We spend a lot of time analyzing the big purchases—the cars, the couches, the investment handbags. But when we look at simple day-to-day happiness, it’s often the little things we purchase that make a real difference.
It’s the dental floss that somehow makes us want to floss our teeth, the watch that keeps track of the laps we’ve swum, or the cordless vacuum that cleans the dog hair off the sofa in seconds before guests walk through the door. These aren’t just little things; they are the things that make our days better.
Below is a list of the little things we rely on that bring happiness to our daily lives.
JO’S LIST:
Double Eyeglasses Case: I don’t go anywhere without this—even backpacking. I always need my reading glasses and sunglasses, and this little padded case holds both. It has an easy squeeze top design, AND it even has a cleaning cloth stitched inside. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns—leopard brown is my favorite.
Belkin UltraCharge 3-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Charger. This folding charging station charges my iPhone, Apple Watch, and Apple AirPods with just 1 cord/plug in a compact little arrangement (2” x 4”) that can be folded and thrown in a bag for travel. I also love having a dedicated home for these 3 items, so I know where to find them.
Cocofloss: Once you start using this product, you’ll look forward to flossing! Founded by two sisters, a dentist and an artist, they created satisfying floss that excavates (their word). It uses a textured, loofah-like weave of over 500 woven microfibers that physically scrub and grab plaque instead of just sliding past it like slippery monofilament floss (also their words). The product is better, the flavors are better, and the packaging is fun!
Apple Watch: I love a multi-functional device. I use it to tell time (using the Snoopy face that makes me very happy), count my laps while swimming (because I lose track), track mileage and elevation gain on hikes, count steps on city walks, and sometimes check my heart rate after hard workouts. I don’t use it to receive texts, phone calls, or emails, but you can use it to do that too (and so much more).
New York Times Subscription: I have the app on my phone and use it all day long to receive news, look up recipes, play Wordle, Spelling Bee, Connections, and to do the crossword puzzle. I also love Wirecutter to get product reviews.
Nespresso Coffee Maker & Pods: I couldn’t get out of bed without this coffee maker and pods, and use it throughout the day for that afternoon caffeine hit, iced lattes, and to make espresso to pour over ice cream. We recently upgraded to the Vertuo (bigger pods) machine, but also use the Original and take it on trips because it’s smaller.
Dyson Cordless Vacuum: Dyson products are unparalleled in design and technology, and this cordless vacuum is a game-changer. No cords to hassle with; it’s lightweight and easy to steer smoothly around furniture. I love that it easily converts from a stick vacuum into a lightweight handheld unit for stairs, upholstery, and cleaning the car.
GE Countertop Ice Machine: We’ve talked about this product before—it was a gift from Chrissie and friends after hosting them on a vacation. It has a small footprint; I fill it up with water like a coffee maker, and it churns out that great “hospital ice,” those crunchy pellets that can be used for water, cokes, cocktails, iced coffee, and more!
Herno Down Jackets: I live in Seattle, where we wear down jackets year-round. I have a closet full of puffer jackets, but always feel best when I put on one of my Herno jackets: short-sleeve, long-sleeve, short-length, and mid-length. They are by far the most versatile outerwear I own. They pack down to nothing for travel, fit perfectly as an extra layer under another jacket, and are a little more fashionable than a basic down jacket.
CHRISSIE’S LIST:
Candles and Diffusers: I burn a candle at my desk for at least an hour every day and have about 5 sitting next to me to choose from, depending on my mood. I love the many options from Quince for their burn time, scent throw, and price point. My current favorites are Marrakesh Mint, Grapefruit, and Heirloom Tomato. Next I want to try Tuberose. I also love my rechargeable lighter I use to light them. I also have Quince’s diffuser in Marrakesh Mint in my family room that I love smelling every time I walk by – so fresh!
Breville Foamer: I love a big, strong, frothy foam in my chai latte every morning, and this foamer is the BEST! It brings me daily joy, and my husband uses it to warm and froth milk for his coffee lattes as well. The chai I love, FYI, is David Rio Orca Sugar Free chai mix (for those of you based in the Bay Area, it’s what Coupa Cafe uses). And my Yeti mug is also a part of the morning ritual!
Box Cutter: My sister gave me this ergonomic box cutter a year or two ago, and it’s so great to have on hand to quickly (and safely) open boxes or Amazon envelopes. It falls into the ‘you don’t think you need it and then you end up using it every day’ category of home items.
Kitchen Shears: Shears may be the most used item in our kitchen. I cut vegetables with them, I cut flowers with them, I cut chicken with them, I cut EVERYTHING with them. They get used multiple times daily.
A Second Monitor for My Laptop, with Wireless Keyboard and Mouse: I LOVE having two monitors connected, allowing me to go back and forth seamlessly between them. My email or calendar can be on one, and my browser on another, for instance. When I am using just my laptop alone, I feel so much more limited in what I can do with ease.
Foot Massager: I keep one under my desk and use it constantly!
Tiny Travel Jewelry Case: This tiny case is lined with a velvet-like material, features cute patterns, and snaps shut so securely that it won’t open once you put it in your purse or toiletries bag. When traveling, I like to fill it with a couple of pairs of earrings, maybe a ring or necklace, and throw it in my purse during the flight. A friend uses it for her hearing aids, and my kids put cufflinks in it if traveling to a formal wedding. $8 for 4 of them!
Travel Steamer: I recently got my first clothing steamer, and what took me so long?! My ironing board/iron is not near my closet, so now having a steamer in my closet/bathroom area makes it quick and easy to get out wrinkles I’d otherwise be tempted to forget about. Jo, an expert ironer, should be proud of me!
Biodance Collagen Face Masks: After our trip to Korea this spring, I am a K-beauty devotee, and I love face masks at the end of the day if my skin feels dry or blah. The Biodance masks you leave on for a couple of hours until they turn from opaque white to clear are really amazing!
Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner: This little cleaner gives a big bang for the buck! Pop in your glasses, your earrings, your rings, etc., for a couple of minutes (I add Dawn dish soap to the water), and voilà! Sparkling!
Flowers: I always have fresh flowers on the kitchen island next to the sink, where I can see them while I’m cooking or doing the dishes. Whether they are from the garden or from Trader Joe’s, and whether it’s a single flower or a big arrangement, it makes me happy.
Chuck-It Ball Launcher: I asked my husband John what little thing brings him joy daily, and he said the Chuck-It he uses to throw balls to our dogs twice daily!
Nespresso Coffee Pods: My husband also said his Nespresso pods bring him great joy, many times a day!
