Recommendations are independently selected by our team but may result in a commission to Nice News which helps keep our content free.
Besides reporting on positive developments and goings-on around the world, one of Nice News’ love languages is sharing products we wish we’d known about sooner. And with the season of gift giving upon us, we figured: What better time to compile our favorite can’t-live-without purchases of the year in one place?
We polled the team for the picks that have made our lives easier, brighter, or just plain better. Some are super practical (looking at you, dryer rack and earplugs), while others simply bring a smile to our faces (hello, pretty art prints). So whether you’re looking for gift inspiration for loved ones or perusing for yourself, we’ve got some tried-and-true recommendations for you. Happy shopping, from our carts to yours.
– Marika Price Spitulski
Ally, Associate Editor:
Baggu Packing Cubes
Packing cubes have been a lifesaver for me as a chronic overpacker — you’d be amazed at how much can fit in these. And while plenty of brands make packing cubes, none are as cute as Baggu’s. I have a set in the Still Life pattern, and they’ve held up through several long trips this year. I envision having them for quite awhile.
Manicurist Active Glow Raspberry
I’ve been on somewhat of a nail care journey this year, hinged upon (finally) quitting my nail biting habit. This “nail care enhancer” from Manicurist strengthens and nourishes your nails, and painting on two to three coats of the raspberry hue adds the perfect pink glow. It’s like no-makeup makeup, but for nails.
Honey-Can-Do Heavy Duty Foldable Laundry Drying Rack
Hang-drying rather than tossing clothes into the dryer after every wash helps extend their longevity, not to mention reduces energy usage and prevents shrinkage. For those of us who don’t have access to yards (or consistently sunny weather) for line drying outside, this is the absolute best drying rack I’ve found. It can hold a lot of clothing without bending under the pressure and folds up super small when not in use.
Kenny, Director of Partnerships:
Reacher Sunrise Alarm Clock
I absolutely love this thing. It works triple duty as a night-light, sound machine, and alarm clock. The sound machine, which boasts 26 tracks (including ocean waves, white noise, rain, and wind), gets used nightly. And the sunrise feature that gradually increases light to wake you up naturally is a must-have during the dark winters.
America the Beautiful Pass
The America the Beautiful Pass covers entrance fees and standard amenity fees — aka day-use fees — at more than 2,000 national parks and federal recreational sites for one year (or a lifetime if you select that option). This is something I renew annually without question.
Slow Loris Shirts
My wife and daughter gave me the Slug Hiker T-shirt for Father’s Day, and it’s easily one of the most comfortable shirts I own. I love all of the small business’ original and thoughtful designs and the fact that it weaves the environment and ethical practices into its company culture. Added bonus: It feels good to support fellow locals of the Puget Sound region.
Strider 14x Convertible Balance Bike
This bike was technically a Christmas gift for my daughter last year, but it got the most use this past summer racing laps around various campgrounds. It’s a balance bike, so the intention is to skip training wheels and instead teach kids to balance and steer without pedals. Once the balance part clicks, you add these pedals, but we haven’t gotten that far yet.
Marika, Contributing Writer:
MoMA Two-Tone Glass Straws
I’ve purchased quite a few reusable straws — bamboo, metal, silicone — and these stylish glass ones from the Museum of Modern Art’s Design Store are by far my favorite. They’re dishwasher-safe (per my experience) and come with a handy little cleaning brush. Somehow, I think they make everything taste better, too. I never knew I could love a straw so much, and now I want to give them to everyone I know as stocking stuffers.
Rothy’s Cozy Clogs
When I bought Rothy’s Cozy Clogs, I didn’t realize they’d be my go-to shoe during my pregnancy. Especially now that I’m in my third trimester, it’s a gift not to have to bend down to tie laces or futz with the shoe’s tongue. But whether you’re pregnant or not, they strike just the right balance of feeling like a slipper yet not quite looking like one. They’re machine washable, available in three colors, and feature a vegan shearling-lined footbed that lives up to their “cozy” name. Note: As with most Rothy’s shoes, they tend to run a bit big, so sizing down did the trick for me.
Things to Look Forward to Book
It can be easy to lose sight of the good in the world, but not while reading author Sophie Blackall’s beautifully illustrated book Things to Look Forward to. It’s a “collection of joys” meant to gently remind you about those little glimmers of happiness we experience as humans, like holding a warm cup of tea, hugging a friend, watching a sunrise, and petting a dog. It has a permanent place on my coffee table, and I’ve loved flipping through it for a boost of hope.
