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Whether it’s shifting hormones or getting wiser with age, something changes in our late 40’s and early 50’s, doesn’t it? All of the sudden, comfort, happiness, and the little things that make everyday life better start to matter a whole lot more.
Over the years, I’ve found a handful of things that genuinely make my life easier, cozier, or just a little more enjoyable. These are the tried-and-true favorites I’d happily buy again, and they also happen to make great gifts for just about anyone.
Thing that keep my hands BUSY
I have been becoming more resentful of the constant scrolling and the need to pick up the phone at the slightest idle moment. There’s something incredibly satisfying about doing something with your hands, especially when it gives your brain a break from a screen! I am a big fan of projects that keep my hands busy and let me focus on simply making something. From embroidery to resin crafts and other creative little projects, these are the kinds of activities that are relaxing and absorbing in the best way.
Embroidery Kit for Beginners
If you’re an embroidery beginner (like I am) or just want an easy, relaxing project,
I highly recommend this embroidery kit. I’ve been stitching my way through the four templates included in the kit and was so glad when my teen daughter wanted to do it with me! The kit also comes with an embroidery hoop, colorful skeins of embroidery floss, needles, instructions, and all the little tools you need to get started. My daughter and I felt confident in our stitching skills after completing just one template!
Resin Kit with Molds
I bought this resin kit when I was looking for another creative project to keep my hands busy, and it turned out to be so much fun. It comes with pretty much everything you need to get started, including resin, molds, mica powders, gold flakes, mixing supplies, gloves, and instructions. Even if you’ve never worked with resin before, you can jump right in and start making some pretty things.
Pottery Kit (no kiln needed!)
I’ve always wanted to try pottery, but buying a wheel and a kiln seemed crazy! This air-dry pottery kit lets me get creative right at home, with clay, sculpting tools, brushes, varnish, and instructions. No pressure, just fun!
Things that make me HAPPY
Some things just need to make you happy, am I right? Colorful rings or solar lights that make the backyard feel a little magical at night can bring a surprising amount of joy to an ordinary day. These are the things I’m drawn to these days!
Magical Solar Garden Lights
These solar lights add such a pretty scene to my potted plants on my patio at night! It’s a bonus that I can also see them from my kitchen window. They make the whole space feel more special. They’re solar-powered, too, so there are no cords or batteries to worry about.
Colorful Rings
I’m convinced these colorful rings are my instant mood booster. They’re fun, playful, and add just the right pop of color to any simple outfit. I keep them in this jewelry organizer that keeps everything displayed, untangled, and easy to grab.
Pretty Adhesive Hooks
I try to be intentional about putting little happy details around the house that lift my mood and these hooks are exactly that. They are hanging by my bed And hold my chains and other necklaces but they can also be used for hanging other things, of course, like towels or bags.
My Most Complemented Tee
Without fail, someone compliments this shirt every time I wear it. It’s a little silly, a little funny, and a little clever, and that’s everything I love about it.
The Prettiest Double-sided Throw
Ahh! I just love using or even just looking at this throw. It’s so pretty! And it’s the softest gauze fabric.
Things that SAVE me time
I remember watching an interview with someone who was asked what they would always be willing to spend money on, and they said it would be anything that saves them time. That stuck with me, and now I live by the same motto. If something genuinely saves me time, I’m willing to spend money on it.
Electric Brush for Those Tiny Spaces
Anything that saves me from scrubbing on my hands and knees is a win. This tiny power scrubber gets into all those awkward corners, and is especially great for the shower and tub.
Bathroom Mini Fridge
I call it a bathroom fridge because I use it in the bathroom, but who says that’s where you have to keep it? I store my facial rollers in it so they’re nice and cold when I use them, without the hassle of going to my kitchen fridge in the morning, which, for me, means an entire flight of stairs. I know, the perils of suburban living. 🙂
Cheese Grater
I remember grating Parmesan on a handheld grater for what felt like the 400th time (my son loves cheesy, creamy sauces 🙂 and thinking, “There has got to be something that makes this easier.” So I bought this grater, and it’s one of those things I can’t believe I waited so long to buy. I’ve grated A LOT of Parmesan with it, but it’s also great for other cheeses and, of course, carrots (can’t forget the carrots!).
This veggie chopper is also a huge time saver.
Instacart Membership
I hate grocery shopping with a passion. I have friends who love it and use it as their “me” time. Not me. I got an Instacart membership a couple of years ago, and I will never go back. They have generally not disappointed me and have saved me so much time. I no longer make grocery lists or spend time driving to and from grocery stores, and I genuinely think I save money by avoiding impulse purchases.
The only exception is Trader Joe’s. I will always love shopping in person at Trader Joe’s.
