other top toys and games

• If there is anyone in your house who is a fan, this 18-inch Stuffed Bluey is a must-have.
• It’s official: “Avatar: The Way of Water” is a hit. And this Jake Sully action figure will soon be a collector’s item.
• The Osmo Little Genius Starter Kit for iPad is a hybrid toy that even screen kids will love.
• With the National Geographic Hobby Rock Tumbler Kit, you can turn stones into gems.
• The Kinetic Sand Swirl N’ Surprise Playset lets you whirl up multicolor surprises.
• The 3Doodler StartPlus Essentials 3D Pen Set for Kids lets you create whatever you imagine.
• This 11-Inch Grogu is a great toy for fans of “Star Wars: The Mandalorian.”
• With the Elenco Snap Circuits Jr. Set, building working gadgets is a snap.
• TeeTurtle is a reversible octopus plushie that will delight younger kids.
• Everyone will love the new twist on this classic game. It’s the Yahtzee Frenzy Dice and Card Game.
• Parents might not be fans, but kids love Elmer’s Celebration Slime Kit.
• Your little one will love riding the Little Tikes Push and Ride Racer.
• With this “Jurassic World: Dominion” Epic Battle Pack Figure Set, you can reenact your favorite scenes from the movie.
• Ash’s journey might be coming to an end, but with this Pokemon Trading Card Game, yours is just beginning.
• Fisher-Price See ‘n Say the Farmer Says teaches your child the sounds animals make.
• The Guess Who? Board Game is head-to-head fun for the whole family.
• Beyblades are still a thing, and this Stadium Battle Set lets you battle for the championship.
• This is one very cool collectible. It is a 15-Inch Sonic the Hedgehog Mega Plush. 
• The Little Tikes Cape Cottage Playhouse is a must-have classic that is part of growing up.
• The “Heroes of Goo Jit Zu” Marvel Minis make an excellent surprise for the young Marvel fan.

Kitchen and home

KitchenAid Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

When you think of KitchenAid, you think of stand mixers. This 5-quart tilt machine is durable and can mix enough dough for over 100 cookies in a single batch. It has 10 speeds for versatility and comes in a wide range of colors to be certain you can find a model that matches your decor.

Sold by Amazon and Best Buy

Vornado Tower Fan

This fan has a signature airflow that provides complete air circulation. It has four speeds and can move air up to 100 feet. For convenience, it has push-button controls, features remote operation and has a timer to help you cut down on energy use.

Sold by Amazon, Home Depot and Kohl’s

Levoit LV600HH Humidifier

Did you know that winter is nosebleed season? Dry nasal passages need to be kept moist for optimum comfort. That’s where the Levoit humidifier comes in. It can raise the relative humidity in your room by 10% with near-silent operation in as little as 20 minutes, ensuring your comfort. 

Sold by Amazon, Home Depot and Target

The Growlerwerks uKeg Growler

If you’re a beer lover, this uKeg Growler can keep your beer fresh for weeks at a time. The carbonation cap automatically regulates the desired level of carbonation, while the double-walled stainless steel construction helps maintain temperature. Whenever you are thirsty, simply pour and enjoy; there’s no need to remove the cap.

Sold by Amazon and Home Depot

The Dash Mini Waffle Maker

This waffle maker is very simple to operate: Just plug it in, wait a few minutes for it to heat up and you’re cooking. The dual nonstick surface ensures you get whole waffles that don’t tear apart and makes the cleanup process much easier. Even better, its compact size means it will fit any home. 

Sold by Amazon, Kohl’s and Target

Other top kitchen and home products

• If you love matcha, this Good Earth Matcha Maker will be a great addition to your kitchen.
• The Bonfire 2.0 is the perfect fire pit for the outdoor enthusiast.
• If you like your beverages at a perfectly consistent hot temperature, the Ember Mug is for you.
• The Zulay Original Milk Frother is a hand-held device that lets you make a rich, creamy froth in seconds.
• An AeroPress Original Coffee Maker lets you make professional-grade coffee in your own home.
• Display your memories every day with the Aura Carver Smart Digital Picture Frame.
• Oxo’s Compact Cold Brew Maker brews your coffee overnight so that you have a fresh cup the instant you wake up.
• It’s simple, but a kitchen essential: the Amazon Basics Safe Cut Can Opener.
• With the Fullstar Vegetable Chopper, you will never have to stress about food prep again.
• This Honey-Can-Do Set of Three Nesting Geo Storage Baskets is so good, they even store themselves.
• Can’t sleep? Maybe you need a Lucid Gel Memory Foam Queen Mattress.
• With the Lomita Rattan Room Divider, you can create a private space in any room.
• You don’t need it, but you want it: a Magnetic Levitating Globe with an LED Light. And it will be an excellent conversation starter.
• The Wisuce Bamboo Mug Holder Tree gives you a convenient place to hang all your coffee mugs.
• Keep this fun Wooden Tic Tac Toe Game on your coffee table so you can play whenever you want.
• The Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker gives you a cup of perfect coffee every morning.
• A decorative Plant Terrarium with Wooden Stand brings life into any room.
• With the Now Designs Metal Bread Storage Bin, you have a place for your bread.
• Every home needs a T-Fal Nonstick Cookware Set.
• If you love serving meats and cheese, this Ironwood Gourmet Paddle Round will be invaluable.

