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Useful and Pretty Items: A Comprehensive List of Quality Household Products

Top-down view of an off-white faux leather rectangular tray with silver-coloured metal handles on either end resting atop a wood table and filled with a number of small jars of various materials, sizes and colours
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This post showcases products I have purchased from Amazon and which have proven beneficial for me and/or my household. While I prefer supporting smaller businesses over a grossly profitable corporation, there are certain items which aren’t easily obtained elsewhere. And as I know many can relate, the reality of parenting young and neurodivergent children limits what marginal time we can spare for shopping at any given retailer around town, so ordering household items online makes the most sense for our time, sanity and budget. While there are things I dislike about the company, many businesses (including small ones) use Amazon as their customer interface. So we are still supporting an economy somewhere in the world, and that means others benefit as well.

A small stainless steel saucepan with its lid, depicted here, is one of those foundational household products for the kitchen because stainless steel is a toxin-free material.

I’ve organised this list into a few categories through which to peruse. Some items might overlap categories, but I’ve tried to group them most logically for convenience. This list is in no way conclusive (I don’t list every single item I’ve ever purchased!). But it includes things that have held up and which have filled a unique or useful purpose (including pretty versions of things you’ll only find in ugly colours elsewhere). You’ll find various children’s products, personal care items, foods, kitchen supplies, natural cleaning supplies, and miscellaneous household items. I realise this isn’t a sexy or exciting post, but hopefully it’s helpful and you find something that benefits you!

Categories/Table of Contents

  1. Items for the Kitchen (28 items)
  2. Edible Products (8 items)
  3. Various Household Items (15 items)
  4. Cleaning Supplies (6 items)
  5. Clothing/Accessories/Toiletries/Personal Care (10 items)
  6. Children’s Products (28 items)

Disclosure: Most of the product links below are affiliate links. This means that, as an Amazon Associate, I might earn commission if you click through the link and finalize a qualifying purchase. This does not affect the price in any way. Please know that, with the exception of two noted items for which I list a similar alternative, these are all products I have personally used and genuinely recommend.

1. Items for the Kitchen

A 34-ounce stainless steel coffee press, small blue and white striped ceramic cream pitcher, and stainless steel electric water kettle sit atop a coral-coloured fabric swath on a kitchen counter
A stack of clear glass plates viewed from the side atop a counter covered in coral-coloured cloth. Non-toxic household products include glass dishes like this.

We’ll start with kitchen items because this category is the most comprehensive and relevant to everyone (we all eat). Over the decades, I’ve learned more and more about not only food production and health but also cookware manufacturing and how that impacts our health as well. This led me to reconsider our dishes and everything else our food touches. I primarily try to limit plastic for health reasons as well as for environmental reasons. There are certain things that really need to be plastic, but I’ve gradually filled our cupboards with glass or plain ceramic to reduce our everyday exposure to chemicals. Many argue it’s no big deal, and while that’s true to an extent, years and decades of lead and cadmium and microplastics will only chip away at our general health. If I can afford to replace something we use every day with healthier versions, I will do so. It’s the little things that build up into something big, for better or for worse!

Many different clear glass dishes (including plates, food storage containers, etc.) sit atop coral coloured fabric on a kitchen counter. It's important to use non-toxic household products like these in the kitchen to avoid eating hot foods from plastic and coloured ceramics that leach microplastics, lead and cadmium

While many of these items were purchased as nontoxic/healthier serving vessels, some of them are just wonderfully helpful. We’ll start with a few of those. Below is the list for quick reference, with detailed descriptions further down.

Kitchen Items:

Cuisinart Food Processor

This Cuisinart food processor is one of those household products that anyone who's serious about cooking should have in their kitchen. It makes blending large quantities of food so much easier.
This Cuisinart food processor is one of the most useful household products for serious household cooks. Though super hot food shouldn't be processed due to it being made of plastic, it makes blending large quantities of everything else a breeze.

