A list of my favorite decor, beauty and DIY items to have around the house. perfect for Christmas gift lists for others or yourself!
This is one of my favorite posts each year! I get together of bloggers together, and we all share our favorite things from the past year.
It’s perfect for finding fun Christmas gift ideas for people on your list … and for adding a few items to your own Christmas wish list!
Or just things you want to treat yourself to when all the sales hit this week, ha!
I love reading everyone’s favorite things post since they’re full of everyday items that people love!
If you missed previous year’s favorite things posts, I’ll link them at the end of this blog post so you can take a look! (And the 2019 post has a free $50 credit to Stitch Fix so you might as well try it once for $50 worth of free clothes!)
I make it a point to not repeat any items each year, and I still love everything on those lists so don’t miss them!
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click the link and buy something, I may receive a small percentage of sales at no extra cost to you.
My favorite things 2020:
Click any of the product images below for more info. (You might have to double click on mobile.)
2020 essentials:
Since this has been the weirdest year ever, let’s start with a few 2020 essentials as we all adjust to this bizarre new normal.
1. Patio heater
We bought a patio heater a few months ago, and it’s been great to extend our outdoor season, especially in Wisconsin. We don’t let anyone in our house so seeing a few people outside has been a nice way to still socialize at a distance.
The patio heater is great for keeping us warm outside. I like the sleek shape, too so we can keep it in a corner between our outdoor couch and chairs. Plus the little drink shelf is nice. Or so I hear … almost cocktail time for me again soon!
We also got this cover to protect it from rain and snow. You’ll want a cover if you get the heater, it’s a little tall to move in and out of the garage every time you want to use it. Which honestly would probably discourage us from using it and then we wouldn’t go outside …
2. Digital thermometer
If you told me at the beginning of the year, I’d be really happy we have a digital thermometer, I’m not sure I would have believed you.
But it’s helpful and easy to quick check temps if (when) you’re worried about being sick.
DECOR:
3. Family room rug
I’m obsessed with our family room rug, and every time I share it on the blog or Instagram, I get comments on it so it’s safe to say you all love it, too.
The colors are so pretty, and it’s such a soft texture without being overly plush. We’ve had it for a year and a half now, and it’s holding up so well!
4. Seagrass baskets for toys
Baskets are probably my favorite way to keep everyday items close by but hidden. These seagrass baskets are perfect for toy storage.
I love that we can toss books, stuffed animals, cars, etc. in them for quick cleanup, and they look pretty. They’re also perfect for holding scarves, mittens and winter gear.
Beauty items:
5. Beach Bum dry shampoo
I’ve pretty much been home and pregnant since March, so it’s safe to say I’ve become somewhat of a dry shampoo expert.
I always keep a few dry shampoos on hand so I’m not constantly using the same one, but this one is always in my rotation. I love how fresh it makes my hair look, and bonus, it smells like the beach!
6. Hydrating styling cream
I love this hydrating styling cream as a detangler (on the days I do wash my hair, ha!) when I get out of the shower. I love it for keeping my hair moisturized and tangle-free, especially as my hair’s gotten longer throughout the year without regular hair cuts.
I know the price is a bit high, but there’s a travel size version you can buy to test it out and see if you like it. That’s what I did when I first heard about it, and now I buy the bigger bottle. It’s worth it! Plus a little goes a long way, so it lasts a long time.
7. Mascara primer
On the rare days I get ready anymore, this mascara primer is my fave. Use it before your mascara, and it keeps your eyelashes looking gorgeous all day.
8. Under eye brightening cream
I discovered this under eye brightening cream, and it’s a lifesaver. It magically makes you look not exhausted anymore.
A little bit of this goes away, so this little container lasts a long time!
Cleaning:
9. Shark robot vacuum
I’ve talked about our robot vacuum throughout the year, but I’m still obsessed with it, We bought it on Black Friday last year.
There’s really nothing better than sitting on the couch after a long day while your robot vacuums the house. It’s amazing. Treat yourself mamas and buy one!
10. Eureka handheld vacuum
Hi, I’m old and have two vacuums on my favorite things list, but here we are.