Beauty and personal care

Revlon One-Step Volumizer Enhanced 1.0 Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush

You can dry and style your hair in one step with Revlon’s One-Step Volumizer. The improved motor gives you faster blowouts with less frizz, while the specially designed bristles help with control and tangles. Three heat settings let you tailor the operation to your needs.

Sold by Target, Amazon and Ulta Beauty

Philips Norelco Multigroomer All-in-One Trimmer Series 7000

Whatever needs trimming, this can handle it. It comes with attachments that let you trim your beard, head, body, face and more. The tempered steel drive train and self-sharpening blades ensure it will serve you well for many years. It has a long-lasting lithium ion battery that delivers up to five hours of runtime per charge.

Sold by Amazon, Best Buy, Kohl’s and Target

Plantifique Gua Sha Facial Tools

This handcrafted jade stone helps relieve tension, increases circulation and can be used daily to combat the effects of aging. This facial tool also reduces puffiness, improves lymphatic drainage and comes with a comprehensive e-book and lifetime warranty.

Sold by Amazon

Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen

There are many teeth-whitening options. This one is different because it features a pen that lets you target specific areas with a controlled amount of whitening gel. It’s so easy to use, it works while you sleep. After about a week, you’ll start to see results.

Sold by Amazon and Target

Burt’s Bees Lip Balm Tropical Fruit

Burt’s Bees lip balm is phthalate-free, paraben-free and cruelty-free. This nourishing, moisturizing set comes with four tropical flavors (Tropical Pineapple, Coconut and Pear, Dragonfruit Lemon and Berry Agua Fresca) that are fortified with vitamin E. Each lip balm adds a tint-free matte finish that revitalizes your lips.

Sold by Target and Ulta Beauty

Other top beauty and personal care products

• With the HydroJug Half-Gallon Water Bottle, you can make sure you stay hydrated all day long.
• A Wake Up Light gradually turns on and off so you wake up and fall asleep naturally.
• Your feet will thank you for wearing Joomra Pillow Slippers.
• A NanoSteamer completely cleanses your pores while humidifying your face.
• The ColourPop Pressed Powder Eyeshadow Palette gives your eyes a creamy pop of color.
• Your kids will have a great time with this Hair Chalk Comb. It is a washable chalk that gives them vibrant hair.
• Nothing fancy. This is a four-pack of the original Burt’s Bees Lip Balm.
• Ulta Beauty’s Lip Glossary is a comprehensive lip care package that features 16 products.
• It doesn’t have to be for someone else. This LifeAround2Angels Bath Bombs Gift Set can be a present for you.
• Make washing your hair a luxury experience with Heeta’s Hair Shampoo Brush.
• BodyRestore Shower Steamers will help you achieve the serenity you crave.
• Get the lips you’ve dreamed of with Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss.
• People notice a bright smile. Make yours the brightest with Crest 3D Whitestrips.
• This Beard Kit for Men will help him stay pristinely groomed for every occasion.
• If you want to get creative with your nails, The Art of Nails Set lets you do exactly that.
• Make a statement just by walking by with Calvin Klein’s Obsession.
• Macstack Mascara Superstack gives your lashes infinite layers of volume and length.
• Finishing Touch Flawless Facial Hair Remover is a secret beauty weapon you will love.
• The Morphe 2 On the Glow Mini Face and Eye Brush Set is compact enough for you to take it everywhere you go.
• Not only will Sensodyne Pronamel Fresh Breath give you fresh breath, it will help calm sensitive teeth too.

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Allen Foster writes for FranksWaffle. FranksWaffle has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

FranksWaffle spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.