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- The 57 best products and services we discovered in 2019
The 57 best products and services we discovered in 2019
- It's the end of another year, which means it's time for the Insider Picks team to reflect on the best products we discovered and tried in 2019.
- After testing countless products and services, we narrowed down our 2019 favorites to these 57 standouts. They weren't all launched in 2019, but they did make an impact on our lives this year.
- They include the nonstick pan you should use for every breakfast ($90), a cordless Dyson vacuum with an LCD screen ($500), a plant-based, "pore-perfecting" cleanser ($38), and three different types of leggings ($36-$104).
- Any of these Insider Picks-backed products also make excellent gifts for anyone in your life as they span a variety of needs and interests.
At Insider Picks, every review we publish reflects our real experience with a great product, but each year there are always a few outstanding ones we think are worth highlighting again.
After testing countless products and services this year, we thought about the best of the best and came up with the following list of our 2019 favorites.
Because we're a group of product reviewers with diverse needs and interests, you'll find everything from beauty, home, kitchen, and clothing, to tech and entertainment recommendations. We've also included the original reviews if you'd like to read up on each product or service in more detail.
Learn more about the 57 best products we tried in 2019:
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Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the Insider Picks team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.
1. The 'lite' version of the Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch Lite, available at Best Buy, $199.99
The latest Switch console from Nintendo strips a ton of key features from the core concept of the device, like detachable controllers and TV play, but it focuses on the way I've played with Switch 90% of the time anyway: in my hands on the trains to and from work. As a husband and a father with a 90-minute commute both ways, this is about the only way I'm able to get my game time in these days — at least until my son is old enough to join my gaming escapades.
It helps that Switch has become the ultimate retro gaming console, which is excellent for my nostalgia-starved gaming tastes. —Joe Osborne, senior tech editor
2. A beautiful smartwatch
Withings Steel HR, available at Withings, $179.95
I've tried just about every smartwatch and smart analog watch there is over the past few 5 or 6 years. Withings' hybrid watches have always been among my favorites. I've been wearing the Steel HR all year long because it looks so much like a traditional watch, but it buzzes to alert me to notifications and it has a heart rate monitor to track my exercise.
It has a subtle, small display that blends right in with the black watch face. I can see the time, my stats, and notifications on the screen so I don't have to check my phone if it's not important. —Malarie Gokey, senior editor
Read our review: Withings' Steel HR combines the classic look of an analog watch with the features of a smartwatch
3. The earbuds that people either love or hate
Apple AirPods, available at Best Buy, $144.99
I wasn't an early adopter of Apple AirPods, but after receiving them as a gift at the beginning of 2019, I instantly became a fan. Even though I have plenty of other headphones that I could use, AirPods are the only ones I want to use because they're so convenient.
They effortlessly pair to my iPhone, they're comfortable and secure in my ears, and the charging case gives them a long battery life. I use them for listening to music, podcasts, and talking on the phone. They're great for commutes, in the office, and in the gym. I can say that I've used them every single day since getting them. —Amir Ismael, reporter
Read our guide: The best iPhone accessories from cases to lightning cables
4. A weighted blanket that doesn't overheat
Cooling Blanket, available at Gravity, $259
Weighted blankets are one of my favorite discoveries of the last decade. I used to think the quality of my sleep was mostly beyond my control (barring exercise and a good mattress and the typical rules of thumb), but these have markedly improved the quality of my sleep. I've tried and liked options as cheap as $70, but Gravity's white cooling version blends in the best with my bedding, and keeps me a bit cooler underneath it during the summer. —Mara Leighton, reporter
Read our review: I tried the new $250 Gravity Blanket, a weighted blanket that's designed to have a cooling effect, and it kept me from overheating at night
Read our guide: The best weighted blankets you can buy
5. Stretchy and sculpting leggings
High-Waist Airlift Capri, available at Alo Yoga, $104
I know these leggings are pricey, but I've recently adopted a "fewer, better" mentality that has helped me justify the cost. These are my perfect pair of leggings: They're compressive but not restrictive, jet black and not at all see-through, and they have a waistband that doesn't dig in but doesn't ride down when you're bent like a pretzel during yoga practice. —Sally Kaplan, editor
6. A large blanket that's easy to bring to the beach
Grand Trunk Parasheet Beach Blanket, available at Amazon, $23.97
