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The winter holidays are winding down, and we’re finally, finally bidding 2020 adieu. I’ve got a proposal—this winter, instead of making promises about the upcoming year, let’s focus on celebrating the fact that we are moving past 2020. I’ll be spending New Year’s taking a long bath, ordering myself takeout, and brainstorming presents to give myself now that I’m done finding gifts for others.
Care to join me? We all deserve a treat just about now. We’ve gathered some of the best luxury and splurge buys of the year. If you’re looking for a sign that it’s time to treat yourself, let us be that sign.
1. A Leesa mattress, because good rest is the core of self-care
With layers of foam and springs, the Leesa offers coziness without sacrificing support.
You can change your sleep schedule, get silky pajamas and fresh new linens, cover yourself in heavy blankets and lay your head on the greatest pillow in the world—none of it will mean anything if you're sleeping on a mattress that throws your spine out of whack. A mattress doesn't have to be bad to be bad for you—we all need different levels of support and firmness. This mattress is one of the all-round best health and beauty products of 2020, and in our opinion, it’s far and away the strongest option in the competition bed-in-a-box market. Its two topmost layers of foam are cushy and inviting, with the pocket spring base offering reliable support that’s appropriate for any sleeping position, making this our favorite mattress upgrade option of the year.
Get the Leesa Hybrid Mattress from Leesa for $1,424
2. An incredible cooler that’s just as impressive on the outside
We thought this Yeti cooler was a lot for casual use, but it can't be beat in pure performance.
When we tested this wow-worthy Yeti cooler against other top brands, we decided we couldn’t give it an award for one reason—it was too much. Not only was it the priciest cooler we tested, it looked like it was. The super shiny stainless steel struck us as too fancy for a casual family barbeque. But if you’re looking for a splurge that you can show off, or for a cooler that does a really good job keeping things cold, the Yeti V series is for you. And we mean a really good job—over the course of our eight day testing, the cooler's internal temperature never once raised above 37°F—such an impressive performance we were forced to rethink our whole grading criteria. If you’re a go-big-or-go-home kind of person, or if you’re planning an extended camping trip and want a guarantee of food safety, this is a splurge worth considering.
Get the YETI V Series Stainless Steel Hard Cooler for $800
3. An authenticated watch to keep you on track in 2021
This watch's elegant typeface gives a vintage feel to the modern design.
Time was meaningless in 2020, but there's no reason to bring that energy into 2021. This beautiful stainless steel Cartier Ronde watch meets eBay's Authenticity Guarantee, which means it will be carefully inspected by authenticators to protect buyers against potential scams. All purchases made with eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee program are securely shipped with a unique authenticity ID so you know that the piece you’re receiving has been individually and professionally reviewed. The stainless steel band will help ensure this watch stands up to the test of time (pun intended), but if that’s not your style, it can easily be switched for a leather option.
Get the Cartier Ronde Solo Automatic Silver Opaline Dial Ladies Watch WSRN0021 from eBay for $3,095
4. A road bike to help you enjoy your commute
Road bikes are best for paved roads, but think carefully about whether a hybrid, mountain, or even folding bike works for you.
Avoiding the subway during the pandemic has driven me to start biking everywhere, and if there's a silver lining to be gleaned from 2020, that's mine. For years, I relied on a bike that I had built from spare parts with the help of volunteers from a local bike shop, and although I loved the experience, the bike itself definitely had its limits. If you're just getting into biking around a city or neighborhood, you can start seriously strong with this top-rated lightweight road bike made for speed. And if you’ve been struggling through a tough commute on a hybrid bike, you won't be disappointed with an upgrade.
Get the SuperSix EVO Carbon Disc Ultegra Bicycle from Cannondale for $4,200
5. A Dyson vacuum that will make your home an oasis
It's hard to go wrong with a Dyson, but the V11 is a cut above the rest.