I love this handheld vacuum for vacuuming the dust off our white baseboards. It’s also amazing for getting dog hair off the couch and vacuuming the stairs.
Bonus if you have a toddler, our daughter loves walking around the house with the stick part of it pretending to vacuum. We were about to buy her a toy vacuum, but this does the trick, ha!
11. Grout brush
I love, love, love the look of white subway tile and white grout. But it can start to become harder to keep clean. This grout brush is amazing for keeping the grout looking shiny and white.
The piece on the end is great at getting in the corners.
DIY tools:
12. RYOBI String trimmer plus attachments
I did a whole blog post on our RYOBI string trimmer this summer, but it’s worth mentioning again. It’s made SUCH a difference in our landscaping.
The different attachments work so well (we have the pole saw and the edger) , and it’s definitely quicker than our very old tools we were using before.
OTHER favorites:
13. Nixplay digital frame
We’ve had this digital frame for a couple years now, and we love it! It’s such a good way to be able to see all of the photos we all take so they don’t just sit on our phones not getting looked at.
Anytime I take a pic, I send it to our frame via their app.
It’s fun to see pics from over the years, and our daughter loves to point our everyone she knows in the pics. Although I’m pretty sure 90% of the photos are her, ha.
14. ‘My favorite people’ board book for kids
We bought this ‘My Favorite People’ board book on Black Friday last year, too, and it’s been a favorite for the past year. It’s perfect if you have a baby or toddler and want him / her to start to learn family or friends’ names.
You just upload photo of everyone and organize them however you want. It’s so cute! I’m going to make another one for our newborn daughter once she’s a bit older.
15. Dusk to dawn light bulbs
We bought these dusk to dawn sensor light bulbs for our outdoor light fixtures, and they’re great. One less thing to deal with on a daily basis.
Just screw them in, turn your light switch on, and they’ll automatically come on when it gets dark and turn off when the sun starts to come up. Perfect.
Here are my Favorite Things lists from previous years:
- My favorite things 2019 (includes a link for a free $50 credit to Stitch Fix plus what we use to DVR shows without paying for cable!)
- My favorite things 2018 (including my favorite cheap faux eucalyptus stems and return address stamp – perfect for Christmas cards!)
I also regularly add favorites like home decor items, DIY tools, light fixtures and more on the Green With Decor Amazon store page so check that out, too!
Remember to check out the other bloggers’ favorite things listed below, too!
Green With Decor – My favorite things 2020
Charleston Crafted – My favorite things 2020
construction2style – Our favorite finds 2020
Bright Green Door – My favorite things 2020
Average But Inspired – My favorite things 2020
House by Hoff – My favorite things 2020
Lovely Etc. – Favorite things gift guide
Simple Nature Decor – Favorite 2020 holiday gift ideas for kids
White Cottage Home & Living – My favorite things 2020
Shining on Design – My favorite things 2020
Sincerely Sara Meadows – My favorite things 2020
Houseful of Handmade – My favorite things 2020
Old House to New Home – My favorite things 2020
This is our Bliss – My favorite things 2020
Happy shopping!
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Carrie says
I love that rug and the patio heater is such a smart idea right now! Thanks so much for putting this group together and inviting me to join in!
GreenWithDecor says
Love the rug, too! Glad you could join!
Kati says
The dusk till dawn lightbulbs seem very interesting. We may have to give those a try!
GreenWithDecor says
They’re great!
Bre says
Meg! I also have a patio heater on my list! I need to get the cover though. Will remember to order. Anndddd the Nixplay is amazing! Great list!
GreenWithDecor says
I saw that! So necessary in 2020! Yes, we love our Nixplay!
Rachael @ This is our Bliss says
Thanks so much for hosting!! Need to try that thermometer and the dusk to dawn bulbs!! Genius!
GreenWithDecor says
You’ll love them both!
Maria says
Congrats on your new baby and I know you must be busy! Love the choices. I need a heater.
GreenWithDecor says
Thanks, Maria! Yes to a heater, they’re great!