As a native Michigander, I thought I was giving up my summer days at the beach when I moved to New York City, until I discovered how easy it was to take the subway to Brighton Beach from my apartment in Brooklyn. The Parasheet Beach Blanket from Grand Trunk makes the commute even easier because the 7-feet-by-7-feet blanket can be stuffed into its amazingly compact carrying case, which weighs less than a pound. Plus, the material repels the sand so it doesn't track any unwanted mess into your bag when you're packing up and heading home. —Danny Bakst, senior content producer
Read our review: This $30 beach blanket lays flat and doesn't fly away — here's why I'll never go to the beach or park without it
7. A deep fryer that won't take up that much space
Cuisinart Mini Deep Fryer, available at Bed Bath & Beyond, $49.99
I have a deep love for fish and chips, and once my partner and I started playing around with making the perfect beer batter for the fish, we ended up getting this mini deep fryer. Most deep fryers are absolutely massive and take up a ton of valuable counter space, but this one is compact enough that we can keep it on our kitchen counter all the time. We've made fish and chips, onion rings, and even donuts in it to great success. —Malarie Gokey, senior editor
8. A set of Japanese skin-care essentials
Tatcha Bestsellers Set, available at Sephora, $60
Tatcha is a Japanese skin-care brand that makes gentle products with concentrated formulas. This bundle includes a bevy of Tatcha's "holy grail" skin-care products at a reasonable price. Not all of the products are new to 2019, but my experience with this skin-care regimen was. After just two weeks, I saw noticeable results using the four products. My skin was uncharacteristically soft, hydrated, and glowing; and I was able to leave the house sans makeup. I haven't looked back since. —Dominique McIntee, editorial fellow
Read our review: This Japanese skincare brand makes some of the best products I've ever used — here are the ones to buy for clear, glowing skin
9. The nonstick pan you should use for every breakfast
10-inch Nonstick Skillet, available at Sardel, $90
Everyone needs a 10-inch nonstick skillet in their kitchen arsenal for cooking eggs and pancakes, and Sardel's $90 one is worth every penny. I've never made more evenly cooked scrambled eggs in my life, and the egg remnants glide off this pan with little more than a stream of hot water and the single swipe of a soapy sponge. The heat distribution is excellent; the edges of the pan cook at the same rate as the middle. It's a marvel of engineering. —Ellen Hoffman, director of content strategy
Read our review: Cookware startup Sardel is one to watch — here's what we thought after putting its pots and pans to the test
10. Tile trackers
Tile Pro 2-Pack, available at Tile, $34.99
I've been attaching the Tile trackers to important belongings like my keys, wallet, and Airpods since 2018, but they really did their job in 2019. I lost my Airpods case somewhere on my college campus this spring and used the Tile app on my phone to track them down (somehow the case hadn't been taken) and when my phone was stolen when I was in London this year, I was able to track it on Tile's website.
2019 was a great year for me misplacing all my important possessions, but Tile really helped me out and for that I am, and will continue to be, extremely grateful. —Ciannah Gin, editorial fellow
Read our review: I can't even tell when this $27 security tracker is in my wallet — but I'm more at ease knowing it's there to prevent me from losing it
11. An all-in-one hairbrush
Drybar Brush Crush, available at Nordstrom, $145
If you're like me and have been looking to cut down on styling time without needing to juggle multiple tools, then this is a great option. The best part is that it takes me maybe 20 to 25 minutes in total, leaving my hair the smoothest it's ever looked, but with plenty of volume and movement. —Francesca Rea, content producer
Read our review: Drybar's new brush is like a flatiron and paddle brush in one — it only takes me 25 minutes to straighten my hair now instead of 50
12. Heat-safe silicone lids with a variety of uses
Five Two Airtight Silicone Lids, available at Food52, $40
These silicone lids might truly be the most useful thing I came across this year. They can cover and seal mixing bowls in the fridge when you don't have a clean container to transfer leftovers into; they can act as lids on pots and pans in the oven; they can be popped on top of cookware to keep your food warm as you wait to serve it ... I could go on, but I'll spare you. They come in a pack of five sizes and are even dishwasher safe. —Sally Kaplan, editor
13. A smart lamp that doubles as a speaker
GE Lighting C, available at Amazon, $149.99
I received this lamp as a gift, and it's easily been the best addition to my bedroom in 2019.
The Sol Smart Light lets you control the lamp using both an app on your phone and Amazon's voice assistant, Alexa. I'm admittedly lazy, so being able to turn a light on and off from my bed just by speaking out loud has been a huge gamechanger. Because of the Alexa capabilities, the Sol Smart Light can double as a speaker, which makes it all the more useful. —Emily Hein, content production fellow
14. Tough yet lightweight waders
Middle Fork Packable Waders, available at Patagonia, $349 River Salt Wading Boots, available at Patagonia, $449
Patagonia's Middle Fork Packable fishing waders are about the weight of a rain jacket. Sure, I still have to pack (or wear) boots, but the Danner x Patagonia boots that go along with them are comfortable enough to wear on the plane if need be.
