Today I’m sharing the products that have truly made life easier. The older I get, the more I believe in quality over quantity; I hate buying things for the quick dopamine hit that just make my space feel cluttered later on. These are the few material items that I use regularly and have increased the quality of my life. Some are staples of my morning routine, whereas others have helped me feel more put together and decreased the number of decisions I have to make. I recommend all of these to friends and family, and hope that you’ll find they make your life easier, too.

sunrise alarm clock

Transitioning away from the app on my phone and back to an old-school alarm clock seems unnecessary, but it has truly transformed my mornings. This alarm clock wakes you up gently, has a sound/ brown noise machine, and can be customized to your nighttime and morning routines. If you’re on the fence about spending extra money on an alarm clock, this one is a decent dupe for under $40.

cooling pillows

Pillows can make or break the quality of your sleep; these are firm without being too stiff, have a cooling feature that’s perfect for summer, and are very high quality for the price. They didn’t need to be broken in, and I’ve never woken up with a kink in my neck since using these. My mom, who has had neck surgery for slipped disks, also loves them. You can usually get them on sale, which I love as it’s recommended to replace your pillows every year or two.

glass cups with leak-proof lids

Everyone raves about their HydroFlasks and Stanley cups, but I love these glass cups with bamboo lids. They don’t get moldy, are easy to wash, and easily fit in cup holders. They’re cute, go with my home decor, and feel a little more grown-up than the bright Starbucks cups I used to use.

Kindle Paperwhite

I’m completely obsessed with my Kindle. It’s replaced my habit of doom-scrolling through social media when I have a spare moment, and I do not miss the excess screen time at all. I feel much more productive, at peace, and aligned with my best self when I prioritize reading (fiction or non-fiction), and my Kindle Paperwhite (and the Kindle app) make reading anywhere convenient and easy.

pre-packed toiletry bags

I’ve dedicated one of my bathroom drawers to travel bags and products exclusively; having a designated spot for travel-sized shower essentials, makeup, and skincare products ensures I don’t forget anything when I travel, even if it’s just an overnight stay.

plain black hoodies

Everyone has a go-to uniform, and these black hoodies are the #1 staple in my closet. I’ve spent so much money on loungewear over the years, and these hoodies are the only ones that keep their softness, don’t fade or shrink, and are easy to wash (and dry) for under $20. I order a medium for an oversized fit, and they come in tons of other colors, too.

dumbbells and adjustable bench for home workouts

Investing in dumbbells, kettlebells, and an adjustable workout bench has helped make working out a daily habit for me. No matter how busy the day is, having some simple gym equipment at home prevents me from skipping a workout, no excuses. Absolutely worth the investment, but you can also use the “save for later” feature on Amazon to monitor when they go on sale for a discount. I also love these socks for working out; they have the perfect height and don’t stretch out over time.

non-greasy hand cream

As someone who gets deep cracks and cuts around my fingers when my skin gets too dry, finding a hand cream that I could incorporate into my daily routine without leaving greasy smudge marks everywhere was essential. I’ve tried a ton at different price points, and this lotion is the best. It’s lightweight, unscented, and keeps my skin hydrated. If you prefer something scented, this one has a light citrus scent that doesn’t irritate sensitive skin.

best lip balm that lasts all night

This lip balm is probably my top purchase of 2023, and I’ve gifted it to all of my friends and family. It’s the only lip product I’ve tried that lasts overnight, but isn’t so thick that you can’t wear it during the day, and it’s only $12. The mint is my favorite scent, but it also comes in tinted versions, too.