I look forward to writing this post every year. If you’re curious, I wrote about my 2019 favorites previously. This roundup is a mixed collection of things I bought and truly loved in 2020—many food-related items this year, but also a handful of household, beauty, fashion, and kid products that made everyday life easier or more enjoyable.
Here we go!
Kitchen & Home
Unpaper Towels: One of my few successful 2020 goals was giving up disposable paper towels. These reusable “unpaper” towels have been fantastic—absorbent, durable, and available in colorful or neutral edge options. We use them as rags and napkins and they cut down on waste while still being practical for daily messes.
Food Huggers: A simple but brilliant reusable solution for covering cut fruit and vegetables—apples, cucumbers, onions, and more. They’re flexible, form-fitting, and keep produce fresh longer than loose plastic wrap.
Lid Organizer: A small upgrade that made a big difference in our kitchen. It keeps Tupperware lids neatly stored in the back of the drawer so they don’t fly everywhere when you open it. If you have a drawer full of mismatched lids, this is a must-have for tidiness and convenience.
Beeswax Wraps: We use beeswax wraps in place of foil or plastic for many items. The larger bread wraps are perfect for sliced loaves, while smaller wraps are handy for covering smoothie bowls, snacks, or leftovers in the freezer. They’re reusable and reduce single-use waste.
Fresh Bread: This year we made a point to support small bakeries and discovered how much better fresh, properly baked sourdough is compared to packaged sandwich bread. Now we buy fresh loaves regularly and don’t plan on going back to the pre-sliced stuff. If you can, support a local bakery—you’ll likely notice the difference right away.
Maldon Sea Salt Flakes: I discovered flaked sea salt and started adding it to cookies and other baked goods for a bright, crunchy finish. A little goes a long way, and the packaging lasts a long time despite frequent use. It’s a small indulgence that elevates homemade and store-bought treats alike.
Tessemae’s Ranch Dressing: This organic, dairy-free, gluten-free ranch became a household favorite—great for dipping carrots (and getting a kid to eat them) and excellent as a salad dressing. It’s a clean-ingredient option that performs well as both a dip and a dressing.
Chipotle Lime Mayo: A flavorful spread we put on avocado toast and sandwiches. Made with avocado oil, it’s not overly spicy but does add a smoky, tangy kick. It’s gluten- and dairy-free and quickly became a go-to condiment in our kitchen.
Beauty & Fashion
O’Natural Organic Lip Therapy Lip Balm: I struggle with chronically chapped lips and this balm genuinely helped. It’s a simple product that made a noticeable difference in hydration and comfort.
Nécessaire Hand Cream: A luxe-feeling hand cream that’s fragrance-free and effective. It helped with dry hands and became a reliable product in my routine, especially during colder months when hands get dry and cold.
LastSwab Reusable Cotton Swab: A thoughtful swap to reduce disposable cotton swab waste. It’s reusable and works well for makeup touch-ups and other small tasks.
Keds Tennis Shoes: I’ve lived in comfortable sneakers this year and Keds are versatile with dresses or casual loungewear. I own several pairs in classic and more playful styles—simple, wearable, and easy to dress up or down.
Cup of Jo Reading Sweater: A chunky, comfortable cardigan that’s the right length and cozy without being too heavy. It quickly became a go-to for layering throughout the season.
Parachute Waffle Lounge Set: A waffle-knit lounge set that feels lighter than a traditional sweat set but still very cozy. Though it was gifted to us, it’s one of those pieces we reach for after laundry because it’s so comfortable and wearable.
Kid Stuff
Hatch Rest Night Light & Sound Machine: This night light and sound device has been invaluable for bedtime routines. We primarily use the light feature and control it via the app. It serves as a nightlight through the night and changes color in the morning to signal when our son can get up. We also assign colors for nap or quiet times, which helps with consistency and transitions.
Elf & Friends Kids Cups: Durable cups with multiple lid options for drinks or snacks. They’re microwave-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe and come in glass or stainless options across several sizes. These cups have been versatile and easy for everyday use.
Dodo Banana Pajamas: Soft, cozy pajamas with cute patterns that hold up well in the wash. We size up for longevity—our child currently wears the 5Y in these—and they’ve become a bedtime favorite.
What were your favorite purchases this year? I’d love to hear what items you discovered and loved—share them below!