Audible's new Harry Potter full-cast audiobook series is already receiving its second entry. This new form of the Harry Potter books kicked off just last month with a unique interpretation of The Sorcerer's Stone, and you'll soon be able to listen to the second book starting on December 16.
If you're curious about this series, you can currently grab a free 30-day trial of Audible directly from Amazon to listen at no cost. Audible is also still running a deal that gets you three months of the service for only $0.99 until December 16. I had the chance to listen to the full audiobook for The Sorcerer's Stone when it released in November and genuinely loved it. At just over eight hours, I though it was a unique experience that landed somewhere between reading the books and watching the films. I'll definitely be listening to The Chamber of Secrets as soon as it comes out.
Audible has already announced release dates for the full line-up of these audiobooks. All seven of the books in the series will be getting the full-cast treatment with new releases every month from now until May 2026.
Who's in the Voice Cast?
The official Harry Potter website released a full list of voice actors we know about after the first audiobook. More cast announcements are on their way for the second book, but here's the core list of names we know so far:
Hugh Laurie as Dumbledore
Matthew Macfadyen as Voldemort
Riz Ahmed as Snape
Michelle Gomez as McGonagall
Mark Addy as Rubeus Hargrid
Adeel Akhtar as Argus Filch
Jude Farant as Draco Malfoy
Cush Jumbo as Narrator
Frankie Treadway as Harry (Books 1-3)
Max Lester as Ron (Books 1-3)
Arabella Stanton as Hermione (Books 1-3)
Jaxon Knopf as Harry (Books 4-7)
Rhys Mulligan as Ron (Books 4-7)
Nina Barker-Francis (Books 4-7)
As you may have noticed, the voice actors for Harry, Ron, and Hermione are the same for the first three books and then shift to new people. This is due to Audible launching all of these audiobooks within the span of seven months rather than over years of time. We don't yet know what these character's voices will sound like in the jump between The Prisoner of Azkaban and The Goblet of Fire, but we can assume that they will be more mature.
Jacob Kienlen is a Senior Audience Development Strategist and Writer for IGN. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, he has considered the Northwest his home for his entire life. With a bachelor's degree in communication and over 8 years of professional writing experience, his expertise is spread across a variety of different pop culture topics -- from TV series to indie games and books.
There are a lot of great jigsaw puzzles for adults out there. If anything, there are way too many options to choose from. Because of this, it can sometimes help to narrow down your search to a specific franchise you love and then start looking for options within that. You can never go wrong with a puzzle depicting one of your favorite stories or characters, and the end result can sometimes even be display worthy.
One such franchise that has some great puzzle options is The Lord of the Rings. J.R.R. Tolkien's world has been expanded beyond books to be portrayed in movies, video games, and even LEGO sets, so it shouldn't be too surprising that there are some enticing jigsaw options too. I've found seven of the best best Lord of the Rings puzzles that are available online right now. All of these would make for a great gift for any adult LotR fan in your life.
TL;DR — These Are the Best Lord of the Rings Puzzles
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Puzzle
Best Overall
If you're a fan of the Lord of the Rings movies like I am, then this Return of the King puzzle is an excellent option. It features main characters and scenes from the final film in the trilogy and has a nice border around the whole thing. You've got Frodo struggling to drop the ring into the fires of Mount Doom, Gandalf in the heat of battle, and Aragorn accepting his rightful role as king. What more could you need?
This puzzle was also made by Ravensburger, which is one of the best overall puzzle brands out there. Every piece is unique and fits together perfectly. If you like the idea of a movie-themed puzzle, there are actually quite a few movie poster puzzles available I'd recommend you check out. We also have a pretty substantial guide for the Lord of the Rings movies on Blu-ray that's worth checking out if you don't already own the films.
theory11 Lord of the Rings Jigsaw Puzzle
Coolest Design
The main reason this theory11 puzzle is featured here is because it just flat out looks awesome. The design of this 1,000-piece puzzle has a similar look and feel to some of the original illustrations from J.R.R Tolkien himself. The green and gold colors also go really well together with the illustrated style.
