Today’s Strands puzzle revolves around the theme of Pass It Along, highlighting gifts that can be regifted.
The spangram REGIFTING ties all the words together, helping players connect the theme and locate other words.
Observing starting letters, word patterns, and the spangram’s position can make solving faster and more enjoyable.
The New York Times Strands puzzle for Monday, December 22, is very entertaining and relatable, with its theme. Titled "Pass It Along," it is all about common household items that are usually given away again. A clear theme and easy-to-understand word choices make this puzzle an easy yet delightful combination of logic, observation, and wintertime humor.
The theme of today's NYT Strands puzzle is all about re-gifted items. These are the most common gifts that can be cast off by one person but be a real treat for another. The words characterize the most common items that often switch hands during birthdays, holidays, or office gift exchanges. The spangram does a great job of illustrating this concept neatly and linking all theme words to one simple idea.
Here are gentle hints to help uncover each word without giving full answers away:
BO… (4 letters) – A popular gift for readers and collectors.
GA… (6 letters) – A tech-related item often found in gift boxes.
CA… (6 letters) – A scented item commonly used for home decor.
WI… (4 letters) – A celebratory drink often gifted during holidays.
SC… (5 letters) – A cozy clothing accessory for colder weather.
LO… (6 letters) – A skincare product frequently included in gift sets.
EA… (8 letters) – Jewelry that often comes in small boxes.
BOOK
GADGET
CANDLE
WINE
SCARF
LOTION
EARRINGS
Today's spangram is REGIFTING, which goes through the whole grid and symbolizes the main idea of today's riddle. After it has been recognized, it is then easier to see each item as belonging to the concept of regifting.
First, concentrate on the theme and think of everyday items associated with it.
Narrow down the options by using the first letters and word lengths.
Early detection of the spangram frequently makes the puzzle’s way clearer.
Look through the grid systematically so that no word is missed.
The NYT Strands puzzle of December 22 is a delightful and witty challenge based on quite common experiences. It develops pattern recognition and word association skills by mingling logic with a common vocabulary. Routine puzzles like this one not only keep the skill of problem-solving sharp but also provide an entertaining mental break.