If we’re actually talking about favorite purchases from the year, it has to be where the majority of my money, time, and mental energy went over the past 365 days — right there above, into our new house that we renovated from top to bottom. However, because I have zero plans of selling this home, and because it would take me sharing all 23,728,273 links to appropriately capture it all, I figured I’d simplify things and talk about some of the other great things that I bought in 2025 😉
Without further ado, I present to you the top of the tops..the greatest of the greatest..and my favorite items I’d tell all of my girlfriends about [hi, that’s you!]
Favorite Fashion Item[s] of the Year
Flare Jeans [size down one, wearing in 2] // Straight Leg Jeans [size down if in between, wearing in 27]
This was a big year of me falling in love with Shop AVARA – they have so many cute styles at attainable prices, and their denim selections were a big win for me this year!
Favorite Shoes of the Year
New Balance 327 Sneakers [true to size]
By far my most worn shoes of the year – I’m a huge sneaker girl and these were what I reached for 9/10 times! They are so comfortable and versatile – definitely a fan and have purchased in other color combos!
Favorite Beauty Product[s] of the Year
Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream // Zero Pore Pads // Collagen Gel Masks // Deep Vita C Pads
‘Twas the year for all things Medicube! I became obsessed [truly] with all of the products I tried from this brand this year – nothing has had my skin looking more glass-like than this! They are rated excellent on the YUKA app and truly, every product I’ve tried I’ve loved!
Favorite Book of the Year
To be honest, every single book we read this year in our LIY Reads book club could have ended up on my favorite list – it turns out when I actually carve out the time to read, I love ’em all. This new release from Reese Witherspoon had me sucked in from the beginning and I did not want to put it down. I’m not usually a mystery girl, but this one kept me turning the pages!
Favorite Health & Wellness Purchase of the Year
LMNT Lemonade Salt Hydration Packs
I’ve been a fan of LMNT for a couple of years now, however, this new Lemonade Salt flavor takes the cake for my all-time favorite! My goal is to put one packet in my 40 oz Brumate daily to help keep my minerals balanced [potassium and magnesium being high on the list of those I need to level up on]! It tastes wonderful [think creamy lemon] and hydrates you at the same time! Win/Win!
Favorite Gift From The Year
I was so pleasantly surprised by this flower diffuser in the scent, Sweet Grace. I was gifted it early this fall and have had it in our bedroom since – every time I walk into our room it makes me smile and want to take a deep breath and go “ahhhh” simultaneously. It fills up our space and truly smells wonderful, plus, it’s pretty to look at on our dresser!
Favorite Cozy Purchase of the Year
LOLA Blanket – Size Large in Creamy Cloud [LIY35 for 35% off]
There’s cozy and then there is LOLA Blanket cozy. I got hooked this year and I’m not turning back. They are so soft, a nice weight, and are machine washable! My friends and family love them every time they are over – definitely a cozy purchase worth the buy!
Favorite Amazon Purchase of the Year
Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
I actually was just gifted these last week for Christmas, but I can already tell they will be one of my most used items in 2026. I’ve been wanting some over the ear headphones but wasn’t sure what pair to try – I’m so glad I went with these. They are very comfortable, have excellent noise-cancelling capabilities, and the sound is top notch! Plus. they are quite pretty 😉
Favorite Home Product of the Year
GreenPan Reserve Pro Cookware Set
We recently purchased this GreenPan cookware set after moving into our new house and realizing our previous pots and pans were hitting their expiration date. I had heard great things about how these pans have held up for others and I love that they are non-stick and non-toxic. Bonus: they look really nice on your stovetop!
Favorite Splurge Item of the Year
We’ve been eyeing a Skylight Calendar for years, so when we moved into the new house, we decided to go for it! Note: they do offer a smaller version here! I love that this hangs right by the garage entry door so you can see what’s going on every time you’re coming or going. It syncs with our entire families calendar, has a task section where you can assign to-dos, meal planning, a photo frame option, and more! I know this will only get more use as Crew gets older and our lives get busier!
Bonus: Favorite “Thing I Didn’t Know I Needed But Use Constantly” Purchase
Last but certainly not least, the Hulken Bag. My girlfriend told me how amazing they were, I was confused by it, but then I bought one and now I get it. I use mine all of the time – to load up groceries in my car, to package up returns to take, to load it with gifts for Christmas, basically anytime I need to haul anything, I throw everything I can [which it holds a TON] and then wheel it wherever it needs to go! I love the indestructible handles, the zipper top option, and that you can lay it completely flat!
Looking for even more favorites from the year?! Scroll through to see even more [there were plenty!]
