Plucky Advent Calendars and Gifts on Sale Were Among Your Favorite October Buys
The full bestseller list awaits.
Published Oct 31, 2023 1:00 AM
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Much like last year, your virtual carts revealed to us that October is a shopping stepping stone to the holidays. You once again snapped up Advent calendars, tabletop decor (namely, an antique-passing lamp from Amazon that looks like it belongs in a New York cocktail bar), and affordable gifts en masse. And while that isn’t to say you overlooked Halloween altogether—an under-$10, last-minute decor idea made it on this month’s list of bestsellers just like years past—we have a feeling that after tonight’s trick-or-treaters drop by and the last pumpkin is carved, November will be all about continuing to get ahead of holiday shopping lists. Shop the full roster of October’s best-selling products, below.
Bonne Maman Advent Calendar
As seen in: The Best Advent Calendars Sell Out by December—Here Are 47 You Should Order Now
Domino readers can’t seem to get enough of this cult-favorite calendar. A yearly bestseller, we have no qualms claiming it is well on its way to being the clear favorite among the nearly 50 other finds we rounded up so far for 2023. Filled with the brand’s staple strawberry and raspberry preserves, the limited-edition box is a great way to try the French brand’s unique seasonal flavors like lemon yuzu and a spicy mirabelle plum. “Third year for getting this. Look forward to opening every day,” one reviewer writes. Another adds, “This has become a tradition with some of the important people in my life, and it never fails to bring a smile to their faces.” It seems many of you feel the same way.
O’Bright Seraph Table Lamp
As seen in: This $40 Amazon Portable Lamp Belongs in a New York Cocktail Bar
With the end of daylight savings time nearing, we clearly aren’t the only ones with dark winter evenings on the brain. To combat that fact, sometimes you need to up the coziness with more than just a soft, warm throw. With our favorite classic Manhattan cocktail establishments in mind, we found a tiny cordless table lamp that looks like it would fit right in at Bemelmans. Originally available in both a brass and black finish, it looks like the former has already sold out—we’d wager Domino readers are part of the reason why. More reviews have trickled in since we first came across it, including images of it snugly sitting on kitchen counters, entryway console tables, and secretary desks. Given its popularity, we will be sure to let you know when this one is back in stock.
Amazon 3D Butterfly Wall Decor
As seen in: A Last-Minute Halloween Decoration Idea From Our Favorite Design Fair
We’re team spooky-chic over cheeky-kitsch when it comes to Halloween decor, and Domino readers seem to be like-minded. There was plenty of love given to our front-yard frights and séance tablescape ideas, but it seems like you’re still butterfly over bats when it comes to wall decals. Inspired by artist Carlos Amorales‘s exhibition at Salone del Mobile Milano in 2019, this avant-garde take on plastic creatures easily adheres to walls with the addition of double-sided tape. The fact that a pack of 48 costs no more than $10 and ships swiftly (in just two days if you’re an Amazon Prime member) makes it even more alluring if you only just started decorating.
Uncommon Goods Advent Calendar Playlist
As seen in: The Best Advent Calendars Sell Out by December—Here Are 47 You Should Order Now
Not everyone wants or needs an Advent calendar filled with tasty treats. For the Domino readers in search of something a bit more interactive, Uncommon Goods has been known to satisfy. Designed in the shape of a vinyl record (down to the size, as past purchasers can confirm), it’s actually a giant scratch-off sticker, 50 percent of which is made from recycled materials. You can rub away each day, similar to a lottery card, to reveal a QR code that will send you to stream or download a Christmas carol sung by an emerging artist. It was a bestseller last year and looks like the idea doesn’t disappoint this time around—especially considering it’s now just $10.
