It’s my job to stay up-to-date on the latest in fitness, grooming, and wellness, sorting through my many feeds to zero in on the advice, treatments, and products that might actually make an impact on my (and by the transitive rule, your) daily routine. Sometimes it’s as straightforward as reading the latest study on creatine or circadian rhythms. Other times it’s highlighting that even the studies say you shouldn’t stress out too much about physical optimization. In other words, posting up in the park for the afternoon with a good book, or lighting some incense and putting on a record, can be just as beneficial as a visit to the gym.
So as the shopping season hits a fever pitch, I’ve put together a list of the products that changed my life for the better in some way or another. Some have majorly enhanced my recovery and sleep routines, others have enriched my mind or diet; all of them could double as last-minute gifts or party favors. And if you’re way ahead of the gift giving game, consider this a tool kit for getting you through the holiday season and into 2026.
Everyone needs a grippy indoor shoe that’s easy to slip on and keeps your feet warm. These, from Spanish footwear label Gurus, check those boxes and look good while doing it.
This was the year that I, and many others, became deeply obsessed with matcha. These precious packets have become my savior while traveling. Pour one into your water bottle, mix it up, and go.
No one likes having stuff stuck in their teeth. I keep these in my car to use after lunches and dinners. They leave your mouth fresh and minty.
I didn’t think it was possible to improve upon Papa & Barkey’s 1:3 Releaf Balm (which I wrote about for our fitness awards this year). But then they went and released a version in the form of a smaller rub-on stick and threw some cooling menthol into their formula. Now it’s an even more potent pain reliever, and less messy to apply. The only downside is that it’s available only in states where weed is legal.
Every quarter, the aspirational, garden-forward LA brand Flamingo Estate curates a special box of goods from a location of their choice. (Past editions have included Hawaii and Japan.) This fall showcased gems from the Kingdom of Bhutan, and is chock-full of aromatic pantry staples like cordyceps-infused honey and lemongrass-ginger blossom tea. Other intriguing additions include a marbled Bhutanese poppy-blue soap block, a mineral paste called shilajit (which, of all people, “The Situation” swears by), and wishing-tree ornaments. You could get this as a gift for someone you really love, or just work the subscription into your quarterly budget. If you’re contemplating the latter, just know that I have seen a preview of the winter box, and it comes from a locale that’s especially famous for its culinary delights.
Lay your tech neck down on this thing for 10 minutes a night and you will emerge far more limber than before. I’ve turned it into a pre-bedtime ritual.
In the list of products that changed my life, this one ranks very high. Lukas Gage called this exosomes eye serum “the best of my life.” I would have to agree. It has a way of making you look well-slept even when you are absolutely not.
My tried-and-true productivity hacks aren’t really hacks at all, just a Pomodoro timer and a to-do list. This one from Shorthand comes in fun colors and with little preprinted boxes that are just calling out to be checked.
Reading, in my humble opinion, is just as important as getting the daily recommended amount of protein. This year I especially enjoyed Rita Bullwinkel’s debut novel, an assured account of a women’s boxing tournament that is far more occupied with the inner monologues and future journeys of competitors than with who wins and loses.
I’ve been taking extra doses of it on nights when I have trouble sleeping. The studies don’t lie, it really does help you operate at full capacity when you’re stressed out and operating on less sleep.
I discovered this when I visited Erin French’s farm, restaurant, and shop—The Lost Kitchen—in Maine this summer. The cardamom takes everything to another level. I try to use it sparingly by Jackson Pollocking a little onto my parfait each morning.
These come with little wing tips that lodge into your ears to stay put. Plus they’re okay if you get them really sweaty, and the battery lasts for about 30 hours. I much prefer them to the over-the-ear variety.
I’ve been getting really into fascia lately. Massaging the fibrous tissues that surrounds our muscles and organs can be relieving for your neck, back, and arms. It will, as any visit to your local FaceGym will teach you, also do wonders for your jawline and fine-lines around your forehead and eyes. I like to use this tool to lightly massage those areas while watching my shows. Multitasking is the way!
A lot of lavender scents are really soft, but this one is more like a cologne. You only really need one, two pumps and you smell it. I’ll spritz it over my bed before I tuck in.
Another summer Maine find. I discovered this one in hardware store outside of Acadia National Park. My boyfriend and I like to brew a whole pot of tea and drink through it an hour or two before bed. This one is bitter and complex and, most important, uncaffeinated.
I’d been using a cheap sleep mask from an airline for longer than I’d like to admit before switching to this ultra-slick feat of engineering. It has banished the sunlight from my eyes once and for all.
This magnesium was first recommended to me by my acupuncturist. Since I started taking it, I’ve slept more soundly and never looked back. They sell at Erewhon for a reason.
This glide-on sunscreen stick from Kelly Slater’s newish brand is perfect for sweaty vacations, outdoor activities, or just situations where you need something portable and don't want to deal with the threat of a bottle exploding in your backpack. It got me through every city expedition, mountain peak, and beach day during my two week vacation in South Korea without a single sunburn.
Alcohol is bad for you. But throwing parties is still good. Which is why I’ve spent most of this year trying out different NA options. Most of them taste like juice boxes. Lapos is a more elevated without being too loaded with sugar (a pet peeve of mine). Runners-up include Curious Elixirs’s Pomegranate Negroni Sbagilato and Amalve’s Blanco tequila alternative.
