The Top Items Our Readers Bought During the Holidays Last Year

Ever wonder what everyone else actually bought during the holiday season? We do too! To find out which products were most popular among readers last year, we took a look at which items were ordered the most. 

Note: Prices and availability are subject to change. Be sure to double-check holiday shipping dates, some items may be available for in-store pickup if they can't be shipped in time. 

Related: Popular Gifts Likely to Sell Out in 2020 (and What to Buy If You're Too Late)

$60 from Amazon
Shop Now 

Impressive noise-canceling headphones can run upward of $1,000; this pair is under $100 and has received an average of more than 4 stars from over 14,000 reviewers. These would be great for someone who works in a busy office, has a long bus commute, or travels frequently.

Related: 100 Holiday Gifts Under $100

$79 from Walmart 
Shop Now

Here's the best Instant Pot deal we've seen this year, so if you're a holdout, it's time to consider pouncing. This handy kitchen workhorse makes cooking a breeze and can function as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and food warmer. It also boasts 14 one-touch smart cooking programs. 

Related: 50 Christmas Gifts for $50 or Less

$50 from Amazon
Shop Now

It's pretty easy to see why this has been a hot toy two years going — just looking at it makes us wish we were a child again. Not only will kids love it, but the whole thing gets stored neatly in a skull-shaped carrying case that parents are sure to appreciate as well.

$230 from Lowe's
Shop Now 

With a Roomba, you can kick back during holiday cleanup and all year long. With a three-stage cleaning system and dirt-detect sensors, this robot vacuum is smart enough to sweep up everything from the tiniest dust particles to larger debris.

Related: Best Cyber Week Appliance Deals

$400 from Target
Shop Now

Show pet hair you mean business with this Dyson, which features a tangle-free turbine to better trap and remove pet hair, as well as whole-machine HEPA filtration to keep that dust and dander on lockdown. The cleaner head automatically adjusts between hard floors and carpet.

Related: Fun and Useful Gifts for Dog-Obsessed Humans

$20 from Amazon
Shop Now 

From the creators of the satirical web comic The Oatmeal comes this strategic but zany game that's great for kids and adults. Already got it? Check out the expansion packs: Imploding Kittens and Streaking Kittens.

Related: Unusual Gifts They'll Never See Coming

$90 from Target
Shop Now 

Cold temperatures don't need to spell the end of grilling. This indoor model heats up to 450 degrees and has a smoke-capture fan that keeps the air in your kitchen pristine. A nonstick coating and dishwasher safe parts make cleanup a breeze.

Related: Gifts for Men Who Have Everything

$30 from Amazon
Shop Now 

Whether the chef in your life is a novice or a pro, these vibrant knives will liven up their kitchen. Backed by a lifetime warranty, they have a nonstick coating and come with protective slides.

Related: Kitchen Gifts They'll Actually Use

$130 from Walmart
Shop Now

There's a reason AirPods are so popular: Devotees say the sound quality is great, the comfort is top-notch, and the charging case is ultra-convenient. They also seamlessly integrate with iPhones and have built-in Siri.

Related: 13 Perfectly Good Wireless Earphones Way Cheaper Than AirPods

$19 from Amazon
Shop Now

Be the hero in your favorite toddler's life by gifting this plush puppet that plays the "Baby Shark" song (doo doo doo doo doo doo). The tempo slows or speeds up depending on how fast you move the mouth.

Related: 50 Great Gifts to Buy Your Grandkids

$344 from Walmart
Shop Now 

This super-affordable laptop has an Intel Celeron N3060 Dual-Core processor, 2 GB of RAM memory, Chrome OS, a 16 GB hard drive, and a 12-hour battery life. It also comes with a 1-year limited hardware warranty and 24/7 technical assistance available online or toll-free by phone.

Related: The Hottest Tech Gifts This Season

$11 from Amazon
Shop Now 

Everyone is all about building a better booty these days, and resistance exercise bands are an easy, inexpensive way to work out at home. This set comes highly rated and includes a carry bag and access to online workout videos.