If you like the look and feel of illustrated Lord of the Rings books, you'll like how this puzzle comes together. It's a great option if you are looking for something to frame and display once it's completed. This brand also has some really cool Harry Potter puzzles if you're interested in more like this from a different franchise.
Barad-Dur Eye of Sauron 3D Model Kit
Best 3D Puzzle
Although the standard jigsaw puzzles on this list are all great options, there's a growing market of model kits for adults out there that bring puzzles into 3D space. This particular puzzle kit from 4D Build features the massive tower of Sauron in all its glory. Unlike many other model kits, it doesn't require any glue or tools to put together.
Another great option for anyone looking for a puzzle worthy of displaying somewhere is this 1,000-piece map of Middle Earth. The map features prominent locations from the story with the Shire as a focal point. Since this is the map from the Hobbit, it doesn't include every location in Middle Earth, but it is the overall best Lord of the Rings map puzzle I've been able to find. You can always browse the interactive map online if you want to see where Mordor and Gondor are located.
Hobbit House Puzzle
Best for Beginners
While I prefer the challenge of a good 1,000- or 2,000-piece puzzle, not everyone likes digging through a mountain of pieces to complete a picture. This simple 100-piece puzzle is a great option for beginners or casual puzzlers who just want something easy to put together in an afternoon. The image itself depicts a lovely Hobbit home in New Zealand and it's an actual destination you can visit!
Aquarius Lord of the Rings Triptych Puzzle
Best Movie Poster Alternative
This last puzzle is my top pick for anyone looking for an alternative to movie posters. This is essentially all three movie posters from the trilogy on top of a map, but in puzzle form. So you'll be able to piece together the image and then have something worth hanging on your wall. This is an awesome gift for any Lord of the Rings fan who loves the movies and puzzles.
LotR-Themed Book Nook
Best Book Nook Puzzle Kit
Technically, there is an official Lord of the Rings book nook you can buy, but it's actually a LEGO set. The LEGO version is a recreation of Gandalf taking on the Balrog in that epic "You shall not pass" moment from the books and movies. But that LEGO set will cost you $130. If you're interested in the idea of building an LotR book nook of your own that won't destroy your budget, I recommend checking out this knock-off version on Amazon. It comes complete with a ring, and nice little scene, and LED lighting. If you ignore the fact that it says 'Spirit Valley of Magic Rings' on the side then you're golden.
There are actually a ton of cool book nook puzzle kits out there, but none of them are licensed to specific IP in the same way other puzzles are.
Tips for Choosing the Best Puzzle for You
If you're fairly new to puzzles or are looking to purchase one as a gift for someone else, there are a few things you'll need to consider before you buy, even for Lord of the Rings puzzles.
How many pieces is it?
You can determine how difficult a jigsaw puzzle will be based on a few factors. The first and most obvious question to ask is how many pieces is it? A 100-piece puzzle is more ideal for kids or beginners, a 500-piece puzzle is great for intermediate puzzlers, and a 5,000-piece puzzle is a true undertaking. If you want a relaxing puzzle you can do in an afternoon or with a young kid, you should stick to 300 pieces or less.
What size is it?
Another important thing to consider is how much room it's going to take up. Even smaller puzzles can be pretty big and if you don't have room for it on your table, it's going to be hard (or even impossible) to put together. This is especially true for larger puzzles that will take days to complete; the table where you eat meals might not be its ideal home if it's going to take up the whole thing. This is where a decent puzzle board or mat can really make a difference.
What does the picture look like?
The last thing to consider is the actual image itself. Obviously you want to choose a puzzle of something you like, but you should also consider the composition of the image itself – certain qualities will make the puzzle more of a headache to put together than others. Do the colors blend together? Is there a lot of empty space? Puzzles with more unique elements will be easier to put together than something with a bunch of clear blue sky, for example.
Do you plan on displaying it?