Moreover, these waders are as tough as anything. I was bushwhacking, sliding down banks, and catching them on anything and everything, just trying to tear them. No such luck. Yes, they're a pretty penny and probably about twice what I've paid for waders in the past, but I'll place my bets on these things lasting a good long while. —Owen Burke, senior reporter
15. Elegant sandals you can wear all day
The City Sandal, available at Margaux, $275
These are the most comfortable sandals I've ever worn. They were comfortable right out of the box and I wore them during my 10+ hour wedding day without getting any blisters or soreness the next day. I normally wear two-inch heels so I was worried about the 2.5-inch height on such a big day, but they were really supportive in the heel and just the right width in the toebox that I didn't even notice the difference. Knowing that these were so comfortable, I plan on getting a pair of Margaux's boots next year. —Jada Wong, editor
Read our review: I wore these $265 heels right out of the box for my wedding — they didn't hurt even after 10 hours
16. An interesting book about the inception and growth of Netflix
It is somewhat ironic that this book was written by the man who arguably bears most of the responsibility for the world's steady decline in reading. But Marc Randolph, the co-founder of Netflix and its first CEO, really is an "open book," sharing his personal journeys and struggles as he launched the behemoth DVD-rental-turned-streaming-service.
I enjoyed this book so much that I passed it along to a good friend who then shared it with his father who then shared it with a coworker.
The insights shared are pure gems: failures, rejections, demotions. But all in all, a fascinating exposé that I recommend to anyone interested in a solid business book. —Shalom Goodman, SEO strategist
17. An affordable and stylish set of workout clothes
JoyLab High Neck Sports Bra, available at Target, $19.99 JoyLab Seamless 3/4 Leggings, available at Target, $29.99
I have trouble feeling confident in workout clothes, so for a while, I stuck to old T-shirts and leggings. I loved this sports bra as soon as I saw it, so I figured I'd try it on, and it quickly became my favorite.
Although it's not the most supportive sports bra I own, the mesh top, high neckline, and overall length give me much more coverage than a regular sports bra does, allowing me to feel confident enough to wear it without a workout top. I bought the leggings soon after, and I've worn them to nearly every workout class I've been to since. I never thought I'd be able to rock a workout set, so I'm certainly grateful to have found this one. —Emily Hein, content production fellow
18. A thick and supportive mattress
Mint Mattress (Queen), $846, available at Tuft & Needle
The biggest selling point of Tuft & Needle's newest mattress is that it combines the contouring comfort and pressure relief of memory foam with the breathability and bounciness of latex. It's thick (12-inches tall) and medium-firm, with a soft, cozy, and textured top layer. Suffice to say, it's very comfortable, and I love coming home to collapse into and fall asleep in this mattress.
It features "open cell foam technology," which allows air to flow freely through the mattress and improves breathability, so I don't overheat like I would on a memory foam mattress. And the brand's signature Adaptive Foam, which can also be found in my favorite beanbag chair, contours to my body regardless of my sleep position. —Connie Chen, senior reporter
19. Breathable underwear
Women's Cool Cotton Lace Waist Brief, available at Tommy John, $26
Upon joining the Insider Picks team, I started to acquire products from companies and brands our team loves and recommends. I can confidently say that I have thoroughly enjoyed everything from super-soft sweaters to meal kit delivery services and acetone-free nail polish remover to non-irritating laundry powder.
However, the most life-changing product I've tried that the Insider Picks team loves and highly recommends is Tommy John's women's underwear. I've never worn or felt anything as soft as this underwear and immediately do laundry the moment I realize that all my Tommy John underwear is in my laundry basket.
I recently purchased matching pants and a top to sleep in and, even though my insomnia has been alleviated with Brooklinen bedding and a white noise sound machine, these pajamas are the cherry on top. —Ciannah Gin, editorial fellow
20. Convenient and eco-friendly silicone snack bags
Stasher Silicone Food Storage Bags, available at Amazon, from $9.99
I've been trying to stop using so many single-use plastic products for food storage, and when I read about Stasher's silicone food storage bags in our roundup of the best products from Outdoor Retailer's Summer Market, I knew I had to try some. Now, I use Stasher bags to store all kinds of foods: onions, garlic, cheese, crackers, and more. The bags are thick, durable, seal easily, and keep food fresher for longer. You can also use them for sous vide cooking, but I haven't tried that yet. —Malarie Gokey, senior editor
Read our review: The best new gear we saw at Outdoor Retailer's 2019 summer market
21. A GoPro camera with a built-in mounting system
GoPro Hero 8, available at Best Buy, $399.99
The Hero8 Black is the action camera grown up. It's small, but it shoots video and photos comparable to larger cameras, and it's more rugged and fun to use than a smartphone. Among its many improvements include image stabilization, audio capture, menu navigation, and shooting modes, but the biggest change is the built-in mounting system. The 4K video is some of the best I've ever shot with a camera.
