The Best Random-but-Useful Purchases We Made in January

PureWow VP of Editorial Candace Davison has found an ingenious way to combat cracked heels this winter. “We're in peak dry skin season, and I love slathering on a thick lotion, then wearing these heel socks around the house to keep my feet from getting scaly and cracked. I actually bought pairs for family this holiday season, I love them so much!” This option from Kitsch is designed with an insulated gel lining to help lotions and creams really soak into your skin. Wear ‘em overnight to wake up with baby-soft feet.

Every new year I say I’m going to start making healthy smoothies for myself, and every year, the prospect of hauling out my big blender and having to clean it deters me after about a week. But now that I’ve gotten my hands on this compact and portable appliance, I might actually keep it up. This Nutribullet is the perfect size for making one-serving smoothies, and it blends in the same container you drink from—all you have to do is pop it on and off the motorized base to activate the (dishwasher-safe) blades. It’s been saving me so much time and cleaning energy, and the flip-open lid even comes with a convenient carrying handle.

I recently started taking beginner ballet classes. I’ve been loving moving my body in a new way, but I’m not going to lie, a major motivation for me was the excuse to wear some cute balletcore looks. To live out my ballerina-in-training dreams, I picked up a set of these wrap tops to wear to class, and I couldn’t be more obsessed with them. Not only are they super soft and breathable enough to break a sweat in, but they’re also incredibly flattering; when I tie them up just right around my waist, they give me a cinched, hourglass look that makes me want to pirouette for days. Plus, they’re very secure, so you can don one for just about any workout sesh.

Associate Director of Social Strategy Emily Brozyna has her eye on these wine glass sponges, which are cleverly designed to scrub the fragile glassware with “control and care.” There’s a hole for your thumb and a Pac-Man-esque mouth that cleans the inside, outside and rim all at the same time. In 2026, we’re banishing lipstick stains for good.

I hosted my first New Year’s Eve soiree this year, but my party-planning bestie fully designed the tablescape. She brought these stainless-steel ice cream bowls to serve various crudités in, and it was a small detail that made a big impact. The design is so elegant, and they have a solid weight to them that makes them seem pricier than they are. Whether you use them to zhuzh up a grazing table or, you know, actually eat ice cream in, I guarantee they’ll make you feel just that much fancier.

I have put a lot of things on my head during my years reviewing beauty products, and this mask has got to be the best-smelling of them all. The acai and passionfruit fragrance is like a fruit smoothie you’d get on a beach on a tropical island—so swoon. But it’s not just the scent that has me obsessed with this hair mask. It’s rich, thick and nourishing, and it’s been a lifesaver for keeping my wavy hair hydrated and shiny throughout the dry winter months. 

Calling all new moms! Executive Managing Editor Catrina Yohay can’t recommend this wearable breast pump enough. “This wearable, hands-free breast pump saved me on a recent 14-hour road trip,” she tells me. “Finding somewhere to plug in and pump in privacy during this trip was not an option, and to minimize our time on the road, I really didn't want to make more stops than necessary in order to nurse. This pump allowed us to power through Pennsylvania with ease—I was even able to wear it during one of my driving shifts! Overall, it's a little hefty, but the fit is comfortable and the suction was impressively efficient, rivaling my hospital-grade Spectra.”

I didn’t necessarily set out to participate in Dry January, but stacking my fridge full of Health-Ade’s canned kombucha just kinda made it happen. The range of flavors and fizzy kick I get from each sip satisfies my craving for a “special” beverage come sundown, and they make for the perfect alcohol alternative to use in mocktails. (FYI, the brand shares a bunch of recipes on its site.) Of course, the gut-supporting and digestion-improving effects are also welcome, especially after the last few months of holiday indulgence.

All-protein-everything appears to be sticking around as one of the top food (and wellness) trends of 2026, and I’ve jumped on the bandwagon by stocking up on Wilde’s protein chips. No potatoes here—rather, they’re made with chicken breast, bone broth and egg whites, packing 13 grams of protein per serving. While they’re not as light and crispy as traditional potato chips, they do supply a crave-worthy crunch and an actually filling snackable experience. They also come in a range of yummy flavors from salt and vinegar to Buffalo, and go great with different dips and salsa. They’ve been an easy swap to help me meet my nutrition goals while giving me something to munch on for movie night.

“This is not at all sexy or fun,” admits Senior Director of Special Projects Rachel Bowie, “but I recently bought these reusable Swiffer Microfiber pads after seeing my mom put them to use over the holidays.” If you’re hoping to streamline your cleaning routine this year, you’ll want to do the same. “They attach easily to the standard Swiffer but can be tossed in the washing machine after use vs. thrown out. Even better, they don't dry out/run out of juice when you have to clean a large floor. Just dip in soapy water and voilà!”

Speaking of cleaning, Yohay turns to this formula, featuring plant-derived ingredients, to dread the task a little less. “Confession: I hate cleaning, so anything that can help make that chore a little more enjoyable is a worthy investment in my book. This multi-surface spray smells so good I actually look forward to scrubbing down the stove each night. The scent is Snowdrop, and it features notes of mandarin mixed with poinsettia, white jasmine tea and a hint of wood. It's the best of winter in an eco-friendly bottle, and the scent truly lasts long after you've wiped it away.”

Got some kiddos to keep busy ‘til they can play outside again? Turn to this imaginative playroom addition that has a stamp of approval from Davison (and her children). “Winter means every indoor play place is packed, and I'm always looking for screen-free ways to entertain my kids. This pop-up food truck tent is awesome, because it's super affordable (under $30) and folds up to roughly the size of a loaf of bread when it's not in use, but it's been providing hours of pretend play. (That, paired with a mini grilling play set, has been a godsend.)”