After some research, I chose this food processor years ago when I started making larger batches of lactation bars. I needed something large-capacity and heavy-duty with great reviews. Over six years later, it has yet to disappoint. The safety features are solid, the motor power is outstanding, and while not everything is going to blend perfectly (looking at you, dates), most foods pulverize just fine.

NutriBullet Personal Blender

Household products that make it easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle, like this NutriBullet, are a definite win. Pictured is the NutriBullet base (with the cord wrapped around it/not plugged) and the clear plastic large-capacity smoothie cup upside-down on top, as it would appear while in use.
Household products like this NutriBullet are great for maintaining quick and easy healthy habits like a daily protein shake with greens. Pictured is the NutriBullet base along with the blade and clear plastic cup.

The food processor was a necessary addition to the sole blending appliance I already owned, the NutriBullet (or as I call it, the ‘bullet’). My aunt gifted me this many years ago and it has been a most useful tool for quick and easy smoothies and shakes. I use it almost every morning to blend a greens-rich chocolate protein shake for my toddler and I to share. What’s most convenient about it is easy cleaning: I immediately rinse the blade after each use in hot water and that’s all it really needs (for dairy products, I use soap). The cup itself is the blender container; no pouring is involved. The only downside is its size – it’s intentionally meant for single servings (and that’s why I later ordered a food processor, too).

Colourful Glass Straws (Set of 8)

Several different coloured clear glass straws are laid flat in a row atop a coral-coloured fabric surface

Several years ago I bought a lovely thick glass straw from a vendor at an arts street market in Raleigh. Within the past year, though, my toddler accidentally dropped it and broke it. These pretty-coloured glass straws are the replacement!

Glass straws are an excellent alternative to plastic straws. They are also much easier to use for shakes and smoothies. These are narrow enough, though, that they really only work for well-blended smoothies. For anything with thicker chunks, you’ll want to find a fatter straw. And they do make fat glass straws, usually for boba tea. I opted to order this narrower size, though, since we never have a problem with our shakes.

4-Ounce Glass Measuring Cup with Spout

Household products for the kitchen like like these small glass measuring pitchers with mini pour spouts make it much easier when trying to measure smaller amounts of liquids

For the longest time I thought this was called a ‘jigger,’ but I was wrong – that’s something else.

If you’ve ever wanted to measure just a small amount of an ingredient (say, liquor), this mini measuring glass is perfect. It has a triangular spout on its lip for mess-free pouring, and plenty of clear and easy-to-read marks for precise amounts. My order came with two, so it’s easy to measure more than one liquid ingredient at a time without having to first wash the other!

Colourful Reusable Plastic Tumblers with Lids and Straws (24 Pack)

Two stacks of sparkly plastic tumblers in bright colours, along with matching lids and straws, sit atop a coral-coloured cloth on a kitchen counter. These are great household products to have when you want to have a spill-free party because the lids and straws keep the bevvies contained.

I bought these reusable plastic cups with lids and straws for a birthday party where I wanted to serve mixed cocktails and mocktails without worrying about anyone accidentally spilling on my super squishy white rug. I hardly needed to worry – it wasn’t a raucous party with people slopping their drinks around, but always good to be prepared! A great alternative to disposable Solo cups, these huge tumblers have a large capacity for plenty of beverage and nicely-fitting lids with straws to keep it contained. And did I mention how pretty they are? There are several variations, but I ordered them in multiple sparkly colours.

ZeroWater 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher

A water filter pitcher is important for almost anyone's collection of household products, but this ZeroWater filter pitcher as seen in photo atop a kitchen counter is especially purifying because it removes all particulates

I had been using a Brita filtered water pitcher for over a decade (and I still do because we use plenty of water for coffee and tea), but after more research I realised that Brita doesn’t filter fluoride. A divisive topic I know, but for those of us who don’t want to consumer more fluoride than we already absorb through our skin from regular bathing, teeth brushing, etc. there are other water filter brands that actually do filter fluoride – among a number of other particulates that Brita and other leading brands allow. ZeroWater is one such brand and is named as such because it lets zero particulates through its filtration system. I started using it a while back for that reason and because it has such a large storage capacity. Still, I end up refilling it every day or so!