Things that make life EASIER
At this point in my life, I have a deep appreciation for anything that makes an everyday task just a little bit easier. Nothing revolutionary here, just those clever, useful things that save time or solve an annoying little problem. These are the things I use over and over again and would replace immediately if they disappeared. Why didn’t I buy them years ago?
Makeup Eraser
I haven’t bought makeup remover wipes in years because this cloth does the job with just water, I love that I can toss it in the wash and use it over and over, which means one less product to buy, one less thing cluttering my bathroom, and one very easy step at the end of the day.
Recently, I have been pairing the makeup eraser with this collagen cleansing balm and they leave my skin feeling baby soft and refreshed.
Lip Stain that Lasts and Lasts
If you have seen this Wonderskin lip stain on social media and I wanted to try it, believe every word. I always envied people whose lipstick stayed on all day until I discovered this lip stain. It really is just that great. I have it in Beautiful and XoXo.
Travel Pillow that’s Also a Blanket
Have you ever been on a plane but you felt like you were in a refrigerator? Whoever thought of a travel pillow that’s also a blanket deserves an award! This one folds neatly into its own little pillow for carrying, then opens into a cozy blanket. One less bulky thing to squeeze into my carry-on!
Things that bring me COMFORT
Look, I am still willing to suffer a little in the name of fashion. But these days, I look more and more for things that make me feel good. Remember being young and making fun of geriatric shoes? Well, give me all the geriatric shoes 🙂
Portable Neck Fan
This portable neck fan has become my personal air-conditioning system for hot days, outdoor events, travel, or any moment when my internal thermostat decides to do its own thing. I also lent it to my teenagers for their recent Disney trip in August (!), and they said it was such a useful thing to have while standing in those long Disney lines.
Elastic Waist Pants
An elastic waistband is a selling point for me these days, and I’m perfectly fine with that. These pants are ridiculously comfortable but still look polished enough that I don’t feel like I’m wearing lounge pants out of the house.
Another Neck Fan Option
This little fan got me through a vacation in Barcelona, also in August! I like this option because I can wear it around my neck or hold it in my hand. It’s also small enough to toss in my bag when not in use.
Things that are NON-TOXIC
I’m not trying to eliminate every questionable ingredient from my life, but I have become more conscious of what I use on my body and around my home. When I find a non-toxic or cleaner alternative that works just as well as what I was already using, making the switch feels like an easy choice. These are some of the products I’ve tried and loved.
Beeswax Wood Polish
Some of the natural cleaning products I’ve tried over the years don’t work as well as the chemical ones but this stuff works like a charm! It brings back the richness and shine and my wood actually looks better after I use it.
Plant-rich moisturizer
I use this moisturizer whenever my skin feels particularly dry. I actually like to dab it on a natural exfoliating pad like this and rub it in for some dual action. Weleda Skin Food is rated Excellent on Yuka.
Lightweight Illuminator
I love a little glow, especially these days when my skin is looking less than enthusiastic. This lightweight illuminator gives me that subtle, healthy-looking radiance without feeling like I’m wearing glitter. I love that it’s a cleaner option I can feel good about using regularly. I mix a little into my foundation or wear it on its own when I want that effortless “my skin just looks really good today” effect.
A quick note about “non-toxic”: I’m not an expert in product safety, and I know there isn’t one universally accepted definition of what makes a product “clean” or “non-toxic.” Products and ingredients can also receive different ratings depending on the source you use. I reference resources such as Yuka and EWG’s Healthy Living, but I don’t consider any one rating system definitive. These are simply products I’ve personally chosen based on my own research and preferences. Ingredients and formulations can change, so please check current ingredient lists and do your own research to decide what you’re comfortable using.
Things that PROTECT my skin
Last but certainly not least, I’ve become much more serious about protecting my skin as I’ve gotten older. It’s not because I’m trying to stop aging, but because I’d like to take good care of the skin I have. From everyday sun protection to a few things I wish I’d started using years ago, these are the products that help me enjoy being outside without letting my skin pay the price.
On-the-go SPF50 Sunscreen
I love that this sunscreen is small enough to put in my purse and use it on the go. Bonus: This one is lightweight enough for everyday use, layers under makeup, and doesn’t leave me feeling like I have a thick coat of sunscreen sitting on my face.
Neck tightening cream
So I’m going to sound like I’m talking from both sides of my mouth because I just said I’m not trying to stop aging but hear me out on this one. My neck is one of those areas I definitely pay more attention to now than I did 10 years ago. I use this tightening cream as part of my skincare routine to keep the skin on my neck moisturized and cared for. Admittingly, I have neglected this area. But, if you are looking for anti-aging results, this one definitely delivers.
Brightening Overnight Mask
I love this because it does its job while I sleep! I put it on before bed and let it work overnight, then wake up with skin that feels softer, more hydrated, and like I actually did something productive while sleeping.