Related: Get Going With These Great Gifts for Runners

$56 from Amazon
Shop Now 

Even the old-school holdout can join the modern world with this wireless speaker that pairs with smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. But it still receives AM/FM radio stations, and the carved walnut case makes it look like a long-treasured heirloom.

Related: Gift Ideas for Music Lovers

$25 from Amazon
Shop Now

A completely revised 20th anniversary edition that promises "simple recipes for great food," Mark Bittman's cookbook classic is a practical gift that's made appearances on Amazon's hourly ranking of "movers & shakers" that have risen in sales.

Related: Clever and Practical Cookbooks to Give Everyone on Your Gift List

$20 from JCPenney
Shop Now

Cooking can't get any easier with a slow cooker on hand. This one includes a removable stoneware pot that can be used as a serving dish, and it's also dishwasher safe.

Related: Gifts for Fans of the 'Great British Bake-Off'

$15 from Amazon
Shop Now 

A magnetic wristband is like a third hand during any DIY project. This one has 10 strong magnets that corral things such as screws, nails, bolts, and drill bits, making home improvement that much easier.

$99 from Amazon
Shop Now

Big sound can come in a very small package: The Bose SoundLink Micro Speaker is under 4 inches square. Users can loop the attached strap onto their bag and pair the speaker with a phone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled device for music wherever they go. It's waterproof and works with Siri and Google Assistant.

Related: 50 Unique Holiday Gift Ideas for Him Under $50

$66 from Amazon
Shop Now 

Make anyone feel like a mixologist with this classy set that comes with a double-lever corkscrew, ice tongs, a double-sided jigger, and a rust-proof shaker. The whole set is neatly and stylishly displayed in a bamboo base.

Related: Boozy Gifts That Don Draper Would Endorse

$110 from Amazon
Shop Now 

This price for a coffee cup may seem steep, but this is one smart cup that the caffeine junkie in your life will appreciate. It keeps your coffee at the exact temperature you want it, can be controlled via smartphone, comes with a charging coaster, and is safe to hand wash.

Related: Perk 'Em Up With These Great Gifts for Coffee Lovers

$15 from Amazon
Shop Now 

Yootech's chargers consistently get stellar ratings from Amazon buyers, and this new model is no exception. Its two-coil design allows for a wider charging area, and you can charge horizontally or vertically in the upright stand, which also lets you continue to use your phone while the product does its job.

Related: Top Rated Gadget Gifts on Amazon for Everyone on Your List

$18 from Amazon
Shop Now 

This puppy knows more than 60 songs, melodies, sounds, and phrases that teach numbers, colors, and parts of the body. Of course, it also knows puppy sounds. With bright colors and a light-up nose, this puppy can keep your baby’s attention for a long time while teaching them concepts and words. 

Related: Unique and Creative Holiday Gifts on Etsy

$95 from Amazon
Shop Now 

If their dog or cat is an escape artist, the Whistle 3 will be the best friend's new best friend. It uses GPS to pinpoint location, and sends notifications to a phone if a pet leaves their designated area. The waterproof unit even monitors exercise and rest to ensure pets are staying healthy.

Related: Best Gifts for Cat Lovers Who Are the You-Know-Who's Pajamas

$13 from Amazon
Shop Now

Reunite the gang from "Frozen 2" and create wonderful jewelry with this necklace activity set. It includes five rubber charms of characters from the film, and 150 beads to make five different necklaces. Each has an easy closure. Take kids into the world of creativity ... into the unknown.

Related: Best Gifts for Movie Buffs

$57 from Amazon
Shop Now 

If you want precision when it comes to cooking meat, a digital thermometer is a smart purchase. This one is wireless so you can monitor it from anywhere.

Related: 35 Gifts Under $25 for Food Lovers

$48 from Target
Shop Now 

Ditching cable is easier than ever with this Roku device and its easy access to thousands of streaming channels, from Netflix and Hulu to YouTube and PBS Kids. The device is compatible with 4K TVs and has a long-range wireless receiver that does the trick even when your router is far away.