I never expected to be dreaming of high-quality vacuum cleaners, but after going through three in as many years, that’s exactly what I’m doing. Dyson is the absolute king of vacuum brands, and if you’re ready for a machine that you will never want to replace or upgrade, there’s really nothing better. At the very top of the pack is our favorite, the Dyson V11 Torque Drive. It’s got the power and performance we’ve come to expect from the brand, but with some totally unique features, like suction that adjusts automatically, and an LCD that lets you know exactly when the power will run out. It’s pricey, but if you want all the bells and whistles, you’ll never regret the splurge.
Mostly concerned about sucking up stray pet hair? You should also consider the Roomba i7+, which blew us away when it came to keeping a household with a dog free of shedded fur.
Get the Dyson V11 Torque Drive from Dyson for $699.99
6. A weighted blanket to soothe nerves
Not all weighted blankets are machine washable, but this one comes with an easy-to-clean velvety cover.
This is not the year to skimp on comfort. Weighted blankets are amazing—warm and cozy, and heavy enough to soothe anxiety and lull you to sleep during tough times. It's not a hug, but it's the next best thing. Spending the new year alone? Cozy up with our favorite weighted blanket for some guaranteed chill time. The Gravity Blanket is enjoyably heavy without being too hot, bulky, or stifling. We loved the feeling of the velvet cover, which is also, thankfully, machine washable.
Get the Gravity Blanket from Gravity for $195
7. Gold hoop earrings for effortless style
These classic gold hoops are just unique enough to be noticeable.
It's time to quit playing piercing infection roulette and retire the department store jewelry that turns your ears green. Why not expand your signature style to include a pair of simple, high quality earrings you won't need to replace after they get bent out of shape in six months? These simple 18k gold mini hoops work with just about any look, from glitter to grunge, and they'll actually hold up over the years. They could even become a family keepsake you pass down to an equally fashion forward grandchild.
Get the Mini Hoop Earrings in 18k Gold from Tiffany for $1,250
8. An automatic pet feeder to keep your most important housemate happy
My cats have gotten used to me being home, but an automatic feeder would definitely make them feel better about my return to the office.
Sick of being woken in the wee small hours of the morning by your furry friend screaming for breakfast? You can let them know that it’s out of your hands by investing in a high end automatic pet feeder. This feeder is definitely one of the pricier options on the market, but it's high cost is reflected in its quality, versatility, and reliability. In our test, we were happy to find that it was super accurate and easy to use, so you don’t have to worry if your kitty is on a strict diet. We had no trouble pairing the feeder with its connected app, and it was a breeze to key in a new meal schedule.
Get the Feeder-Robot from Litter Robot for $249
9. A stand mixer that will revolutionize your kitchen
When I have a bright red KitchenAid in the middle of my counter, you'll know I've made it.
I pine for a KitchenAid daily. Someday I will have the counter space and the tax rebate to justify this purchase—but if you choose to splurge on a KitchenAid this year, just know that I am intensely jealous of you. It’s the stand mixer that stands alone, absolutely wiping out the competition for the past hundred years, and our testers have found that it more than lives up to its reputation. It’s efficient, easy to use, and works with a huge variety of specialized attachments. When it comes to stand mixers, we fully support splurging every time.
Get the KitchenAid Stand Mixer from Best Buy for $279.99
10. A fitting winter coat to get you through any outdoor excursion
This parka does its job without compromising style.
Unlike many competing insulated jackets, this one features a cinched waist and sleek outline to remind the world that yes, there is a human inside here, and not just a giant snowball. We fell in love with the Gabriola, a military-style park that falls to mid-thigh. The Canadian white duck down filling is designed to keep you warm all the way down to -5 degrees F, making it perfect for everyday use in a cold climate. It's certainly a splurge compared to most other popular winter coat brands, but it's actually one of the cheaper available coats from Canada Goose. Just a little note you can trot out if anyone asks you if this purchase is strictly necessary!