In many cases it's fun to just put a puzzle together and then pack it back into a box for later. But if you're looking for a more permanent situation for your finished puzzle, you'll want to think about that ahead of time. If you are planning on putting it on your wall or framing it, then you'll want to pick up a puzzle that works well for that. Map puzzles are a great option for displaying as well as 3D puzzles that are more akin to a model kit.
When it comes to fantastical book series that shaped our childhoods, Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians is one of the best. With season two of the Percy Jackson Disney+ series now available to stream, we're here to lay out what makes the books so special and the order you need to read the books in to make the most of the series. Below we've outlined the full timeline to help guide you on your reading journey.
Imagine a world where modern Greek gods have children with the powers of demigods. That's the fantastical concept at the center of the Percy Jackson and The Olympians book series. Created by Rick Riordan, the stories begins following the titular son of Poseidon as he traverses the secret world of mythical gods, goddesses, and their superpowered offspring. Over the original series and two sequel series The Heroes of Olympus and The Trials of Apollo, the world has expanded massively bringing new characters and new generations of fans to the Greek-myth inspired universe that has been enchanting readers since 2005.
How Many Books are in the Series?
There are a total of 18 books in the Percy Jackson universe, which are spread across three different series. The original Percy Jackson and the Olympian series features 7 books as of 2025 with the release of Wrath of the Triple Goddess just last year.
Percy Jackson Book Sets
If you're looking to add a collection of books to your shelves at home, there are a few box sets available. Below are links to both the paperback and hardcover versions for each series:
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Books in Order
Below is how to read the Percy Jackson series chronologically. There's a bit of a time jump between The Last Olympian and Chalice of the Gods, but the timeline is further explained on Rick Riordan's website if you need more info.
1. The Lightning Thief
In the original novel that sparked off the series, Percy Jackson, discovers that his normal life is not what it seems. Rather than being a normal 12 year old trying to get through school with ADHD and Dyslexia, he's actually a demigod! His life is turned upside down when he's accused of stealing Zeus' lightning bolt. It's not just that he's accused of being a thief though, as he also learns that he's the son of none other than the god Poseidon. Soon he's swept away to a summer camp for demigods known as Camp Half-Blood where he must solve the mystery of Zeus' stolen master bolt and find his way as the son of a god that he's never known.
2. The Sea of Monsters
After discovering Camp Half-Blood and his new life in the first book, in The Sea of Monsters Percy and his friends have to come together to save the place they first met. When the magic that protects the camp begins to fail the crew must head to the titular ocean in order to find a powerful artifact. But they don't have much time and in case you didn't realize the Sea of Monsters is filled with just that. Many, many dangerous creatures fill the pages of this epic adventure, as Percy navigates rough seas and family secrets as he tries to save the day.
3. The Titan’s Curse
As the title hints, this story pushes the Greek mythology of Percy Jackson into the realm of the legendary Titans. When Percy is enlisted to help his old friend Grover he knows something dangerous must have happened, but not even he can guess what's coming. New demigods are on the horizon and with them comes the threat of one of the oldest beings in the world Kronos who hasn't forgiven the teens for besting him. That's not all though as there's also the matter of a massively powerful ancient monster, and the titular curse to keep them busy.
4. The Battle of the Labyrinth
Though he's starting freshman year, things are far from normal for Percy Jackson. With the war between the Titans and the Gods threatening to spill over into every part of life he can barely catch a break, so when demon cheerleaders show up at school he can't believe his bad luck. Reimagining the classic Greek Myth of Daedalus and the Minataur, Percy and his Camp Half-Blood buds have to venture deep into the depths of the Earth to defeat the challenges of an intricate maze in order to stop the destruction of all that they hold dear.
5. The Last Olympian
It's a race to save the legendary Mount Olympus as Percy and his friends must come together in order to defeat the Titans. Luckily they've been training all year for just this but as Kronos starts his attack on New York, can the young demigods actually stand against him? This is the epic finale to the battle that began long ago in The Lightning Thief and throws the mythical world of Camp Half-Blood onto the streets of Manhattan for a world-changing fight of the ages.