22-Ounce Glass Water Bottle with Flip Cap and Silicone Sleeve

Seen is a clear 22-ounce glass water bottle with its flip cap spout propped open. Its peach/orange-coloured silicone sleeve with a circle hole pattern protects it from accidental drops. Toxin-free household products like this water bottle support a healthy lifestyle since you can drink water all day and not worry about plastics leaching into it.
A clear 22-ounce glass water bottle with a flip cap spout for drinking and a peach/orange-coloured silicone sleeve with a circle hole pattern sits atop a coral-coloured fabric swatch on a kitchen counter. Having toxin-free household products like a glass water bottle is a great way to ensure plastics aren't leaching into your water over the course of the day/days.

For everyday drinking vessels, I’ve transitioned to glass water bottles over the years. This is less convenient on the go (and obviously not a good option for hiking or anything involving carrying it, as glass is heavier than plastic) but it’s totally feasible to keep at your desk in order to stay hydrated while working. The silicone seal secures the flip cap shut, but I still don’t trust it from getting ‘bumped’ or ‘nudged’ in a bag so I don’t consider it entirely leakproof like a plastic Nalgene with a screw cap would be. However, keeping the bottle upright in a bag (with the help of an upright insulated bag or other supportive items) works fine when traveling with it. The silicone sleeve protects it from most accidental drops and its large capacity is great for fewer needed refills.

Secura Double Wall Stainless Steel Electric Water Kettle

A stainless steel electric water kettle is on a kitchen counter between the edge of the stovetop and knife block. Household products used to prepare food or beverages such as this should never be made out of plastic since it boils water

At the time of this writing, this hot water kettle is unavailable on Amazon, but sometimes things go back in stock so I’m still including it just in case (and because it is a good product that you could likely find elsewhere, too). I purchased this water kettle because it’s entirely stainless steel (with the exception of a small plastic piece at the hinge inside where the lid pops up, though with plenty of inspection I’m confident that part never touches the water itself) – including the spout itself. You’ll find that some kettles are stainless or glass but will still have a plastic spout, which defeats the purpose (the water can only exit the kettle and go into your cup via spout)! This one is all stainless. Its design is simple, effective, and maintenance-free. After every use I leave the lid open and it air-dries rapidly so there is never old water vapor droplets lining the inside indefinitely (nothing like finding moist kettles when staying at other places and having no idea how long it’s been wet inside).

Secura Coffee Press

A 34-ounce stainless steel coffee press sits on a coral fabric swath on a kitchen counter. Household products used to prepare hot beverages such as this coffee press should always be made out of clear glass or stainless steel
A 34-ounce stainless steel coffee press sits on a coral fabric swath on a kitchen counter with its plunger pulled out and resting on top. Household products used to prepare hot beverages such as this coffee press should be made entirely out of either stainless steel or clear glass since we pour boiling (or near boiling) water into it

I used to buy the glass French presses (because, cute) and yet one by one, over the years, each has always broken! So now I only buy stainless steel, and this is the best brand yet. The entire product is stainless steel (spout, lid, etc.) which not only keeps the coffee well-insulated (to an extent – it will eventually cool, like all things) but which is the safest food-grade material besides pure glass. This is especially important for anything very hot, like boiled water. When you drink coffee every day, a non-toxic and efficient vessel is important!

These presses come in smaller sizes (17-ounce) as well as larger sizes (34-ounce). Over the years I’ve acquired two larger ones and one smaller one, both to ensure there’s enough coffee when we have company or brunch visits but also because my spouse and I have different caffeine preferences (i.e. I’ll make mushroom coffee with a little half-caf while he makes full-on highly caffeinated coffee every day, etc.).

