What Strategist Readers Are Buying: Cozy Joggers and Dopp Kits

Earlier this month, we spoke with trend forecasters who predicted that the Skyrocket Blume Doll would be the most popular gift for kids this holiday season. It looks like they were spot-on, as the doll shot to first place. Adrienne Appell, senior director of communications at the Toy Association, says the doll — which starts out looking like a potted plant and comes with a little watering can — is a new take on the “surprise toy” trend, in that you don’t know what exactly you’re going to get until you open it. “The hair of the doll is made of slow-rise foam,” Appell says, “and when you water the ‘plant’ it looks as if your doll is blooming from the pot.”

After five consecutive first-place finishes, this electric toothbrush got bumped to second on our last list, and it remains there this week. It’s a favorite of dentists, Amazon reviewers, and, clearly, our readers, as it’s made our list 11 times now. The pros like that it both rotates and oscillates (vibrates) to clean teeth and remove plaque. And one reviewer raves: “This toothbrush leaves my teeth feeling like they’ve been power-washed.”

Now that the weather is getting colder, it makes sense that lots of you are stocking up on this thick cream for both face and body that dermatologists recommend for dry skin. Derms also like it for mature skin, or anyone dealing with the drying effects of taking Accutane. Experts say it replenishes ceramides, natural lipids that are often missing in dry skin. It’s also “fragrance-free, so it is suitable for those with sensitive skin and doesn’t feel greasy.” And it’s budget-friendly. It holds down its third-place spot for the second time in a row.

This moisturizer is rich in ceramides and hydrating hyaluronic acid and was rated the best-overall night cream when we polled dermatologists. According to one doctor we spoke with, “This is an excellent moisturizer for when the weather starts getting cold and your skin starts losing more moisture.” Other dermatologists say it’s just as effective as much more expensive creams.

This lightweight moisturizing gel first appeared on the list a few weeks ago, and it returns now as temperatures continue to drop. Experts recommend it for dry and mature skin, and since it’s not as heavy as a thick cream, those with oily skin tend to like it as well. The key ingredient is hyaluronic acid, which, as one dermatologist explains, “acts like a sponge to pull in water to the outer skin layer to hydrate and plump, even improving the appearance of some fine lines.”

A standout skin-care ingredient, vitamin C is credited with everything from diminishing fine lines and wrinkles to fading acne scars and brightening skin. Although the well-known (and very expensive) Skinceuticals version is deemed the “gold standard,” when Strategist writer Dominique Pariso asked dermatologists for their recommendations, she discovered this surprisingly affordable alternative. As Dominique learned, “In addition to skin-brightening L-ascorbic and ferulic acids, the serum also has a soothing botanical blend of aloe, grape, magnolia, and orange peel to give the skin an added dose of nourishment.” The serum has been on our list five times since she first wrote about it.

If you’re thinking it’s time to replace your pillow, or maybe stock up for holiday visitors, this longtime favorite of ours (and yours: It’s made the best-seller list 24 times now) would be a solid replacement pick — especially if you or your family are side-sleepers. When we tested a wide selection of pillows, we concluded that the Wamsutta Extra-Firm was the most comfortable and supportive of them all. According to Strategist alum Jason Chen, “Unlike other pillows that mistake plushness or fluffiness for support, the WEF didn’t sink as soon as I rested my head. Instead, it had a firm, satisfying spring — it’s a different sensation, but one I took to right away. And even though I didn’t do any measuring, my head felt more propped up from the mattress and sheets than with any other pillow.”

Making its second appearance on our list (and its first since June) this Dopp kit from luggage brand Away comes recommended by Bryant Knight, founder of men’s skin-care line Knight Co. He finds it well-designed and functional, with extra storage in the form of two internal pockets (one on each side) that create separation and organization. It’s a solid gift for hard-to-shop for guys. You can also pick one up yourself if you’re traveling this holiday season and want to upgrade from a ziplock bag.