Equally great is the new Hero Max 360-degree camera, which can capture footage all around you. —Les Shu, guides editor
22. Water-resistant wool sneakers
Wool Runner-Up Mizzles, available at Allbirds, $135
Of all the technological leaps and bounds that have occurred over the past year, none have given me more clout than my pair of water-resistant Wool Runner-Up Mizzles from Allbirds. There's nothing quite like the chorus of "oohs" and "ahs" that emit from my coworkers when they witness beads of water gracefully bouncing off the wool exterior of my eco-friendly Allbirds.
The shoes are technologically impressive, surprisingly snug, and fashionably versatile enough that nobody bats an eye when my Dad and I walk into a room wearing the exact same pair of shoes. —Danny Bakst, senior content producer
Read our review: Allbirds now makes water-resistant shoes — here's your first look, plus our verdict
23. Dansko pumps
Dansko Pennie Waterproof Pump, available at Nordstrom, $159.99
I unironically love Dansko clogs and shoes. They are the hill I would die on — they are comfortable, they are beautiful, and they are durable. Contrary to popular belief, Dansko makes more than just clogs — the brand makes excellent shoes, heels, and boots, too!
I have about half a dozen Danskos, including these lovely waterproof pumps. They have a comfy 2.75-inch heel that's perfectly walkable. The leather is sturdy, soft, and water-resistant. I wear them to work often with dresses and tights or pants that are a tad too long for me. —Malarie Gokey, senior editor
24. A subscription to the most popular streaming service right now
Disney+ Subscription, from $6.99/month
I didn't have cable television growing up, so I didn't get to watch as many Disney shows or movies as I would have liked to. The moment Disney Plus was announced, I knew my time had come to make up for all that I missed.
As a Verizon customer, I got one year of Disney Plus for free and for the past few weeks, all I've really been doing is watching anything and everything on this streaming service — from original series like "Encore" and "High School Musical" (although I'm still unsure how I feel about these) to "The Mandalorian" where I expect to cry every episode because Baby Yoda is so adorable that I become overwhelmed by his cuteness. —Ciannah Gin, editorial fellow
Read our review: Disney Plus: Everything you need to know about Disney's new ad-free streaming service
25. A versatile everyday backpack
UTO Oxford Backpack Purse, available at Amazon, $29.99
I was loyal to tote bags for so long, but carrying all of my things around on one shoulder was starting to affect my posture. This backpack was the perfect solution: It's super lightweight, easily fits my 13-inch laptop, and it's incredibly durable.
The simple black design makes it appropriate for nearly any occasion — it's currently my work bag, but it holds up while traveling, too. The various compartments and two cup holders (one of which I use for an umbrella) allow it to effortlessly fit everything I need to get through the day. —Emily Hein, content production fellow
26. An overnight bag full of clever features for travel
O.G. 2 Large Overnight Travel Bag, available at Lo & Sons, $338
The O.G. Overnight Bag is my go-to personal item on flights. Its suitcase-handle sleeve is a game-changer and inside are some even cooler features, like a padded laptop sleeve, a separate shoe compartment, and tons of pockets for organizing all my odds and ends.
It also comes with a messenger strap for easy and comfortable carrying across your body or over your shoulder, and it's made of a durable and water-resistant nylon, so there's no need to worry about it being ruined by coffee spills or bad weather.
Similarly, the Edgemont Convertible Backpack Tote is my ideal work-to-gym bag; it fits all the essentials for both purposes, but still manages to feel fairly light and very comfortable on my back or shoulder. —Ellen Hoffman, director of content strategy
27. A watch with a unique way of telling time
Bradley x Dezeen Watch, available at Eone Watch, $285
Eone is a watch brand with the goal of making watches both fashionable and accessible for everyone. The founder, Hyungsoo Kim, learned from a blind friend that there were very few options for those living with visual impairment, and even fewer of them were fashionable. It was either talking watches (too loud) or tactile ones (impracticably fragile).
Eone has just about reinvented the watch, far as I'm concerned. All you have at work here are two magnets controlling two stainless steel bearing balls held in place by a recessed track, with one running around the circumference of the matte-titanium watch face telling the hour and the other, within the watch face, denoting the minute within. The hours are marked by small pronounced steel ticks that make up the dial.
