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Little Holiday Essentials That Will Make This Season So Much Better

written by JESSICA WELSH
updated by JESSICA FRIEDHOFF

The Everygirl’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

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Source: Alaina Kaz
Source: Alaina Kaz

I always feel like the time between Halloween and New Year’s absolutely flies by. I want to take it all in and savor all the festive holiday activities, fun traditions, and moments with friends and family—but it seems like I blink and the most wonderful time of the year is over. Because as magical as this season is, it’s also extremely busy. I inevitably find myself dashing out to the store several times throughout the season to grab something I need at the last minute for a holiday party, friend gathering, or date night. That’s why I’ve put together an exhaustive list of all of the holiday essentials you could possibly need this year. 

With these essentials, you can focus on enjoying those festive moments and making the most of the holiday season instead of scrambling to come up with a last-minute date night idea for you and your partner or running out in the cold to get your peppermint creamer for your morning coffee. Here are all the holiday essentials you need for your home, holiday activity lineup, kitchen, and makeup bag:

It doesn’t truly feel like the holiday season until your home is decorated to match your festive spirit. From chunky knit throws to bottlebrush trees to our editors’ favorite winter candles, these holiday decor items will make your home feel like the North Pole.

Fir & Firewood Jar Candle
Anthropologie
Fir & Firewood Jar Candle

Candles are an essential for the holiday season, and this one from Anthro will fill your home with festive scents all season long. If you love the Capri Blue Volcano Candle, this fir and firewood scent from the brand is a must-have for the holidays.

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Christmas Wood Countdown Calendar
Target
Christmas Wood Countdown Calendar

If you are like me and love to count down the days until Christmas, you’ll love this countdown calendar. Place it on your desk or entry table for a cute reminder of how much time you have left for shopping and wrapping.

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Faux Spruce Tree in Fluted Pot
Hearth and Hand with Magnolia
Faux Spruce Tree in Fluted Pot

No holiday season would be complete without a Christmas tree! This adorable one from Target looks super natural and is small enough to fit in even the tiniest of apartments.

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Magnolia Cedar and Red Berry Preserved Bundle
Target
Magnolia Cedar and Red Berry Preserved Bundle

Fresh flowers are a year-round form of self care, but having a festive arrangement on your table or countertop during the holiday season? Now that’s an unmatched form of self love. I love this preserved bundle from Target to make any tabletop look extra festive.

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Christmas Candle
Sweet Water Decor
Christmas Candle

This Christmas candle smells like apple cider, cinnamon, and freshly cut pine, making for the perfect holiday scent. Plus, the amber jar is easy to reuse when the candle has fully burned down.

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Christmas Tree and Snowflakes Pillow Covers
Amazon
Christmas Tree and Snowflakes Pillow Covers

If you want to spruce up your sofa for the holiday season, these holiday throw pillow covers are the perfect solution. This set will instantly make your living room feel more festive.

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Stewart Plaid with Sherpa Back Throw
Pottery Barn
Stewart Plaid with Sherpa Back Throw

If you find that your apartment or home gets significantly chillier during the holiday season, it’s just an excuse to buy more throw blankets! This plaid, sherpa-backed one from Pottery Barn is just as cute as it is cozy.

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Balsam & Cedar Yankee Candle
Amazon
Balsam & Cedar Yankee Candle

This candle is a holiday season classic. With hints of pine mixed in with the balsam and cedar scent, it will instantly fill your home with Christmas cheer.

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Ivory Cozy Knit Christmas Stocking
Crate & Barrel
Ivory Cozy Knit Christmas Stocking

How cute is knit stocking from Crate & Barrel?! This is the perfect item to hang on your mantle this holiday season to make your space feel ready for the holidays.

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Bottle Brush Tree Figurine
Target
Bottle Brush Tree Figurine

If you don’t have space for a full-on tree this year, don’t sweat it. These mini bottlebrush trees are perfect for setting on tables and countertops throughout your home during the holiday season.

5 colors available

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Mixed Pine with Berries Artificial Wreath
Target
Mixed Pine with Berries Artificial Wreath

I love the classic look of this mixed pine wreath from Target, which features red berries for a naturally festive look. If you’re looking for the perfect wreath this season, let this be the one.

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Holiday Doormat
Etsy | HamlinRowShop
Holiday Doormat

A festive doormat is a holiday season essential, which is why I love this one from Etsy that says what we’re all thinking. Make your doorway extra festive this year with this cute yet functional piece.

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The best part about the holidays is all the fun activities you can do with family and friends. Put on your favorite festive PJs for a cozy movie night at home, curl up with a good book by a fireplace, have a wreath-making or gingerbread house-decorating contest with friends, or venture out on a walk to look at lights and sip mulled wine. 

