What Strategist Readers Bought in May: Mosquito-Repelling Incense and Foot Massagers
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Welcome back to “Your Shopping Cart,” where we break out the top products that you, devoted Strategist readers, bought in droves. Think of this as the TL;DR of the Strategist. If your like-minded brethren are buying these items, maybe you’d like to as well.
Judging by how manygifts for Momdominated this month’s best-seller list, all we have to say is you did good — especially those of you who showed up forMother’s Daybrunch having ordered her a citrustree. Outside of May’s major holiday, Strategist readers stocked up on pre-summer staples like the very popularsunscreenandmoisturizerwe’ve had on our list since March. Meanwhile,anotherseasonal pick — a set of nice-smelling,insect-repellentincense sticks — made a telling debut.
What were our top sellers in May?
Below, we’ve ranked each chart-topping item by the total quantity sold (as opposed to the amount of money spent).
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Last month, Strategist senior editor Jen Troliopurchased an ultrasonic jewelry cleanerto degunk her dirtyeyeglasses, and it appears many of our readers were also interested in buying miniature hot tubs for their specs — this item burst onto the best-seller list in the No. 1 spot. The runner-up is our favoritetravel pillow, the adjustable and packable Trtl, which hasn’t appeared here since February; chalk it up tovacation plansthat made it out of the group chat. Some other consistent best sellers are sprinkled throughout: EltaMD UV Clear, our favoritefacial sunscreen; the affordable Beckham Hotelpillows; our best all-arounddental guardfrom Oral-B; and theCeraVecream we like fordryandmature skin.
Mother’s Day boosted a few giftable items to the top as well, like Kodak’s pocket-size photo printer and a heatedfoot massager. And finally, missing ninth place by only four purchases, we have a tiny book full of color combinations made by artist Sanzo Wada. (FYI, these would all make equally delightfulFather’s Day presents.)
The newcomer to the top-ten bunch is a bundle ofmosquito-repellingincense sticks made byMurphy’s Naturals, which are a sweeter-smelling (and nonsticky) alternative tobug spray. Strategist contributor Steven John says they’re easy to use (just stake them in the ground and burn), pleasant to be around, and, while they won’t deterallpests, they will “make the outdoors livable again even in mosquito season.”
How did readers cement their favorite-child status on Mother’s Day?
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While we can’t say for certain whom your mom likes best, wedohave faith in our gift ideas — and so did the shoppers who leaned heavily on ourMother’s Day roundup for every type of mom. Of the 44 selects on the list, this Kodak wireless photo printer was the most purchased product. Given that the device lets you instantly print iPhone shots from several devices, we have further evidence that youshouldn’t underestimate your elders’ tech savvy.
What about a more unexpected Mother’s Day gift?
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Although the above mini-printer was a favorite from ourMother’s Day gift guides, the next top-seller was this calamondin tree, which produces a hybrid fruitdescribedas half mandarin orange and half kumquat. If that isn’t enough to impress mom, Via Citrus also sellsMeyer-lemon, Key-lime, Buddha’s-hand, and othercitrustrees.
Did any tiny white T-shirts turn one Strategist contributor into “an outrageously confident tiny–white–T-shirt queer woman”?
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As a matter of fact, they did. After observing that the “most confident lesbians and enbies always seem to own tightwhite T-shirtsby the pack,” Strategist contributorSophie Kemp saysshe too wanted that same brand of self-assurance. Following some testing, she opted for this Hanes style for little boys, which she describes as very soft and extremely versatile — they pair well with everything from “a bright-red Comme des Garçons miniskirt” to “bike shorts and a pair ofMerrells.” Because these tops come in a five-pack, Kemp says she considers them wallet friendly, so “when you spillcoffeeon yourself because you have diagnosably bad hand-eye coordination, you have four othershirtsin the pack.”
Was there a Hayley Williams–approved pimple patch?
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Yes — and it’s star shaped. When we spoke tothe Paramore front womanabout her favorite things, she told us about thesepimple patches, which she uses to treat her adultacne. Williams says she wears the fluorescent stickers everywhere and regularly shares with her bandmates: “not just Zac and Taylor but even the extended live band, like Joey, our bass player, and some of the other guys.” While herbreakoutsare less frequent as an adult, Williams says these patches would have made her adolescentskin issuesfeel more fun and made her less lonely.
The Strategistis designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the bestacne treatments,rolling luggage,pillows for side sleepers,natural anxiety remedies, andbath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
