Before we move any further into 2025, I wanted to look back (maybe) one final time and share my 24 faves of 2024. The things I’ve curated that round out my top 24 list are things I used the most, fell in love with, and were the extra special find I got excited about. From decor to wearables and snacks, see some of the 2024 highlights that I’m still all about.
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Top 24 of ’24
NUMBER 1
Aerie Balletcore Maxi Skirt — Currently 70% off
I started with the black pleated skirt and loved it so much and found myself wearing it on repeat so often (I love pairing it with any and every sweater with a slight front tuck), I grabbed each color I could as it was available. Unlike the satin slip style skirts, these are even more forgiving and are easy to dress up or down. A must have and now essential for my wardrobe! It’s still available in the black in every size and while it was $70, it’s now on sale for $20!
Outfit Sources: Aerie Balletcore Maxi Skirt | Sweater | Boots | Cross Ring
Room Sources: White Bead Chandelier | Area Rug | Linen Duvet | Dresser
NUMBER 2
Malone Nine Drawer Dresser — Currently almost $1,000 off
What had been on my wishlist for a while — an upgraded extra large dresser — finally found its way into my home once I saw this one in person and felt the quality, saw how pretty it was, and witnessed the heft first hand. It was a splurge that I have zero regrets on and it has transformed my dread when it comes to putting away laundry/taking clothes out. It comes in three colors but the Bone is such a stunning neutral and the leather drawer fronts are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. 10/10 for this large purchase. You can browse the full Malone collection to see other dresser sizes and additional pieces HERE.
NUMBER 3
BrüMate Era 40 oz Tumbler
We didn’t get rid of our Stanleys (and Dave still uses one daily) but I will say that after trying this tumbler for the first time, I haven’t gone back to my Stanleys a single time. I was curious after seeing people rave about these in a mom group I’m in and now, I get it. The leak proof design with the locking straw is a feature I didn’t know I could love so much but I can now toss my entire tumbler in my bag without worry. Dare I say I think my water stays colder even longer with the Brumate and the comfortability is next level. There are a bunch of pretty colors on the listing!
NUMBER 4
Outlet Extender
Take this as your warning, these things are addictive! I started adding these to outlets behind furniture so that plugs could more easily be plugged in and furntiure could be positioned closer to the wall, but I quickly started adding them all over the place because they clean up the look of outlets and plugs that are visible and make them look so much better. Try one behind your nightstand or dresser, fall in love with their functionality and aesthetic, then come back for more.
Sources: Outlet Extender | Canvas Storage Bins
NUMBER 5
Magnetic Door Stopper— Currently on deal + extra coupon on listing
I have too many doors and my pass through laundry room has especially been a challenge but when I found and mounted these magnetic door stops, my laundry woes were literally remedied within minutes. It only took a minute to get these mounted (and then leave it alone for at least 24 hours so it sticks well) but any door that you have an issue with staying open/closed/out of the way, these are incredible! They come in multiple finishes, too.
NUMBER 6
EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen
You may remember me raving about this stuff throughout the summer after my dermotologist recommended it but I think this is the first summer in history when I didn’t get a sunburn on my face (and I was actively working on my rosacea). I had to cut back and simplify everything that goes on my face, and this stuff isn’t just approved but recommended and is incredible for even daily wear tinted sunscreen without makeup. One bottle lasts a long long time 😉
EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen
NUMBER 7
Diamond Wool Runner
I subbed out our kitchen runner to this affordable option this past fall and am still in love with the subtle statement it makes in our kitchen. It comes in a bunch of sizes (area rugs, too), ships free, and the value can’t be beat. Still looks fantastic and the tones actually disguise imperfections/crumbs well 😉
Sources: Diamond Wool Runner | White Backsplash Tile | Landscape Print — Top | Landscape Print — Bottom | Landscape Print Frames | LeCreuset Dutch Oven | LeCreuset Dutch Oven Gold Knob | White Cheese Board | Utensil Crock | Dispenser Bottles (large) | Dispenser Bottles (small) | Salt Box | Cabinet Door Knobs — Champagne Bronze 1 5/16″ | Cabinet Drawer Pulls — Champagne Bronze 5 1/16″ | Cabinet Drawer Pulls — Champagne Bronze 6 5/16″
NUMBER 8
Mold Stain Remover Gel Cleaner
I discovered this stuff when I was seeking a mold stain remover for the silicone around the edge of our shower glass seal (and a few other tough spots in the shower). I applied this, let it sit overnight, and was able to wipe it away the next morning. The only thing I’ve found for some of our most stubborn areas that are prone to mold!