The Heroes of Olympus Books in Order
1. The Lost Hero
Introducing a new roster of young characters to root for, this book centers on a demigod named Jason who loses his memory on a school trip and ends up becoming entangled in the world of the Olympians. After revealing his powers and being taken to Camp Half-Blood, Jason and his friends must help find the now missing Percy Jackson. But as they undertake their quest they discover some shocking truths about Camp Half-Blood and come up against its rival Camp Jupiter. This super fun expansion of the Percy Jackson universe melds Greek and Roman mythology to set up a whole new series of Olympian adventures!
2. The Son of Neptune
Fans were desperate to know what happened to Percy and in the second Heroes of Olympus book they got an insight into his new status quo. Just like Jason, Percy has lost his memory and in a shocking twist finds himself on the run in California with nowhere to turn. Helped by Roman deities and new friends, Percy manages to reach Camp Jupiter discovering that Camp Half-Blood isn't the only demigod training ground in America. As always Percy ends up wrapped up in a mythological battle with huge stakes but this time he's surrounded by Roman gods!
3. The Mark of Athena
What should have been a celebratory reunion for Annabeth and Percy is overshadowed by the threat of war as Camp Jupiter prepares to face down a foe of mythological proportions. The young Demigod takes center stage in this epic seafaring adventure that sees our young heroes travel to Rome in order to connect with the Demigods there, all the while Annabeth tries to work out her place in the story as the daughter of Athena and hero of Olympus.
4. The House of Hades
It's a quest to escape the underworld when Annabeth and Percy find themselves there after the events of Mark of Athena. In their journey to find the Doors of Death, the duo and their friends who are still in the mortal world will have to work together in order to survive. As if Hades wasn't enough to contend with someone trying to raise the Greek iteration of Mother Earth, Gaea, which the kids also have to stop. Who said it would be easy being a Demigod?
5. The Blood of Olympus
In the final novel from The Heroes of Olympus series, Percy and Annabeth have to battle the horror of Gaea along with their crew in order to stop the deities' horrific plan. As the title suggests she needs the blood of Demigods to truly rise but luckily the Demigods have each other, though they'll have to solve the brewing tension between Camps' Half-Blood and Jupiter before they can really come together and solve their Titan sized problem.
Bonus: The Demigod Diaries
Although not directly connected to the Heroes of Olympus series, The Demigod Diaries includes additional short stories set in the Percy Jackson universe. Also included is new artwork and some games.
The Trials of Apollo Books in Order
1. The Hidden Oracle
In the second spin-off of the Percy Jackson and the Olypians series, Zeus is back to his old terrible father shenanigans as he transforms his son — the god Apollo — into a teenager and banishes him to New York City. Once on Earth he has to enlist the help of a Demigod named Meg and of course the heroic Percy Jackson to save the day and earn the forgiveness of his father. This means he'll have to wrangle control of the Five Oracles which will take the crew on another mythologically charged adventure through Riordan's fantastical world.
2. The Dark Prophecy
Continuing the story of Apollo and his quest to find the Oracles in order to take his place as a god once again. Alongside his Demigod buddies, Apollo must venture across America in order to free the next Oracle, all the while battling against mythical creatures and the mysterious Triumvirate Holdings, along with one of its leaders Commodus. Expanding the new lore introduced in The Trials of Apollo this is a gripping continuation of the Percy Jackson series.
3. The Burning Maze
Apollo's battle against the evil emperors of Triumvirate Holdings takes center stage here as he comes up against multiple mythological creatures and famed historical figures. You'll catch appearances from Caligula, Madea, Strix, and even Caligula's favorite horse Incitatus. This is another epic adventure that pits Apollo against fearsome foes and tragic losses as he unravels the Triumvirate's shocking plans and tries to regain his immortality while keeping his friends safe. And trust us when we say that's not an easy set of responsibilities to juggle.
