Each year, billions of new products compete for buyers' attention, overwhelming them with a phenomenon known as choice overload.
In 2024, for example, researchers at the consulting firm Accenture found that about 3 in 4 shoppers basically abandoned their shopping baskets after being overcome by this feeling.
That's where we come in. The USA TODAYEditor's Picks awards aim to make purchasing decisions easier by identifying the products that truly excel in innovation, performance, quality and value in an oversaturated market.
After debuting the program with our Beauty & Wellness award in July, USA TODAY is gearing up to introduce more Editor's Picks lists, which spotlight everyday products that help consumers live better, work smarter, stay connected
and have fun.
Categories open for USA TODAY Editor's Picks product submissions
We're taking a close look at products from the following categories:
- Beauty and Wellness (submission deadline Dec. 1)
- Technology (submission deadline Dec. 1)
- Toys (submission deadline Sept. 25)
- Home and Outdoors (submission deadline Oct. 16)
- Grocery (submission deadline Oct. 23)
- Best New Products (submission deadline Oct. 30)
- Pet care (submission deadline Jan. 8, 2027)
- Sleep (submission deadline March 19, 2027)
How USA TODAY editors evaluate products
The USA TODAY editorial team will evaluate all products that appear on our Editor's Picks lists based on personal experience, expert testimony, online ratings and hands-on testing.
We encourage brands to nominate products they believe deserve recognition. While a nomination does not guarantee inclusion, it ensures our editors have the opportunity to consider your product for these inaugural awards programs.
Why nominate a product for USA TODAY Editor's Picks?
A USA TODAY Editor's Pick designation is more than an award. It tells consumers that a product has earned our editors' confidence and consistently stands out among the year's best releases.
Editor's Picks 2026 submission deadlines and next steps
Nominations are now open for the best beauty and wellness products and the best consumer tech products, and will be accepted through December 1.
Stay tuned as more nomination categories open throughout fall and winter.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USA TODAY Editor's Picks 2026 opens product submissions for brands
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
