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Last month, Bob Vila readers had a busy month of online shopping. They purchased a wide range of products, from items to keep homes warm and protected from cold weather, to home improvement essentials for end-of-year DIY projects and holiday stocking stuffers. Bottom line, there were plenty of great items purchased in December, and we rounded up the most popular ones. Read on to find out the top 25 products our readers purchased as 2023 drew to a close.
1. Dr Infrared Portable Space Heater
Despite December 2023 being one of the warmest on record in many areas across the country, several of our readers were still feeling the chill, propelling the Dr Infrared Portable Space Heater to the top of the list. This relatively compact model uses dual heating systems—an infrared quartz tube and positive temperature coefficient heating elements (to deliver up to 60 percent more heat than other models. Its key features include high and low settings, a 12-hour automatic shut-off time, tip-over protection, and caster wheels for portability.
Get the Dr Infrared Portable Space Heater on Amazon for $99.99
2. XLUX T10 Soil Moisture Sensor Meter
As the runner-up for the most purchased product in December, the XLUX T10 Soil Moisture ensures your indoor plants receive enough water to make it through the winter. Inserting the probe into the soil yields instant results, alerting you if moisture falls on a 10-point scale of dry to wet. The meter is easy to read and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Get the XLUX T10 Soil Moisture Sensor Meter on Amazon for $10.99
3. Zircon A200 Multiscanner
If you have any DIY projects planned that involve hanging items on the walls, then you might want to add the Zircon A200 Multiscanner to your shopping list. This model detects live wires, pipes, and studs (both wood and metal) behind a wall, allowing you to safely mount items or make cuts in the drywall. The battery-powered scanner offers an ergonomic handle and an easy-to-read display screen.
Get the Zircon A200 Multiscanner on Amazon for $52.99
4. RunningSnail Emergency Crank Radio and Charger
Be ready in the event of a power outage with this emergency radio and charger. It has a 4000mAh rechargeable battery and USB ports, keeping your cell phone and other devices charged if there is no power. The unit also operates as a flashlight, offering three brightness levels, and an emergency radio. It also features a solar panel charger and a hand crank, which comes in handy if your battery dies.
Get the RunningSnail Emergency Crank Weather Radio on Amazon for $35.90
5. Gütewerk Shower Squeegee
This shower squeegee from Gütewerk was another popular item among our readers. The squeegee offers an ergonomic handle combined with a durable silicone blade, making it easy to clean glass shower doors, mirrors, windows, and other surfaces. It comes with a suction hook for convenient storage right in the shower. The squeegee comes in both 9- and 11-inch sizes and is available in black, white, blue, and green.
Get the Gütewerk Shower Squeegee on Amazon for $15.95
6. Mold Armor Do It Yourself Mold Test Kit
If you are worried about potential mold growth in your home, then pick up this test kit from Mold Armor. It offers three different testing methods, checking for the presence of mold in your home’s air, air conditioner unit, and on surfaces with visible mold spores. After collecting the sample, the included petri dish and growth medium will confirm the presence of mold in as little as 48 hours.
Get the Mold Armor Do It Yourself Mold Test Kit on Amazon for $9.87
7. Clockwise Tools Digital Caliper
Take accurate measurements for your next DIY project with this digital caliper from Clockwise Tools. Made from polished stainless steel, the tool offers an IP54 for protection against dust and water splashes. The caliper can measure objects between 0 and 6 inches and will display measurements on the easy-to-read LCD screen.
Get the Clockwise Tools Digital Caliper on Amazon for $25.81
8. Gorilla Super Glue Brush & Nozzle
This super glue bottle from Gorilla offers two different application methods. The fine bristle brush attachment allows you to dispense glue neatly and precisely for more intricate projects, while the precision tip delivers faster results. The glue takes only 10 to 30 seconds to dry and is impact-resistant to hold your items in place.
Get the Gorilla Super Glue Brush & Nozzle on Amazon for $8.28
9. DuPont Teflon Snow & Ice Repellent
Preparing for winter snowstorms was clearly on the minds of our readers in December. Spray a coating of the Teflon fluoropolymer and silicone formulation on shovels, door gaskets, snow blowers, and gutters to prevent snow from sticking.
Get the DuPont Teflon Snow & Ice Repellent on Amazon for $12.80
10. Coavas Window Film
This window film adds some privacy to a bathroom, bedroom, or any other room in the house without blocking light. The frosted film is easy to apply to windows with no adhesive required. It is easy to remove, won’t leave a residue behind, and can be reused easily. The film allows light to filter in while blocking sun glare and UV rays.
Get the Coavas Window Film on Amazon for $7.55
11. Gorilla Waterproof Caulk & Seal
Whether you’re trying to seal drafty windows or need to install a new sink, you’ll need some waterproof caulk, like this option from Gorilla. The caulk forms a tight seal that is impenetrable by water, moisture, or air. It can be used both indoors and outdoors and is ready for exposure to water after just 30 minutes.
Get the Gorilla Waterproof Caulk & Seal on Amazon for $9.84
12. Bosch Blaze Laser Distance Measure
Put the tape measure aside and reach for the Bosch Blaze Laser Distance Measure instead. It can be used to measure up to 165 feet at a time, providing ⅛-inch accuracy. You can connect the tool to your cell phone via Bluetooth, allowing you to gather measurements directly over the object or room you are measuring. The laser measuring tool also works as a leveling tool, an angle finder, and an area/volume calculator.
