It’s that time of year again and I’ve compiled a list of the best products of 2018. I kept a list in my phone of my favorite purchases throughout the entire year in anticipation of this post and I’m so happy that it’s finally here so I can delete the damn list… Ahem, I mean so I can share my favorite purchases of the year with you guys.

Last year’s list was a bit OOT so this year I decided to pare it down to my top three picks for each category. However, I definitely cheated my own rules and made two different baby categories because there were too many products, and I couldn’t cut it down any more! Here’s the list of the best products of 2018:

Beauty

Ice Roller– The $11 I spent on my ice roller on Amazon may be the best $11 I’ve spent all year. They’ve since upped the price to $13.99 but let me tell you I’d pay $139 for this bad boy because it’s that life changing and if you don’t have one, you’re not fully living. When you have a rough night of sleep or too much to drink or look puffy for whatever reason, simply roll this baby over your face and magic happens. Keep it in the freezer at all times, and you can use it for any dire puffy-face situation that may arise.

Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum– I first discovered this serum when I hosted an event with Dermalogica over the summer. At the event, a local dermatologist (who has since become friend and my doctor!) taught me about the importance of using a vitamin C serum and said it’s the one product that she tells all of her clients to start using, no matter their age. You can read more about that in this post. I like the Dermalogica one because it doesn’t break me out and is paraben-free, sulfate-free, artificial fragrance-free and artificial color-free. And it really does work. I’ve seen a big difference in the smoothness of my skin.

Quip Toothbrush– Before they became super popular, I’m pretty sure Anel bought a Quip toothbrush off of an Instagram ad, although he refuses to admit it. I made fun of him relentlessly until I saw it… And then I bought one for myself too. Guess who hasn’t heard the end of that one? I love the simplicity of the design, how clean it makes my teeth feel, the way it travels, and the fact that they send you new brush heads and batteries every quarter. It’s truly a genius product and I’m a convert. #quip4life

Fashion

Rothy’s Flats– Rothy’s sent me my first pair of their point flats and I loved them so much that I bought second pair! They’re incredibly comfortable, made from recycled plastic bottles, and machine washable. TBH before I tried them on in person I thought they were super ugly and weirdly shaped. But on my foot, they look much better than on the website. My original Rothy’s write-up and more comfy flat ideas can be found in this post.

J.Crew High Waisted Jeans– It all started when I randomly walked into J.Crew one day and saw that denim was 40% off. I bought the jeans in this post (now only available in two sizes) but my jean game was forever changed. As someone with abnormally short legs (seriously, I have the longest torso of all time), I’m always on the lookout for pants that will elongate them. But I was too scared to try high waisted jeans because I thought that they were too trendy and wouldn’t look good on my hips. I was so wrong and ended up getting two more pairs. Now they’re all I wear. This pair is my current favorite. I prefer the 9″ rise to the 10″ because I think it’s the most flattering, but that’s just me!

Allbirds– I went back and forth about whether to include two pairs of shoes, but they really were two of my best purchases of the years and I couldn’t pick a favorite because they’re so different! I wear my Allbirds sneakers every single day. I slip them on for daycare dropoff because they’re so easy. You can wear them without socks and even throw them right in the washer like the Rothy’s.

Honorable Mention: Zella Leggings–  Here I go, breaking my rules again but I can’t write this post without mentioning Zella, Nordstrom’s activewear brand. I’ve been a lululemon girl for as long as I can remember, and I still am, but I bought a pair of Zella leggings after so many of you recommended them and, for the price, they’re incredible. I often find myself reaching for them before my lulu’s these days. The price is unbeatable too!

Home

Mealthy Multipot–  I can’t actually remember exactly when we got this but I’m pretty sure it was earlier this year and not the end of last year. I didn’t really start using it until a few months ago though, and I’m so glad that I did because it’s been so awesome. I use it as a slow cooker but to have delicious meals in 20 minutes or less is beyond helpful on extra busy days. You can read my full review on it here along with a few of my favorite recipes.

Nest Hello Video Doorbell– We have a Nest Camera in Amalia’s room and the Nest fire and carbon monoxide alarms throughout the house, so when we decided to buy a smart doorbell, it was a no brainer to go with Nest again. All three systems are connected on one app, and it gives me peace of mind and helps out in random situations all the time.

Pop Top Storage Containers– Early in the year I reorganized my pantry and I’m very proud to say that it still looks this good today! The pop top containers have been great because I can open them with one hand and they look so sleek all in a row. Ugh, few things make me happier than an organized cabinet. It’s weird…

Wellness

Wine Wands– My sister’s friend introduced me to these wine wands that remove sulfites and histamines from wine. I bring one with me when we go out to dinner and give it a swirl through my glass of wine. Holy. Game Changer. I used to get headaches and a stuffy nose after one glass of red wine and now, nothing. Nothing! I can’t even tell you how happy these have made me. Amazon Prime them right now and thank me tomorrow.

Lemon Balm– My therapist actually recommended that I try Lemon Balm for night anxiety, which is when I wake up in the night and can’t fall back asleep because my mind is racing. I have tried every natural remedy on the planet for my insomnia, but was happily surprised that this one worked pretty well. It helps calm my mind most of the time.

Massager– I know what you’re probably thinking when you look at this piece of machinery but I swear it’s not like that LOL. Anel originally bought this for working on his clients but then got one for home too when he saw how great the results were. When I have pain in my shoulders from carrying the baby or in my foot that acts up sometimes (33 going on 93 over here), he’ll massage it out with this thing and it makes a huge difference. You can do it on yourself too!

Baby at Home

Pottery Barn Kids Beanbag Chair– I bought this cozy pouf for Amalia’s playroom after seeing it in a friend’s nursery. We spend so much time reading in playing in there that I wanted a place to sit that was comfortable and cozy so that we could snuggle up together under a blanket and read books or play with her toys. I use it every single day!

Monitor Shelves– We used to keep her monitor on the edge of Amalia’s crib when she was little, but when she got big enough to pull it down, we needed another solution. Anel found this simple white plastic corner shelf on Amazon that you can easily put up and take down. It fits most monitors and works like a charm.

OXO Tot Stick & Stay Plate and Bowl–  OXO Tot actually sent these to us to test out before they hit the market because they had seen my review of their high chair. Previously to this, no suction bowls had worked with her chair which was beyond frustrating because she thinks it’s hilarious to flip a plate of food upside down. Fun for her. Not so fun for me!

For more of our favorite baby products, check out this post about the ones we used most in Amalia’s first year of life.

Baby On the Go

Yumbox– I took to my Lemon Stripes Mamas Facebook Group to ask for advice on the best lunch box for daycare and the most popular answer was the Yumbox! I ended up getting two: The original and the Mini Snack Box which I actually have been using more often than the original. They literally never leak and it’s nice to be able to divide her main, veggies, and fruit. FYI the lunchbox comes home still full of veggies 9 times out of 10 so don’t feel bad if you’re kiddo does the same. We’re in it together!

Fjallraven Backpack– About a month ago we made the switch from a diaper bag to a backpack when we go out with Amalia. It is so much easier to carry when we’re running around with her, and I use this Storq kit bag inside it along with another pouch to organize things. I like this backpack because of it’s structure and the fact that it’s super light and has a handle so you can carry it in your hand as well.

Nuna Rava Car Seat– Amalia graduated from an infant car seat to a big girl seat this year and we have loved the Nuna Rava so far. It’s really sturdy and well made and has features to make life easier like hooks for the straps so when we put her into the seat, they’re pulled back already. It also has cupholders where she can keep snacks and water during longer car rides.

See my list of best products from 2017 here. What was your favorite purchase this year?