Get the Gabriola Parka from Canada Goose for $825
11. A rowing machine to start building your home gym
Who'll judge if you set this rower in the living machine and get buff in front of the TV?
Home gyms don’t have to be limited to ellipticals and standing bikes—get yourself a piece of equipment you will actually use and enjoy! If you’re looking to break a serious sweat, maybe that’s a rowing machine. While a rower will definitely work your arms and upper body, with proper form it should offer a total body workout. It’s a great cardio option if you’re also looking to build some muscle, and feel fairly hardcore while you’re at it. The NordicTrack RW600 Rower is one of the most popular options of the year, and it definitely proves its value. The machine includes a large touchscreen display, and comes with a one year iFit membership that offers a personalized training plan.
Get the RW600 from NordicTrack for $999
12. A designer bag to suit your lifestyle
Fans of this bag are happy to see the return of Coach's vintage-style brass detailing.
Ditch the half dozen grody canvas totes you’ve picked up over the years and get yourself a sleek leather bag that you actually want. This roomy tote from Coach is effortlessly stylish, understated but unmistakable. If you spend your subway commutes salivating over the Coach bag clutched by the person in front of you, it's time to treat yourself with this spacious and timelessly gorgeous piece. Fans especially love the classic brass detailing and the handy magnetic closure.
Get the Troupe Tote from Coach for $347.50
13. Our favorite bidet to bring luxury into every room of the house
This bidet won't just improve your life—it'll also be a fun surprise for future house guests!
As a nation we have talked more about toilet paper this year than we have in at least my lifetime. Scratchy paper, expensive paper, paper made from virgin forests, one-ply, sold out—it enough to make you want to flush the whole concept down the proverbial toilet (just me?). It’s high time we join our friends across the pond and start investing in a higher level of bathroom hygiene. The Brondell Swash 1400, our favorite bidet of 2020, comes with an impressive selection of additional features to make the bathroom an all-round more appealing environment, including a heated seat, a deodorizer, and a warm air dryer to further cut down on the need for TP.
Get the Brondell Swash 1400 from Home Depot for $649
14. An intoxicating fragrance with a cult following
Put on some Tom Ford and you too could get photogenically caught in a lawn sprinkler.
A new fragrance is one of those indulgences that is kind of meant to be shared with the world, but is (let's be real) mostly for you. Depending on your scent of choice, it might perk you up in the morning, or even lull you to sleep at night. My personal favorites tend to be warm, spicy fragrances with a hint of musk—but there are about ten million perfumes and colognes to choose from, and exploring them is a real joy. It you want to spoil yourself with a fan favorite, consider Tom Ford’s Black Orchard, a complex and woodsy unisex scent that wears well all day. Top notes include black truffle and ylang-ylang, with an undercurrent of black plum, vanilla, patchouli, bitter orange, and bergamot (my personal favorite scent in the world). Buying fragrances you’re not familiar with can be a risk, but it’s definitely a fun one.
Get the Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau de Parfum from Nordstrom for $134
15. An amazing hair mask for deep conditioning
Let's go into the new year with shiny, nourished hair.
The deep conditioning treatment from Leonor Greyl is a high-end staple for serious hair repair. It's a huge hit among hair care enthusiasts, who say it does a remarkable job helping out hair that's gone brittle and weak after multiple dye jobs, or which is suffering from dullness or brassiness for any reason. The infusion of cupuacu and manketti oils result in well hydrated, reinvigorated hair, even after extensive damage. Sure, dousing your hair in coconut oil is great, but Leonor Greyl is there when you need that extra indulgent boost.
Get the Leonor Greyl Masque Quintessence from Nordstrom for $145
16. The best noise cancelling headphones you can buy
From appearance to comfort to sound quality, these headphones are everything we could want.