Stainless Steel Tablespoon

Close-up photo of a stainless steel tablespoon resting inside a clear glass bowl filled with coffee grinds

I think this is the first table spoon I’ve bought since college days, but it’s a good one! For something so basic, I wanted a stainless steel tablespoon with a short-enough handle to not stick out if I want to keep it in a coffee bag or other container. I also wanted it to have a nice round shape that’s easy to clean and easy to fill/pour. There’s an alternate version that’s sized for two tablespoons which is very popular for people to automatically scoop a two-scoop amount of coffee. I think that would be terrific but I like having the one-tablespoon size because I can use it for other things as well.

Blue and White Striped Ceramic Creamer Pitcher

A very cute dark blue and white-striped painted ceramic cream pitcher with tiny pouring spout sits atop a coral-coloured fabric surface

Have you ever noticed how many pitchers dribble, despite being designed to not do so? Well, this one isn’t 100% dribble-free, but it’s much less dribbly than plenty of others I’ve suffered over the years! I love this creamer pitcher because of it’s handsome blue and white stripes, its perfect little size, and its mostly-mess-free convenient pour spout.

11-Ounce Glass Teacups with Saucers (Set of 4)

Two clear glass teacups are positioned side by side on a coral-coloured fabric spread over a kitchen counter. Such toxin-free household products are part of a serveware collection for which health is priority.

I purchased these teacups several years ago when I learned more about the alarmingly high lead and cadmium present in most decorative ceramic mugs and other serveware. Apparently red and black are the highest culprits for high levels of lead and cadmium. It has to do with the manufacturing process. At the time of learning this, we were primarily eating off of red ceramic plates and bowls (a hand-me down set). I phased out of these and ordered plain glass plates, cups and bowls. These teacups are lovely and while we’ve broken all four saucers over the years (it’s inevitable…), the cups remain intact and useful for coffee, tea, or any hot bevvy.

Mini Bamboo Cutting Boards (Set of 2)

Two small square cutting boards with rounded corners lay flat atop a coral-coloured fabric surface

We used to own only one small wood cutting board but I was always irritated when my spouse wouldn’t immediately wash it after use, as washing it’s always easier before food dries and crusts on. I eventually ordered this set of two mini cutting boards so that there’s almost always at least one clean one! It’s perfect for snacks like one piece of stone fruit, an avocado, a bit of cheese, or anything really. I use them all the time.

6-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot

I love the size of this large stainless steel pot. It’s large capacity is great for feeding many people and/or bulk cooking. As I’ve mentioned above, stainless steel is superior in the cooking industry and while many prefer ‘non-stick’ products, I avoid those because they’re full of toxins that leach into the food you eat at high temperatures (and especially with so little as one scratch). Everyone’s concerned about food sticking, understandably. I’m less worried about excess oils (avocado oil is a brilliant option because avocados contain healthy fat) – they are a necessary addition when cooking with stainless. But did you know that you can also cook/sauté food in broth? It wont’ work with everything, but it’s a flavorful and useful alternative to oils.

A large stainless steel crock pot with lid and a small stainless steel saucepan with lid sit atop a coral-coloured fabric swath on a kitchen counter. These household products are essential for toxin-free cooking

1-Quart Stainless Steel Saucepan

The cute little cousin to the above pot, this mini stainless steel pot is perfect for cooking up smaller amounts of things like pasta sauce or oatmeal. The small the amount, the quicker it will cook (and the smaller the pot, the quicker to clean)!

Stainless Steel Baking Sheet with Rack (3-Set)

Three stainless steel baking sheets of descending sizes, and accompanying cooling racks, are arrayed across a coral-coloured fabric swath on a countertop. Household products for baking, like these sheets, should ideally be made of non-toxic materials to reduce exposure to toxins in the food we eat and serve others.

These stainless steel baking sheets are great because you have a size for any amount needed. The smallest one fits inside my toaster oven and is super convenient to heat up a few chicken nuggets or tater tots for my kids (yes, I also cook normal food)! The racks are also great for drying cookies or other baked items.

