The best things we bought in 2023 that make life just a little easier and more joyful

Yes, it’s a face mist, but IMO it’s also a mental vacation in a bottle. Among a host of glorious botanicals which hydrate and soothe, the Cap Beauty Serotoner is infused with griffonia, a plant which is said to increase the “feel good” hormone serotonin. I’m not sure if that’s what’s happening when I spray it, but regardless, its coconut, neroli and rose scent is without a doubt one of the most divine things I’ve ever smelled. It’s transportive, glow-giving and calming for both skin and mood and I quite literally never leave home without it.

–Sara Goldstein, Associate Director Commerce Editorial Strategy

There is no one in the world who has lost more earrings than my 12-year-old daughter. For whatever reason, the kid can’t keep them in her ears to save her life. She also really, really loves earrings and cheap ones always cause irritation. I’d pretty much given up until I found these. The clever design is sweet and simple, they never fall out and as a bonus they give the illusion of that second piercing she’s been hounding me for. And since they’re made from 14k gold fill, they never tarnish or lose their gold hue. I love them so much I even snagged a pair for myself!

–Sara Goldstein, Associate Director Commerce Editorial Strategy

I use this rolling bag for everything, Target runs, grocery shopping, packing for vacation, you name it. I have never gotten so many compliments and questions about where I got something before in my life. It is truly a game changer and takes away the need for a shopping cart or basket and fits a ton of stuff. They did update the design a few months after I bought mine to include a zipper lid to keep everything in, which would be handy since my trunk is too small for it to be stood up in, but it’s a minor inconvenience that I can live with!

-Jen Watro, Head of Content Distribution & Partnerships

I absolutely love using this every day. The paper is magical as well as excellent quality, you have an excuse to buy special pens, you don’t have to go through tons of paper or regular notebooks, you can store what you think is important (or top-secret Christmas lists, for example) on the app while wiping away all evidence you’ve ever used the notebook—only to start all over again. Eco-friendly AND fun? Sign me right up.

–Cassy Stone, Senior News & Trending Editor

I didn’t know what my life was missing until I scored this beauty during an after-Christmas sale. I never thought I liked baking because it was “too complicated.” FALSE. I just didn’t have the right equipment! Kitchen Aids are worth every tiny bit of the hype, because there’s really nothing these machines can’t do and they last a lifetimE.. They’re expensive, but you can get one like this—the Hearth and Hand version—at Target, usually at a good discount (plus that forest green color speaks to my soul). Best of all, my kids love baking with me (who knew I was a Baking Mom? NOT ME) and it’s something messy we can all have fun with together while sampling our own concoctions. Win-win. 

–Cassy Stone, Senior News & Trending Editor

I am obsessed with this. It amps up every walk that I go on and the health benefits of carrying weight on your back are huge. The backpack itself is incredibly durable and well made, and can be used with or without the addition of weighted Ruckplates –a great design for versatility! I use this all of the time. 

–Kate Anderson, Chief of Staff

The dry winter air takes a big toll on my skin, so I hunted for something that would combat the harshness without weighing my skin down or leaving an oil slick. This makes my face feel so delightful. I love putting this on every morning and every night. It is so rich and makes my skin look great.

–Kate Anderson, Chief of Staff

I purchased the Litter Robot 3 when I was pregnant in 2019 and have never looked back. I have two cats, so this year I splurged and purchased the 4. Best investment ever if you have cats. Saves litter, limits smell, and I’ll never scoop again haha! There are knock-offs out there, but it’s worth it to go with the original. 

–Lindsey Negard, Email Newsletter Specialist

After falling in love with this simple yet sturdy straw hat, I’ve sent a couple to friends and family as gifts this year–it checks the box as a beautiful yet functional item that’s sure to get a ton of use. The braided leather strap promises to keep it securely on your head (or draped over your shoulders), the wide brim protects from the sun’s rays while the woven grass is lightweight but stiff enough to hold a shape. As an added bonus, it also looks chic just hanging on the wall. 

-Jessica D’Argenio Waller, Editorial Director

Since moving to a colder climate last year, I don’t know what I’d do without my shearling-lined Birkenstock Boston clogs. They’re always the answer to early morning school runs, quick walks to get the Sunday paper, running late for yoga class, standing in the snowy driveway for bus pickup, or just scuffing around the house when even your warmest socks won’t cut it. 

–Jessica D’Argenio Waller, Editorial Director

With the cold, dry season, this tinted moisturizer has been a great addition to my daily skin care routine. It’s not oily and goes on smoothly with a sheer tint. It gives me the perfect glow while protecting my skin from the sun. (Which you still have to do in the winter, you know!)

-Mai Tran, Graphic Designer

As a big coffee lover who drinks a cup (sometimes 2!) every day, I love these reusable K cups for my mini Keurig. They’re made from stainless steel, fit perfectly and are dishwasher safe! You can use them over and over, so I’m not creating more waste with disposable plastic cups, and they save me money too! Seriously, 11/10, no notes. 

I love these mini silicone utensils so much that I bought 3 sets! They’re easier for me to use since I have small hands, and they save space as well. I’ve bought other silicone utensils that were flimsy and didn’t last over time, but not these! They’re well-made, heat-resistant and dishwasher safe. I highly recommend.

-Mai Tran, Graphic Designer

I’m generally a sucker for any and all alchemy packaged in small amber bottles, but this is one I’ll buy forever and ever amen. Bitters have been used for approximately a gazillion years for everything from helping bloating and indigestion to making a bomb ass Manhattan and if that’s not some real versatility, I don’t know what is. And while such ancient wisdom in a bottle is widely available, Urban Moonshine is my go-to. For one thing, the addition of citrus makes them palatable solo (though it is an acquired taste). But more importantly, they just work. I put a couple dropperfuls on my tongue before a meal and it totally lights up my taste buds and gives my body the cue it needs to get digestive juices flowing. No more feeling super full or gross even after a substantial meal! I guess our ancestors really did know what they were talking about. Go figure!

–Sara Goldstein, Associate Director Commerce Editorial Strategy

Am I that boring and unadventurous that dental floss is one of my best purchases of the year or is this dental floss THAT GOOD? (Let me offer that I also bought and wore a Skims latex dress in public, on purpose. So you decide, friends. You decide.)

I would have been perfectly fine living the rest of my life using the free garbage I get from my near constant orthodontist appointments. (Invisalign–it’s a blessing and a curse). I mean, I didn’t even think of floss as a product that needed to be improved upon. But once I tried Cocofloss, it’s apparent the dental industry has really been phoning it in. Made from a weave of 500 teeny tiny recycled polyester threads and coated with vegan wax and coconut oil, it acts like a loofah to scrub between your teeth. It cleanses teeth astronomically better than any other floss I’ve ever used and it comes in a bunch of fun flavors as well. And yes, it’s on the pricey side when it comes to floss, but add in the sustainability factor and it’s a fine reason to splurge.

–Sara Goldstein, Associate Director Commerce Editorial Strategy