Last year I shared a similar roundup and still stand by everything I mentioned then. This year I’m back with my favorite things I bought in 2019. Most are practical essentials, a few are little indulgences, but each item is something I used a lot or loved throughout the year. Here they are, in no particular order.
The Best Things I Bought in 2019
Lunchbots Cinco Lunch Box: After a lot of research I chose the Lunchbots Cinco for Arlo and have been very happy with it. It’s a good size for a toddler who eats a lot and should last longer than a tiny box. The compartments are useful, it’s easy to clean, and it still looks new despite regular use.
Vans No-Show Socks: These no-show socks solved my long-standing problem with bunching and slipping. They work best for me when I buy the girls’ size rather than the women’s. I typically wear a women’s 8.5 shoe and find the girls’ size fits well in sneakers and boots without bunching.
Disney+: Disney’s streaming service surprised me with both the breadth of classic titles and the quality of original series. We loved The Imagineering Story, and my son is obsessed with the short-form content like the Forky shorts. The price point and the ability to download content for offline viewing make it great for travel.
Target Laser Cut Underwear: I finally replaced decades-old underwear with seamless laser-cut pairs from Target. They’re comfortable, invisible under clothes, and don’t ride up. They aren’t flashy, but they’re functional and reliable for everyday wear.
Quip Toothbrush: The Quip electric toothbrush is simple and effective. I appreciate the subscription for brush heads and batteries so replacements arrive on schedule. It’s a small convenience that makes maintaining oral care easier.
West Elm Organic Towels: We received these towels for our master bathroom and they feel indulgent—soft, fluffy, and hotel-like. They wash well and maintain their texture; we chose the large bath sheet size and enjoy the luxury feel.
Bralettes: 2019 was the year I stopped wearing traditional bras. For my body type, switching to bralettes greatly improved comfort. Two styles I like are a Madewell option and a style from Richer Poorer. They’re comfortable for daily life and have been a welcome change.
Reusable Cotton Produce Bags: These washable produce bags cut down on plastic and packaging from the grocery produce aisle. They’re lightweight, durable, and include the bag weight on the tag so you can subtract it at checkout.
7 for All Mankind Boyfriend Jeans: I received these jeans as part of a sponsored collaboration but they truly became my favorite denim. I wear a size 25 in a relaxed boyfriend fit; they feel comfortable without stretching out. I may buy a second pair in a different size for a more fitted look when I want variety.
Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds (Whole Foods): The dark chocolate almonds from the bulk bins at Whole Foods are a recurring snack for me. They strike a good balance of chocolate to almond and make an easy, satisfying treat.
Ilia Mascara and Eyeliner: Trying Ilia’s mascara was part of a gradual switch to cleaner makeup. The double-sided mascara brush builds volume really well and I noticed a dramatic difference. I also switched to Ilia’s eyeliner and have been pleased with both products.
Ello Splendid Glass Water Bottle: After considering many bottles, I chose a glass Ello bottle that meets my criteria—transparent, no straw, and not plastic. It’s heavier than plastic but durable and simple in design.
Those were the standout buys for me in 2019. I’d love to hear your top purchases from the year—items you reach for often or would recommend to others. Share your favorites in the comments!