Apart from the artfulness of it, this watch has also made me immensely more grateful for my vision. We could all stand to wear a little more humility and gratitude in our day to day lives, and Eone has helped me do just that. —Owen Burke, senior reporter
Read our review: This watch is for people who are blind or living with low vision — it's also a well-made work of art in its own right
28. A duffel backpack you can bring as your carry-on
Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 40L in Cali Hiero, available at Amazon, $99
I love this bag for its waterproof material and because it can be used in three different ways: as a backpack, shoulder bag, or carry-on. Even better is that it can be folded into itself for storage. —Les Shu, guides editor
29. A Rent the Runway Unlimited membership
Rent the Runway Unlimited, $159/month
I've made the most of my monthly membership this year, getting beautiful and stylish outfits for fancy functions, work, festivals, and travels. I like to keep my closet fresh, but it's wasteful and costly to buy new pieces. Thanks to the design of RTR Unlimited, which lets you rent out four pieces at a time and exchange each of them as frequently as you'd like during the month, I've been able to satisfy my desire for new things without feeling guilty about adding to the world's textile waste problem. —Connie Chen, senior reporter
I think I've only bought a handful of new pieces of clothing ever since I started using Rent the Runway Unlimited eight months ago. Even though the monthly fee is pricey at $160, I've definitely saved a ton of money now that my shopping habits are more like rental habits; the only thing I buy now are shoes since they're not on RTR. I love using my commute to Favorite pieces I'd want to rent in the future, so whenever a rental spot opens up, I can pick from my list in a few minutes.—Jada Wong, editor
Read our review: 21 of our favorite styles from Rent the Runway for work, weekends, weddings, and everything in between
30. A luxurious sheet set
Luxury Suite Sheet Set, available at Gryphon, $149.99 (Queen)
I never really gave bedding much thought until I was sent a set from Gryphon to test. These feel like I'm sleeping in a nice hotel bed every night; they're super soft and silky even though they're not actually silk. They wrinkle easier than other bedding I have, but my eyes are already shut by the time I hit the pillow anyway so it doesn't really matter. —Jada Wong, editor
Read our review: The $140 sheets that showed me why it's worth paying more for bedding
31. A $500 Dyson vacuum
Dyson V11 Torque Drive Vacuum, $500, available at Amazon
The floor of our apartment, which houses four people with long hair and a cat, collects dust, hair, and food crumbs like no other. Dyson's cordless stick vacuum makes it easy to clean up our dirty floors because it's thorough, efficient, and powerful.
The LCD screen at the top of a handle is a new feature that lets me know how much time is left before I have to plug the vacuum back in to charge. Dyson says the screen was added to help reduce "run time anxiety," which is apparently common among its current users. On Auto mode, the V11 adapts to and deep cleans a variety of floor types with a balanced amount of suction power. Eco mode is made for lighter, longer cleans, while Boost mode provides up to five minutes of super powerful, intensive cleaning. —Connie Chen, senior reporter
Read our review: I tried Dyson's most powerful cordless vacuum yet — here's why the $700 price tag makes sense
32. An ebook reader with advanced features
New Kindle Oasis, available at Amazon, $249.99
I've been a fan of the Kindle Oasis since the first version launched a few years ago, and the latest Oasis takes reading to a whole new level.
On paper, the new Oasis may seem to be nearly identical to the previous one, but the new model has an adjustable screen that lets you set the color temperature and filter out blue light. It's a gamechanger for reading at night — my eyes are less tired and I can fall asleep reading because the blue light isn't tricking my mind into thinking it's daytime and I should be awake. —Malarie Gokey, senior editor
Read our review: The best Kindles and ebook readers
33. A large, crisp monitor
BenQ PD3220U 32-inch 4K UHD IPS Monitor, available at Amazon, $1,199.99
If there's one thing on my desk that makes my colleagues jealous, it's this 32-inch display from BenQ. Not only is the size impressive, but it has amazing color reproduction, making it ideal for photo and video editing. While not great for gaming, the 5ms response time is suitable for most people. It's Thunderbolt-ready, so it's a great companion to my MacBook Pro. —Les Shu, guides editor
34. A saucepan with an ergonomic handle
2-Quart Saucepan, available at Sardel, $85
I used to work in professional kitchens, and one of the banes of my existence was trying to lift, shake, and carry heavy pots or pans that had poorly shaped handles. Sardel's five-fly stainless steel pots and pans use a rounded ergonimic handle that makes them so much more comfortable to hold and move.
They're also relatively affordable when compared to the classics like All-Clad, but I think they'll hold up just as well. At least, they have so far. —Sally Kaplan, editor
35. A recycled cashmere sweater
ReCashmere Vintage Crew, available at Everlane, $95
I love Everlane's cashmere sweaters, and its new ReCashmere line is just as good as its Grade-A pieces. I wear the ReCashmere Vintage Crew in Heathered Aqua quite often now that it's cold outside. The light blue color is unique and nearly matches the lightest part of my eyes. It's soft, comfy, and warm. I also like that it's a tad cropped — many sweaters are overlong on my petite frame. —Malarie Gokey, senior editor
Read our review: We tried Everlane's recycled cashmere sweaters — they're more sustainably produced and just as comfortable as the originals
36. Workout leggings from Patagonia
Women's Centered Crops, available at Patagonia, $69
I'm a big Patagonia fan and have been for years. The brand consistently delivers high-quality and well-made clothing and gear, so each item you buy should last a long time. My quilted Snap-T Pullover is a few years old, but it wears its age really well despite countless washings.