Large Stainless Steel Baking Sheets (2-Set)

Photo of two large stainless steel baking sheets atop a coral-coloured fabric swath on a countertop. Kitchen household products such as these make baking toxin-free since stainless steel is one of the safest cooking materials.

These large baking sheets are excellent when you need an even larger space to roast or bake something even larger. Having the maximum size has come in handy for many a meal.

Small Stainless Steel Dessert Spatula

A small and narrow stainless steel spatula lays on its side. This is one of those household products that is important for healthy food preparation, specifically when using it with hot food.

When I was researching alternatives to my plastic spatulas, I came across this cute little spatula and it turned out to be perfect for many purposes. There’s nothing more annoying than trying to flip or scoop a smaller piece of something (i.e. one egg, etc.) with a giant spatula. That being said, I could not stop laughing when I came across a review of another buyer complaining that this was too small and they thought it only suitable for gnomes using it flip hamburgers. So buy something larger for hamburgers! Buy this for precision-sized portions or smaller foods.

Stainless Steel Muffin Pans

Top-down view of two 6-cup stainless steel muffin pans, one stacked askew atop the other. These are useful household products to have for toxin-free cupcakes and muffins

These muffin pans do the job like any muffin pan I suppose, and I’ve had no complaints over the years! For people who prefer non-stick, I do understand the pain of trying to clean out muffin pans with food encrusted in them like rock deposits. However, lightly greasing the cups with coconut oil has proven more than effective and my muffins (or cupcakes) have popped up with perfect ease. Just use clean fingers to rub a bit in each cup – it’s fast and easy.

Natural Cupcake Liners

Close-up view of a stack of natural/dye-free cupcake liners as well as a few loose ones

I bought these non-toxic cupcake liners because there’s something about wet food heating up and drying into dyed paper that doesn’t sit right with me. These liners are great and I use them every time I bake cupcakes. I once bought these cute multi-coloured cupcake liners at Target for a dollar. Then after baking with them, I noticed some of the colour from the liners had leached into the cupcakes…I don’t buy those anymore! These natural ones are keepers, even if they’re a boring tan colour.

Vented Glass Microwave Bowl Covers

These non-toxic glass microwave splatter covers are great household products if you reheat leftovers or frozen meals in the microwave but don't want to clean up the occasional food splatter. The two shown are round with three tabs on each, made of non-toxic frosted glass

This glass microwave splatter cover unavailable at the time of this writing; however, there is another version available from the company that sits overtop of a plate. This particular version I ordered is brilliant because it rests on top of a bowl and prevents a mess, and there are conveniently two sizes. I never heat plastic dishes in the microwave since plastics leach into food when heated, but I didn’t like the though of even a cover being plastic so I ordered this. It rinses quickly and easily after each use and dries much more quickly than plastic would (as do all glass and stainless steel items!).

24-Ounce Glass Bowls (Set of 12)

Close-up photo of a clear glass bowl with a spoon resting inside. Healthy household products include glass serveware such as this.

These Anchor Hocking glass bowls were my replacement for those red ceramic bowls I mentioned above. They are nice and big (without being huge) and we use them every single day, so having twelve has been useful! Upon providing the link for these, however, I’m a bit confused about Anchor Hocking’s description: the item description as well as photos clearly describes them as bowls, and yet the ‘selection’ lists plates. So please be sure that, when you purchase these, they are in fact bowls and not plates (unless you want plates, too).

2-Cup Glass Storage Containers with Lids (Set of 4)

A couple of clear glass food storage bowls with aqua-coloured lids rest atop a coral-coloured cloth surface. Household products such as these are great to have in the kitchen for safely storing hot foods.

These little glass storage dishes are perfect for leftovers. I use them to pack my sons’ lunches all the time, as well as to pack away one-serving portions of meal leftovers. Anchor Hocking is a great brand for glass products like these, along with Pyrex.

