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.
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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.
Shop The Inkey List
The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum, $, available at The Inkey List
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.
Shop Nordstrom
Nocturne One-Shoulder Midi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
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).
Shop Aura
Aura Frames Carver Mat, $, available at Aura Frames
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.
Shop Nordstrom
Camper Casi Myra Flat, $, available at Nordstrom
One can never own too many water bottles — especially when they can be folded down to save space and clipped onto the exterior of your gym bag.
Shop Free People
FP Movement Collapsible Carabiner Bottle, $, available at Free People
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.
Shop Lululemon
Lululemon Define Jacket Velvet, $, available at Lululemon
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.
Shop Nordstrom
BAREFOOT DREAMS® CozyChic Waffle Knit Throw, $, available at Nordstrom
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.
Shop Chanel
Chanel Beauty Diamond Dust Oversize Illuminating Powder, $, available at Chanel
This oversized pair is our new favorite gold hoop earring thanks to an unique, sculptural design that’ll make you do a double take.
Shop Jenny Bird
Jenny Bird Colette Hoop Earrings, $, available at Jenny Bird
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.
Shop Nordstrom
Sam Edelman Crop Zip Puffer Jacket, $, available at Nordstrom
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.
Shop Ghia
Ghia Holiday Host Box, $, available at Ghia
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.
Shop Minor History
Minor History The Line Leather Shoulder Bag, $, available at Minor History
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.
Shop Nordstrom
Augustinus Bader x Sofia Coppola The Tinted Lip Balm, $, available at Nordstrom
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.
Shop Tushy
Tushy Ottoman, $, available at Tushy
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.
Shop Nordstrom
D.S. & Durga Portable Xmas Tree Candle, $, available at Nordstrom
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Abercrombie & Fitch Sale Will Refresh Your Closet
The Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale Is Here
Reformation’s Winter Sale Is Back
This article was originally published on refinery29.com.
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