Favorite Things : Treat Yourself with Self-Care Favorites!
Happy New Year, friends! It’s 2025 which means it’s time for my annual self-care favorites round-up, as I’m sure we could all use some R&R after the holidays!
2024 was odd, in that I challenged myself not to buy any new clothing unless I was replacing something. It was truly life-changing (but that’s a story for another day!). I also made a solid effort to avoid random online purchases that would end up gathering dust—and it worked!
So, this year’s favorites list is all about items that truly earned their keep in my life. From cozy self-care evenings at home to staying prepped and ready for life on the go, these are the things that brought me joy, ease, and maybe even a little sanity in 2024.
Whether you spot something you love on this list or not, consider it a little nudge reminding you that you matter. The wizard behind the curtain of celebrations, memory-making, and holiday magic deserves some TLC too! So, happy shopping, and here's to rocking our best, most cared-for, and fulfilled selves in 2025!
1 - “Beach” Zipper Pouch This adorable pouch was an impulse buy after I fell in love with the “Snack” one (so handy for forever-on-the-go mom life!). Throw in your favorite sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitizer (see #9), and shades and you’ll always be ready for a beach day or poolside fun!
2 - Flip Straw Lid Replacements Hydration is essential, but so is avoiding the oops-I-spilled-water-in-my-bag-again drama. These lids are a game-changer for my beloved Stanley Tumbler—finally, no more accidental puddles.
3 - grace & stella Under Eye Masks The easiest way to feel pampered in the middle of chaos. Keep these in the fridge for a cool, depuffing morning treat. Bonus: They’ll make you look like you actually slept through the night, even if you didn’t!
4 - Vacation Classic Spray Sunscreen Have you smelled this? It’s like bottling up summer and happiness. I loved it so much, I bought their perfume too, to keep the beachy vibes going all year long.
5 - Stanley Tumber Still obsessed. Call it basic if you want, but this “mom chalice” is my hydration hero. One in every color, please!
6 - One-Piece Monokini I replaced my old swimsuit with this gem, and it’s perfection. Flattering, comfy, and a little sexy—proof you don’t need to spend $100+ to look and feel fabulous poolside.
7 - Laneige Lip Mask Yes, I was influenced, and yes, it’s worth the hype. Soft, smooth lips await! (Pro tip: Trader Joe’s has a budget-friendly dupe that’s just as fab!)
8 - The Gratitude Journal - Five minutes a day to reset, reflect, and manifest good vibes. It’s a staple for me and a go-to gift for friends.
9 - Touchland Hand Sanitizer Spray 3-Pack The chicest way to stay germ-free. Yummy scents, gentle formula, and perfect for stashing everywhere.
10 - Vital Proteins Travel Packs Skeptic turned true believer here, and these travel-friendly packs make it easy to support hair, skin, nails, and joints—on the go!
11 - Kitsch Sleep Mask A lifesaver on vacations when your kiddo insists on a nightlight, and you need pitch-black to sleep. Plus, it’s from a woman-owned business—love that!
12 - Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt I read this for book club and was unprepared for how much I’d love it (“read” meaning I listened to the audible version—because, mom life!). The narrators are great on the audible version, but you can’t go wrong either way with this memorable, feel-good novel about unlikely friendships and ultimately, hope.
13 - Herbivore Coconut Bath Soak Winter baths just got an upgrade! The coconut-vanilla scent is dreamy, and it leaves your skin soft and happy. A simple way to turn your bath into truly pampering self-care.
14 - Dazzle Dry My 2024 MVP! It dries in minutes (seriously!), performs and looks like gel, but removes like regular polish. Perfect for impatient nail peelers like me who still want the gel-mani look.
15 - Stretchy Tortoise Apple Watch Band This little upgrade was a simple way to make me feel so much more put together. I loved it so much, I bought it multiples just in case!
And there you have it! Whether you add a few to your cart or just take this as a sign to prioritize you this year, here’s to making 2025 our most cared-for and joyful year yet. Cheers to more real happy hours!
Note: The Real Happy Hours occasionally uses affiliate marketing links. No worries, it won't cost you a dime extra, but if you make a purchase through these links, we might earn a commission. It's one of the ways we keep the party going and the website lights on. Rest assured that always, all opinions and product picks are our own!