Related: Gifts for Couples That Will Make Them Both Happy

$9 from Amazon
Shop Now

Make bath time even more fun for the baby or toddler in your life with this four-piece set of floating "bubbles." Two contain colorful characters and two encase whirly toys that spin and rattle.

Related: 30 Meaningful, Fun, and Indulgent Hanukkah Gifts for $25 or Less

$26 from Amazon
Shop Now

Oculus Quest it is not, but this gadget ranks as one of Amazon's bestselling cellphone VR headsets and has an average rating of 4.3 stars.

Related: Best Gifts for Gamers on Amazon

$20 from Amazon
Shop Now 

This hardcover book is the work of Joel Sartore, a National Geographic photographer who's on a quest to document the world's animals through portraiture. The book includes a forward by actor Harrison Ford.

Related: Best Gifts for Photographers From Newbies to Pros

Starting at $7 from Amazon
Shop Now 

An eco-friendly stocking stuffer, this set of reusable straight and angled stainless steel straws includes two lengths sized perfectly for 20- and 30-ounce tumblers. Two nylon-bristled cleaning brushes are included.

Related: Holiday Gifts You Can Get at the Dollar Store

$15 from Amazon
Shop Now 

A simple, fast, fun game for two to eight players, Codenames teams up spymasters and agents who use one-word clues to guess their allies and avoid their enemies. And there's an assassin lurking to torpedo the whole game.

Related: Hottest Holiday Gifts From Walmart

$18 from Amazon
Shop Now 

With notes of pine, orange, cinnamon, cypress, and fir, this is one candle that's sure to get lit the second it's unwrapped.

Related: Warm and Fuzzy Gifts for Introverts

$70 from Amazon
Shop Now 

Explore new heights with friends and family using this quadcopter drone. It comes with an HD camera so users can record and watch their own adventure. It also features voice- and gesture-control.

$25 from Amazon
Shop Now 

The ladybug doll cries real tears and makes realistic baby noises when you take away her pacifier, but cheers right up when you cuddle her or lay her down for a nap.

Related: Retro Gifts for Kids With Too Much Screen Time

$80 from Walmart
Shop Now

Here’s a hot gift, literally. This 1-inch flat iron has ceramic heating plates to tame frizzy tresses and make hair styling a cinch. It’s got an 11-foot swivel cord that’ll stay out of your way while you’re doing your ’do, and a dual-voltage switch so you can bring it along when you travel.

Related: Top-Rated Beauty Gifts on Amazon for Looking Good and Feeling Great

$35 from Amazon
Shop Now 

Why should serving utensils be a mismatched afterthought? Class up your kitchen in a serious way with this six-piece set that includes a slotted turner, slotted spoon, basting spoon, spatula, whisk, and tongs.

Related: Practical and Purposeful Kitchen Gifts They'll Actually Use

$249 from Walmart 
Shop Now

A dune racer beside the Christmas tree will wow any kid, and this Power Wheels Dune Racer can do it for less. Riders can cruise at up to 5 mph forward and 2.5 mph in reverse. There are also power-lock brakes and an under-the-hood storage compartment.

$10 from Amazon
Shop Now

They’re flower dolls. Just add water to the top of their pots and a Blume doll will bloom, emerging from the pot with a bright floral-themed, beehive hairdo. Each doll has more than 10 surprises including a mini friend, a sticker sheet, and fashion accessories, plus hairstyles and outfits you can mix and match. There are 22 Blume dolls to collect.

Related: 50 Last-Minute Gifts You Can Pick Up at the Drugstore

$30 from Walmart
Shop Now 

Racing cars and tracks have been entertaining kids (and adults) for decades, and this Walmart exclusive is expected to be on a lot of wish lists this year. Give your NASCAR racers a quick charge, then let them loose on the figure-eight track to zip around, narrowly avoiding each other in the Crash Zone. But if disaster strikes, no worries: The racers are designed to break apart and be reassembled in seconds to keep the racing excitement going.

