End of the year favorites lists are my (ahem) favorite. Even in (especially in?) a whacked out year like this one. So I’m extra excited to share my list of my very favorite things in 2020!
Thanks to the wonders/temptations/dangers of online pandemic shopping, I’ve discovered a few fantastic items that have made life a little better and reused a few old favorites with additional enthusiasm. These items are by no means essential for your survival or happiness in 2021 – but we have found them to be worth our dollars.
(Wondering where the books are? Don’t worry – I’ll have a full post in January with the best reads from this year.)
Let’s jump in!
Some affiliate links are included below. This means if you buy a product through one of these links, I make a small commission but the price remains the same for you. However, this post is not sponsored, and none of these companies asked me to feature their products. As always, I only feature products I truly love and believe to be worth your time.
Anna’s Favorite Things in 2020
Home & Office Favorites
Hydroflask water bottle
Adam has been telling me to try one of these for years. And he was right. My Hydroflask keeps water at the ideal temperature for actual hours. You’ll look at the price and think there’s no way a water bottle could be worth that – and then you’ll try it and never go back. Sure, maybe this brand is hyped up. But it kinda deserves it. I have the 24 oz trail version, which is the perfect size and weight for normal life AND hiking, and a flex sip lid.
Frixion eraseable pens
For bullet journalers, teachers, or anyone who writes stuff in colored ink, these erasable pens are the bomb. They write smoothly and erase cleanly. Glory be! I think the clickable ones last longer and write much more nicely – plus, they’re refillable!
Kindle Paperwhite
My library’s limited hours currently do not align with my work hours, so my Kindle e-book loans have absolutely saved my reading life during the pandemic. See my full honest review here.
Purple Simply seat cushion
I can work all day long on a kitchen chair if I’m using my Purple seat cushion. It’s like sitting on supportive Jello, in the best way possible. My husband tries to steal it regularly.
Need more easy home office upgrade ideas? Check out this post.
Gammy’s Beezwax candles
This small Canadian brand makes really delightful beeswax candles. They burn cleanly, last a really long time, and don’t give me headaches. Plus, they send an adorable tiny sample with your order. I didn’t order these in time for Advent candle-ing and had to get some basic pillar candles from Target instead. And let me tell you, now I realize just how good the beeswax candles are. We are now candle snobs. Send help. (A wick trimmer is also really helpful.)
Milk frother
I use this every day to mix milk and sugar into my tea. It just makes everything from at-home lattes to hot chocolate to chai taste better. Like coffee-shop worthy, but you don’t have to get out of your pajamas. Back when I actually went to an office, I bought an extra milk frother to keep in my desk drawer – it’s that necessary for my caffeinated happiness.
Clothing Favorites
Is anyone surprised that all of my favorite things for 2020 in the clothing category are uber comfy? Of course not.
Patagonia Better Sweater
Is the Patagonia Better Sweater bougie and expensive for a sweatshirt? Yes. Do I wear it multiple times per week? Also yes. If you live somewhere cold, you will not find a warmer, more comfortable layer. Adam and I both own these, and we accidentally twin way too often. We found ours on sale, but I would absolutely pay full price for it.
Allbirds sneakers
As soon as temperatures dip, I pop these on just about every time I run errands. They’re supportive, cozy warm for waiting in line outside Trader Joe’s, and bonus, you don’t have to wear socks with them. I currently have and love the basic wool runners, but if I were buying a new pair now, I would definitely get the waterproof ones.
Athleta Trekkie North line
I have both the leggings and the shorts, and I am here to say that this line wins the year of the elastic waistband, amen. I wore the shorts nearly every day this summer, and the leggings have become my go-to hiking pants. Somehow they are rugged enough you can slide down rocks without worry, but they are still comfy. Plus, the shorts actually fit if you do not have twig thighs. Currently only the joggers are available, so I am praying to the Athleta gods that the other pieces will come back in the spring.
Patagonia jumpsuit
Bookmark this one for spring! I wore this jumpsuit at least twice a week when the temps were in the 60-80° range. It’s made out of breathable, stretchy fabric that is just so darn comfortable. Plus, it seems to miraculously fit a wide range of bodies, from short and curvy to tall and athletic. If I can find it on sale again, I will likely jump on another color next summer – it’s that good.
Summersalt swimsuit
Yes, these are the swimsuits you got countless Facebook ads for. But I’m here to say that they’re actually really great. The internet-famous one-shoulder style didn’t work for me, but I absolutely adore the plunge style. A little sassy and so flattering.
Natori Feathers bra
Sorry not sorry if this is TMI. But I rediscovered this bra during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. All Natori bras are fantastic (I’ve worn the Everyday one for years), but the Feathers version has edged its way into my favorites. Just make sure to go up one cup size. (Hint: you can sometimes find it at Nordstrom Rack if you have very good timing.)
Beauty Favorites
Thrive Causemetics mascara
My lashes are practically invisible without a little cosmetic help. Thrive Liquid Lash Extensions mascara is my ideal kind of mascara – it adds nice length without too much weight. Plus, it doesn’t clump, lasts all day and does. not. flake. Hallelujah. Removal is mildly annoying but worth it. (Psst – you can get $10 off your first order of $50+ if you use this link.)
Billie razors
Yes, these razors are absolutely deserving of the hype. I was skeptical, but I was also sick of paying $5 a razor blade for the “good” razors at Target. Now I am 100% on Team Billie. The razors themselves are excellent – as good, if not better, than the ones I was using before. Plus, they get delivered right to my mailbox for like $2 a blade! (If you’re ordering these for the first time, yes, you for sure want the travel case. The shaving cream, however, is fine but not quite worth $11, in my opinion.)
Tower 28 lip gloss
This lip gloss has the power to perk up any at-home work day. It feels more like a super-smooth balm than a sticky gloss, and it adds the perfect little punch of sheer color. I currently have and love Spicy, and I’m considering adding Coconut to my arsenal. Plus, it’s clean!
AmLactin lotion
Anyone else plagued by keratosis pilaris – those stubborn little bumps on the backs of your arms and legs? I’ve always, always been annoyed by these. AmLactin lotion is the best budget-friendly solution I’ve found. It gently exfoliates AND moisturizes, leaving my skin extra smooth. This would also be a great solution if you have body acne or stubborn flaky winter skin. Fair warning, it smells kinda clinical. But it does work.
Boar bristle brush
Switching to a boar bristle brush instead of the Target brush I’ve used since high school means that I can go an extra day in between hair washings. Now if that’s not the 2020 miracle we all need. (Besides a vaccine, obviously.) I’ve been happy with this one from Amazon.