We write about hundreds of products every week. Here, in our version of the Sunday circular, we’ve plucked some of our recent favorites: expert-recommended essentials, life-changing stuff you didn’t know you needed, newly launched gizmos, and very good deals we uncovered while trawling the vast online-shopping universe — including the portable speaker Leslie Odom Jr. takes everywhere, the sun hat Dan Wilson wears during his band’s sound checks, and the practical goodies Amy Sedaris suggests giving to a brother who only likes his dog (and a younger sister who lives in Los Angeles).
The whipped butter Anthony Anderson applies all over
When Samuel L. Jackson texts you to tell you that your ankles are ashy (even if it’s a joke), it’s time to get serious about moisturizing. At least, that’s what actor and comedian Anthony Anderson did. He picked up a tub of this body butter at CVS and is now “properly moisturized” whenever he goes out: “It feels good, and it’s not greasy. And it lasts the entire day. My knuckles, elbows, knees, and heels stay properly moisturized throughout the day.”
A fake pink Christmas tree that pops from 50 feet away
Ivy Pochoda decided to purchase this 7.5-foot-tall pink Christmas tree after going through a divorce two years ago, and she has created a new tradition of decorating it with yards of silver garlands and dozens of vintage Christopher Radko, Shiny Brite, and Kurt Adler ornaments. “It was unique, beautiful, ridiculous, charming, and totally mine,” she writes — and her friend Lisa can’t wait to come over and decorate with the pink tree again this year.
Non-ugly snow boots (that are Chris Black–approved)
The latest edition of Chris Black’s column sees him answering a reader’s query about warm shoes for snow and slush that aren’t ugly. Black says technical footwear that looks good and protects the foot is always in short supply, and these are “the best Salomons on the market.” They are fully waterproof with zippers up the front to keep the elements out, and they have a rugged sole to prevent slippage. “If you live in Canada, the Northeast, or Alaska, you need a pair of these in your closet,” Black says.
The powerful mini speaker Leslie Odom Jr. discovered from his barber
Leslie Odom Jr., who currently stars in the Broadway show Purlie Victorious, takes this speaker with him everywhere — including his dressing room. “It’s fantastic and durable and pretty loud for its size,” Odom says. Plus, “It’s also not too expensive, so it’s not something that you have to guard with your life.”
A scrunchie for those dreaming of their first pony
With horse girls like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid having a moment, fellow horse girl Madeleine Carey rounded up the best gifts for the equine-obsessed. Her list of must-have items includes actual paddock boots, equestrian books, and this horse-adorned scrunchie that Carey describes as, “Exactly what 8-year-old you hopes 38-year-old you is wearing.”
The items Amy Sedaris would gift a dog-owning 74-year-old brother (and an L.A.-based sister turning 65)
Amy Sedaris is here to provide gift suggestions for all your tough-to-shop-for recipients this holiday season. For a brother who likes fine art (and his dog), she recommends this good-looking rope leash or a Diptyque candle to cover up pet odor. And for a know-everything younger sister living in Los Angeles, a bag of Santa Maria Novella potpourri will do: “She can poke holes in the bag with an ice pick and leave it in her car to make it smell nice,” since people in L.A. are always in their cars.
The broad-brimmed hat that makes Dan Wilson look like a “Silicon Valley, big-shot investor guy”
Songwriter and producer Dan Wilson counts this sun hat among his must-have items and refers to it as “a triumph of design.” Wilson, who lives in California, says the brim is mesh, but an opaque layer of cloth prevents ultraviolet rays from shining through onto his face. “I’ve been given enough warnings by doctors to not fuck around with the sun’s radiation,” he says.
A Canal Street–inspired tote for in-the-know New Yorker in your life
We recently announced New York’s collaboration with Knickerbocker and the release of their new collection, which draws inspiration from the souvenir kiosks around the brand’s flagship store on Canal Street. Featuring hand-drawn illustrations mixed with our logo and printed on some of Knickerbocker’s signature pieces, the drop includes a classic pocket T-shirt, a fleece polo, and this heavy-duty tote that’s produced with Steele Canvas in Massachusetts and emblazoned with a hand-drawn yellow cab. You can shop the complete inventory at Knickerbocker’s online boutique and in-store at 357 Canal Street (and it’d make a great gift for the wayward New Yorker in your life).
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