4. The Tyrant’s Tomb
The penultimate book in the Trials of Apollo series takes Apollo and friends to the edge as they find themselves up against the brutal Caligula and his followers. In order to help protect Camp Jupiter from the onslaught of Triumvirate Holdings, Apollo and his crew must venture into the ancient tomb of a terrifying tyrant that will put them in more danger than ever before. It'll also lead to the final trial of Apollo, which will define and seal his fate forever.
5. The Tower of Nero
In the final Trials of Apollo book the stage is set for an epic battle back in New York City. It's all been leading to this as the young god and his demigod buds have come up against their biggest foe yet. It's an epic finale with massive stakes as mythical families are reunited, friendships are tested, and Apollo finally learns whether or not he's done enough to return to his place on Mount Olympus. But if you're desperate for more stories in this universe, don't despair as there's one more standalone novel that ties into the world of Percy Jackson.
6. The Sun and the Star
Bringing two fan favorite characters to the forefront of their own story, The Sun and the Star centers on Nico di Angelo and Will Solace who were introduced in earlier Percy Jackson novels. Nico is the son of Hades which means that life is far from easy for him, and as the son of Apollo, Will has had his fair share of adventures too. But when Nico starts hearing a voice calling him to the depths of the underworld the pair are tested like never before, in this story that will sate the appetites of Percy Jackson fans everywhere, especially those who miss Camp Half-Blood.
What's Next for the Percy Jackson Series?
Following the recent release of Wrath of the Triple Goddess, Rick Riordan will be adding a final book to this trilogy. He stated this clearly in a November 2024 update where he confirmed he "will be writing the third and final ‘Senior Year Adventure’ about Percy Jackson’s quest to get into college". We don't yet know the name of the upcoming book, but we know it will somehow involve Percy acquiring his final recommendation letter. Once that book wraps up, the future of the Percy Jackson books is unclear. Rick Riordan did mentione in a recent interview with IGN that he has dozens of unfinished novels, but it's unclear if those will ever become part of the Percy Jackson universe.
As for the TV show, we already know that season 3 of the series has begun filming. The third installment of the show will be adapting the third book, The Titan's Curse. Whether or not the show gets renewed for more seasons will likely be dependent on how well season 2 does on Disney+ this year.
Rosie Knight is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything from anime to comic books to kaiju to kids movies to horror flicks. She has over half a decade of experience in entertainment journalism with bylines at Nerdist, Den of Geek, Polygon, and more. Rosie is a published comics author who has written titles including Godzilla Rivals vs. Battra and The Haunted High-Tops. She co-hosts the weekly Crooked Media pop-culture podcast X-Ray Vision. When she's not writing, you can find her playing Dragon Ball FighterZ or rewatching weird old horror and martial movies in her free time. She loves making comics and zines as well as collecting VHS and reading much manga as humanly possible. You can find her on social at @rosiemarx.
I'm not one to rewatch old Christmas movies over and over, but I'll always have a special place in my heart for the original Grinch movie. It's an absolute classic and I can't help but sit down and watch the whole thing any time it's on TV.
Unfortunately, trying to watch it on TV any day other than Christmas can be pretty difficult. You can stream the film on Peacock if you happen to have a subscription (I don't) or you can choose to drop some cash on a rental online. I myself have decided to take the superior third option and just buy it in 4K this year.
I had no idea that this movie was available in 4K before finding it on Amazon, but I'm glad that it's an option. What's crazy to me is that it's quite a bit cheaper to buy it in 4K than it is to buy it digitally right now. Prime Video has it listed at $19.99 to purchase it on its digital platform compared to $14.99 for an actual 4K disc, which seems absurd. Paying a $5 convenience fee to only sortof own something just doesn't sit well with me. As someone who has a Blu-ray player capable of playing 4K discs, it just makes more sense to pay less money for a better way to watch the movie for the rest of my life.
