After a year of decluttering my home, I realized that I was getting rid of a lot of things that I once thought I needed, and happily spent money on.
Because of that realization, I’ve been focusing on being more mindful with my spending.
I try not to buy things just because they’re on sale. I try to wait a few days (or weeks) before making a purchase to be sure it’s something I really do want.
So, looking back over the past year, I decided to create a list of my absolute favorite purchases. Quality items that my family and I have used regularly and loved. Purchases that I have not regretted bringing into my home.
Ready to see what made my list?
OK, here they are:
My favorite things from 2021
Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you choose to click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
1. My favorite fiction read
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Code Name Hélène: A Novel |
$12.79 |
Buy on Amazon |
This book is based on the true story of Nancy Wake, a leader in the French Resistance during World War II. It was fantastic. I cried when I read the last page.
2. My favorite organizing purchase
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cricut Joy Machine – A Compact, Portable… | $89.99 | Buy on Amazon |
I got my Cricut Joy for a birthday present this year, and I’ve been using it to label everything ever since. (Check out the awesome labels in my pantry and spice rack!)
3. My kids’ most-used gift
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Topsung M880 Walkie Talkies for Adults… |
$25.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
We got these walkie-talkies for the kids last Christmas, and they haven’t stopped playing with them ever since.
4. My favorite planner
I never used to use a planner before I found this one, because I like to create my own categories and lists. With this planner, it’s a bunch of empty spaces where I can customize it however I want! I used it all year and already ordered next year’s version.
5. My favorite wallet/phone case
This wallet comes with a matching magnetic phone case, and – get this – you can zip your phone right into the wallet. AND there’s a ring for your keys, which means I only have one thing to grab when I leave the house. And it all fits into the diaper bag like a charm.
6. My favorite prayer journal
This prayer journal is simple and perfectly designed. There is space prayer requests each month, followed by blank pages for writing out Scriptures and prayers. I love this version because it isn’t dated, so I can go through it at my own pace.
7. My favorite nonfiction read
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way:… |
$12.70 |
Buy on Amazon |
In this book, Lysa Terkeurst tackles the tough question of why bad things happen, and what to do when they do. She’ll challenge you in this one, but in such a funny, relatable way that you’ll want to keep reading.
8. My favorite kid-friendly international cookbook
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cooking Class Global Feast!: 44 Recipes… |
$10.59 |
Buy on Amazon |
This cookbook is so good! It’s perfectly formatted to make it easy for kids to follow along, cooking and learning about countries around the world at the same time. It includes stickers, mini-flags, and tons of fun facts and colorful pictures. We’ve already made a lot of these recipes, and have loved every one we’ve tried so far!
9. My favorite skincare product
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Lotion… | Buy on Amazon |
I wear this sunscreen moisturizer every day. It’s not oily or thick at all, and my makeup goes on super smoothly on top of it. I love knowing that my skin is protected from the sun, and the price is unbeatable.
10. My kids’ most-used art supply
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Pentel Oil Pastels – Set 50 |
$8.90 |
Buy on Amazon |
My kids have always preferred oil pastels over crayons. They’re much more vibrant and easier to color with. We had to get a new set this year because our old pastels were so well-used they were down to the stubs.
11. My favorite way to make dinner
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Beautiful Boards: 50 Amazing Snack… |
$13.31 |
Buy on Amazon |
Dinner (or any meal, for that matter) tastes so much better on a board. I’ve gotten so many good ideas from this book, and had a lot of fun making up my own dinner boards over the past year as well.
12. My favorite book of kids’ science experiments
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Smithsonian 10-Minute Science… |
$9.69 |
Buy on Amazon |
Steve Spangler know his stuff when it comes to simple, but super amazing science experiments for kids. You can also look him up on YouTube, but I love this book because it’s full of colorful, step-by-step directions that make it really easy to follow along mid-experiment.
Well, that’s my list for this year! What would be at the top of your Favorite Things list for the year? Let me know in the comments!
-Laura
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