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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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).
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."
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."
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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.