Get theBosch Blaze Laser Distance Measure on Amazon for $98
13. Varsk Contour Gauge Shape Duplicator
Use this contour tool from Varsk to duplicate shapes and help you achieve precise results during your next DIY projects. Whether you’re trying to cut tiles or need to shape wallpaper to fit around a tight corner, this little tool can do it all. Press the gauge against the item that you need to duplicate and lock it in place before transferring the shape to the item you’re cutting.
Get the Varsk Contour Gauge Shape Duplicator on Amazon for $17.99
14. ThermoPro TP49 Digital Indoor Hygrometer Thermometer
Monitor the temperature and humidity levels in your home with the ThermoPro Hygrometer Thermometer. The accurate sensors measure humidity percentages within 3 percent and temperatures within 1 degree Fahrenheit or Celsius. Because the LCD refreshes every 10 seconds, you’ll be seeing real-time data. You can opt to stand the sensor on a table, mount it to a wall, or place it on the fridge using its magnetic back.
Get the ThermoPro TP49 Digital Indoor Hygrometer Thermometer on Amazon for $8.99
15. Reach Barrier Garage Door Insulation Kit
Try this garage door insulation kit to prevent extreme outdoor temperatures from making your garage too hot or cold. The radiant heat panels block up to 95 percent of heat from leaving or entering the space. The precut panels can be installed in minutes without any tools.
Get the Reach Barrier Garage Door Insulation Kit on Amazon for $50.33
16. First Alert Radon Gas Test Kit
If you are concerned that radon gas may be seeping into your home, use this test kit to determine whether it’s time to contact a remediation company. Each purchase includes all the materials needed to conduct the test, as well as the lab fees (for most states). Once the lab receives your sample, you’ll receive an email with the test results within three days.
Get the First Alert Radon Gas Test Kit on Amazon for $15.98
17. Lasko Oscillating Ceramic Tower Space Heater
The Lasko Oscillating Ceramic Tower Space Heater is the second space heater to make this list, signaling BV readers’ desire to stay warm in the cold. This model has two heat settings that can heat up to 150 square feet. It also offers an adjustable thermostat, auto-off time, and overheat protection.
Get the Lasko Oscillating Ceramic Tower Space Heater on Amazon for $69.99
18. LedMall Outdoor Christmas Laser Lights Projector
BV readers were also thinking about the holidays and decorating their homes in December. This laser lights projector has eight different (and continuously moving) patterns to add some festive cheer to the side of your home. Adjust the speed and choose from different RGB color options to customize the display. After the initial setup, the projector will automatically turn on at the same time every day, and you can set the integrated timer to leave it on for anywhere from two to eight hours.
Get the LedMall Outdoor Christmas Laser Lights Projector on Amazon for $126.69
19. ShowerShroom
Prevent hair from clogging your shower drain or pipes with the ShowerShroom. Designed to fit standard 4-inch drains, this handy device captures hair and keeps it from getting tangled over the grate. When needed, simply remove the cylindrical center to discard the hair.
Get the ShowerShroom on Amazon for $12.97
20. Lasko CD08200 Portable Ceramic Space Heater
Designed for small spaces, the Lasko Portable Ceramic Space Heater has three heat settings and a 1,500-watt ceramic heating element. The ETL-listed model comes with a special plug that will power it off immediately should it short circuit, meaning you can even use it in a bathroom. It also features a cool-to-the-touch exterior, automatic overheat protection, and a self-regulating heating element.
Get the Lasko CD08200 Portable Ceramic Space Heater on Amazon for $40.54
21. Gorilla Dual Temp Mini Hot Glue Gun Kit
A hot glue gun comes in handy for so many DIY projects around the house, which may explain why this was such a popular item last month. This kit from Gorilla includes a mini hot glue gun and 30 mini hot glue sticks, allowing you to adjust the dual-temp nozzle based on the demands of your project. Just allow the gun just 45 seconds to warm up and then use the easy squeeze trigger to dispense the glue wherever you need it.
Get the Gorilla Dual Temp Mini Hot Glue Gun Kit on Amazon for $17.99
22. Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield
Use the Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield to protect furniture, curtains, clothing, and other fabric from water damage. Simply spraying the fabrics will make them repel water without impacting their breathability. The spray is also odorless and safe to use on delicate clothing items.
Get the Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield on Amazon for $17.98
23. Green Gobbler Foaming Root Killer
If you’ve been facing the challenge of tree roots growing inside your pipes, investing in the Green Gobbler Foaming Root Killer is well worth your money. Rather than having to cut into the pipes to physically remove the tree roots, you can send the root killer into your pipes by simply flushing it down the toilet. It will clear up the roots and ensure that water can flow freely.
Get the Green Gobbler Foaming Root Killer on Amazon for $23.48
24. Beau Jardin Solar Pathway Lights
Try these solar pathway lights from Beau Jardin to illuminate walkways and increase visibility in your yard. The lights are solar-powered, reaching the internal battery during the day with a sensor that helps conserve power. They automatically turn on once it’s dark outside and turn back off once the sun is up.
Get the Beau Jardin Solar Pathway Lights on Amazon for $54.99
25. Worx Pegasus 2-in-1 Folding Work Table & Sawhorse
Whether you’re working on a project at home or a job site, the Worx Pegasus Work Table and Sawhorse is the perfect companion. This portable model folds down, meaning it’s easy to bring along with you or store away without taking up space. Despite its folding design, the table is still quite durable—it can hold up to 300 pounds on its own or up to 1,000 pounds when used as a sawhorse (you’ll need to purchase two). The table has a generous, 31 inch by 25 inch surface area with integrated clamps to keep materials in place.
Get the Worx Pegasus 2-in-1 Folding Work Table & Sawhorse on Amazon for $140.80