musthave

Must-have is a term used in consumer language to describe goods, features, or items considered essential or highly desirable in a given context. In retail, marketing, and media, a must-have item is one that a broad audience is perceived to need or strongly want, often highlighted in lists, catalogs, or seasonal guides. The phrase can apply to tangible products such as gadgets, clothing staples, or home appliances, as well as intangible items like software features or experiences. The concept is inherently subjective and time-sensitive, varying with trends, demographics, and personal circumstances.

The expression derives from the modal sense of "must" indicating necessity, and the hyphenated form must-have is common in advertising and headlines. Outside marketing, the term is used descriptively in discussions of essential gear for activities (for example, travel must-haves) or in planning and product development to denote core offerings.

Critics note that "must-have" labels can promote consumerism, create hype around ephemeral trends, and oversimplify what people actually need. The term can be misused to push mediocre products simply because they are currently fashionable, or to exclude diverse needs by implying a universal standard.

In practice, must-have is a flexible, contextual label rather than an objective category. Related concepts include essentials, musts, favorites, and best-of lists.