NUMBER 9
PackIt Freezable Snack Box
Discovered as a solution to a need (wanting to send cold snacks with Eliza to school like fruit, veggies, cheese, yogurt) — this insulated zippered snack bag is made of ice pack material that you just keep right in the freezer. When Eliza gets home in the afternoon, the inside is still cold! Perfect size to stash in your daily bag too, if you’re in the car a lot or like cold snacks for work/on the go.
NUMBER 10
Kitten Heel Ankle Boots with Memory Foam Insole — Currently 30% off
The boots I bought from Target this year were the surprise of all surprises when it comes to comfort, value, and style. I have loved each pair I got (like THESE I wore without issue at night in NYC) but these pointy toed kitten heel boots were probably my fave — especially to wear with skirts/dresses. I had the black and dark brown but when they went down to $19, I scooped up the tan, too. I have walked long distances in these outdoors and the comfort is wild.
Sources: Black Suede Kitten Heel Boots | Brown Suede Kitten Heel Boots | Black Chelsea Boots | Black Ankle Boots
NUMBER 11
Snack Factory Dark Chocolate Pretzel Crisps
The perfect blend of salty and sweet when you’re craving a treat, these are incredible. INCREDIBLE. Dave brought these home for me and after trying them, they’ve been promoted to “pantry staple” in our home. Also, just one or two totally do the trick for afternoon/evening sweet cravings. If you haven’t tried these before, trust.
NUMBER 12
Luka Duffel Bag
My favorite overnight bag and carry-on (that actually counts as an airline personal item since it fits under the seat!) was one of my favorites from this past year. So much so that I ended up ordering one for Dave, Eliza, and even my mom for her birthday last week. It’s lightweight, comes in a ton of colors, is comfortable to wear and carry, has the smartest pockets and ample space… it’s one of those that you have to experience first hand to understand and the pass through trolley to perfectly sit atop luggage is a fave feature. I also ordered the large Luka for weekends!
Sources: Pink Sparkle Glitter Luggage (small) | Maple Carry-On | Gold Duffel Bag | Nylon Backpack
NUMBER 13
Nars Powder Blush in Dolce Vita
I’ve been a Nars blush fan for my entire adult life –wearing their most famous shade (that I can’t bring myself to type out, haha). I wanted something with just a little more color so I tried Dolce Vita for the first time this year and since, I can’t stop wearing it on repeat. I LOVE it and don’t know what took me so long! If you are a blush fan/like a little bit of bold color, this is such a long time cult fan fave that is totally worth the hype!
NUMBER 14
Ceramic Coffee Mug (TS)
2024 was the year I started embracing little bits of happiness in small ways, looking for opportunities to incorporate things that bring me joy, even in the smallest of mundane daily moments. My Taylor Swift friendship bracelet eras mug is such a simple thing but it makes me so happy to drink my daily coffee out of it (and my custom book stack mug) that I rarely use our standard set now. My exact mug isn’t available anymore but I LOVE this one (any Swiftie would 😉 ).
NUMBER 15
Kress XL Leather Tote
I actually got this leather tote last year for Christmas but it wasn’t until this year that I started carrying it — not just when I needed a car bag/on a trip, but as a daily handbag/tote. The quality, shape and leather of this bag are just stunning. I wanted the large Trapunto style monogram but there are lots of other options (and colors and sizes) available. If you want a nice day bag, work bag, (or are a fan of totes for purses), this is about as stunning as you could hope for. I even toss my fave no-leak water bottle inside 😉
Sources: Kress XL Leather Tote | New Balance Sneakers
NUMBER 16
High-Waisted SleekTech Joggers — Currently 40% off
One of my top athleisure wardrobe additions of the past year, of course when I experienced them, I had to order multiple pairs 😉 Perfect for lounging, walks, errands, and officially my favorite travel pants. There’s a reason they have thousands of positive reviews and the value and price can’t be beat.
NUMBER 17
Cloud 5 Running Shoe
I think I’m always on an athletic footwear journey, searching for the next best walking shoe, house shoe, errand shoe, travel shoe, city shoe, etc. I’m really picky about support, cushion, and toe box width and typically have separate sneakers (for errands, travel, etc.) and walking shoes (for the treadmill/exercising). However, my aunt suggested I try OnClouds again but specially the Cloud 5 — the style she loves — and, she was right. I love these for sneakers but can also wear them for walking and I love how they feel. I sized up 1/2 a size and they fit perfectly. I also adore the easy slip on style. If you haven’t tried the Cloud 5 specifically — do yourself a favor, try them out, and start the year with a fresh pair of shoes to help you tackle those goals.
