If you’re hooked on the daily NYT Strands puzzle, you’re not alone. It’s a fresh word game from the New York Times that combines elements of a word search with clever, theme-based twists.

4 October 2025 NYT Strands Theme: "Bring it home"

Today’s Strands puzzle captured the joy of travel and memory-keeping. Each word pointed to items you’d tuck into your bag after a trip — the little reminders of where you’ve been.

4 October 2025 NYT Strands: Hints

  1. Vacation Staples: Think of things travelers buy.
  2. Tiny but Meaningful: None are bulky, but all carry memories.
  3. Gift Shop Favorites: You’ll often see these near checkout counters.
  4. Wearable Memory: One answer is something you can put on.
  5. For the Fridge: Another sticks where everyone can see it.
  6. Shiny & Precious: Jewelry counts too.
  7. Paper Trail: Don’t forget something you can mail or collect.
  8. Spangram: The single word tying it all together.

4 October 2025 NYT Strands: Answers

  • SPOON – collectible keepsake
  • POSTCARD – mailed or saved as a memory
  • JEWELRY – adornment with meaning
  • SHIRT – wearable souvenir
  • KEYCHAIN – small and useful token
  • MAGNET – fridge favorite from trips

Spangram

SOUVENIRS — the perfect word that unites today’s puzzle, celebrating keepsakes that carry stories from our travels.

How Strands works

Strands is a daily word search puzzle with a twist:

  • You’re given a theme.
  • The grid is packed with hidden words tied to that theme.
  • Words can run in any direction, including diagonals.
  • Once you find all the theme words, you’re done!

Each puzzle usually has around 6–8 theme words.

How to get and use hints

Hints are built right into Strands, and they’re super useful if you’re stuck:

  • To earn a hint, find any non-theme word of at least four letters in the grid.
  • Each valid extra word gives you one hint.
  • When you use a hint, one of the theme words will be revealed automatically, helping you move forward.

Pro tip: Don’t just burn hints — use them strategically when the grid feels impossible. Sometimes a single revealed word unlocks the entire board.

Tips to become a NYT Strands pro

  1. Start with obvious words. Look for clear connections to the theme first.
  2. Scan diagonals early. Strands loves to hide words at an angle.
  3. Build around found words. Once one word is cleared, the leftover letters often point to the next.
  4. Use hints wisely. Earn them steadily by spotting extra words, then save them for when you’re truly stuck.
  5. Think about synonyms. The theme clue isn’t always literal — broaden your thinking.

Final Thoughts

October 4’s puzzle felt like opening a suitcase of memories. From a postcard to a magnet, the words captured how travel gifts keep experiences alive long after the trip ends.

Today’s Strands puzzle was more than wordplay — it was a little journey itself. With SOUVENIRS as the spangram, it reminded us that memories often come home in small packages.