$50 from Target  
Shop Now 

Print wirelessly and quickly from phones, computers, and other devices with this compact Canon Pixma printer, capable of two-sided printing. It also functions as a scanner and copier.

Related: Great Tech Gifts for Seniors

$50 from Amazon
Shop Now
The durable Fire 7 allows users easy access to books, games, favorite shows, the weather, and more. It has a full-color display, dual-band Wi-Fi, and up to eight hours of battery life.

Related: Clever and Creative Gifts for Book Lovers

$60 from Target
Shop Now 

Don't get caught without a place for holiday guests to sleep. This Serta airbed will keep them comfortable with 35 comfort coils, a convenient 16-inch height, and an antimicrobial surface. The built-in air pump makes setup a snap.

Related: Gifts for RV Owners That'll Put 'Em on the Road in Style

$7 from Target
Shop Now 

This classic piece of Americana makes a great, inexpensive gift for a co-worker. "Will the boss let us go home early today?" "Outlook good."

Related: Cool and Creative Gifts for Your Co-Workers Under $10

$18 from Amazon
Shop Now 

One of the most well-known flashlight manufacturers, Maglite makes its entire product line in the U.S. The 272-lumen Mini Maglite Pro, crafted from diamond-knurled aluminum, is a great stocking stuffer for anyone who needs a reliable flashlight to stash in a kitchen drawer or glove box.

Related: Gifts That Are Made in America

$28 from Walmart 
Shop Now

No more need to search the house with mounting frustration for that one tool you need to do the job. This kit packs everything into one place, including a hammer, pliers, wrench, tape measure, screwdriver and hex key sets, scissors, and more.

Related: Gifts for Preppers and Zombie Apocalypse Survivors

$8 from Amazon
Shop Now 

Keep that phone bone-dry during aquatic adventures with this submersible waterproof pouch, compatible with most smartphones under 6 inches. It's even touchscreen-friendly, and comes with a handy detachable lanyard.

Related: Awesome Gift Ideas Under $250

$25 from Amazon
Shop Now  

Everyone sometimes needs a little extra energy in the morning, and music often does the trick. Save someone from balancing a smartphone precariously somewhere near the shower by presenting a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. This one from VicTsing attaches to a shower wall with a suction cup and has a hook for hanging on the shower curtain rod.

Related: Gifts for Teenage Boys They'll Actually Like

$13 from Amazon
Shop Now 

Electric wine bottle openers take up too much counter space. The kind that waiters use often require a dexterity that not everyone can handle. This model gets high marks from reviewers for its ease of use and durability.

Related: Subscription Box Gifts That Keep the Giving Going

$32 from Amazon
Shop Now 

This set of Joseph Joseph nesting bowls and measuring cups will help brighten someone's day and keep a cabinet of baking essentials organized, too. It includes a large mixing bowl, colander, sieve, small mixing bowl, four measuring cups, and even a handy tablespoon. All pieces except the sieve can be thrown in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.

Related: Gifts for Sisters That Express a Lifetime of Love (and Then Some)

$90 from Amazon
Shop Now 

A new set of high-quality knives is always appreciated by a home chef. If you're not ready to spend too much, try this popular Emojoy 15-piece set for less than $100. The block is available in three wood options. 

Related: Memorable Experiences Worth Giving This Holiday Season

$36 from Amazon
Shop Now 

They'll feel stress melt away when they drape this heated wrap around their shoulders. Zap it in the microwave for cozy comfort, or chill it in the freezer to use it as an ice pack. Enjoy the added benefit of aromatherapy from the blend of lavender, chamomile, peppermint, cinnamon, and more.

Related: Don't Miss These Holiday Gift Bargains From Costco

• 100 Great Gifts for $25 or Less
  
• 50 Unique Gifts for Guys Under $50
  
• Things to Bring as a White Elephant Gift
  
• Gifts for People Who Say, 'Don't Get Me Anything'
  
• 50 Gifts for Her Under $50 That She'll Love