16-Ounce Glass Storage Jars with Pastel Lids (Set of 6)

Five glass food/beverage storage jars atop a counter with different coloured lids in soft muted 'coastal colours' seen from top down
Five glass food/beverage storage jars atop a counter with different coloured lids in soft muted 'coastal colours'

I found these useful glass storage jars (not mason jars, but similar) when I started making bread in bulk. My stepmom gifted me a breadmaker for Christmas last year and I decided to make many loaves for neighbours. It’s very easy, but measuring out all the ingredients is tedious and time consuming (you have to be precise because of the yeast, etc.). I decided to batch the effort and order multiple small containers for each allotted ingredient and then grab what I need every time I’m ready to bake another loaf. These jars are the perfect size for water, but they would be great for storing any other ingredients – whether liquid or solid. Being glass, they would also be fine for hot foods or drinks. The pretty pastel-coloured lids are plastic, so I just wouldn’t turn it upside down if there’s something hot inside that shouldn’t touch the plastic.

6-Ounce Plastic Food Storage Containers w/Coastal-Coloured Lids (Set of 18)

A few stacked small clear plastic food storage containers with blue and sea green lids stacked on top

I originally ordered these plastic food storage containers several years ago when I started making large batches of lactation bars. (I still make them to this day because they are that good, and my toddler won’t stop eating them). They provide a perfect serving size so I eat a moderate amount instead of, say, four times too many! But they are also perfect snack-sized containers to pack things in my sons’ lunches, or while we’re on the go. We use them every day, all the time. I don’t put hot things or liquid things in there, but of course something wet like a caprese salad is fine, or dry snacks. The coastal-themed pastel lids are very pretty, too.

2.4-Ounce Mini Stainless Steel Food Storage Containers with Silicone Lids (Pack of 6)

A couple of stacks of stainless steel mini food containers with multiple coloured silicone lids stacked on top, in blues and pink

These little stainless steel containers are another set I purchased when I started making bread in bulk. They’re perfect to hold just the right amount of olive oil or dry active yeast (in separate individual containers, obviously). I also use them for tiny portions of things in my sons’ lunches. I love that they are stainless steel as they’re fine for something hotter or liquid, and they’re super easy to clean. The lids are pretty colours, too.

Stackable Bamboo Kitchen Cabinet/Shelf Organizer (Set of 4)

Kitchen household products like the attractive and simple cabinet shelf organizer depicted here help organize what would otherwise be an overcrowded kitchen. Glass jars with lids as well as a stack of plastic food storage cups fit perfectly underneath while small metal cups and lids and other plastic containers and lids fit stacked on top.
Kitchen household products are some of the most useful! The bamboo cabinet shelf organizer seen close-up here allows small glass food storage containers to stack underneath alongside plastic containers and lids, with piles of lids on top.

These mini nesting shelves are a huge help in my cupboards. I ordered them last year after moving because I had trouble fitting all of our ‘little things’ in our cupboards. They serve as extra shelving for smaller items that aren’t as tall, like the many many storage containers I’ve listed above! There are two of one size and two of a smaller size that nest underneath for storage when not in use.

Mini Triangular Insulated Yogurt Storage Pack

Close-up photo of a soft blue triangle-shaped insulated food storage container with a zipper lid

I ordered this convenient little cold food storage pack after some concern over yoghurt temperature at school all day. Instead of having yoghurt sliding around in his normal lunchbox, I put a yoghurt container inside this in his lunchbox so that it stays cooler a little bit longer. It’s the perfect size and works great for other items, too!

Close-up photo of a soft blue triangle-shaped insulated food storage container with a lid unzipped and being held open to reveal its reflective silver insulated lining inside and a packet of delicious yoghurt

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2. Edible Products

My favourite household products are the ones you eat: food! Seen in photo is an array of food products atop a kitchen counter, including SOWN organic oat creamer, brewer's yeast powder, collagen (label unseen behind digestives), McVitie's digestives, curry ketchup, cranberries, and pur gum.

