26 Most Popular Gifts of 2020: Trending Presents Loved by Cosmo Readers
From advent calendars to self-care essentials, discover the top 26 best-selling and most beloved gifts of 2020 that stole the hearts of Cosmopolitan readers.
26 Most Popular Gifts of 2020: Cosmo Readers’ Top Picks
The festive season brings excitement, anticipation, and, of course, the challenge of finding just the right gift for everyone on your list. Every year, Cosmopolitan readers dive into hundreds of options, and in 2020, certain presents emerged as clear favorites—selling out fast and lighting up countless celebrations. From playful advent calendars to cutting-edge beauty gadgets, personalized keepsakes, and quarantine essentials, these gifts combine fun, practicality, and trending style.
Below, browse the 26 hottest, most purchased gifts of 2020, blending unique finds, cozy comforts, self-care kits, and pop culture delights. Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, or looking to treat yourself, this guide spotlights what thousands loved most—so you can wrap up holiday shopping with confidence.
Cosmo’s Top 26 Best-Selling Gifts 2020
- Insight Editions Friends: The Official Advent Calendar
- HSI PROFESSIONAL Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron Hair Straightener
- AYearofDates Box of Date Night Cards
- DesignUndone 2020 Candle Advent Calendar
- Queenwill Nano Ionic Facial Steamer
- Worldincensestore Beginners Crystal Kit
- VelvetPrint Custom Star Map Print
- Latorice Dipping Powder Nail Starter Kit
- ETHONS Jade Roller & Gua Sha Set
- TheExhaustedOnes Baby Yoda Sunset Sweatshirt
- HipFruit Handmade Floral Face Masks
- Awsaccy iPhone XR Camera Case
- Custom Cosmo Holiday Merch
- Seasonal Greeting Cards & Fun Surprises
- Cozy Essentials: Sweatshirts and Tees
- Wine Tumblers & Celebration Accessories
- Duvet Covers & Home Comforts
- Pet Bandanas & Seasonal Petwear
- Astrology Calendar & Cosmic Gifts
- Cleaning Up 2020 Merch
- Puzzles & Playful Home Decor
- Personal Touch Essentials: Totes, Shower Curtains
- Breakfast Wine Tumblers
- Rosé-Themed Puzzle
- ‘Cuffing Season’ Phone Case
- Novelty Greeting Cards (‘F*CK OFF 2020’)
Detailed Gift Highlights: What Readers Loved Most
1. Friends: The Official Advent Calendar
Step into the nostalgic world of Friends with this advent calendar filled with exclusive show-themed surprises. Fans appreciated the daily dose of fun, with collectible trinkets, quotes, and keepsakes sourced from one of television’s most iconic series. It’s a standout hit with both longtime enthusiasts and new fans alike.
2. HSI PROFESSIONAL Ceramic Tourmaline Flat Iron
Award-winning beauty on a budget: this flat iron hair straightener uses ceramic tourmaline plates and advanced temperature sensors to deliver smooth, frizz-free styles. The impressive reviews make it a must-have—even at its accessible price point.
3. AYearofDates Box of Date Night Cards
Spontaneity made easy: this set comes with dozens of creative date night prompts for couples. Each card inspires a unique, romantic activity, helping partners keep the spark alive, making it a favorite among both new and long-term couples.
4. DesignUndone Candle Advent Calendar
For fragrance lovers, this candle advent calendar delivers 24 days of miniature tin candles, each with a distinctive, winter-inspired scent. A luxury treat for cozy evenings or a unique gift for anyone who loves home décor and ambiance.
5. Queenwill Nano Ionic Facial Steamer
This facial steamer helps hydrate skin and unclog pores, enhancing absorption of skincare products. It quickly became a go-to self-care device and a quarantine hit for boosting at-home spa routines.
6. Worldincensestore Beginners Crystal Kit
What others are reading
This crystal set offers 20 semi-precious stones, each selected for healing and protective properties. Whether for spiritual significance or simply as colorful décor, crystals were a top seller for those seeking serenity in 2020.
7. VelvetPrint Custom Star Map Print
Sentimental and personalized: a custom star map highlights the night sky at any chosen date and location. Readers discovered this as a unique gift for anniversaries, birthdays, or special milestones.
8. Latorice Dipping Powder Nail Starter Kit
DIY beauty was especially popular during a stay-at-home year. This dip powder nail kit provided everything to create long-lasting manicures, featuring multiple trendy shades and easy instructions.
9. ETHONS Jade Roller & Gua Sha Set
A skincare ritual now beloved worldwide, this jade roller and gua sha tool set promotes relaxation, reduced puffiness, and facial massage—making it a top pick in self-care and beauty circles.
10. TheExhaustedOnes Baby Yoda Sunset Sweatshirt
Capitalizing on the Mandalorian craze, this retro Baby Yoda sweatshirt brought fandom and comfort together. Its vintage sunset design resonated with those seeking both style and TV-based nostalgia.
11. HipFruit Handmade Floral Face Masks
2020 normalized fashionable face coverings, and these handmade floral masks offered both protection and flair. With a range of prints, they quickly sold out as people sought reusability and statement accessories.
12. Awsaccy iPhone XR Camera Case
This bestselling camera-style phone case became an overnight sensation after featuring in Emily in Paris. Influencer-inspired accessories like this captured Cosmopolitan readers’ imaginations and wish lists.
Cosmopolitan Holiday Merch: Quirky Finds and Festive Essentials
Beyond the bestselling seasonal gifts, Cosmo’s own merch collection exploded in popularity, with items designed to inject humor, comfort, and style into holiday celebrations and virtual parties.
- Seasons Bagels Christmas Tree Skirt – A fun twist on traditional décor for foodies and bagel lovers.
