As the year comes to a close, it's a great opportunity to look back on the memories we made (good or bad) and consider what we'd like to improve on next year. And while this time of year is about being grateful and nostalgic, we can't help but think back on the products that we've tried that made improvements to our daily routines or just made our days a little brighter.
Whether it's a new coffee maker that kept us buzzing on busy mornings or that viral hair product we finally got around to trying, we can't say it was a bad year for shopping. Now with the year nearly all wrapped up, we're taking a look back at our favorite purchases and spilling on what really stood out this year. Read on to see our favorite finds of 2024.
What Shop TODAY editors bought in 2024
Command Medium Clear Wall Hooks
Never underestimate the power of a small wall hook. I have been decorating and updating my space and am always looking for renter-friendly options to spruce it up. That's when I turn to these (or this fancier version) when I want to hang something small like a frame or painting.
Orvis Rechargeable Safety Collar
I got this for my pup, Charlie, at the beginning of the year to make our evening walks a little safer. It’s rechargeable and has multiple color settings that make for a fun walk that I can feel good about, especially in the darker winter months.
Phlur Vanilla Skin Deodorant
I am really into scents and since finding out that one of my favorite perfume brands came out with a deodorant, it's been my go-to. I love the sweet scent it has and have worn it on the plane, to work and various other places and have never had any issues. It also layers well with my other scents and using it adds a little self-care moment when I'm getting ready.
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
Social media video producer Anita Chomenko says she was late to get in on the trend of lip balms and butters, but now that she's fully on the bandwagon, she raves about this Summer Fridays viral butter balm. She's already nearly finished one tube and is planning to repurchase it.
"I Dream of Dinner (So You Don't Have To)," by Ali Slagle
Senior editor Jess Bender picked up this book this year as a way to challenge herself with new recipes. However, after a long day she often doesn't want to put in the effort a lot of meals require which is why this became a top find for her.
"Recipe developer Ali Slagle has come up with dozens of 'low-effort, high-reward' recipes that look and taste like a lot more work than they actually are (like the genius French Onion White Bean Bake, which I make about twice a month). I bought this on deal earlier this year, but this has quickly become one of my top three most referenced cookbooks in my sprawling collection," Bender raves.
Wilderton Citrus Aperitivo
For those days when Bender wants a drink after work but doesn't want the headache that comes with it, she's been turning to this non-alcoholic mixer that has "vibrant notes like tangerine, coriander and yuzu [that] come through strong, almost as you're drinking a cup of sunshine." I'll drink to that in the winter any day.
Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
Writer Emma Stessman may be late to trying this viral product, but she's glad she gave it a shot because she's "noticed such a difference in my hair." The "supernatural" spray is meant to work as a heat-activated frizz-fighting solution that many Shop TODAY editors can't get enough of. When it comes to Stessman's golden tresses, she says "it tends to be pretty prone to frizz and this makes it smoother and much easier to manage."
DecoBrothers Crystal Tempered Glass Vertuo Pod Holder
Writer Jannely Espinal has also been finding ways to make her home feel more cozy and organized which is why she picked up this Vertuo Pod holder for her coffee area. Not only does it store the coffee pods, but it also elevates the machine making it a space-saver too.
Spin Master Games, Mind the Gap Deluxe Trivia Game, Board Game for All Generations
For associate editor Allie Wise, this year has been about getting more playful and that includes a lot of board games. She's gifted many and notes that this one "is great for playing with family over the holidays and includes questions from every generation, from Gen Z to boomers."
Owala FreeSip Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is always a goal year-round and for editorial operations manager Jill Ortiz, it’s become easier with this award-winning water bottle. It has a covered spout and is insulated to keep her drinks hot or cold on the go.
Marine Layer Lexi Rib Mock Neck Top
As far as fashion finds go, we like to pick up some basics throughout the year and Bender found this stylish mock neck that she finds herself always reaching for. "Mock necks deliver sophistication while not looking like they're gobbling you up like a turtleneck does. I have a few in my wardrobe, but my current favorite one is the ribbed number from Marine Layer that's ridiculously soft and gives just enough flattering stretch to accentuate my curves."