Mini Projector
Amazon
Mini Projector

Movie nights are about to get a lot better. Set up this mini portable projector in any room of your house (or bring it to a friend’s place) for the ideal movie-watching experience.

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Stoneware Monogram Mug
Anthropologie
Stoneware Monogram Mug

No holiday movie viewing is complete without a warm cup of cider or hot chocolate. This personalized mug from Anthropologie is perfect for pairing with your favorite films to romanticize a movie night.

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Christmas Movie Advent Calendar
Etsy | arrettHandmadeCo
Christmas Movie Advent Calendar

If you have trouble deciding which movie you want to watch to get into the holiday spirit, never fear. This Christmas movie advent calendar takes the guesswork out of it by providing you with one movie to watch each night of December until Christmas.

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Fleece Bow Scuff Slippers
Target
Fleece Bow Scuff Slippers

No holiday movie night would be complete without a cozy pair of slippers. These fleece ones from Target will keep your feet extra warm, and the bow detail is just too cute to pass up.

2 colors available

 

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Striped Cotton Pajama Set
J. Crew
Striped Cotton Pajama Set

If the holiday season makes you feel nostalgic about the Christmases of your childhood, consider this your sign to invest in an adult version of holiday pajamas.

2 colors available

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A Winter Wish by Emily Stone
Amazon
A Winter Wish by Emily Stone

If you’re not spending your December nights reading adorable, heartwarming Christmas romances, what are you doing? Try this one if you want an enemies-to-lovers romance that will make you swoon and feel all the warm and fuzzies.

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Bow Crewneck Pullover Sweater
Target
Bow Crewneck Pullover Sweater

This bow sweater from Target is so cute for wearing to holiday parties, while watching a holiday movie, or to go ice skating. This is the kind of holiday essential that you’ll find yourself wearing season after season.

10+ colors available

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Brushed Woven Scarf
J. Crew
Brushed Woven Scarf

What holiday season would be complete without some festive accessories? This red stripe scarf from J.Crew is the perfect accessory to pop on over a simple outfit to instantly add some holiday cheer.

3 colors available

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Velvet Bow Hair Clip
J. Crew
Velvet Bow Hair Clip

In case you missed it, bows are THE hair accessory to wear this season. Clip in this velvet bow to add a classic holiday accent to any outfit.

3 colors available

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 Christmas Holiday Paint by Numbers Kit
Anthropologie
Christmas Holiday Paint by Numbers Kit

‘Tis the season to gather a group of friends and sip mulled wine while painting a holiday print! This lovely DIY paint kit comes with everything you’ll need for your masterpiece.

3 colors available

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Gingerbread House Kit
Target
Gingerbread House Kit

Gingerbread house-building is an essential festive season activity, whether you choose to build with family or friends or make one solo. I love this gingerbread cabin from Target, which has a cozy look.

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There is no season that inspires me to get to the kitchen more than the holiday season. Whether you’re stepping up your coffee game to make it Starbucks-level seasonal, making a festive charcuterie board for a gathering, baking some holiday treats, or even just popping popcorn for a viewing of The Holiday, these items will have your kitchen fully stocked. 

Christmas Iced Coffee Cup
Etsy | DreamBeyondCo
Christmas Iced Coffee Cup

If you prefer to take your coffee iced even on the coldest of cold days (I feel you), then this festive Christmas tree cup is for you.

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The Popper Microwave Bowl
W&P Design
The Popper Microwave Bowl

The holiday season means many nights spent curled up in front of a movie. Make the most of the experience with this microwavable popcorn bowl from W&P Design.

2 colors available

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Starbucks Holiday K-Cup Coffee Pods
Amazon
Starbucks Holiday K-Cup Coffee Pods

For our Keurig-loving gals out there, there’s nothing quite like a festive drink made at home during the holiday season. Starbucks has all the essential holiday flavors covered, so treat yourself to this variety K-Cup pack.

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Peppermint Mocha Draft Latte
La Colombe
Peppermint Mocha Draft Latte

Don’t want to wait in a long, out-the-door line for a La Colombe draft latte? Order a pack of their peppermint mocha lattes to keep in your fridge this holiday season.

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Holiday Coffee and Hot Chocolate Bundle
Chamberlain Coffee
Holiday Coffee and Hot Chocolate Bundle

If you’re more of a do-it-yourself coffee maker, you’ll love this holiday bundle from Chamberlain Coffee, which features flavored beans and hot chocolate with oatmilk.