The hallmarks of Patagonia construction are all also present in the design of the Centered Crops. They're so comfy for just lounging around! But they're also great for working out since they're made of a thick-ish polyester/spandex knit fabric that offers plenty of stretch, wicks moisture, and resists odor. I usually re-wear my workout clothes a few times before washing them (in an effort to conserve water where I can), and these leggings make for less smelly gym sessions. —Ellen Hoffman, director of content strategy
Read our review: 3 women tried Patagonia's sustainable workout leggings — here are our reviews of everything from fit to function
37. A concealer that offers full coverage
Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer, available at Ulta, $27
Thanks to Tik Tok, I lead a nocturnal lifestyle, as many can tell by my gray under-eye circles. I've dabbled in a slew of products in the past year alone to brighten my under-eye area up, but the Facetune app has been my best bet.
Thanks to Tarte's Shape Tape concealer, which feels more like a thick foundation that blends easily, I think I've found the answer. It covers everything, from stubborn pimples to blemishes, and yes, noticeable eye circles, and the coverage actually lasts. With an array of shade ranges to choose from, it's widely accessible, too. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention its steep $27 price-tag — that being said, it's a worthwhile investment compared to low-quality dupes. —Dominique McIntee, editorial fellow
38. The newest iPhone
iPhone 11 Pro, available at Best Buy, $999.99
I am one of those people who upgrades to the new iPhone every year. It is my biggest vice and the only truly expensive thing I spend money on. Because I always trade in my old phone, I usually get a good deal and end only paying half the price before upgrading again.
The iPhone 11 Pro is well worth it: I love the new three-lens camera. I can take excellent closeups with the 2X zoom, attractive wide-angle shots with the extra-wide angle lens, and much better low-light photos thanks to Night Mode. It's also fast, has longer battery life, and is just generally a joy to use. —Malarie Gokey, senior editor
Read our review: The best iPhone for every type of person and budget
39. A pair of comfortable jeans
Outerknown Selvedge S.E.A. Jeans, available at Outerknown, $168
There are two primary factors that make up a good pair of jeans: material and fit. Outerknown's Selvedge S.E.A. Jeans became my favorite pair of jeans this year because they execute both factors perfectly.
The jeans have the weight and rigidity you'd expect from any well-made selvedge, but they're made sustainably. Outerknown uses 100% organic cotton and has them produced in Saitex, the industry-leading factory in sustainable denim. At $168, they're a bit pricey, but considering I wear them all the time, they're worth it. —Amir Ismael, reporter
Outerknown is my new favorite clothing brand. First of all, the clothes are consistently soft and comfortable across the board, and founders Kelly Slater and John Moore have worked magic to make such soft fabric so durable. I haven't been kind to any of my clothes this year, but Outerknown's S.E.A. Jeans and Blanket Shirts are among the few that haven't given up so much as a thread.
I'm a big fan of its Transitional Shirts and the S.E.A. Jeans, but my favorite pieces from Outerknown have been the Blanket Shirts. These are Outerknown's iteration of a "work shirt" or "shacket," as you please, but they maintain their softness and don't pill like many other higher-end rivals. —Owen Burke, senior reporter
Read our review: We reviewed pro surfer Kelly Slater's sustainable clothing brand — here's what the pieces look and feel like in person
40. A hairdryer that can dry thick hair quickly and without damage
Bio Ionic 10x Ultralight Speed Dryer, available at Sephora, $295
I really hate drying my hair. It's difficult for me to hold up clunky, heavy hair dryers for more than fifteen minutes, which is how long it usually takes to dry my whole head.
