For us, December shopping served two very different purposes: to find the perfect last-minute gifts for the hard-to-shop-for people in our lives, and to navigate all the year-end sales that are worth stocking up on. ourselves. And while we’re not out to make New Year’s resolutions, our carts have been filled with products that promise to not only start 2025 on the right note, but also make the dreary winter months a little brighter.
Based on anonymized purchase data from our most wanted stories, our readers proved that great minds think alike. Topping the bestseller list were fashion and beauty essentials to keep the temperature and humidity at bay, along with thoughtful gifts that are sure to earn some major compliments (and will not gathering dust in your gift storage cupboard).
Ahead, we round up the most popular products, according to our stylish and savvy readers, from this whirlwind of a month. The best part? Some of these December must-haves are on sale.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
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The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum
The UK’s beauty director named The Inkey List’s newest serum as her secret weapon to combat dehydrated and flaky winter skin. Contains ectoin, an antioxidant effective in restoring the skin’s natural barrier.
Store The ink list
The ink list Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum, $, available at The ink list
Nocturne One Shoulder Midi Dress
We like to think that many of our readers rocked this slinky number at their NYE parties last month, given how it practically flew off the digital shelves in the winter sale collection at Nordstrom. The body-hugging silhouette and off-the-shoulder neckline — accented by a sculptural silver-toned pin — make this a holiday dress.
Store Nordstrom
Nocturnal One-Shoulder Midi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
Aura Carver Digital Photo Frame
This Wi-Fi picture frame was a favorite of our gift guides. It displays photos and videos in a slideshow — absolutely the kind of gift that will make a loved one laugh out loud or get emotional (or both).
Store Aura
Aura Frames Carver Mat, $, available at Aura Frames
Camper Casi Myra Flat
Ballet shoes have shown no signs of slowing down as a shoe trend in 2025. Our readers are rocking these square leather ankle boots left and right, which have been highly praised for their stretchy leather material and quiet, flexible soles.
Store Nordstrom
Camper Casi Myra Flat, $, available at Nordstrom
FP Movement Collapsible Bottle Carabiner
One can never have too many water bottles — especially when they can be folded up to save space and clipped to the outside of your gym bag.
Store Free people
FP movement Collapsible Bottle Carabiner, $, available at Free people
Lululemon Define Jacket Velvet
We’ve never met a Lululemon Define Jacket we didn’t like. The brand’s latest update to this workout staple features a rich material reminiscent of a Y2K tracksuit, but with a much more elevated vibe.
Store Lululemon
Lululemon Define Jacket Velvet, $, available at Lululemon
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Knitted Waffle Throw
It’s not a warm season if you’re not snuggling under the softest, coziest blanket. This waffle knit throw is lightweight and great at keeping you warm, with many reviewers giving it five stars.
Store Nordstrom
XYPYLO ONIRA® CozyChic Knitted Waffle Thrower, $, available at Nordstrom
Chanel Diamond Dust Oversize Illuminating Powder
Have you ever wondered how A-listers end up with the most sculpted and dazzling cheekbones? In addition to great genetics, many have been helped by Chanel Beauty’s best-selling highlighter powder, which adds the most beautiful powder of glow to the high points of your face.
Store Chanel
Chanel Beauty Diamond Dust Oversize Illuminating Powder, $, available at Chanel
Jenny Bird Colette Hoop Earrings
This oversized pair is our new favorite gold hoop earring thanks to a unique, sculptural design that will make you do a double take.
Store Jenny Bird
Jenny Bird Colette Hoop Earrings, $, available at Jenny Bird
Sam Edelman Crop Zip Puffer Jacket
Finding a good jacket that will keep you toasty – without looking like you’re wearing the entire quilt – is no easy feat. Currently 33% off, this cropped number manages to pull it off, in a chic shade of red that’s anything but boring.
Store Nordstrom
Sam Edelman Crop Zip Puffer Jacket, $, available at Nordstrom
Ghia Holiday Host Box
While the gift season is done and dusted, this food box is still at the top of our shopping list as the perfect housewarming or dinner party gift. Includes a bottle of Le Fizz, Ghia’s sweet and sultry mixer — just in time for Dry January.
Store Gia
Gia Holiday Host Box, $, available at Gia
Short story The Line Leather Shoulder Bag
The new year calls for a re-evaluation of your collection of mini wallets. This minimalist, ’90s-inspired sling bag is the perfect addition, given how silver looks good with just about anything.
Store Little History
Little History The Line Leather Shoulder Bag, $, available at Little History
Augustinus Bader x Sofia Coppola The Tinted Lip Balm
Legendary director Sofia Coppola enters the world of beauty with a tinted lip balm that recreates her favorite Paris drugstore lipstick which had been discontinued a long time ago. The key ingredient is Augustinus Bader’s TFC8®, an exclusive blend of vitamins and lipids that contribute to skin regeneration and collagen production.
Store Nordstrom
Augustinus Bader x Sofia Coppola The Tinted Lip Balm, $, available at Nordstrom
Tushy Bamboo Ottoman
This stylish toilet stool elevates your feet to a higher position that is better for conducting your business smoothly. It’s the perfect home purchase to help your 2025 health goals.
Store Tushy
Tushy Ottoman, $, available at Tushy
Portable Xmas Tree DS & Durga Candle
Even though we are now firmly in the new calendar year, we still long for the comforting aromas of fireplaces and pine trees. This warm and spicy candle reminds us of both.
Store Nordstrom
DS & Durga Portable Christmas Candle, $, available at Nordstrom
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