It also includes bonus features
In addition to the movie itself, you also apparently get access to special features I've never even heard of. There's two other full-on Grinch movies that involve the Cat in the Hat and Halloween. I don't know how I've gone my whole life not knowing there were follow-ups to the original Grinch cartoon, but it's a happy surprise. Here's a quick list of all of the bonus features included:
Making Animation and Bringing It to Life (Audio commentary with the animator)
Dr. Seuss and the Grinch - From Who-ville to Hollywood (A chronicle of the original book)
Songs in the Key of Grinch
TNT's Special-Edition Featurette with Phil Harman
The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat (Film)
Halloween Is Grinch Night (Film)
Jacob Kienlen is a Senior Audience Development Strategist and Writer for IGN. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, he has considered the Northwest his home for his entire life. With a bachelor's degree in communication and over 8 years of professional writing experience, his expertise is spread across a variety of different pop culture topics -- from TV series to indie games and books.
The best possible gift you can buy for a gamer is more games. The newest video games don't come cheap and they have the potential to provide hours and hours of entertainment. But what do you get for the gamer in your life who already has all of the games they could ever want? If you're looking for some great gift ideas for 2025, I've got you covered with 10 of the most popular gamer gift options of the year.
1. Nintendo Switch 2
Let's start with the most obvious gift idea: The Switch 2. Nintendo's latest console launch was the biggest of all time and continues to sell like hotcakes. Folks who already own a Switch console are upgrading to the latest hardware and some holdouts are relenting to Nintendo's ecosystem now that it's finally gotten an upgrade. Admittedly, there aren't that many exclusive games you can only play on the Switch 2 just yet, but that hasn't stopped it from being one of the best Nintendo gifts of 2025.
I bought a Switch 2 this year just to play Donkey Kong Bananza and have had no regrets so far. It's an upgrade from the standard Switch in every sense. If you're willing to drop $450 on a gift for someone this year, this is absolutely worth considering.
2. The LEGO Game Boy
One of the most popular new LEGO sets of 2025 is actually one of the most affordable ones. The LEGO Game Boy was released back in October and has been selling like crazy ever since. It's essentially a 1:1 recreation of the iconic handheld and includes a couple of different lenticular screens. This is a set specifically designed for adults to display on their shelf or desk, but it makes for a great gift for anyone with a bit of nostalgia left in their hearts for the original Game Boy. We had the chance to build this set ourselves and loved everything about it. At only $59.99, it's definitely worth the price. You'll also find this pick in our top Nintendo gifts list this year.
3. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Mirror Edition
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of those games that seemingly came out of nowhere and took the gaming world by storm. It's currently nominated for the best game of 2025 by IGN, and for those who have already played it, it's easy to see why. In our 9 out of 10 review, we said, "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 paints itself into the pantheon of great RPGs with a brilliant combat system and a gripping, harrowing story."
The base game is sold out on Amazon if you're looking for an actual physical edition, but the Mirror Edition is still available for both PS5 and Xbox. It includes a steelbook case and collectible cards that are awesome for any RPG fans looking to actually own a copy of this game.
Whether you're a console or PC gamer, there's a good chance you're going to be using a controller. And what do you do with that controller when you're done playing? There are actually a surprising number of solutions for this, but my overall favorite is to have an actual gaming character hold it for you. I've highlighted this Sonic option here, but there are plenty of other versions available. You can even have the Master Chief himself hold onto your controller if you want.
5. Mechanism Gaming Pillow
Our PC gaming editor, Jackie Thomas, had the chance to try out this gaming pillow herself earlier this year and found it to be one of the best tech gifts to buy. Here's what she had to say about it:
"I’ve reviewed basically every PC gaming handheld that’s come out over the last couple of years, and so when I say I spend a lot of time cuddled up playing games on them, I’m not exaggerating. The one downside to PC handhelds, though, is that they’re quite a bit heavier than something like the Nintendo Switch 2, which I typically address by just stacking up some pillows and propping up the device that way. But the Mechanism Gaming Pillow takes that idea to another level, with a metal arm attached to what’s essentially a bean-bag pillow. It definitely looks silly, but attaching it to a heavy handheld like the Lenovo Legion Go makes it way easier on your wrists, especially for longer gaming sessions. The company also sells attachments for a wide range of different devices, which you can swap out at will – so it’s not just for your handheld."
