Although 2022 was hampered by inflation, supply chain issues and product shortages, this year set records for the biggest online Black Friday spending. And retail sales were up over 2021, signaling a potential return to a pre-pandemic economy.
Throughout the year, retailers were desperate to get buyers back on course for spending. For the consumer, this meant 2022 was filled with an abundance of sales. Consequently, despite the economic challenges, savvy shoppers could spend less and get more on items like smart home devices and wireless headphones.
As the year comes to a close, here's a look back at the best all-around products 2022 had to offer.
In this article: Apple Airpods Max, Magic Mixies Magical Mixing Crystal Ball and The Growlerwerks uKeg Growler.
Garmin Approach S62 Golf Smartwatch
The Garmin Approach is a golfer's best friend. It suggests clubs based on a variety of factors, such as wind speed and direction, along with telling you what distance uphill and downhill shots play like. Best of all, it lasts up to 20 hours in GPS mode, which is plenty of time for a round or two.
Sold by Amazon, Dick's Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy
Looking your best is important, and this webcam makes sure that happens on each and every video call. Besides the 4K resolution, it has auto light adjustment so you stand out in any environment. Noise-canceling omni-directional mics ensure you sound just as good as you look.
When you want to totally immerse yourself in a rich audio world, the best way to do that is with over-ear headphones. These high-tech wonders have active noise cancellation, spatial audio and dynamic head tracking, which means you get that theater-like audio every time you slip them over your head.
Sold by Amazon
A robotic vacuum is only a benefit if it has the power to do the job. This one's twin-turbine technology significantly increases the vacuum's airflow to pick up more dust and debris. Its intelligent mapping system ensures that it knows where it has cleaned, so it can cover every spot.
Sold by Amazon
HTC Vive Pro 2 Virtual Reality System
This VR system gives you the clarity of 5K. The wide 120-degree field of view gives you a broader understanding of your virtual environment, while the visual angle aligns naturally with your eyes. Balanced construction means you can wear it longer without encountering discomfort, so you can be more fully immersed in your experience.
Sold by Amazon
Toniebox Audio Player Starter Set with Playtime Puppy
The Toniebox is an audio player for kids 3 and up. It delivers a screen-free listening experience that encourages imagination, and intuitive operation ensures that even the youngest child can operate it with ease. This starter set comes with 52 minutes of popular children's songs.
Magic Mixies Magical Misting Cauldron
Magic Mixies is 2022's flagship toy. It lets kids mix up a magical potion and use their wand skills to create their own toy. The furry friend is an interactive critter that reacts to your child's touch and can even perform a little magic of its own.
Sold by Amazon
DJI Mini 3 Pro Quadcopter with Remote Controller
The DJI Mini 3 Pro is a toy that's priced for adults. This high-end drone is foldable, and it takes 4K video (at 60 frames per second) and 48-megapixel photos. It can take high-quality pictures at all hours of the day and features a gimbal for smooth operation.
With over 40,000 ratings on Amazon alone, it is safe to say that this is a hugely popular card game. Simple to learn, easy to play and compact enough to be taken anywhere, this card game is suitable for all ages and a great way to make cherished family memories.
Sold by Amazon, Kohl's and Target
The pinnacle achievement of the crafter is to build a ship in a bottle. With this hugely popular Lego Ideas kit, you can do that with your favorite locking blocks. The ship features a captain’s quarters, cannons, mast, sails, a crow’s nest and more. This advanced set is recommended for ages 12 and up.
Sold by Amazon
KitchenAid Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
When you think of KitchenAid, you think of stand mixers. This 5-quart tilt machine is durable and can mix enough dough for over 100 cookies in a single batch. It has 10 speeds for versatility and comes in a wide range of colors to be certain you can find a model that matches your decor.
This fan has a signature airflow that provides complete air circulation. It has four speeds and can move air up to 100 feet. For convenience, it has push-button controls, features remote operation and has a timer to help you cut down on energy use.
Sold by Amazon, Home Depot and Kohl's
Did you know that winter is nosebleed season? Dry nasal passages need to be kept moist for optimum comfort. That's where the Levoit humidifier comes in. It can raise the relative humidity in your room by 10% with near-silent operation in as little as 20 minutes, ensuring your comfort.
Sold by Amazon, Home Depot and Target
If you're a beer lover, this uKeg Growler can keep your beer fresh for weeks at a time. The carbonation cap automatically regulates the desired level of carbonation, while the double-walled stainless steel construction helps maintain temperature. Whenever you are thirsty, simply pour and enjoy; there's no need to remove the cap.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
This waffle maker is very simple to operate: Just plug it in, wait a few minutes for it to heat up and you're cooking. The dual nonstick surface ensures you get whole waffles that don't tear apart and makes the cleanup process much easier. Even better, its compact size means it will fit any home.
Sold by Amazon, Kohl's and Target
Revlon One-Step Volumizer Enhanced 1.0 Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush
You can dry and style your hair in one step with Revlon's One-Step Volumizer. The improved motor gives you faster blowouts with less frizz, while the specially designed bristles help with control and tangles. Three heat settings let you tailor the operation to your needs.
Sold by Target, Amazon and Ulta Beauty
Philips Norelco Multigroomer All-in-One Trimmer Series 7000
Whatever needs trimming, this can handle it. It comes with attachments that let you trim your beard, head, body, face and more. The tempered steel drive train and self-sharpening blades ensure it will serve you well for many years. It has a long-lasting lithium ion battery that delivers up to five hours of runtime per charge.
Sold by Amazon, Best Buy, Kohl's and Target
Plantifique Gua Sha Facial Tools
This handcrafted jade stone helps relieve tension, increases circulation and can be used daily to combat the effects of aging. This facial tool also reduces puffiness, improves lymphatic drainage and comes with a comprehensive e-book and lifetime warranty.
Sold by Amazon
Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen
There are many teeth-whitening options. This one is different because it features a pen that lets you target specific areas with a controlled amount of whitening gel. It's so easy to use, it works while you sleep. After about a week, you'll start to see results.
Burt's Bees Lip Balm Tropical Fruit
Burt's Bees lip balm is phthalate-free, paraben-free and cruelty-free. This nourishing, moisturizing set comes with four tropical flavors (Tropical Pineapple, Coconut and Pear, Dragonfruit Lemon and Berry Agua Fresca) that are fortified with vitamin E. Each lip balm adds a tint-free matte finish that revitalizes your lips.
Sold by Target and Ulta Beauty
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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
