I tried all kinds of products this year. Some brand spanking new items like cozy bodywear for lounging and sneakers for running, and some things that were just new to me. There were the tech items, from tablets to the latest iPhone and earbuds and headphones of all sizes and power. Home decor items, wines and so much more. Nothing really disappointed, but there were a few items that really made an impression on me. Because this of the time of year is one for reflection, I thought I’d share them with you as last-minute gifts to yourself before the new haul of goods make their debut in 2024. Check ’em out!
The McBride Sisters don’t miss. They’re helping fans of their celebrated wine company ring in 2024 right with their latest offering, a single-vintage sparkling wine. Try out its flavor, which is a rich one of citrus, stone fruit and pineapple notes with a soft texture, and then get back to your fave, their Black Girl Magic Wines collection.
Available at McBride Sisters Wine Company
Obsessed! After struggling with a small mouse pad while working from home, I tried out one of the colorful desk mats from Society6 and it has brought ease to my workspace. I no longer struggle tracking down my cursor when moving around my mouse, and it brought some much-needed personality to a simple wooden desk that was just a laptop, monitor and light at one point. Choose form hundreds of styles to pick one that fits your decor tastes.
Available at Society6
For the mama who has had to boil water and put it in a thermos and take it around just to have a life outside the house with a newborn, set yourself free. This portable bottle warmer from Baby’s Brew was quite helpful in getting our little one’s milk ready while out and about. While I’d love if the bottles warmed up a tad faster, this gadget upgraded my milk routine big time. Get this option with the adapter set just in case your bottles of choice don’t automatically fit in the warmer.
Available at The Baby's Brew
Sometimes it just takes a little motivation to drink more water. Well, that and a big bottle to help you make less trips to the water cooler. The 64 oz bottle from Takeya has kept me hydrated (and increased my trips to the bathroom) with its hourly markings and motivational messages. It’s also easy to clean, which is a plus. “Rise and energize” at 8 a.m. and then “hydrate and celebrate” at 8 p.m. thanks to this durable bottle.
Available at Takeya
You probably never thought you would need a bag to carry around your favorite water bottle, but it’s actually a wonderful thing to have, especially when you’re traveling. I took mine with me on a trip to help me stay more hydrated when traveling, and it was a must because it also had enough slim compartments to hold my passports, credit cards, keys, chapstick and phone while staying light. No more toting a bottle around by hand!
Available at Wanderfull
You know you’ve got a serious pair of headphones when the only thing you can hear with them on is music. Seriously though, my husband has to wave at me to get my attention when I’m in “immersion” versus “aware” mode thanks to the noise cancellation capabilities. They’re certainly an investment, but worth it, made of luxurious materials and with some crazy good features.
Available at Bose
For years I was an incense girl when living in my first apartment in Brooklyn. Then life happened and I completely fell off. But the droplets from ripple+ made me a fan again, and they’re much simpler to use. No large holders, just a teeny glass holder to hold the all natural aromas in a small cone shape that are based on moods and themes (relax, boost, happy, focus, dream and power). Light them up and they help you decompress after a long day.
Available at Ripple+
I’ve said it before (probably about two times prior in a commerce story), and I’ll say it again. This phone is the total package. The camera on it is incredible, 5.8 pixel when folded and 7.6 when unfolded, you can multitask by using the “Split Screen” feature, and when open, its immersive display changes the game when it comes to streaming on the go.
Available at Amazon
For those who don’t want the desire for a shower to ruin the mood, these pH-balanced intimacy wipes help you freshen up down there before and after fun time. In addition to being gentle because they’re plant-derived products, the thick wipes also smell lovely and can be used on the whole body, not just the intimate parts.
Available at The Honey Pot Co.