While professional product reviewers test countless items, from bath towels to toaster ovens, what do they actually choose to buy for themselves? This holiday season, the Guardian US's Filter team asked its writers to reveal the personal purchases that have earned a permanent spot in their daily lives.
From Wardrobe Staples to Travel Essentials
The curated list of 28 beloved items spans categories including fashion, travel, self-care, home technology, and cleaning. The selections are not mere press samples, but products the writers have spent their own money on, offering a genuine insight into what works beyond the line of duty.
In the realm of personal style, the picks include a Buck Mason Seafarer Shrunken Crew sweater, praised for its perfect fit and versatility, and Birkenstock Zermatt Shearling Wool Slippers, offering winter comfort built on the brand's iconic footbed. For those seeking durable footwear, a writer highlighted Moonstar Gym Classic shoes from Japan as a higher-quality alternative to Converse Chuck Taylors.
Travel essentials featured heavily, with the Aloha Collection Keep It Light Weekender bag celebrated for its practicality and style. Tech-savvy travellers recommended the DJI Neo Mini Drone for its palm-sized portability and professional-grade video, while the Airhood Induction Cooktop was lauded for transforming any surface into a portable kitchen.
Self-Care Rituals and Home Upgrades
The self-care selections focus on targeted solutions. Writers endorsed the Nulastin Brow Shape Altering Serum for combating thinning eyebrows and the LiBa Trigger Point Massage Tool for relieving neck and shoulder tension. For skincare, the Boreal Folk Yarrow Face Oil Cleanser was recommended for combination skin.
Home upgrades centred on smart, affordable technology. The Levoit Dual 150 Ultrasonic Humidifier was picked for combating dry air, while the Tapo C113 security camera offers AI detection without a monthly fee. For entertainment, the XGIMI Halo+ Portable Projector transforms any wall into a private cinema, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 headphones provide exceptional noise cancellation for work or travel.
Eco-Conscious Cleaning and Culinary Delights
Eco-friendly alternatives made a strong showing. The Sheets Laundry Club Detergent Sheets drastically reduce plastic waste compared to traditional liquid detergents. For cleaning, the O-Cedar ProMist Max Microfiber Spray Mop allows for use with any cleaning solution and features a reusable head.
The final category celebrates food and drink. Thousand Cranes Origami Sake, a US-brewed, organic option, is perfect for low-ABV cocktails. For condiment lovers, the quirky Cabi Mini Mayonnaise Keychain offers portable flavour, while Portrait Coffee's Stankonia Limited Edition blend pays tribute to OutKast with a rich, fruity profile.
All product details and prices were current at the time of the original publication. This list provides a unique, personal look at the items that have truly impressed a team of expert reviewers, offering authentic inspiration for the holiday season and beyond.