This Bioionic hairdryer is super light — it weighs less than one pound — and takes me less than five minutes to completely dry my hair. I used to air dry my hair 95% of the time, but there's been some research done showing how air drying your hair might damage it more than hair dryers, so I'm glad I have a fast, super light hairdryer to help me out. —Ciannah Gin, editorial fellow
Read our review: I found a hair dryer that dries super fast and weighs less than a pound, and it's made my morning routine so much easier
41. A small camera you can wear around your neck
Insta360 Go, available at Amazon, $199.99
the Insta360 Go is a tiny water-resistant camera that attaches to clothing or dangles like a necklace. It's ideal for those times when you can't hold a camera in your hands, like when you're playing with your kids or engaged in a sporting activity. It doesn't shoot 4K but in normal lighting, the stabilized video quality is still good. There are fun shooting modes and an automated feature that takes the work out of video editing, and it connects directly to phones for easy image transfers. —Les Shu, guides editor
Read our review: The 20 best new products we saw at IFA 2019
42. A grill that can quickly cook pretty much anything
Otto Wilde OFB Grill, available at Williams Sonoma, $1,195.95
The $1,200 Otto Wilde OFB Grill is my new favorite cooking appliance, although it's admittedly very expensive. It gets up to about 1600 degrees Fahrenheit, which has allowed me to sear everything from scallops to steak, and it has outdone every pizza joint in the borough of Brooklyn (*dodges rotten tomato*), all within a tiny corner of my backyard. Cooking most things takes a matter of two to five minutes, and cleanup is super fast and easy thanks to the drip tray (tip: always remember to fill it with water). —Owen Burke, senior reporter
43. The best hydration pack to carry on strenuous hikes
10 L Hydration Pack, available at Hydro Flask, $165
Blurb: I used the 10 L Hydro Pack to hike more than seven miles through the Rocky Mountains. I was highly impressed with how my water remained cold throughout the whole day. In addition, the back panel kept my back cool and comfortable all day. —Francesca Rea, content producer
Read our review: This Hydro Flask hydration pack kept my water cool for over 4 hours on a recent hike — it even had room for my small essentials
44. An efficient photo scanner
Epson FastFoto FF-680W Photo and Document Scanning System, available at Amazon, $499.99
Scanning photos is a chore, but the FastFoto FF-680W makes it look like child's play. As its name suggests, it's fast: Just load a stack of photos and the scanner goes through them in no time. Once scanned, you can use the included software to edit them; imagine bringing old, faded photos back to life. —Les Shu, guides editor
45. A bra made with a silky, smooth fabric
Second Skin Lightly Lined Demi Bra, available at Tommy John, $78
I first heard about the brand from one of my husband's favorite podcasts "Pod Save America," and when I got the opportunity to try it here, I was not disappointed. The Second Skin fabric feels softer than air and the bra is so well constructed that I barely have to adjust throughout the day. With other bras, I'm constantly pulling up the straps every five minutes. —Jada Wong, editor
Read our review: Underwear startup Tommy John now makes ultra-comfortable bras — here's what each style is like to wear
46. A sous vide cooker that can help you cook like a pro
Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Pro, available at Amazon, $298.92
"Sous vide" cooking may sound like a complicated technique you're better off not attempting unless you've attended Le Cordon Bleu, but it happens to be a relatively low-maintenance method that yields delicious results, especially with the help of the Anova Precision Cooker Pro. All you need is the sous vide device, a pot (or some sort of water-bearing vessel), and a large Ziploc bag to get cooking. You place the sous vide in a pot of water, then pop in a Ziploc bag holding some chicken, steak, or veggies (you can make all sorts of things with this technique), and set the device to cook your dish low and slow. Because there's no flame involved, you can turn this on and let it be for hours — running out of the house to do errands is no problem.
The learning curve is low. The first time I tried it, I put some chicken in a bag, threw in some seasoning, put the bag in the water, turned on the sous vide. I left it alone for about an hour and a half, and in the end was greeted with some of my best culinary work: juicy, tender pieces of white meat. I truly felt like I had hacked the system. If you too are looking to make delicious meals with ease, this is well worth the splurge. —Remi Rosmarin, reporter
Read our review: This $399 sous vide helps amateur cooks like me make restaurant-quality meals with little effort — here's why it's worth the expense
47. A comfortable and supportive swimsuit
Aerie Bathing Suits, available at American Eagle, from $24.95
Aerie uses unretouched photos of women modeling its swimsuits and lingerie, which has been empowering and exciting to see on a national stage. After struggling with my own body image and not seeing myself reflected in most swimwear ads, I decided to give the brand's Longline Scoop Bikini Top and high-waisted bottoms a chance; and the duo has quickly become a favorite. Aerie really delivered on a quality swim line, and I know these pieces will last me through more than just a season or two.
The material is stretchy and snug, the bottoms are form-fitting but not taut, and the top offers supportive coverage. In terms of size, color, print, and silhouettes, the options are endless. I am forever loyal now and eager to shop the brand's new styles when the time comes. Turns out that bathing suit shopping can be fun. —Dominique McIntee, editorial fellow
Read our guide: The best women's swimsuits you can buy
48. A thong with the right amount of support
Air Invisible High Rise Thong, available at Tommy John, $28
I recently went wedding dress shopping, and I wore the nude pair of these undies for the occasion. They're ultra-thin, super lightweight, and you can't see any lines because the waistline is seamless. They're also high-waisted, so they're perfect under pencil skirts, tighter dresses, or thin pants. Honestly, Tommy John's underwear just can't be beat. —Sally Kaplan, editor
49. A cozy oversized hoodie made with organic cotton
Solstice Cozy Hoodie, available at Outerknown, $138
Please pardon the fact that I had a fever in the picture above. I needed to get a photo to my coworker for our review of Outerknown's clothing, but this was all I could muster as I was on my way to the doctor — the things we do for content! Anyway, this sweatshirt is easily my most favorite clothing item of 2019. The terrycloth material is lightweight but warm, and the oversized fit couldn't be more perfect. I mean, it's the sweatshirt I opted to wear for the week I was home sick with a fever and advil-induced stomach ulcers, so I think that says something. —Sally Kaplan, editor
50. Thin and flattering leggings
TechSweat 3/4 Leggings, available at Outdoor Voices, $85 TechSweat Two-Tone Kneecap, available at Outdoor Voices, $36
While I haven't been a fan of everything Outdoor Voices makes, the TechSweat material hits it out of the park for me. The TechSweat leggings are breathable and lightweight, and I wear them for everything from jogs to strength training. They're on the thinner side and not ultra-compressive, so I'd look elsewhere if you want thick leggings.
