Ah, December. Not only did we gradually wrap up the year, we wrapped plenty of unique, worthwhile holiday presents for our precious loved ones — from vanilla-scented cereal bowl candles to Harry Styles mugs, tie-dye Nirvana sweatshirts to snail tea bag holders, and more. Essentially, if one were to take gift-giving advice from our anonymous shopping data and this month’s list of December’s 29 most-purchased products, it’s clear that the kookier the product, the better the gift.
But, holiday season aside, we noticed some practical buys sneak their way into the spotlight as usual. Nectar mattresses, pill organizers, and price-slashed coffee machines sold like hotcakes. Plus, Shay Mitchell’s cult-favorite weekender bag made an impressive resurgence — but with a tiny twist on previous iterations. Even an R29 editor’s favorite lap desk made its way into plenty of readers’ carts. As a toast to surviving another year — and another annual holiday shop-a-palooza — you deserve to treat yourself to as many of these December R29 reader favorites as your wallet can handle.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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Béis The Converitble Mini Weekender
Readers loved the standard-sized Béis weekender, so it’s only natural they also scooped up the new mini version, too. You get all the same perks of the original — sleek waterproof canvas, ample storage space, a multitude of zip pockets, etc. — just in a tiny package. Plus, the bottom compartment completely zips off!
Shop Béis
Béis The Convertible Mini Weekender, $, available at Béis
SouthLakeGifts Cereal Bowl Candle With Metal Spoon
A candle that smells just as sweet as it looks. While we definitely deemed this decor gift-worthy this month, we think it’s a justifiable purchase any time of the year.
Shop Etsy
SouthLakeGifts Cereal Bowl Candle With Metal Spoon, $, available at Etsy
EpicMugsByTodd Harry Styles Coffee Mug
Although it’s not quite the same as have a tea party with the one and only Harry Styles, it comes close(ish). And it made its way into plenty of readers’ carts over the past month, too.
Shop Etsy
EpicMugsByTodd Harry Styles Coffee Mug, $, available at Etsy
Betife Cute Pill Organizer 7-Day
Apparently, R29 peeps went practical with their stocking stuffers this year. Amazon’s cute and functional vitamin organizer was the most-purchased product in our roundup of 40-plus unique finds.
Shop Amazon
Betife Cute Pill Organizer 7-Day, $, available at Amazon
Bombas Women’s Gripper Slipper
Our senior writer fell in love with the coziness of the best-selling sock-slipper hybrid this December. According to her, you get “all the warmth of a slipper with the fitted feel of a sock.” (In other words, she totally recommends.)
Shop Bombas
Bombas Women’s Gripper Slipper, $, available at Bombas
Urban Outfitters Nirvana Smile Overdyed Sweatshirt
Perhaps it’s the warm cotton fleece fabric or maybe it’s the iconic Nirvana symbol that made this relaxed-fit sweatshirt a best-seller this December. Whatever the case, it’s a worthwhile complement to your personal grunge era.
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Urban Outfitters Nirvana Smile Overdyed Sweatshirt, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo
For just $7, this cleansing cream will, according to one satisfied Amazon reviewer, “remove product build up and [will]not make [your]hair feel dried out like other clarifying shampoos.” And for those who could use a deep clean but don’t want their tresses to feel fried, it’s a must.
Shop Redken
Redken Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo | For All Hair Types | Removes Buildup & Strengthens Hair Cuticle, $, available at Amazon
Zwilling Enfinigy 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker
We spotlighted this sleek coffee maker as the perfect gift for java lovers and found it on sale for $150 over at Nordstrom. Alas, it’s now sold out on the retailer’s site but fortunately, we found it for only $15 more over at Bed Bath & Beyond.
Shop Bed Bath & Beyond
Zwilling Enfinigy 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker, $, available at Bed Bath & Beyond
Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
It’s quite the task to surpass the R29 reader-favorite Saatva Classic Mattress in sales — but Nectar’s Memory Foam Mattress managed to do just that this month. One reviewer declares this “the best mattress for guest rooms, back sleepers, someone who has a partner that moves around a lot, or someone who wants something on the firmer side but still needs good pressure relief and cares about quality.”
Shop Nectar
Nectar Memory Foam Mattress, $, available at Nectar
Jenni Kayne Brooklyn Lug Boot
Until now, readers relied on Jenni Kayne for two holy grail items: the cashmere Cocoon Cardigan and the Topanga Candle. But for the last 30 days, these timeless oiled leather lug sole boots were total heartthrobs (and understandably so).
Shop Jenni Kayne
Jenni Kayne Brooklyn Lug Boot, $, available at Jenni Kayne
HUANUO Lap Desk
This cushy lap desk was a complete “game changer” for our travel writer Venus Wong in November. So much so, in fact, that she made it one of her MVPs. “I don’t have to worry about my legs coming into direct contact with the heat and radiation from the laptop anymore,” she wrote. “And, having a flat, anti-slip surface has made a difference to my posture.”
Shop Amazon
HUANUO Lap Desk, $, available at Amazon
Shine 24K Gold Rolling Papers
For those who take a luxurious approach to life, add these oh-so glamorous hemp blend-based rolling papers to your Amazon cart ASAP.
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Shine 24K Gold Rolling Papers, $, available at Amazon
MateStar iPhone Lightning Cable, 2Pack
Another editor’s pick this month was our sex writer Charlotte Lewis’ new favorite phone charger: the MateStar Lightning Cable. According to her, “I didn’t know that lightning-fast charging cables were even a thing, until my brother-in-law scoffed at me for toting out my OG during Thanksgiving dinner. It charged my phone from 0-100% in 30 mins.”