Galison Andy Warhol 12 Days of Puzzles Christmas Countdown
As seen in: The Best Advent Calendars Sell Out by December—Here Are 47 You Should Order Now
Speaking of fun Advent calendars, this whimsical countdown is further proof that readers are all in on starting off each day of Christmas doing something other than unwrapping a piece of candy. This particular offering from Galison caught our eye for featuring holiday-inspired artwork by Andy Warhol. For 12 days, you’re invited to assemble the illustrations by putting together 80 ribbon-cut pieces of recycled cardboard.
Smith’s Rosebud Salve Tins
As seen in: The Best Bulk Gifts Are Crowd-Pleasing Surprises You Can Grab in a Pinch
We’re slowly but surely rolling out our gift guides, and in our managing shopping editor’s clever compilation of bulk gifts was this pack of four multipurpose balms. Good for lips and skin, giftees can slather the soothing Rosebud salve wherever they need a little hydration, and the container is small enough for them to carry. But what likely made this a bestselling buy was the fact that it dipped in price during Amazon’s 48-hour Prime Day event earlier this month, when it was just $18. And guess what? It’s still 38% off right now.
Davids Tea Advent Calendar
As seen in: The Best Advent Calendars Sell Out by December—Here Are 47 You Should Order Now
So when it comes to indulging in a treat-filled Advent calendar, tea is a clear winner, specifically if it’s one of Davids Tea’s curated calendars. The 24 Trips With Tea, a relatively new (and exclusively packed) box, has surpassed its yearly bestseller in the hearts of Domino readers, while also beating out its matcha-only box and entirely caffeine-free options. Stocked with leaves sourced from across the globe—Japanese sencha, Saigon chai, Brazilian maté—it offers up two 8-ounce servings a day for 48 servings total.
Incienso de Santa Fe Piñon Wood Incense Bricks
As seen in: We Shook the Amazon Tree for These 72 Unique Gifts
When it comes to unique gifts that won’t cost a fortune, Incienso de Santa Fe almost always comes to mind. Made in the U.S. with the wood of a Piñon tree, this Amazon-sourced delight could easily be mistaken as a boutique pickup or design-forward shop find, but it costs far less than a fancy candle with the same famous scent. “Makes a great gift for anyone who likes woodsy smells,” one reviewer notes. Plus it’ll take up far less space. All they have to do to enjoy the ritualistic burn is light it, then sit back and relax. Psst: If you buy the larger 100-count pack, it’ll ship with a complimentary ceramic holder.
Papier Stationary Advent Calendar
As seen in: The Best Advent Calendars Sell Out by December—Here Are 47 You Should Order Now
A first for Papier, as soon as the London-based brand launched its first-ever Advent calendar this year, it climbed up our ranks of the best-selling products in October. And we can’t say we blame you. A treasure trove of desk accessories, from scalloped sticky notes to metallic pencil sharpeners and clips, we were dismayed to find out that before November even arrived the limited-edition drop was already out of stock, though not entirely surprised, considering it was filled with $210 worth of goodies but only ran buyers $140. Luckily, we know there was a handful of lucky shoppers who were able to get their hands on one and likely can’t wait to tear into the shimmering boxes. For those who missed out: We found a budget-friendly alternative from Erin Condren and the real deal listed at Selfridges.
Pura 4 Diffuser
As seen in: A Bundle Deal on the Smart Plug-In Diffuser That Blends in With My White Walls
Pura’s smart diffuser has been a reader-favorite since we first reviewed it. But after its latest bundle sale at the beginning of the month, you not only snatched up exclusive scents from our favorite candle brands like Nest, Capri, and Apotheke but the brand’s newest device: the Pura 4 (although we also spied that the older model is still 25% off). Its exterior is devoid of the brand logo, offering a simple, smooth white cover that blends in with white walls and outlets even better than before. An updated version of the app means your scents are even more smartly distributed based on your preferences, but will likely last longer than before by efficiently emitting the vial for up to 120 hours.