After spending plenty of time in the kitchen, it only makes sense to move on to food and edible products. I haven’t listed every single thing because that would be boring – plus food is such a subjective topic. But I want to share a few things that are harder to find elsewhere and which I really like. Below this list are the delicious details:

McVitie’s Digestive Biscuits

I first had digestives when my English friend gifted me some from his parents who brought them over when they visited a couple of years ago. Sold for just a pound or two at Tesco and other supermarkets in the UK, I found these ones in bulk for a reasonable price on Amazon (they really aren’t easy to find in the US, though I’ve heard World Market sells them). Digestives are so satisfying because, for one, they are only lightly sweetened. They are also filling enough that one or two is the perfect light desert after lunch or for a quick snack. My only complaint is how crumbly they are, but not much you can do about that except eat carefully and catch crumbs!

An unopened roll of McVitie's brand plain digestives atop a kitchen counter

Better Sour Gummy Stars

I came across these healthy sour gummy stars in the grocery store and later ordered more online. They aren’t overly sweet and are sweetened with monkfruit instead of sugar; yet they are delicious! They are woman-owned and provide a refreshingly sour alternative to most sickeningly sweet candies. These are the healthiest gummies I’ve ever purchased, and my kids like them too.

Made In Nature Organic Dried Cranberries (Apple Juice Sweetened)

I first found these cranberries in the same overpriced grocery store and then later ordered them in bulk online. They are delicious! There is no added sugar, they’re organic, and they’re sweetened with apple juice to give them a moist and sweet flavour. When I first bought these, my son kept asking for more. (Fun fact: did you know that cranberries are great for kids before bed because of melatonin? Just remember to brush teeth afterwards, of course!). We all love them.

Made in Nature brand bag of organic dried cranberries sweetened with organic apple juice atop a kitchen counter
A red bottle of Ziesner brand curry ketchup atop a kitchen counter

Zeisner Curry Ketchup

I first tried German curry ketchup from my Kiwi roommate almost twenty years ago. The common brand (the one he had at the time) is equally delicious but uses high fructose corn syrup. I found Zeisner’s version just as tasty with better ingredient integrity. Why use conventional ketchup when you can spice it up with curry ketchup? Contrary to the name, it isn’t actually spicy at all, but has a zesty sweet flavour.

PUR Chewing Gum

Pur gum is delightful because it’s naturally sweetened with xylitol (instead of aspartame) and it comes in several great flavours that last a while. I especially love bubblegum if I’m craving something sweeter and, or cinnamon – still a little sweet but a bit spicier and great to help digest a heavy meal.

Three packets of pur gum arrayed atop a kitchen counter, in bubblegum, peppermint, and cinnamon flavours

SOWN Unsweetened Organic Oat Creamer

Oh, the lengths I went to find a good non-dairy coffee creamer. It took me years to even write about this one because they go out of stock every so often, and then I have to find a lesser alternative. But in the spirit of generosity and empathy for others who can’t find a decent creamer, try this delicious SOWN unsweetened one! I like that it’s organic (conventional canola oil is highly processed with hexane) as well as unsweetened. Finding an oat creamer that’s both unsweetened and organic is alarmingly rare. This is the only one I’ve found, likely why it goes out of stock every two minutes. I emailed the company a few years back and they were working on getting it resupplied, so if you find this out of stock, it should eventually come back! Another helpful fact: if still unopened, you can store it at room temperature.

A note on non-dairy creamers: I committed to finding a suitable non-dairy alternative for my coffee years ago when I wanted to consumer fewer dairy products. I also learned that dairy protein, when added to coffee, binds with the nutritious coffee compounds to prevent absorption so what health benefits you would otherwise receive from coffee (a divisive topic but yes, there are health benefits to coffee itself) are neutralized. However, the lipids from plant-based creamers do not have the same effect on coffee and so the coffee nutrients remain fully available upon consumption. That alone motivated me in my effort to find a suitable replacement. By suitable I mean not only healthy but also tasty (the tricky part)! SOWN is one of two creamers I’ve found to meet these criteria. The other is The Forager Project which is only shipped from the refrigerated section of a Whole Foods grocery store.

