As we wrap up the year, we can't help but look back at all our favorite memories ... shopping memories, that is! From the latest and greatest launches to new-to-us finds, this year was quite eventful for our editors. Because shopping is part of the job, let's just say we did a lot of research and personal testing while sourcing products for our audience.
From shoes to lipsticks, we're sharing the products that made our year a little better and why we love them below.
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Shop TODAY editor favorite beauty finds
"This is my favorite lip balm ever," raves associate editor Kamari Stewart-Jackson. "The hydration lasts longer than any other lip balm I've ever tried and it leaves behind the perfect level of shine. It's stickier than most balms which is a turn off for some, but I love it — especially for the winter time."
Earlier this year, we held our first-ever beauty and lifestyle event, Stages, and that is where deputy editorial director Alexandra Deabler found this under-eye cream. "It’s gentle and not drying, but I can tell a difference after having used it for almost six months at this point," says Deabler.
These eye patches are a staple for Stewart-Jackson. "As someone who works full-time, is in grad school and ran my first marathon this year, my number one goal at all times is simply to never look as tired as I actually am. These eye patches help make that a reality."
Associate editor Shannon Garlin loved this new find so much, that she wrote a whole story about it! "I applied it before work, and during that time, I drank water, coffee and ate lunch. The color held up for most of the day, not starting to fade until mid-afternoon. I also like that it didn’t leave marks on my mug or straw either," Garlin says of the viral find.
Writer Emma Stessman wasn't the only one who had trouble getting her hands on this viral lip treatment, saying, "This lip treatment was almost impossible to get when it launched earlier this year; it kept selling out! But when I finally got my hands on it, I understood why." She loves it because it keeps her lips hydrated all day and also serves as a gloss that she can pair with a lip tint or lipstick.
I spend a lot of my time on #perfumetok and have a lot of opinions on scent and perfumes. This recent launch from Kayali stole my attention as soon as I sprayed it on my wrist. Warm and lush, it’s a beautiful blend of sandalwood and vanilla, which I didn’t expect to love so much. Although it’s a little sweeter than the scents I usually wear, the scent has quickly become my go-to.
Body mists reigned supreme throughout the year, dominating Google trends and TikTok. I [Moon] also fell in love with the mists, especially the selection from Phlur. This scent in particular offers a warm embrace of vanilla layered with cashmere and sandalwood. It's also safe for use on the hair, making it a favorite for both warm and colder months.
As I mentioned, TikTok served as a guide for many of my selections, and this is another product I found while scrolling my FYP. I'm happy to report that it lives up to the hype, having gone through the full bottle — a rare feat for somebody who tests products for a living! I saw a noticeable change in my skin's softness after just a few weeks of use, and loved that it is fragrance-free, so I can wear any perfume over it and not have the scents clash.
Like you, we love a multi-purpose product and this one from Danessa Myricks took home not just a Beauty Award this year, but our hearts. Several Shop TODAY team members (myself included) rave about this new launch for its innovative design, beautiful color selection and lasting power. From the day I tried it, the shade Solar Flare has become my personal go-to every time I go out.
Stewart-Jackson loves to use the universal shade of this balm primer underneath her makeup. "I get really oily, really quickly, so having the right primer makes a world of difference in how long my makeup looks last. A little goes a long way with this one! I've been using it all year and just recently hit pan."
“I rarely use any lip products, so it’s high praise when I find one I like/use consistently,” says associate editor Allie Wise. After seeing it on a segment earlier this year, she gave it a try, and it’s become her go-to: “This balm goes on smoothly and feels great on the lips/is very natural-looking.”
This new launch stood out immediately when it came on the scene earlier this year. It acts as a heat protectant and a hair mist that keeps my hair smelling fresh all day. I have thin/fine hair and am cautious about the products I use so as not weigh it down, and this heat protectant mist offers me two products in one that doesn't leave my hair feeling heavy.
Shop TODAY editor favorite home finds
"There were several times in the last year, where I couldn’t muster the energy to cook a full-blown meal due to my energy being completely wiped out for various reasons. Instead of shelling out $30 minimum for my go-to Indian takeout order, I found solace in quickly heating up one of Brooklyn Delhi’s already-made meal pouches to warm up my stomach and spirits," says deputy managing editor Jess Bender. She adds that "It not only packs a major flavor punch with a minimal ingredient list, but a pouch (along with some homemade rice) is much kinder to my wallet in the long run."
“I know I’m not alone in loving the Ayoh mayo line and I can confirm it’s worth every penny,” says production coordinator Camryn Privette. “I love the Hot Giardinayo and Dijonayo for elevating my sandwiches. I’ve even used them to coat chicken and it’s so delicious. Obsessed!”
Stewart-Jackson discovered these lightly-puffed snacks earlier this year and instantly became obsessed with them. "The flavor is there and they're perfect for when you're craving an afternoon snack but don't want anything too heavy."
Stewart-Jackson used this electric spice mill for the first time earlier this year and couldn't believe she hadn't used one sooner! "It's so easy to just pop the different pods in and out, which is especially convenient when I only have one free hand when I'm seasoning meats. My husband and I both love the built-in light it has that'll show you exactly where you're seasoning."
For Stessman, another notable find that stood out this year was a protein powder from Ballerina Farms. When asked about what makes it so special, Stessman says that "So many of the ones on the market are overly sweet, but this one isn’t (it’s still really tasty though) and I love that I recognize all of the ingredients."
From a filtered shower head to a humidifier, I've collected a few Canopy products over the years. This new launch is the latest to enter my home as I work on making it smell and feel more elevated. While there are a lot of air purifiers on the market, this one works for me because it meets the HEPA requirements I want while blending into my decor.