I don't know your setup, but here's a picture of mine: I live in a three-bedroom apartment with four people, three cats, and a next door neighbor who is teaching his son to play the violin. I love my home, but when I signed off on this setup I was not aware that I would spend many months working full time from the living room. The saving grace this year has been my noise cancelling headphones. They clamp onto my head at 9am, and they don't come off until I'm punching out. It's not all about work, either—sometimes I just need a break from my housemates and their various noises, and the quickest way to get that is tuning out. If you want the very best, you should go for the Sony WH-1000XM4—a pair of incredibly comfortable over-ear headphones with stellar sound and intelligently adaptable noise cancellation.
Get the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Over-the-Ear Headphones from Best Buy for $298
17. A thermal top made from 100% cozy Merino wool
Unlike many synthetic materials, wool is breathable enough to avoid absorbing unwelcome odors.
‘Tis the season, at least for me, of traipsing through the snow with friends and almost freezing my extremities off. It's hard to appreciate a winter wonderland when you're most occupied with keeping your hands tucked into your armpits. Investing in a good coat, hat, and gloves is all important—but you can also add super thin layers under your clothing to add warmth without piling on the bulk. If you're getting through a truly cold winter, you can't do much better than the Merino 250 line from Smartwool. Reviewers say the layer is comfortable, breathable, and stays dry after extended wear—even if you're using it to brave a cold weather run. This top is made of 100% Merino wool, which is phenomenal when it comes to lightweight warmth, breathability, and odor control. Just watch out if you're sensitive to wool, as this form fitting piece might have you itching.
Get the Women's Merino 250 Base Layer Pattern Crew from Smartwool for $110
18. A shearling jacket that’ll turn heads
Unlike polyester blends, this shearling jacket will actually keep you nice and warm.
Get cozy-chic with this genuine Spanish shearling coat from Vince. There are plenty of cheap plush and fuzzy jackets on the market, but polyester can't compete with real shearling wool—come on, you're human, and you do get cold. This blazer-cut coat has a bit of funk to it, but it's also got a simple elegance that will carry you through pretty much any cool-weather event. With a little extra care, it can become your winter staple for many years. And yes, most importantly of all, it's got pockets.
Get the Vince Genuine Shearling Coat from Nordstrom for $2,995
19. A cashmere sweater for high-class comfort
Cashmere feels like a splurge, but Everlane's transparent pricing model helps make sure the cost is reasonable.
Cashmere doesn't just look gorgeous—it will also keep you toasty warm all through New Year’s Eve. Cashmere might strike you as being too fancy for casual wear, but this laid-back turtleneck from Everlane proves that doesn't have to be true. I've been obsessed with Everlane’s jeans for a long time, but reviewers say their cashmere sweaters more than live up to the brand’s high standard. Best of all, Everlane practices a radically transparent business model, spelling out exactly how they price their products and monitor conditions in their factories, so you can feel good about your splurge.
Get the Cashmere Square Turtleneck from Everlane for $165
20. A pair of loafers you’ll love
Many reviewers mention loving these loafers so much they get them in multiple colors.
I’ve always loved a good loafer. They’re timeless for a reason—at their best, they’re pulled together enough for a job interview, and cute and comfortable enough for a celebratory drink afterward. Sure, some of us might not be on our regular schedules, but if you’re stuck at home, that just means you have more time to break in a new pair of shoes. These leather loafers from Nordstrom are classic in all the best ways, but detailed enough to add a little extra flair.
Get the HL57 Loafer from Nordstrom for $134.96
21. A weekend at an AirBnB, because you've seen enough of your own house
You don't need to go far for a change of scenery to make a difference.
Whether you’re still going in to work or haven’t seen your coworkers for nine months, whether you live alone or have twenty housemates—odds are, after the experience that was 2020, you could use a little vacation. Now, I know our options are limited. I’m not about to suggest you book a flight or jet off to party with a dozen friends—but that does not mean you can’t get away. Take a mini vacation alone (if you’re desperate for five minutes away from family) or with a loved one in your pod and enjoy a weekend of cooking, reading, and going for walks in at least a different neighborhood. It might basically feel like a staycation, but hey, remember when staycations were fun?