NUMBER 18
50 in X 60 in Electric Heated Throw Blanket with EZ Touch Button
I actually found mine at Costco a while ago (may be worth it to check and see if they still have it if you’re a member?) and this blanket pretty much stays glued to me — from when I’m in bed watching movies, to being on my lap at my desk, to wrapping up in it in my reading chair. I love the integrated button style of the switch and our entire family has their own now 😉 So soft and minky and also a great (way more soft and comfortable) substitute for a heating pad!
NUMBER 19
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32 GB)
My Kindle continues to get more use than pretty much anything else I own. I hesitated getting one before because I would just use my iPad and Kindle app but trust when I say and now understand — it is not the same. If reading is on your list for 2025, grab yourself a Kindle and fall (back) in love with reading — I am also able to read with it in conditions/situations I would never be able to with an iPad/physical book (poolside — no glare/overheating, on the treadmill, while I eat lunch…) Make sure to grab yourself one of THESE remote controls too 😉
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32 GB)
NUMBER 20
Beis Sport Sling
I set out to find something casual and comfortable that could endure travel and miles of walking outside while still being lightweight and holding all my essentials and I found it in this Beis Sport Sling. It comes in a bunch of colors but the Maple is such a smart, classic neutral (and it matches my luggage 😉 ). I love that it has an integrated card holder so you don’t have to worry about a wallet and it even has a zipped up elastic water bottle pocket that pops out (and was a God send while I was in Italy!) You can see all the different features and the ways to wear it on the product listing. I bought it for overseas travel but never stopped wearing it once we got home.
Sources: Beis Sport Sling | Girl’s Hooded Parka | Black Hooded Coat (similar)
NUMBER 21
Beis Carry-On Roller
Our former luggage was pretty but heavy and clunky and I knew we needed something lighter weight for our trip to Italy. That was the motivation behind ordering THIS luggage in the large, medium, and carry-on sizes and I can’t say enough about the quality and functionality. While I LOVE each piece (we took the large and medium to Italy and I’ve gotten away with taking the carry-on on other trips, like to NYC), the carry-on is probably the bag I would start with first if you’re wanting to test out new luggage. They all have built-in scales, have cushioned handles, have straps to help attach additional bags, have compressions built in, and more. They are just incredible.
Sources: Pink Sparkle Glitter Luggage (small) | Maple Carry-On | Gold Duffel Bag | Eliza’s Sherpa Lined Hooded Coat | Eliza’s Sneakers | Eliza’s Hoodie | Hooded Coat (similar)
NUMBER 22
Tonal Hair Tie Set
Kind of random but yes, these no-damage hair ties were one of my favorite finds in 2024, specifically for Eliza. If I didn’t do a more involved hairstyle/double up hair ties, Eliza’s hair would fall down everywhere when she played or went to gymnastics. I decided to try this set from Anthro without much hope and wow. I can’t believe they actually hold her hair perfectly in tact in a simple ponytail. They also don’t stretch out and are great for continual use. If hairties are a pain point for you/your kids, you must must must try these. They come in a couple color sets.
NUMBER 23
Nashville-Style Hot Chopped Salad Kit
We always have salad kits in the fridge because they’re an easy and delciious dinner side and I throw grilled chicken on them throughout the week for lunch. And surprisingly (or not?) Target’s Good & Gather brand has some of the best kits out there. But, my favorite and the one that’s become a repeat staple in my house specifically, is the Nashville-Style Hot. If you haven’t tossed chicken in this thing and sampled it, you haven’t lived.
NUMBER 24
2.3 Gal Trash Can
Switching our bathroom trashcans to THESE slim trashcans with the smart, concealed bag system ended up being one of my favorite simple changes of the past year. Truly, they are perfect for going in tight spots (like between the toilet and wall/vanity) and I love how the outer container sheaths the can liner. They look tidy and neat and function perfectly. And after I splurged on a similar style in our primary bathroom, I was thrilled to find this more budget friendly version!
I’ve been busy coming up with solutions and working on projects so I already have a few top faves for 2025 I’m sure I’ll share soon 😉 Any fave finds for you this past year? Let us know in the comment section!
This was such a good post – thank you! I have been looking for a new sling style bag and am considering the one you posted here. The plug extender is already in my cart and I absolutely agree with the salad kit choice. Happy new year!
Happy New Year, Jennibell! I always appreciate you taking the time to visit and I am so happy to know you enjoyed this post. I can’t say enough about the sling bag. It has been a key accessory for me. I hope you’ll find as many uses for that plug extender as I have. And yes, that salad kit is delicious!