For us, December shopping served two very different purposes: finding the perfect last-minute gifts for the people in our lives who are hard to buy for, and navigating all the year-end sales that are worth it. to make money for ourselves. And while we may not be making any big New Year’s resolutions, our shopping carts were full of products that not only promise to start 2025 in the right mood, but also make the gloomy winter months ahead a little brighter make.
Using the anonymous shopping data from our Most Wanted stories, our readers have proven that great minds really do think alike. Topping the bestseller list were fashion and beauty items that protect against falling temperatures and humidity, as well as thoughtful gifts that definitely deserve big compliments (and won’t gather dust in your recipient’s closet).
Below, we round up the most popular products from this whirlwind month, according to our stylish and savvy readers. The best part? Some of these December must-haves are on sale.
All linked products are independently selected by our editorial team. If you purchase one of these products, we may receive a commission.
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The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum
Our British beauty director called The Inkey List’s latest serum her secret weapon for combating winter skin dryness and flakiness. It contains ectoine, an antioxidant that repairs the skin’s natural barrier.
Business The Inkey List
The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum, $, available at The Inkey List
Nocturne one-shoulder midi dress
We’re confident many of our readers rocked this chic number at their New Year’s Eve parties last month, considering it practically flew off digital shelves in our roundup of the Nordstrom winter sale. The figure-hugging silhouette and off-the-shoulder neckline – accented by a silver-tone sculptural brooch – make this dress a standout among holiday dresses.
Business Nordstrom
nocturne One-Shoulder Midi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
Aura Carver Digital Photo Frame
This Wi-Fi connected picture frame was an absolute favorite in our gift guides. It displays both photos and videos in a slideshow—just the kind of gift that will make a loved one laugh or get emotional (or both).
Business aura
Aura frame Carver Mat, $, available from Aura Frames
Motorhome Casi Myra Flat
Ballerina flats have shown no signs of slowing down as a shoe trend in 2025. Our readers have been taking these leather square-toe flats everywhere with them, highly praised for their stretchy leather material and quiet, flexible soles.
Business Nordstrom
camper Casi Myra Flat, $, available at Nordstrom
FP Movement foldable carabiner bottle
You can never have too many water bottles – especially when you can fold them up to save space and attach them to the outside of your gym bag.
Business Free people
FP movement Collapsible Carabiner Flask, $, 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 lush material that’s reminiscent of a Y2K tracksuit but with a much more elevated feel.
Business Lululemon
Lululemon Define Jacket Velvet, $, available at Lululemon
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Waffle Knit Throw
It’s not a cozy time of year if you’re not curled up under the softest, coziest blanket possible. This waffle knit throw is lightweight and excellent at retaining heat. Many reviewers give it five stars.
Business Nordstrom
BAREFOOT DREAMS® CozyChic Waffle Knit Throw, $, available at Nordstrom
Chanel Diamond Dust Oversize Glow Powder
Have you ever wondered how A-listers get the shapeliest, most dazzling cheekbones? Aside from the excellent genetics, many have been helped by Chanel Beauty’s best-selling highlighter powder, which adds the most beautiful glitter particles to the highlights of your face.
Business 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 its unique, sculptural design that will amaze you.
Business Jenny Bird
Jenny Bird Colette Hoop Earrings, $, available at Jenny Bird
Sam Edelman crop zip puffer jacket
Finding a good quilted jacket that keeps you warm – without giving the impression that you’re wearing the entire duvet – is no easy task. Currently 33% off, this short style is a real eye-catcher in a stylish shade of red that’s anything but boring.
Business Nordstrom
Sam Edelman Crop Zip Puffer Jacket, $, available at Nordstrom
Ghia Holiday Host Box
Even though the gift-giving season is over, this gourmet box is still at the top of our shopping list and makes the ideal housewarming or dinner party gift. It includes a bottle of Le Fizz, Ghia’s sweet and fizzy mixer – just in time for Dry January.
Business Ghia
Ghia Holiday Host Box, $, available at Ghia
Minor History The Line leather shoulder bag
The new year calls for a re-evaluation of your collection of mini wallets. This minimalist ’90s-inspired crossbody bag is the perfect addition, as the silver colorway looks great with just about anything.
Business Smaller story
Smaller story The Line Leather Crossbody Bag, $, available at Minor History
Augustinus Bader x Sofia Coppola The tinted lip balm
Legendary film director Sofia Coppola enters the beauty world with a tinted lip balm modeled after her favorite Paris drugstore lipstick that’s been out of stock for a long time. The star ingredient is Augustinus Bader’s TFC8®, a proprietary blend of vitamins and lipids that stimulates skin regeneration and collagen production.
Business Nordstrom
Augustinus Bader x Sofia Coppola The Tinted Lip Balm, $, available at Nordstrom
Tushy bamboo stool
This elegant toilet stool raises your feet to a higher position, better suited for doing your business smoothly. It’s the perfect home purchase to support your 2025 health goals.
Business Tushy
Tushy Ottoman, $, available at Tushy
Portable Christmas tree candle from DS & Durga
Even though we are now firmly in the new calendar year, we still long for the comforting smells of crackling fireplaces and pine trees. This warm and spicy candle reminds us of both.
Business Nordstrom
DS & Durga Portable Christmas Tree Candle, $, available at Nordstrom
Do you like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness here?
The Abercrombie & Fitch sale will refresh your closet
The Nordstrom Semi-Annual Sale is here
Reformation’s winter sale is back
