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Black Book: 10 Products Our Editors Loved in January 2025

These are the best things we tested this month—from pre-batched cocktails to organic cotton socks.

Black Book: 10 Products Our Editors Loved in January 2025

Every month, the Cool Material team tests, tries, and lives with all sorts of new (or new-to-us) goods. Black Book is where we showcase the ones we most recommend right now.

The post-holiday blues hit hard. After a month of shopping and gift giving, there aren’t as many brand new products hitting the market for us to try. But January gives our editors the chance to reflect on the purchases made over the past few months, as well as any holiday gifts we might’ve received, to rigorously test and enjoy what we have filling our homes. For this month’s Black Book, our editors tried out some travel-ready mules, an essential pantry staple, a one-of-a-kind jacket, and more. Read on to see our top recommendations from the month of January.

Nike Calm Mules

[PARTNER] We've already known that the Nike Calm slides might be some of the most comfortable footwear on the market. But the mules take it a step further with an adjustable back-strap that gives your feet added protection. Plus, these make the perfect travel hack: they're lightweight, cozy, and easy to take off for TSA.

Buy: $60
Minimal Desk Setups Productivity Starter Kit

With the start of the new year, I wanted to refresh my desktop setup and prioritize productivity. I often find tasks can fall through the cracks throughout the day and I wanted to try out some new techniques to restructure my workday. The Productivity Starter Kit from Minimal Desk Setups provided the perfect solution. It combines the Pomodoro technique -- think rapid bursts of work followed by brief yet intentional breaks -- with an analog planner, tracker, and to-do list for a simple yet effective workflw manager. I've only been using it for a week or so but I'm already getting more work done in a shorter amount of time, which gives me back some freedom over my day.

Buy: $40
Iron & Resin Rambler Jacket

[PARTNER] The Rambler Jacket, Iron & Resin's first cut-and-sew piece, embodies rugged style and purpose. Made in the USA from 10.5oz waxed canvas with timeless details like corduroy accents and durable hardware, it’s road-tested and built to last. Explore the legacy—add it to your wardrobe today!

Buy: $325
Deko Cocktails Gold Rush

Deko Cocktails is like a dinner party cheat code. During the holidays, we hosted a number of get-togethers and having a pre-batched cocktail saves so much time and prep when guests can just pour their own high-quality mixed drink. The Gold Rush is elegant and complex while still being a simple crowd-pleasure. Save yourself the trouble of bartending at your next party and grab a bottle from Deko Cocktails.

Buy: $25
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

In 2025 I'm hoping to rekindle my reading routine and I started the year off with the emotional rollercoaster of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. The much-lauded novel is an entertaining and moving story that is easy to read and hard to put down. If you haven't gotten around to this book I'd highly recommend adding it to your list.

Buy: $12
FoxFibre Organic Cotton Socks

One of the best holiday gifts of the year turned out to be a pair of socks! FoxFibre is a proprietary organic cotton blend from California that is undyed and eco-friendly while also being unbeatably soft and luxurious. They've quickly become my favorite socks.

Buy: $20
Sunski Yuba Sunglasses

I recently lost my single pair of decent sunglasses so I had to re-up. I wanted to stay within budget and the Yuba Sunglasses from Sunski are not only affordable, but they look great too.

Buy: $58
Pilot Juice Up 04

A friend introduced me to this cult-classic pen and I absolutely love it. Sometimes the smallest things can make all the difference. As I try to shift toward taking more handwritten notes and keeping an analog to-do list, a quality writing instrument can make all the difference.

Buy: $12
Apple iPad (10th Generation)

The iPad needs no introduction. But, I can personally say that I'm fully on board the tablet train. It's been great for traveling or just reading in bed. Plus, it helps save space in my backpack instead of lugging around my laptop.

Buy: $319
Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp

Fly By Jing is among my favorite pantry staple brands and the Sichuan Chili Crisp is an instant classic. The perfect balance of texture and heat, this Chili Crisp is perfect on eggs, noodles, veggies, and heck even ice cream!

Buy: $15