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Torani Mini Holiday Syrup Sampler Pack
World Market
Torani Mini Holiday Syrup Sampler Pack

No at-home latte is complete without some extra flavoring. This variety pack comes with five flavors, including chocolate milano, peppermint, toasted marshmallow, pistachio, and winter spice.

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Marble Tree Cheese Board
Pottery Barn
Marble Tree Cheese Board

Of course, no cheese board would be complete without a super-cute board. This Christmas tree marble one from Pottery Barn will last you for seasons to come.

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Marble Cheese Knives, Set of 4
Threshold
Marble Cheese Knives, Set of 4

To finish off your stunning holiday cheeseboard, you’ll need a set of cheese knives that are equally impressive as your serving board. You’ll use these marble ones from Target far beyond the holiday season.

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Holiday Cookie Cutters, Set of 8
Williams Sonoma
Holiday Cookie Cutters, Set of 8

You know how you always say you’re going to bake cookies for your neighbors and never do? Well, ’tis the season to spread good cheer, so invest in this holiday cookie cutter set and get baking!

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Holiday Spatula Set
Rifle Paper Co.
Holiday Spatula Set

You’ll need the right tools for all those cookies you plan to make. These holiday spatulas will make all your festive baking that much merrier.

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With holiday parties and celebrations come opportunities to experiment with fun and festive makeup looks. Everyone needs a go-to red lip (or a sparkly gloss) and an eyeshadow palette with some seasonal tones. While you’re at it, stock up on something to achieve that holiday glow and a signature warm scent. 

Fenty Beauty Longwear Fluid Lip Color
Sephora
Fenty Beauty Longwear Fluid Lip Color

There’s no way to make it through the holiday season without wearing a red lip at least once. This long-wear lipstick from Fenty Beauty is sure to last through all of your holiday parties.

5 colors available

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Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes Eyeshadow Palette
Sephora
Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes Eyeshadow Palette

I’m obsessed with the all the sparkle in this eyeshadow palette from Makeup by Mario. It’s perfect for crafting the ideal holiday party look.

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Maison Margiela By the Fireplace Eau de Toilette
Sephora
Maison Margiela By the Fireplace Eau de Toilette

In my opinion, Maison Margiela’s “By the Fireplace” is the quintessential holiday season scent—perfectly warm, musky, and nostalgic.

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Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter
Sephora
Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter

Hydration is essential in my makeup bag during the winter, and my ride-or-die product is this Josie Maran whipped argan oil body butter. The vanilla vibezzz scent is so sweet and cozy and perfect for the cold weather.

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Maybelline Lifter Gloss
Amazon
Maybelline Lifter Gloss

Chillier weather means dry lips, so I love the hydrating qualities of this lip gloss from Maybelline.

10+ colors available

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LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask
Sephora
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask

If you’ve never tried the Laneige lip sleeping mask, consider this your sign because this little pot will get you through even the driest of cold days this winter. Plus, the eggnog scent is just the thing to get in the holiday spirit.

6 colors available

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ILIA Multi-Stick Cream Blush
Sephora
ILIA Multi-Stick Cream Blush

I love a little extra glow and shimmer during the holiday season. This blush from Ilia acts as a blush, highlighter, and lip tint. It’s is easy to toss in your bag for on-the-go touch-ups.

10+ colors available

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L'Occitane Hand Cream
Sephora
L’Occitane Hand Cream

Dry, cracked hands are one of the worst parts of cold weather, but thankfully, they’ve been a thing of the past since I started using this L’Occitane hand cream. It feels so luxurious and is a great product for romanticizing your daily routine during the holidays.

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Saie Dew Liquid Bronzer
Sephora
Saie Dew Liquid Bronzer

Unless you’re one of the lucky few with a beach vacation planned over the holidays, chances are your summer tan has long since faded. This liquid bronzer from Saie is the best product to add a subtle bronze to your holiday look.

6 colors available

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Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
Sephora
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

If you’re going to spend the time getting glam for a holiday get-together, the last thing you want is for everything to fad before the champagne even pops. This Charlotte Tilbury setting spray keeps your makeup looking fresh and locked in place all night.

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MEET THE AUTHOR

Jessica Welsh, Commerce Editor for The Everymom

As Commerce Editor, Jessica oversees and edits all shopping content on The Everymom—including everything from mom fashion to product reviews. She also writes in-depth styling stories, trend reports, capsule wardrobes, gift guides, and more. She has created editorial content for major brands such as Nordstrom, Old Navy, and Kohl’s, and was previously a regular contributor to The Everygirl.

Jessica friedhoff senior lifestyle editor
MEET THE AUTHOR

Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor

Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.