National Geographic Rock Collection Advent Calendar
As seen in: We’re Using Amazon Prime Day’s Sequel to Stock Up on Gifts
One of the only Advent calendars on sale during Amazon Prime Day, readers were smitten with this rock collection (including fossils and gemstones) from National Geographic. Our best bet is you have a geologist-to-be in your household who would be enchanted to learn about each, much like the case for one reviewer who gifted it to their daughter. “I like it better than gifting her a toy that would be thrown by the wayside,” they write.
Amber Lewis x Loloi Georgie Ocean/Sand 7-by-9-Foot Rug
As seen in: Score Alessi, Loloi, and More Editor-Favorite Deals During Wayfair’s Way Day Sale
We were shocked to discover that shortly after designer Amber Lewis dropped her third collaboration with Loloi, most of the new additions were a part of the Way Day savings. But rather than reaching for her recently launched styles, you opted for the classics—particularly the more monochromatic, earthy ocean/sand colorway from the best-selling Georgie collection that feels warm but neutral. Already backed by 1,000-plus reviews, all were impressed that it looks even better in person and “feels lovely on your feet.” Domino readers, clearly, couldn’t agree more. If you missed out on the two-day event, don’t fret. It looks like plenty is still decently discounted, including this very floor covering.
Tosaryu Hinoki Aroma Flakes
As seen in: 26 Gifts Under $25 Worth Tucking Under the Tree (They’re That Good)
Honestly, we’re torn as to whether or not you grabbed these Hinoki bags—aka Japanese cypress—for yourself or to save as a spa-level gift. Sourced straight from Japan’s Kochi prefecture, we’re now thinking why not both? At just $8, it’s hard not to be tempted to give them to everyone. Inside the fabric sachets are flakes offering a woodsy, slightly lemony scent that is multipurpose. These can be steeped in water for an aromatic bath or hung in a doorway to deodorize a room.
Symple Stuff Totem Taper Candles
As seen in: Score Alessi, Loloi, and More Editor-Favorite Deals During Wayfair’s Way Day Sale
When rounding up our favorite deals from Wayfair’s sequel sales event, Way Day, we included a range of tapers to stock up on ahead of the entertaining season. But among our pleated finds and metal holders, readers were most smitten with these sculptural, statement-making candles by Symple Stuff. Still marked down to just $14 for a pair, it would appear that most of you are gearing up for a bold holiday table this year.
Decorative Metal Leaf Christmas Garland in Antique Brass
As seen in: Target Just Dropped Holiday Decor, and Studio McGee’s $80 Tree Cuff Tops Our Wish List
When Target’s holiday collection drops, you take note. And after highlighting the latest seasonal arrivals, we were surprised to see that instead of Shea McGee’s basketlike tree collar, you instead favored this metallic garland from Hearth and Hand, the in-house brand that works with Magnolia Home. One reviewer who bought a bunch for their tree last year wishes they had gotten more—we hope they saw that it’s back in stock!
Rugs USA Gray Kaski Medallion Washable Rug
As seen in: Rugs Are Expensive—But This Designer Just Dropped One for $85
Affordable rugs that don’t look totally cheap are a rarity (dare we say, a myth!), but somehow fashion designer Prabal Gurung was able to offer a collection starting at just $85 with Rugs USA. You were most taken with Gurung’s gray Medallion pattern that, in addition to being the perfect foundational layer, is also safe to add to your laundry pile. Oh, and the biggest size—a whopping 9.8-by-13-foot floor covering—is priced well under $1,000.
Repeat Bestsellers
Below, you’ll recognize the usual suspects that ebb in and out of popularity every month—the viral TikTok desk chair and a grout pen tile paint marker have returned—but we’re also taking note that the Milliard 4.5-Inch Memory Foam Mattress from our best sleeper sofa mattress roundup clearly has some staying power left over from September. It’ll definitely be handy to have if you’re investing in or looking to upgrade your sleeper sofa ahead of hosting out-of-town guests this holiday season. Last but not least, Laneige’s lip mask was a bestseller thanks to an Amazon Prime Day deal.
