Struggling with the Pass it Along Strands puzzle on December 22? This NYT Strands game #659 challenges players to identify common holiday gift items with a devilish regifting twist. Whether you need hints or the complete solution, we’ve got everything to help you finish today’s puzzle and maintain your winning streak.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Puzzle Number: NYT Strands #659 released on December 22, 2025
- Theme: “Pass it Along” — items people commonly regift during the holiday season
- Spangram Answer: REGIFTING, a horizontal word spanning the entire grid
- Word List: Seven theme words plus the spangram make up today’s complete puzzle solution
What Is the Pass It Along Theme?
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The Pass it Along theme for today’s Strands puzzle centers on common holiday gift items. The theme connects all seven theme words, which describe presents that people frequently exchange during December celebrations. Understanding this theme makes finding the words significantly easier since you’re looking for tangible items rather than abstract concepts.
The spangram REGIFTING sits at the heart of this puzzle, confirming the holiday gift-giving angle. This word spans horizontally across the board and unlocks the entire puzzle’s meaning once discovered.
Today’s NYT Strands puzzle 659 — Complete Word List
| Theme Words | Spangram |
| BOOK | REGIFTING (Horizontal) |
| GADGET | |
| CANDLE | |
| WINE | |
| SCARF | |
| LOTION | |
| EARRINGS |
Hints to Solve Today’s Strands Puzzle Yourself
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If you want to solve the puzzle without seeing all the answers, here’s the official theme hint: the words describe items you give as presents. The additional clue from Mashable states: “You want this?” — a simple reminder that these are desirable gift items people exchange during holidays.
The spangram is horizontal, meaning it runs left-to-right across the grid. Look for the R in the starting position — it’s the key to unlocking the entire puzzle. Once you find REGIFTING, the entire theme becomes crystal clear.
Why the Regifting Theme Connects to December
Regifting stands as the ultimate December phenomenon, especially during the post-holiday season. The practice of passing unwanted or surplus gifts to new recipients peaks after Christmas and continues through the New Year. Mashable notes that these puzzles often lean into seasonal themes, making the Pass it Along concept perfectly timed for December 22.
All seven theme words represent classic regifting items: books nobody reads, gadgets with missing instructions, scented candles that sit unused, wine bottles already opened, scarves in wrong colors, luxury lotions that irritate skin, and earrings that don’t match anyone’s style. These common gift items spark the universal experience of strategically deciding whether to keep items or redirect them to more appreciative recipients.
Strategy for Solving NYT Strands Puzzles Successfully
The Strands game mechanics require players to find all theme words before completing the grid. One proven strategy involves finding the spangram first — it anchors the entire puzzle. Once you’ve identified REGIFTING running horizontally, the connected theme words become easier to spot.
Remember that letters can connect in multiple directions, including diagonally. The puzzle allows words to twist and turn throughout the grid, so don’t assume straight lines. Starting with shorter words like WINE and BOOK helps build confidence before tackling longer phrases like EARRINGS and GADGET.
Will You Keep Your Strands Streak Alive Today?
With Puzzle #659 now solved, you’re ready to celebrate another completed game and add to your winning streak. The Pass it Along theme celebrates the universal December experience of managing our possessions and spreading joy through creative gift distribution. Whether you solved this puzzle instantly or needed these hints, you’ve conquered today’s Strands challenge.
The New York Times releases new Strands puzzles daily, each with unique themes and difficulty levels. Tomorrow brings another puzzle to conquer, so use today’s victory as momentum to keep your streak growing through December and beyond.
Annabelle Ink is a gaming journalist and lifelong gamer who lives and breathes video game culture. From console releases to esports tournaments, this dedicated journalist brings insider knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to every review and feature. Her expertise spans multiple gaming platforms, helping readers discover their next favorite game while staying connected to the pulse of the gaming industry.