Best Things to Buy in December

Whatever it takes to get through the season, go for it. Daily trips to your favorite coffee joint? Yes, please! A little splurge to make you feel ultra chic? Definitely!

In all seriousness though, December is a special month. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or none of the above, December usually means extra time off work, family bonding and a myriad of events. Bustle along as necessary, but don't forget to soak up the little moments that make December so delightful.

With that little mushy message aside, let's get down to business. Below are our picks for the best things to buy in December. They include trendy products, giftable goods and items that'll be cheaper this month as compared to other months.

FITNESS PRODUCTS

You know how everyone makes a new year's resolution that deals with getting fit? Manufacturers and retailers know, too.

Since fitness products are in high demand come January, prices will soar and stay there until spring. If you plan to make a fitness resolution, buy your athletic gear in December before prices jump and linger in the rafters this winter 2012.

Consider investing in a DVD set for easy, at-home workouts. If home workouts are your thing, you may also want athletic necessities such as hand weights, resistance bands, a yoga mat and even a pedometer or other tracking device that keeps you on target.

Hot Prices:
Sketchers Womens Tone Ups Fitness Glide Champion Sneakers, $60
Reebok Total Body Toning Kit, $24.99
Weider Yoga Mat, $13.49
Gaiam Calorie Coach, $10
So Paint Fold-Over Yoga Pants, $14.99
Gaiam The FIRM Stability Ball, $18.59

FRAGRANCES

Fragrances make one of the best holiday gifts -- either to another or yourself. Because perfumes and colognes are such a popular gift come December, many companies create giftable box sets available at discounted prices. From big celebrity name fragrances to haute couture fashion house perfumes, you won't have a problem finding a fragrance that suits your fancy.

Though individual perfumes may be on sale, your best bargain is gift sets. They typically include lotions, hand creams, body washes, etc. for layering.



Hot Prices:
Lush Dirty Solid Perfume, $9.95
Philosophy Amazing Grace Fragrance Layering Collection, $49.50
Lancôme Hypnôse Moments Set, $57.50
Urban Outfitters Winter Island Eau du Parfum Globe, $42
Burberry Brit Sheer for Women Gift Set, $82
American Apparel A Perfume Organic 5 Samples, $22

WINTER APPAREL

Though we're in the midst -- or at least on the verge -- of frosty flurries and frigid temps, winter apparel's been on shopping racks since late summer. Now stores want to push all those winter goods out the door to make way for spring 2012 clothing and accessories. That means one beautiful, glorious thing for you, dear shopping: cheap winter apparel. The best part is that if you buy in December, you'll have at least another three or four months worth of wear left.

When I say winter apparel and accessories, I'm talking about everything. From winter boots to crocheted hats to heavy cardigans and thick coats, you'll find everything winter-related on sale in December.

Hot Prices:
Charlotte Russe Metallic Geometric Scarf, $5
BDG Cable Knit Scarf, $24
Victoria's Secret Cable-knit Infinity Scarf, $19.99
ASOS Faux Fur Trapper Hat, $36.36
MICHAEL Michael Kors Stud Cuff Gloves, $28
ASOS A-Line Pea Coat, from $98.17
The Limited Fold-over Collar Coat, $74

LIP BALMS AND CONDITIONERS

As the seasons change, so do lip trends. One thing remains the same, though: You should always wear a lip balm. Lip balms protect lips from the sun (yes, lip cancer is a real thing). Also, in the winter, lips tend to dry out and crack. You didn't need me to tell you that, though. Avoid this painful experience with a little gloss or balm kept nearby at all times.

If color is more your thing, opt for lipsticks that moisturize. Many lipsticks also include an SPF to protect against UVA and UVB rays.

FYI: Trending lipstick colors this winter include fiery red, nude, orange and pinkish-brown for that earthy, natural look.

Hot Prices:
The Body Shop Mini Hi-Shine Lip Treatment in Pink, $4.90
Rimmel Moistue Renew Lipstick SPF 18, $4.85
Burt's Bees Nourishing Lip Balm with Mango Butter, $2.99
Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve, $6
Neutrogena Naturals Lip Balm, $2.54
eos Lip Balm Sweet Mint, 3.29
Smallflower Medipharma Cosmetics Olivenol Lip Balm, $5.50
Ulta Tinted Lip Balm, $6

HAIR CONDITIONING PRODUCTS

Just like lips and skin dry out during the winter months, so does hair. You'll obviously want to condition your mane every time you wash, but deep conditioning once or twice a week will keep brittle hair at bay. December through February, switch to a shampoo and conditioner that actually targets dry, brittle and frazzled hair. Hydrating shampoos, protective serums and rich hair masks will create lush, touchable locks.

FYI: You shouldn't wash your hair more than once every other day, especially if you live in a really dry climate. Employ a dry shampoo to take care of a greasy scalp and postpone the real wash another day.

Hot Prices
Joico K-PAK Reconstruct Conditioner, $14.99
L'Oreal EverStrong Hydrate Conditioner, $6.99
Silk Elements Mixed Silk Nourishing Deep Conditioner, $7.99
Apothia Adam Broderick Hair Care - Deeper Treatment Conditioner, $28
Macadamia Deep Repair Masque, $15.97

SHIMMER/GLOW PRODUCTS

Though your summer tan has likely faded, that doesn't mean you have to resort to a pasty winter complexion. One of the best things to buy in December is a product or two that'll make your skin glow. I'm talking bronzers that add color to your face, facial illuminators that brighten eyes and all-over body lotions that make your body glow from H to T.

One way to bring your skin to life is via a little body lotion from PRTTY PEAUSHUN ($36). Not only will PRTTY PEASHUN make your skin glow, but it'll tighten/tone and reduce the appearance of cellulite. PRTTY PEAUSHUN has subtle light-reflecting particles in a natural emollient base that gives skin a gorgeous, flattering glow. Bonus: The shimmery effect conceals minor imperfections.

For a facial brightener, try Temptu's Retouch Highlighter ($35), an instant pick-me-up for your face that revitalizes tired eyes and makes you look radiant. Temptu highlighters comes in six different sheer colors, so you shouldn't have a problem finding one that suits your skin tone. Wear it on your brow bone, around your eyes, on your cheek bone or anywhere you want to bring a little dewy glow.

MORE THINGS TO BUY IN DECEMBER:

Spa and Relaxation Products
No doubt about it. The holidays are downright stressful. Treat yourself -- or consider gifting -- a product that'll help you relax a bit. Foot soaks, face masks, luxurious candles and bubble baths all work. Shop spa products >>

Shapewear
December typically means formal events, family get togethers and office parties. To look particularly stunning in your holiday cocktail apparel, invest in a little shapewear this monrg. Shapewear will slim and smooth problem areas, including legs, arms and stomach. Shop shapewear >>


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Diamond Hoop Earrings 1/10 Carat (ctw) in Sterling Silver, $74.95 (Reg. $200)
Blue Topaz Pendant with Diamond Accent 3.0 Carat (ctw) in Sterling Silver w/Chain, $39.95 (Reg. $100)
Diamond Infinity Pendant in Sterling Silver with Chain, $59.95 (Reg. $140)
White and Black Diamond Ring 2/3 Carat (ctw) in Sterling Silver, $179 (Reg. $450)
White and Blue Diamond Ring 1/2 Carat (ctw) in Sterling Silver, $179 (Reg. $500)





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