The waistband is a little stiffer than the rest of the legging and stays put through a range of activities and motions. It also has a secure back pocket where I stash my key or ID while running. I own both of the styles mentioned above — since the Kneecap leggings are cropped, I reserve them for outdoor activity during warmer seasons, but I do love how flattering the design looks on my legs. —Connie Chen, senior reporter
Read our review: 5 women tried Outdoor Voices' TechSweat leggings — we unanimously agreed that they're some of the best we've ever worn
51. A fun and easy-to-fly drone
Parrot Anaifi FPV, available at B&H, $799
Parrot's drones aren't as advanced as DJI's, but I found the Anafi FPV easy to fly and it has enough fun features to satisfy most users. It's capable of shooting 4K video, and it's incredibly lightweight. With a headset, you can fly the drone with a first-person view. Although I wish it had obstacle detection, I appreciate the drone's ability to automatically track and follow a subject. —Les Shu, guides editor
52. A plant-based cleanser
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel, available at Sephora, $38
I got turned on to this cleanser by asking the only pore-less human I'd ever seen how she'd accomplished the feat, and it does not disappoint. It uses alpha and beta hydroxy acids to encourage the skin's natural shedding and support new cell growth. It's vegan, plant-based, and despite being fragrance-free, it somehow smells amazing. I try a lot of skincare products throughout the year, but this one is what I'm most excited about in 2019. —Mara Leighton, reporter
Read our review: I've washed my face with this $38 cleanser twice a day for the last 6 months — and my skin has never looked better
53. An attractive wireless charger made with leather
Catch:2 Wireless Charger, available at Courant, $150
This is the prettiest charging pad I've come across. I have the Dusty Rose color and absolutely love it. Instead of cheap-looking plastic, it's made with chic pebbled leather, and it provides enough traction so my phone doesn't shift across it when charging. It can charge two devices at the same time so it helps streamline my space. I also have the Carry, a portable battery pack that can wirelessly quick-charge my phone when I need it. —Jada Wong, editor
54. A modular leather couch
Nomad Leather King Sectional, available at Burrow, $3,295
When my husband and I were buying a couch, we wanted one that would grow with us. That's why we loved Burrow's build-your-own modular couches. You can choose the number of seats you'd need and add an ottoman or chaise to customize and future-proof your investment. Even though we had to put the couch together ourselves, the customer service reps were quick to respond and super helpful when we ran into some issues. —Jada Wong, editor
Read our review: This Burrow couch is made with full-grain leather that will last for years — here's what it feels like and why it's worth $3,800
55. A chic platform bed you'll always be excited to climb into
Modern Platform Bed, available at The Inside, $1,399
The Inside is a furniture company that makes fun, chic patterns and prints as affordable as a standard beige option. Each piece is made to order, and there's a nice selection of affordable pieces with prints from names like Clare V and Scalamandre.
Of every piece of furniture I've gotten as an adult, this one is my all-time favorite. It's unique, personable, and makes my room feel a bit more special. My advice for newcomers would be to order a swatch to check the color in person first (the images are often 3D rendered to cut more costs from the process) — or start with a pillow. —Mara Leighton, reporter
56. A furniture resale service
Pre-owned furniture at Kaiyo, prices vary
For the last few years, I've tried to prioritize shopping secondhand. Kaiyo is a furniture service that will pick up furniture you want to sell and actually handle the process of selling it (photographing, billing, coordinating a drop-off). I bought a wide dresser for a few hundred dollars. —Mara Leighton, reporter
57. A memorable and educational cooking class
Cooking classes, team building, and more at Cozymeal, prices vary
Cozymeal lets you find and book cooking classes ($65-$125 usually) with professionals in your city. You learn something new, it's intimate (perfect for a date or an anniversary gift), and it feels slightly more explorative and unique than going through a restaurant and joining a big group class. And the meal I had in Fresh Pasta 101 was one of the best in 2019. —Mara Leighton, reporter
Read our review: This website makes it easy to book fun cooking classes in your area — we learned to make pasta from a professional chef