The America’s Future 2026 Holiday Gift Guide
Fifteen staff picks for the meal prepper, the frequent flyer, and the friend who’s always up for one more round.
Every year, there’s someone on your list who says, “I don’t need anything.” We can’t promise to solve that one, but we can tell you what the America’s Future team would happily give, unwrap, or buy again. This year’s picks range from tiny magnets that keep holiday cards on display to a carry-on worth going in on together. Here’s what made the list.
Leah Nalepa, Chief Talent Officer
A vegetable chopper. Leah isn’t particular about the brand. The point is to spend less time chopping onions and peppers when you’re trying to get dinner on the table. Pair one with either of her cookbook picks for a gift that makes the Sunday prep session a little easier.
Cook Once, Eat All Week by Cassy Joy Garcia. Leah says this book “literally changed my life on meal prepping.” The idea is to prep a few ingredients once and turn them into different meals throughout the week. It’s a good fit for anyone who wants to get ahead on dinner without eating the same thing three nights in a row.
The Protein Meal Prep Plan by Cassy Joy Garcia. Same idea, more protein. Leah recommends this for anyone who likes having dinner planned and wants more protein-focused recipes in the rotation.
Chloe Anagnos, Chief Marketing Officer
Rent the Runway gift card. Chloe loves the feeling of always having something new to wear. A gift card can go toward a subscription or a one-time rental, so your recipient can try a wardrobe rotation or pick something fun for a wedding, work event, or night out.
A garden weeder. Every gardener has a weed that seems to come back stronger each time they pull it. Chloe reaches for this tool to pull out the big ones with less work. Give it to the person who’s already sketching next spring’s garden beds.
Cards Against Humanity Nerd Bundle. A fun add-on for the friend who already owns the base game and always wants one more round. Save this one for a grown-up game night.
Emma, Chief Operating Officer
Heyhae Semi-Cured Gel Nail Strips. Pick a shade they’d reach for at the salon and tuck it into their stocking. It’s a small treat for the friend who likes doing their nails at home.
EDJY Stainless Steel Fingernail Cutter. Everyone seems to have a pair of nail clippers that disappears right when they need it. Give this one a permanent spot in a travel kit, or wrap it with the gel strips for a simple manicure set.
Wavytalk Blowout Express 1.5-inch Ionic Thermal Brush. Emma’s pick for the person who likes a round-brush blowout and wants to style it at home.
Eric Waligora, Community Engagement Manager
The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Carlton Abrams. A thoughtful read for the quiet stretch between Christmas and New Year’s. The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu reflect on finding joy through hardship, with Douglas Carlton Abrams guiding the conversation.
ohsnap! Phone Grip Stand. A grip that doubles as a stand comes in handy when you’re following a recipe on your phone or propping it up for a family video call. It’s the kind of small upgrade you might use every day.
Mini fridge magnets. Eric uses these to hang photos, cards, and documents on the fridge. Make the gift personal by adding a printed photo or a handwritten note they can put up right away.
Eric Kohn, Chief Executive Officer
Myrtle Saves the Boston Tea Party by Amelia Hamilton. Eric recommends his friend Amelia Hamilton’s book for the kids on your list. In his words, “American history! Heroism! Dogs!” That sounds like a pretty good bedtime read to us.
Sandgrain Studio prints. Think midcentury modern design meets your favorite album, movie, or team. Eric’s office has prints of the New York Rangers, Radiohead’s Kid A, Mad Men, and the father-daughter print from Interstellar. His daughter has that last one in her room, too. The studio also has prints inspired by cities and cocktails, so you can get wonderfully specific.
Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner. At about $730, this is Eric’s pick for a group gift for someone who spends half their life at the airport. He’s tried plenty of suitcases and says this one packs more efficiently than any he’s owned. The brand’s lifetime guarantee covers repairs to the bag’s functional parts.
Happy holidays from all of us at America’s Future. We hope you get a little time to put your feet up, play a game, or read a good book with the people you love.