Pooky Ernest Cordless Table Lamp
I bought the Pooky Cordless Ernest Lamp after Assistant Editor Rebekah recommended it when I was writing Nice News’ recent article on tiny lamps. It was a splurge I went back and forth on for months, but it’s even more charming and Nancy Meyers-esque than I hoped it would be! I love how it looks on our coffee table (lit and unlit), and it adds so much personality to our living room. Pooky lets you select from a huge array of lamp shades to pair with it, and it’s also easy to charge. Plus, the little remote control to turn the light on and off comes in a cute gold case that I don’t mind having out.
Natalie, Managing Editor
Carly Tabak Prints
It took me forever to decide on art for my office, and I’m so glad I opted for a Carly Tabak beach print. Her work is bright and airy, beautifully capturing nature and transporting the viewer to wherever she snapped the shot. It adds serenity to my workspace, especially on busy days. I now want to add one of her prints to every room in my place.
Frownies Facial Patches
A friend recommended Frownies to me a while back as a non-invasive way to smooth wrinkles, but it wasn’t until this year that I committed to trying them. Now, after more than four months of nightly use, I can see a visible reduction in the expression lines on my forehead. Originally founded in 1889 by a mother-daughter team, the patches — which contain no toxins and are activated with water — act as a cast to help hold your skin flat and relaxed. One note: Consistency is key with these, so I suggest following the brand’s recommendation and committing to using the patches for at least a few months to see results.
Multipet Lamb Chop Squeaky Plush Dog Toy
I couldn’t resist including something for our four-legged family members! As a dog mom, I was late to jump on to the Lamb Chop bandwagon, but I’m so glad I finally picked one up. My 3-year-old pup loves this adorable plushie — so much so that he hasn’t torn it to shreds like he’s done with other stuffed toys. Not only does it make for a cuddly companion, but the internal squeaker keeps him entertained during play sessions. Plus, I love the joy it brings me when I find it in random spots around my home. It comes in three sizes, and there’s also one for kitties.
Rebekah, Assistant Editor:
Bird and Bear Coffee
This is the rare example of a coffee that got me to pause on my preferred Philz beans. I tried the Double Dutch Extra Dark blend at a friend’s house and immediately ordered a bag — even though I typically like a medium roast. The small business was founded by a married couple during the pandemic and is named after their two kids’ nicknames. Bird and Bear reached out to gift me a medium blend after Nice News first shared my recommendation, and that was delicious as well.
Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Mineral Face Sunscreen
After reading about the light-blocking benefits of tinted sunscreen, I started looking for a cost-effective daily option. I found this and love it. It makes my complexion look more even, feels great, and hasn’t broken me out or dried my skin. It’s available in multiple shades and I love that it’s a mineral sunscreen rather than chemical.
Karl Home Mid-Century Modern Accent Chair
I was initially a little wary of buying furniture off Amazon, but I needed an accent chair of a very specific size and look for my office, and was delighted when I found this. It was not only super affordable, but it’s comfy and the cushions are washable — a huge perk for my dog-friendly household. Plus, it comes in a ton of colors and fabrics. Note: It’s not the biggest chair, so if you’re looking for something to curl up and fall asleep in, this might not be it, but there is another option with a taller back that I’ve been eyeing as well.
Stephanie, Staff Writer:
HollyHome Bamboo TV Stand
This stand is fairly affordable and super easy to set up, and it looks much more expensive than it is — the wood fence doors give our living room a polished yet boho vibe. The storage compartment is also the perfect space to hold books and DVDs, and the whole thing is surprisingly sturdy.
Mighty Plugs
These are branded as the “world’s finest” earplugs, and they truly live up to that name. With a consistency similar to Play-Doh, they mold to your ears and create a suction that blocks out noise more than any other earplugs I’ve tried. They’re also so comfortable that I sleep in them every night, which has been a game changer for blocking noises — both around the house and outside — that could otherwise wake me up.
Sticky Lemon Accessories
From a fish wallet bag to a tartan tote with a raccoon on it, the fun, happy accessories from Sticky Lemon may technically be designed for kids, but I love them as an adult, too! I received one of the phone pouches as a birthday gift, and with a crossbody strap and only enough space for your phone and a few cards, it’s the perfect minimalist accessory.
Read More: The Best Experiential Presents for Making Priceless Memories
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