"I can tell I’m getting older since I wanted a ‘fancier’ trash/recycling bin and this one is top-shelf," says Privette. What makes this one stand out to Privette outside of its aesthetic appeal is its smart design, noting that, "The trash bags are stored conveniently inside and there is even a spot for a scent diffuser so nothing stinks."
Shop TODAY editor favorite fashion finds
This year, like virtually every other year for the last decade, there’s been a lot of discourse over jeans. From the barrel style to the potential comeback of skinny jeans, we saw it all. For Privette, “These jeans were on constant re-wear this year.” What makes these jeans special is that they’re both loose and flattering at the same time.
“Literally wearing these as I type. These shoes have taken over my life, and I wear them literally everywhere: Pilates, the grocery store, the wine bar the other night (not joking)!” says Privette. She adds that “They’re great for both indoor and outdoor use since they have the hard outsole. They keep your feet warm without being too hot, and they’re just so cute.”
Stewart-Jackson gets nervous about straying from her favorite jean brands, but she was really impressed with this pair from Frame: "I was really worried it wouldn't be true to size but was both surprised and delighted by how stretchy they are, while still managing to look structured. The bootcut is perfect for pairing with a pointed heel or a boot."
Stessman ran another marathon this year, so she's tried out a lot of shoes in the training process. One that stood out? This new launch from Hoka. "I’ve been a fan of the Clifton’s for a while and these came out earlier this year. I love that this model feels plusher and bouncier than ever. They’re great for both walks and runs," says Stessman.
I tested these out earlier this year as part of the Shop TODAY Travel Awards, and months later, I am still reaching for these every chance I get. They're the most lightweight pair of shoes I own, and the comfort they offer is just as good today as it was the first day I put them on. Not once have I had a blister or any foot pain, no matter how much I walk, and I average 10,000 steps a day.
"I’m trying to be more mindful with the type of clothes I’m buying by paying closer attention to construction and materials in hopes that they’ll last me for a long time," says Bender. "I came across this utility dress during my hunt and fell hard for the cinched waist, oversized sleeves and the cotton canvas material. When it finally arrived, I found more things to love about it — mainly the way its length made my legs look longer and the super deep pockets that were large enough to hold my giant Owala bottle when I had no hands to spare," Bender adds.
This year was undoubtedly the year of the shoe for our team. While we often opted for comfort from our sneakers, when it came time to get dressed up, we didn't abandon it for our evening selects. These boots were a top find for me thanks to their elevated style and short heel, which allows me to feel put-together without feeling like I'm walking on stilts. They pair well with office attire and take me through the weekend without so much as a blister.
Shop TODAY editor favorite tech finds
"I've known about the HP Sprocket printers for years, but this year with the first time I've ever owned one and I can't believe how long I've gone without it," says Stewart-Jackson. "I got married this year and got a dog, so there's been lots of photo-worthy moments that I've wanted to frame and this printer makes it so easy. I've even been able to use it to print my passport photo!"
Writer Jannely Espinal also ran a marathon this year (her first!) and spent a lot of time outdoors trying out new headphones. “These have become my favorite pair of earbuds to wear during a run. The sound quality is superior, and you can also make calls with ease,” says Espinal of the new headphones.
The Shop TODAY team is full of avid readers who have tried a variety of e-readers. “After my other e-reader started being glitchy earlier this year, I made the switch to a Kobo. The page turns are super smooth, and I love the buttons. It’s also so easy to load library books onto,“ says Stessman.
Along with testing a lot of sneakers, Stessman did a fair amount of research into tech this year. One product that stood out was the Apple Watch. She says that "The new Apple Watch 11 really impressed me, thanks to its increased battery life and improved health insights. I can sometimes go over a day and a half without charging (if I put on low power mode) and it can even give you hypertension notifications."
Espinal also found this product helpful in her marathon training, saying, "This compression device has helped me with recovery after long runs. It’s my go-to device when I need a fast recovery and massage for pain relief."
We all have resolutions at the beginning of the year, and sometimes we're able to find a product that helps us achieve them. One of mine was to be more mindful and to improve my focus, which is where this nifty gadget comes in. It's paired with an app that allows me to set aside time to work on meditation, mindfulness and improving my breathing by sensing my brainwave activity. I love that I am able to track my progress and how much more clear-headed I have felt over the course of the year.
Shop TODAY favorite gift finds
For fans of the TV show “Survivor,” this game — which launched this year — is a must-have. I, along with a few other team members, obsess over the show each season, so having a board game to play in the off-season (developed with Jeff Probst) for a chance to outwin, outplay and outlast, is an absolute treat.
For Bender, the product that stood out most this year was this viral toy: “My favorite toy launch of the year: Maggie the sassy cow with the super long eyelashes. Have you seen anything cuter?” The interactive toy will moo, drink from her bottle and follow your lead, making her a great gift for the little ones in your life.
This year marks the return of Furby, but not in the way you remember the chatty toy. This time, it's bigger and bolder ... and longer? Yes, you read that right! This 32-inch musical version of the toy grabbed my attention not just because of its ludicrous shape, but it has a lot more innovations built in. With songs, games and a lot of fun, I know the kids in my life will be thrilled to unwrap this gift from me — if I am able to part ways with it.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We carefully curated this list based on our editors’ recommendations and products with consistently high ratings. We examined products that we've encountered over the course of 2025 to review both new launches and new-to-us products that stood out.
Laura Geller The Baked Starter Kit
Laura Geller The Baked Starter Kit