Patiphan Rechargeable Flameless Taper Candles with Charging Station
Another find I got this year was this set of rechargeable taper candles that have made coming home during the colder months a cozy welcoming hug. The remote-controlled candles can switch to be flickering or still and will last weeks without needing to be recharged.
Chemex 6-Cup Classic Coffeemaker
"I recently stayed with a friend who uses a Chemex coffee maker every morning instead of a drip or single-serve machine, and I absolutely loved how the coffee tasted. I immediately ordered one for myself," says senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil. Along with the coffee maker, she grabbed filters for it and says it's a great way for her to make better use of her Trade Coffee and Atlas Coffee Club memberships.
Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Pillow
Bender also has been loving this Tempur-Pedic pillow that she says has become a “couch nap staple.” According to the brand, it’s a multi-purpose option that’s great for travel since it has a carrying strap and washable cover.
Ylyyhh Leather Tote Bag
When looking for a new tote bag this year, I had a few design elements in mind it needed to check off. It needed to be spacious, affordable, all black and to have a stylish look which this one easily embodied. I have been using it for work and weekend activities and it has never failed me. I love how it came with a little pouch, but my favorite part about this bag is how it's withstood a lot of elements (even a few rainstorms) and is still in great condition.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Giving her inner kid some attention, Bender has been picking up her Nintendo Switch and playing Animal Crossing when she wants a little therapeutic break that doesn’t include scrolling on her phone.
Canon Pixma TS6430a All-In-One Wireless Inkjet Printer
Chomenko has also invested in a new printer this year which she credits for saving her money and time. "I’ve used it to print my wedding menus, stickers, sewing patterns that are 60 pages long, Etsy digital downloads and more!" Chomenko says.
H&M Double-Breasted Coat
Stessman picked up a version similar to this one from H&M earlier this season and it’s already become her go-to because of how warm it keeps her and how many compliments it attracts.
Buffy Wiggle Pillow
Like Bender, I have been looking for ways to make the most of my naps and this wiggle pillow has become like an emotional support pillow that I carry from the bed to my couch on a regular basis. As somebody who’s never had a body pillow before, I was surprised by how quickly I took to it and what a difference it has made in my sleep. It’s so good, I have a few friends who now have their eye on it for themselves.
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Oversized V-neck sweater
When it comes to winter dressing, a great sweater is a staple, but the really good ones can last you years (maybe even decades). Shop TODAY editorial assistant Annie Shigo owns this Quince one and mentions, "This is the sweater I have been looking for! It is so hard to find an oversized sweater that doesn't look like you are swimming in it, but this cashmere one from Quince falls just right. I wear it at least 2 times a week." With over 100 five-star reviews, purchasers are fans of not only the quality of the cashmere but also the price.
KitchenAid Go Cordless Kitchen Vacuum
Living in a smaller space with a dog means dust and hair can collect quickly, which is why this might be my most-used product of 2024. It comes with a rechargeable battery and is compact enough that I can get dust off the counter or the floor in seconds. It's also quiet and easy to clean which makes it such a game-changer in my world.
Garmin Forerunner 55
"I've tried a number of fitness trackers, but this one is by far the most helpful for runners," says Stessman.
After running a marathon last year, Stessman has continued her training in preparation for the Chicago marathon next year and this has been a helpful tool. "Not only does it let you track the basics, like workout time and distance, but it also gives you real-time pace updates so that you can track and adjust your pace to meet your goals. I'm not someone who likes to get notifications to my smartwatch, so I like that you can turn that off (and the option is there, if that's what you want)."
How we chose
To determine our top picks of 2024, I spoke with the Shop TODAY team to learn about their favorite purchases and top finds. Throughout the year, we log our initial impressions on the products that we try and regularly maintain updates on reviews as our personal use of the product continues so we can ultimately provide honest, thorough, well-rounded opinions.
The Flat Lay Co. Flat Lay Makeup Bag
The Flat Lay Co. Flat Lay Makeup Bag