- Reindeer & Grinch Vibes Pet Bandanas – Quirky wearables for pets, perfect for family holiday photos.
- Seasonal Sweatshirts and Tees – Sassy, meme-worthy designs from “Grinch Vibes” to the infamous “Yes, Aunt _____, I’m Still Single.”
- Eggnog Is Evil T-shirt – For those with strong holiday beverage opinions.
- Team Love Actually Tees – Whether you love or hate the classic holiday film, there’s a shirt for both camps.
- Better-Than-Another-Seasons-Greetings Cards – Humorous and heartfelt greetings for every mood and relationship.
- F*CK OFF 2020 Greeting Card – A cathartic send-off to a year everyone wanted to forget.
- Cuffing Season Phone Case – Celebrating the universal search for winter companionship.
- The Astro 2021 Calendar – For astrology fans planning next year around lunar phases and cosmic events.
- Cleaning Up 2020’s Messes Dish Towel – Practical humor for kitchen cleanup.
- Sauce Queen T-shirt – For home cooks who like a little sass with their meals.
- Wine Tumblers – Multiple snarky and celebration-ready designs for cozy nights in and virtual parties.
- I’m Not Lazy I’m Hibernating Duvet Cover – The ultimate comfort item for long winter naps.
- Don’t Look I’m Naked Shower Curtain – Cheeky home décor statement.
- Rosé Rosé Rosé Puzzle – A wine-themed jigsaw for relaxing at home.
Trending Gift Themes: Personalized, Practical, and Pop-Culture Inspired
Certain themes emerged this year, reflecting new lifestyles and priorities:
| Theme | Why It’s Popular | Top Gifts |
|---|---|---|
| Pop Culture & Fandom | Gifts celebrating hit shows, movies, and viral moments offered comfort and connection in a socially distanced year. | Friends Advent Calendar, Emily in Paris phone case, Baby Yoda Sweatshirt |
| Self-Care & Wellness | With more time spent at home, readers prioritized personal care, relaxation, and hobbies. | Facial Steamer, Jade Roller Set, Dipping Powder Nail Kit, Crystal Kit |
| Home & Lifestyle | Gifts that brighten living spaces and create cozy routines were in demand. | Candle Advent Calendar, Duvet Cover, Puzzle, Shower Curtain |
| Personalized Keepsakes | Custom star maps and creative cards allowed for heartfelt, one-of-a-kind presents. | Custom Star Map, Personalized Greeting Cards |
| Fashionable Face Masks | Face coverings became a must-have accessory, blending function with style. | Handmade Floral Face Masks |
| Virtual Party Essentials | With celebrations going digital, fun merch, drinkware, and games brought the party home. | Wine Tumblers, Rosé Puzzle, Greeting Cards |
Quickfire Buying Guide: Who Each Gift Is Perfect For
- TV Fans & Pop Culture Lovers: Friends Advent Calendar, Baby Yoda Sweatshirt, Emily in Paris phone case
- Beauty Enthusiasts: Flat Iron, Jade Roller, Facial Steamer, Dipping Powder Kit
- Couples: Date Night Cards, Custom Star Map Print
- Wellness Seekers: Crystal Kit, Candle Calendar
- Homebody Decorators: Duvet Cover, Puzzle, Shower Curtain
- Pet Parents: Holiday Bandanas
- Gift Givers with Humor: Sassy Tees, Greeting Cards, Wine Tumblers
- Astrology Fans: Astro 2021 Calendar
- Pandemic Essentials: Floral Masks, Cleaning Up 2020 Dish Towel
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What made these gifts so popular in 2020?
A combination of changing lifestyles (remote work, social distancing), pop culture trends, and the need for practical self-care and entertainment contributed to the rise of these gifts. Items that offered comfort, nostalgia, or DIY activities were especially sought after.
Q: Are these gifts suitable for virtual or socially distanced celebrations?
Absolutely. Many, like greeting cards, wine tumblers, puzzles, and digital calendars, are ideal for sending love across distances or brightening up online get-togethers.
Q: Why were beauty devices and wellness kits such a hit?
With fewer trips to salons and spas, readers turned to at-home self-care. Tools for skincare, DIY beauty routines, and wellness helped maintain routines and provided relaxation.
Q: What are some good last-minute options from the list?
Greeting cards, digital calendars, face masks, simple jewelry, and e-gift cards for any of these items make convenient and thoughtful last-minute gifts.
Q: How can I personalize a gift from this guide?
Look for customizable options such as the star map, engraved jewelry, or personalized cards. Add a special message or commemorate a meaningful date for added sentiment.
Tips for Successful Holiday Shopping
- Order early to ensure delivery, especially for handmade and custom items.
- Mix and match practical gifts (face masks, dish towels) with fun treats (advent calendars, puzzles).
- Opt for eco-friendly and reusable options, reflecting 2020’s sustainability trends.
- Support small businesses or creators where possible—many hot sellers are Etsy favorites!
- Think about experiences (date cards, puzzles, DIY kits), not just objects.
Conclusion: Wrapping Up 2020’s Gift Trends
2020 challenged traditions and routines but also inspired creativity, comfort, and connection through gifts. Cosmopolitan’s curated list captures the spirit of a unique year, offering options for every personality, from pop culture fans to self-care gurus. As you head into your next holiday or celebration, let these reader-approved favorites guide your choices and make every occasion memorable.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/g34704366/most-popular-gifts-2020/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/a34771904/cosmo-shop-merch-holiday-winter-2020-collection/
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/gallery/christmas-gift-guide-for-your-best-friend
- https://pocketmags.com/us/cosmopolitan-magazine/jan-2020
- https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cosmopolitan-us-edition-hearst-magazines/1118399834
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