6. Xbox Game Pass Gift Cards
Xbox Game Pass is one of the best video game services out there. It was mostly considered one of the best deals in gaming right up until Microsoft decided to jack up the price earlier this year. Thankfully, there's a fairly easy way to get around that price increase in the meantime: Buying gift cards. Amazon and a few other retailers are still offering three-months of Game Pass Ultimate for the same price as before. Arguably the best gaming gift to give this year to anyone with a Game Pass subscription is more Game Pass. You can stack up to 12 months of gift codes at any given time.
7. Video Game Apparel
As someone who now owns multiple Legend of Zelda shirts, I can honestly say that video game apparel is absolutely a great gift. I wear a lot of different graphic T-shirts out and about, but it's only the Legend of Zelda one that consistently gets me compliments from random folks. There's no better way to make connections with fellow fans of a franchise than simply wearing some merch to the grocery store. I've featured my overall favorite shirt I own here, which makes for a great Legend of Zelda gift, but there's apparel for pretty much every major franchise out there too. I'd recommend checking out the IGN Store's collection of video game apparel for even more options.
8. A New Controller
There are a lot of different controllers out there, but arguably the best overall is the Xbox controller. It's IGN's overall top pick for the best controller for PC and obviously one of the best options for the Xbox itself. It's a really well-designed controller that can easily connect to pretty much any and every device and comes in a wide variety of colors. Even if someone already has a controller, they could always use another one (and maybe in a new color).
Although we're recommending the Xbox Core Controller here, there's plenty of other options available for other consoles as well. I'd recommend checking out our favorite PS5 controllers and Nintendo Switch 2 controllers for more options.
"The Quest 3 continues Meta’s legacy of offering a cost-effective headset that doesn’t require an expensive gaming PC, but can still benefit from one if you have it. That’s a unique feature that sets it apart from almost every other VR headset out there, other than its own predecessors. The Quest 3 goes even further by offering us a ticket to mixed-reality gaming with a full-color passthrough mode that’s sharp enough to read things in the world around you, the lightest and most precisely tracked controllers available, and more. The sheer amount of upgrades are well worth the $200 generational price increase. For everyone else who is willing to splurge, the Quest 3 sets the new standard for VR and mixed reality gaming."
10. Roblox Gift Cards
If you're on the hunt for a gift for the younger generation of gamers, it's hard to go wrong with Roblox gift cards. Roblox experiences have become some of the most popular games in 2025, and although they are free to play, it never hurts to have a few extra Robux to buy additional in-game items and perks. Hunting for new codes for The Forge or Dress to Impress is a pretty time-consuming affair that can be easily remedied with some gift cards.
Also, right now, if you sign up for a DoorDash membership (DashPass), you can get 10% off Roblox gift cards. DashPass costs just $96 for a whole year, or $9.99/month, with $0 delivery fees, exclusive deals and savings on Lyft rides. The annual plan also gets you HBO Max (Ad version) for free, so something to consider as you're shopping.
There are a lot of different versions of the Harry Potter books. There's the original hardcovers, paperbacks with stencilled edges, and even a full-on Hogwarts trunk filled with the books you can buy. If you're looking for a gift to buy the Potter fan in your life while there's still time before Christmas, it can be a little overwhelming to decide exactly what set of books is worth purchasing for their collection. If you're buying for someone who has already read the entire series multiple times over, however, I'd suggest going with the illustrated editions that Amazon currently has in its buy 2, get 1 free book sale once again. This is the same exact deal we saw during Black Friday book sales this year, so it's definitely worth checking out.
Surprise, surprise, though, there are actually two different illustrated editions to choose from in this sale! There's the larger hardcovers (illustrated by Jim Kay) and the interactive illustrated editions (from MinaLima). Of the two, only the interactive illustrated editions are all included in Amazon's promotion.
