As the new year begins, the editorial team behind the popular shopping guide, The Filter US, has taken a novel approach. Instead of telling readers what to buy, they've turned the tables and asked their own writers and editors a simple question: what do you want in 2026?
A Peek Inside the Experts' Personal Wishlists
After a busy holiday season filled with gift guides for every conceivable recipient, the team decided to reveal their own coveted items. The resulting list is a fascinating mix of practical kitchen gadgets, high-tech toys, and indulgent luxuries, offering a unique insight into what product experts truly desire.
Food contributor Bernadette Machard de Gramont has her sights set on the Cuisinart Fast Freeze Ice Cream Maker. Priced from $99.94, it appeals for its compact size and the ability to make small, half-pint batches, perfect for flavour experimentation in a city apartment.
For tech and DIY writer Christopher Allbritton, the dream item is the Bambu A1 3D printer, starting at $399. He praises its intelligent auto-calibration, which eliminates the endless fiddling associated with traditional 3D printing, making the technology accessible to beginners.
Gadgets for Hobbies and Home
The wishlist highlights how technology is simplifying hobbies and domestic life. Outdoor contributor Josh Patterson craves the Positive Grid Spark Neo headphones ($249) to quietly practise guitar without disturbing his young family, thanks to its wireless connection and rich sound library.
In the kitchen, gift guide contributor Latifah Muhammad wants the Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer (from $179.99). Its multifunctionality and space-saving design, complete with portable glass containers, make it ideal for small kitchens and meals on the go.
Meanwhile, tech contributor Adam Doud dreams of astrophotography with the Celestron NexStar 8SE computerized telescope, a significant splurge at $1,699. Its GPS-guided tracking system allows for detailed stargazing and the capture of deep-space images.
Luxury, Lifestyle, and Streaming Desires
The list isn't all about gadgets. It features timeless luxury and personal treats. Travel writer Lydia Mansel desires the elegant Cuyana Travel Case Set in pebbled leather for $178 to organise her essentials, while food writer Dr Julia Skinner covets the herbaceous scent of a Diptyque Baies candle, though the 'Very Large' $350 size remains a fantasy.
For entertainment, home contributor Jon Chan admits his nerdy side is pushing him towards a Paramount+ subscription at $7.99 a month, primarily to catch up on the new Star Trek series like Lower Decks.
Other notable wishes include the TourBox Elite Plus photo editing controller ($252) for smoother workflow, the fashionable Aritzia Sunday Best Rib Hood ($48), and a final indulgent treat: a $150 tin of Osetra caviar from The Caviar Company, sought after for its sustainable sourcing and exquisite taste.
This collective 2026 wishlist from the professionals who review products for a living reveals a blend of smart functionality, creative enablers, and simple, well-crafted pleasures. It seems even the experts are always looking for that next perfect purchase.
