As a shopping editor, I get infinite emails touting all of the latest and greatest product launches about to hit the market. And sometimes, products are so unique and niche that I don’t have the perfect place to include them. One of my favorite parts of writing and producing our Skimm Shopping newsletter is that I can create fun “grab bag” sections with a mix of everything. Think of this roundup as the long-form version of that.
A bodywash made with olive oil…
I know people have been talking about the skincare benefits of olive oil for awhile now, but I don’t have it in me to freely slather the pantry staple all over my body. I was recently pitched Wonder Valley, an olive oil-based brand that makes everything from shampoo to body scrubs. I’m the most excited about their shower gel. I’m always looking for something that’s hydrating and won’t leave my skin feeling tight. This one has notes of hinoki and cedar. ($32, Wonder Valley)
Limited-edition travel bundles from a brand we’ve loved for years…
I’ve raved about The Good Patch’s B12 patches for reviving me during sluggish periods. The wellness patch brand has now released three different travel bundles for adventure, everyday, and family trips. I have my eyes on the everyday one, as it includes my favorite B12 Awake patches, some depuffing eye gels, and melatonin patches for bedtime. Considering how much I travel, this bundle is ideal for keeping me on a solid routine, and I think it’d make a great gift for the holidays. ($30, The Good Patch)
A Shark Tank-approved Kindle strap that’s gone viral…
The Strapsicle is all the rage right now and in addition to seeing it in my inbox, I’ve seen it all over my social feeds. It’s a silicone strap that fits across your Kindle so that you can hold it in your hands for hours without dropping it or developing hand cramps. It comes in tons of different colors and sizes depending on your Kindle model. I’m convinced it’s going to be another “it” stocking stuffer of the season. ($20.99, Strapsicle)
A THC mixer to enjoy sans hangover…
Yes, you can drink over the holidays without feeling like garbage after. Brēz contains a low amount of THC, CBD, and nonpsychadelic mushrooms so you can feel calm with mental clarity. It’s subtle and has notes of lemon and elderflower. Customers rave about how relaxing it is and how well it takes the edge off. ($40/six cans, Brēz)
Some luxe hot chocolate just in time for the colder months…
PSA: Compartes, the Instagrammable chocolate bar brand, sells hot chocolate. This limited-edition batch is perfect for all the dark chocolate lovers since this blend is extra dark. The packaging is cute enough to gift as is, but I’m planning to buy some for myself as an end-of-day treat. ($17.95, Compartes)
The affordable Ugg dupe you probably forgot about…
Adulting is realizing that the dupe versions of Uggs are just as good. I was recently reminded of Bearpaw’s wool-blend-lined boots. They look pretty much the same as Uggs and are half the price. Worth it in my book. ($74.99, Bearpaw)
A makeup brush cleaner from a nostalgic brand…
Another perk of getting constant emails: being reminded of amazing brands from my middle school days. This brush cleaner from EcoTools is ideal for quick, weekly use. To use, just spray on the brush you want to clean and then swipe any residue away. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
Some superfood cookies for snacking on the go…
I’m always looking for new snacks to take with me. These cookies from Love + Chew are gluten-free, vegan, and have about 3 grams of protein. They come in four different flavors including banana bread, chocolate chia, cherry almond, and mocha chip, and are packed with ingredients like dates and almonds. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A brand that’ll make storing any important mementos easier…
I never know what to do with things like random paperwork, bills, receipts, and birthday cards. I was recently introduced to Savor, a brand that creates aesthetically pleasing keepsake boxes to store pretty much anything. I’m currently eyeing their Folio Document Organizer and “In Case I Go Missing” Binder. It’s an unsexy product you wouldn’t think of, but will actually keep you far more prepared and organized in the long run. I think these would make fantastic registry gifts, too. (Price varies by style, Savor)
A spray-anywhere deodorant…
This product from Curie is bound to be your next gym-bag essential. It has warm notes of vanilla, is aluminum-free, and is safe for sensitive skin. Spray it anywhere you sweat to deodorize. The best part? It doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue. ($16, Curie)
A gel manicure system that doesn’t require actual polish…
Being left-handed, painting my own nails is never going to happen. I recently came across this new system from Livi Beauty. It comes with thin polish strips you apply and shape like press-ons, and then cure under the brand’s less-damaging UV light (that’s lower wattage than most salons). If you’re a gel-loyalist, but hate painting your own nails, this is a must. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A mini skincare set from Bubble…
My favorite part about the pre-holiday season is when brands come out with all the mini versions of their products. That way, I can try before I buy the full size, and I can pack premium travel-sized products. This set from Bubble is $30 for six deluxe samples. You’ll get a couple of moisturizers, an eye cream, a serum, a sleep mask, and a cleanser. ($30, Bubble Skincare)
A backup pair of underwear…
As a shopping editor, there are moments when I think to myself how genius a company is — and Panic Panties is that. You never know when you’re going to need a spare pair of underwear, and there’s something about the discrete packaging that makes taking an extra pair on the go feel easy and practical. Keep one in your car, your bag, or your suitcase. You can pick from three different styles, too. PS: They even carry the brand at select CVS locations. ($13, Panic Panties)
The return of Neom’s classic Cozy Nights candle…
I discovered this candle last year and it smells exactly how it sounds. It’s warm and cozy with notes of frankincense, nutmeg, and sandalwood. This year, it’s been updated to have a chic striped vessel. It’s the perfect gift for a friend who enjoys a night in. ($42, Dermstore)
A brand new lip oil from RMS Beauty…
These Legendary Lip Oils are pretty much everything I want in a lip gloss. They have a color payoff that isn’t too strong, plus they’re hydrating and comfortable on the lips without being too oily. My favorite is the clear version with a slight shimmer. ($25, Ulta)
A new shoulder bag from Dagne Dover…
Sometimes you need a no-frills shoulder bag. The Nora from Dagne Dover definitely checks that box. It’s made of the brand’s iconic neoprene material and comes in seven colors. I’m the most excited about the limited-edition Spice color, and I love that there’s an exterior slot for your phone, along with an AirPods pouch. ($110, Dagne Dover)
Art kits for all ages…
By the end of the week, the last thing I want is to be near a screen. So when I discovered Tangerine’s unique art kits, I knew that I needed to feature them here. They have everything from clay and printmaking kits to mixed media and plaster ones. They even have some sensory play options for kids. I’m into this fruit and veggies clay kit, which I’d turn into magnets. ($38, Tangerine)
The latest trending digital photo frame…
Between being pitched this and seeing it in action at my boyfriend’s parents’ house, I can attest that the Aura frame is the real deal. Not only does it look like a real picture frame (not those overly digitized, plasticky looking ones), but its corresponding app makes it super easy to upload photos. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but it’s worth it for anyone who loves family photos. (Price varies by style, Aura)
A cashmere cardigan sweater under $100…
2024 is the year of Quince sweaters. It feels like every influencer and their mother (literally), has a cashmere sweater from Quince — and it makes complete sense. The quality is amazing and the price is even better. Button-down cardigans are majorly trending this year, whether worn as a top or layered. I love this one from the brand. It’s soft and will last for years to come. ($79.90, Quince)
A pricier sweat set that’s worth it…
I recently got to test out these new Vintage Interloop sweats from Buck Mason, and they’re officially the greatest sweats I’ve ever tried. The joggers and the sweatshirt are both around $100 each (which isn’t ideal), but the quality and cut are unmatched. Because they’re nicer sweats, I feel put together wearing them. So far their softness has surpassed multiple washes. If you’re looking to invest in one set that you’ll have for years to come, these are it.
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