Shop Amazon
MateStar iPhone Lightning Cable, 2Pack, $, available at Amazon
Alo Yoga Accolade Hoodie
Refinery29 readers carted this luxe sweatshirt aplenty in December. Whether they intended to give the gift of stylish comfort to a loved one or keep it for themselves, we think it’s a stellar choice. (P.S., you can make it a set with the Accolade Sweatpant.)
Shop Alo Yoga
Alo Yoga Accolade Hoodie, $, available at Alo Yoga
Lululemon Align™ Reversible Bra Light Support
Lululemon has you covered and supported (literally) in all your workouts with this best-selling bra.
Shop Lululemon
Lululemon Align™ Reversible Bra Light Support, $, available at Lululemon
SOSUO Silicone Snail Tea Bag Holders
As they say, it’s the little things in life —which includes these adorable silicone escargot tea holders.
Shop Amazon
SOSUO Silicone Snail Tea Bag Holders, $, available at Amazon
Quince 100% Washable Silk Robe
A robe so silky smooth and luxurious, buying one counts as self-care. And, in addition to being as comfortable as it is glam, you can score this 100% washable silk garment for a rare under-$100 price tag at Quince.
Shop Quince
Quince 100% Washable Silk Robe, $, available at Quince
KubikGe 2023-2024 Personalized Planner
Etsy has always been a one-stop-shop for the most unique, aesthetically-pleasing daily essentials on the market— and these top-rated personalized journals are no exception. Readers readied up for the new years with these customizable journals, for example.
Shop Etsy
KubikGe 2023-2024 Personalized Planner, $, available at Etsy
Sakura Gelly Roll Metallic Gel Pens
And while you’re investing in all your stationary needs, secure some funky gel pens so you can color code all your 2023 goals and manifestations.
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Sakura Gelly Roll Metallic Gel Pens, $, available at Amazon
GrapgicDynamics Custom Pet Pillow
Nothing puts a smile on a person’s face like a cushy replica of their beloved fur baby. These pillows were a top-bought treasure from our best gift ideas roundup this month — but they’re a wise purchase no matter the occasion.
Shop Etsy
GrapgicDynamics Custom Pet Pillow, $, available at Etsy
Uncommon Goods Music Playing Cards
Uncommon Goods customers and R29 readers alike can’t get enough of this music lover’s card deck. Prepare for pretty pocket-sized playing cards adorned with portraits of Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston, David Bowie, and more icons.
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Uncommon Goods Music Playing Cards, $, available at Uncommon Goods
Beautiful By Drew Barrymore 20-Piece Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set
Just when we thought Drew Barrymore couldn’t top her $130 12-piece ceramic nonstick cookware set, the critically-acclaimed actress debuted a 20-piece ceramic nonstick cookware set for only $120. And, of course, a myriad of reader purchases followed suit.
Shop Walmart
Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 20pc Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set, $, available at Walmart
InGoodTaste Uncommon Grapes
According to our anonymous shopping data, many readers will be sipping on InGoodTaste’s collection of award-winning wines all winter long. In general, people love the brand for its affordability, unique wine selection, and access to fun digital tasting rooms.
Shop InGoodTaste
In Good Taste California Wine Mixer, $, available at In Good Taste
OmSom The Try ‘Em All Set
Introducing: a sampler pack of Asian sauces that’ll take your rice or noodle bowl to the absolute next level. The Try ‘Em All Set gives you a taste of everything your heart could desire, including vegan Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Filipino flavors, just to name a few.
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Omsom The Try ‘Em All Set, $, available at Omsom
Frisco Multi-Cat Fresh Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
Refinery29 readers’ kitty litter of choice? Frisco’s odor-eliminating scented clumping clay pack. Your furry friend (and your nose) will thank you.
Shop Chewy
Frisco Multi-Cat Fresh Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter, $, available at Chewy
LELO Sona 2 Cruise
LELO’s Sona 2 Cruise is where pleasure meets luxury. The best-selling clitoral vibe brings intense orgasms with its patented smart technology and wide suction. One on-site reviewer mentioned, “I have one of these already, and bought this one for a friend. We both had the same experience. Never have we ever seen the amount of orgasms and the intensity. Unbelievable.”
Shop LELO
LELO SONA 2 CRUISE, $, available at LELO
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Chin
Hero Cosmetics and its zit-zapping products continue to rescue complexions everywhere. This month, the brand launched a formidable new Mighty Patch crafted specifically for stubborn chin acne. According to our senior writer Karina Hoshikawa the strips are “truly game-changing for hormonal acne” and they “curb maskne.”
Shop Hero Cosmetics
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Face, $, available at Hero Cosmetics
Tower 28 BeachPlease Luminous Tinted Balm
The perfect luminous blush to give anyone that beachy glow during the winter months, no matter how far off enjoying a little sunshine may seem.
Shop Tower 28
Tower 28 BeachPlease Luminous Tinted Balm, $, available at Tower 28
Madewell Three-Piece Dotted Chain Necklace Set
Readers had their eyes on Madewell’s jewelry section in December — especially this three-piece necklace that effortlessly completes any outfit in a flash.
Shop Madewell
Madewell Three-Piece Dotted Chain Necklace Set, $, available at Madewell
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