Harry Potter Interactive Illustrated Edition Sale
Amazon's buy 2, get 1 free sale is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is add three items to your cart and the least expensive of the three will be discounted from the final price at checkout. Since there are currently four of the illustrated interactive editions available, you'll need to choose which three to add to your cart to get the discount. Whatever you choose, you'll be looking at an additional $21 off by purchasing three at once. Since each of these books is already reduced in price, that comes out to $89.90 for the full collection of four if you buy them all at once.
As you may have noticed, only the first four books in the series have gotten the interactive illustrated treatment so far. The first three books feature illustrations and papercraft from MinaLima while the Goblet of Fire was taken over by Karl James Mountford (Illustrator) and Jess Tice Gilbert (Designer). This discrepancy between artists is due to MinaLima announcing that she wasn't going to continue with the project. The most recent edition, The Goblet of Fire, was the first new book in this line of special editions since 2023 and was released a only two months ago in October 2025. The change in artists means that there are still plans to finish giving the rest of the series the same treatment in the coming years.
What is the "Interactive" element of these illustrated editions?
I actually own all of the MinaLima editions and have had the chance to read through them myself. The interactive element here refers to papercraft hidden within the pages. These are essentially illustrations that spin, open up, or can be played with in some way. It actually makes for a really fun experience as you make your way through the story. The only issue I've had with it is that it's not really meant to be used too heavily. The paper elements are obviously quite fragile and this isn't a book that you're supposed to be reading over and over again. As a collector's item and an occasional read, however, they are pretty cool. For an idea of what to expect you can check out some of the interactive elements featured in my copy of The Sorcerer's Stone.
Is Now the Best Time to Buy These Books?
Right now, this is the best deal on these books anywhere. It's certainly possible that prices could drop further before Christmas, but it's unlikely that this buy 2, get 1 free promotion will still be around by then as they usually only last about a week. This is the same exact deal we saw during Black Friday deals this year, so it's as good as it's going to get unless Amazon drops a surprise discount.
Amazon's "3 for 2" sale offers a unique opportunity to save on the entire collection. Even if Amazon further discounts the individual titles, you'll most likely end up saving the same amount as you would purchasing now while the promotion is on. This type of deal is especially great for buying full collections at once and these Harry Potter books are the best deal in the whole sale for doing just that.
Christmas is still over a month away, but that shouldn't stop you from enjoying classic Christmas movies right now. And is there anything more classic than Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas? If you're wondering where to watch any of the iterations of the Grinch movies online in 2025, we've got you covered with details below.
There are 3 main Grinch movies that have been made based off the original Dr. Seuss story. First, there's the original 1966 animated classic called How the Grinch Stole Christmas! There's also the 2000 Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas movie starring Jim Carrey. Finally, the most recent 2018 film simply titled: The Grinch. This version stars Benedict Cumberbatch.
There was also an indie film in 2022 called The Mean One that features the Grinch as a horror villain, but we limited this list to Grinch movies with at least some Christmas spirit.
Where to Watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
If you're wondering where to watch the original animated Grinch movie, there are a few different streaming options available, but a Peacock subscription is your best bet. TNT and TBS will also start likely air the movie at certain dates and times in December, but those dates have not yet been announced. I'd recommend checking out the TV Guide page for the film a Christmas draws near.
Where to Watch Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
If you're wondering where to watch the live-action Grinch movie with Jim Carrey right now, you can currently stream the film on Peacock. Seeing as 2025 is the 25th anniversary of this movie, there is a new 4K steelbook available to buy if you'd prefer to own it rather than rely on streaming this year.
Where to Watch The Grinch (2018)
If you're wondering where to watch the latest animated Grinch movie, the short answer is that you can't right now as it isn't available with any streaming service. You can choose to rent the film from various platforms for $3.99 or watch it on TV at certain times on FX. There are currently some TV listings for this movie available, but we'll likely start seeing more of them pop up closer to Christmas.
Grinch Movies on DVD and Blu-ray
It's not easy to find the Grinch movies online. If you're a particularly big Grinch fan, or want to make sure you and your family will always have the movie night option, you can check out the (impressively large) quantity of Grinch-related DVD and Blu-ray sets that have been released through the years.
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