To us, December shopping served two very distinct purposes: to track down the perfect last-minute gifts for the hard-to-shop-for people in our lives, and to navigate all the year-end sales worth splurging on for ourselves. And, while we’re not big on making new year’s resolutions, our carts were loaded with products that promise to not just start 2025 on the right note, but also make the gloomy winter months ahead a little brighter.
Based on the anonymous shopping data from our Most Wanted stories, our readers proved that great minds do think alike. Topping the leaderboard of bestsellers were fashion and beauty staples to ward off dropping temperatures and humidity, alongside thoughtful gifts that definitely earned some major compliments (and will not be collecting dust in your giftee’s storage cabinet).
Ahead, we’re rounding 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.
Our UK Beauty Director named The Inkey List’s newest serum her secret weapon for combating skin dehydration and flakiness in the winter. It contains ectoin, an antioxidant effective at repairing the skin’s natural barrier.
The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum, $, available at The Inkey 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 our Nordstrom winter sale roundup. The body-skimming silhouette and off-the-shoulder neckline — accentuated by a silver tone sculptural brooch — make this a head-turner of a holiday dress.
Nocturne One-Shoulder Midi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
Aura Carver Digital Picture Frame
This Wifi-connected photo frame was the runaway favorite from our gift guides. It displays both photos and videos in a slideshow — absolutely the kind of present that will make a loved one laugh out loud or get emotional (or both).
Aura Frames Carver Mat, $, available at Aura Frames
Camper Casi Myra Flat
Ballet flats have shown no signs of slowing down as a shoe trend in 2025. Our readers have been bagging these square-toe leather flats left and right, which have been highly praised for their stretchy leather material and quiet, flexible soles.
FP Movement Collapsible Carabiner Bottle, $, available at Free People
Lululemon Define Jacket Velvet
We have never met a Lululemon Define Jacket we didn’t like. The brand’s newest update to this workout staple features a lush material that reminds us of a Y2K tracksuit, but with a much more elevated vibe.
Lululemon Define Jacket Velvet, $, available at Lululemon
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Waffle Knit Throw
It’s not cozy season if you’re not burrowing yourself under the softest and snuggliest blanket possible. This waffle-knit throw is lightweight and excellent at retaining warmth, with many reviewers awarding it five stars.
BAREFOOT DREAMS® CozyChic Waffle Knit Throw, $, 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? Excellent genetics aside, many have had a helping hand from Chanel Beauty’s bestselling highlighter powder, which adds the prettiest dusting of sparkles to the high points of your face.
Jenny Bird Colette Hoop Earrings, $, available at Jenny Bird
Sam Edelman Crop Zip Puffer Jacket
Finding a good puffer jacket that keeps you toasty — without looking like you’re wearing the whole duvet — is no easy feat. Currently at 33% off, this cropped number manages to pull it off, in a stylish shade of red that’s anything but boring.
Sam Edelman Crop Zip Puffer Jacket, $, available at Nordstrom
Ghia Holiday Host Box
While gifting season is done and dusted, this foodie box still makes the top of our shopping list as the ideal housewarming or dinner party present. It includes a bottle of Le Fizz, Ghia’s sweet and zingy mixer — just in time for Dry January.
The new year calls for a reassessment of your collection of mini purses. This minimalist, 90s-inspired sling bag makes for the perfect addition, given how the silver colorway looks good with practically anything.
Minor History The Line Leather Shoulder Bag, $, available at Minor History
Augustinus Bader x Sofia Coppola The Tinted Lip Balm
Legendary film director Sofia Coppola has entered the beauty world with a tinted lip balm that recreates her favorite Paris drugstore lipstick which had long been discontinued. The star ingredient is Augustinus Bader’s TFC8®, a proprietary blend of vitamins and lipids that help trigger skin regeneration and collagen production.
Augustinus Bader x Sofia Coppola The Tinted Lip Balm, $, available at Nordstrom
Tushy Bamboo Ottoman
This sleek toilet stool elevates your feet to a higher position that’s better for, well, conducting your business smoothly. It’s the perfect home purchase to aid your 2025 health goals.
Even though we’re now firmly in the new calendar year, we’re still craving the comforting aromas of crackling fireplaces and pine trees. This warm and spicy candle reminds us of both.