A small carton of SOWN brand unsweetened organic oat creamer atop a kitchen counter
A can of Solgar brand brewer's yeast powder atop a kitchen counter

Solgar Brewer’s Yeast Powder

I started buying brewer’s yeast when I started making lactation bars around the birth of my first son. It’s a highly nutritious supplement that helps promote lactation, but it’s also a great ingredient in general for anyone to use – especially vegetarians or those needing extra B vitamins. In powder form, it isn’t something you’d want to eat straight up, but it’s easy to add to smoothies, shakes, and baked goods. I’ve been buying this brand for over six years now and add some to my protein shake every morning. There are other decent brands as well, whether purchased online or in groceries.

NeoCell Collagen Powder

A tub of Neocell brand collagen powder atop a kitchen counter

Collagen is another great supplement that’s especially helpful if you’re prone to bone loss or joint pain. I have struggled with knee pain for years (a main reason I stopped running) so I add collagen to my protein shake every morning as well. Between that and constant ‘weight lifting’ (children), my knees function great almost all of the time these days.

Vegans can find non-bovine sourced collagen but I have heard that it isn’t as potent. There is a newer brand I was told of with a new formula that does provide sufficient (seaweed-sourced) collagen, but it’s quite pricey.

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3. Various Household Items

Top-down view of an off-white faux leather rectangular tray with silver-coloured metal handles on either end resting atop a wood table and filled with a number of small jars of various materials, sizes and colours
Three gold-coloured metal candle care items (bell-shaped snuffer, scissors-like wick trimmer, and wick dipper) are arranged around a candle atop a wood table, viewed top-down

In this category you’ll find a circus of surprises! Here’s our list, and the descriptions are below it:

Round Waterproof Patio Table Cover

Black waterproof round patio table cover draped over a deck table with a few chairs around and fallen leaves nearby and on top

Where we live, the towering canopy of trees in our yard drop debris year round. Maybe there is a brief lull in January and February, but every other season of the year showers our deck and outdoor table with nature’s own cocktail of fun. Which would be lovely except our table is covered with a thick sticky film of yellow one season, a torrent of acorns and stringy things another season, leaves, sticks, etc. So I ordered this outdoor table cover so I don’t have to wipe down the table any time anyone wants to eat outside (which is nearly every day). The size I ordered doesn’t fit over the chairs, but I can lean the chairs diagonally against the edge of the table to prevent much accumulation there. The tabletop itself is spared and I am spared endless wiping. There are other larger sizes available as well.

‘Please Remove Your Shoes’ Wooden Door Sign

A carved/painted wooden sign hangs on an exterior door and reads 'Please remove your shoes' next to a carved/painted picture of decorative flip flops

Since we are a shoes-off household, I ordered this beachy-themed sign to kindly remind visitors to take off their shoes once they come inside. I also ordered a metal one for the back door which has drastically faded in the sun; this wood one, on the other hand, has held up perfectly. I do have a storm door which spares it from direct contact with rain, so that certainly affects its longevity. This specific sign is unfortunately unavailable at the time of this writing; however, merchandise does sometimes get restocked. At this time, there don’t appear to be additional shoe-removal signs by this company, but they do provide a vast array of other beachy-style signs and décor made in a similar style.

Woven Seagrass Blend 4-Foot Square Area Rug (Other Sizes/Shapes Available)

A natural-looking square rug in the corner of a sunroom along with a potted plant in the corner and colourful end table/shelves atop the rug next to a (partially-seen) white couch
A woven seagrass blend natural-looking 4-foot square rug seen in the corner of a sunroom along with a potted plant in the corner and colourful end table/shelves resting on it

This lovely rug provides texture and a natural aesthetic to an indoor space. It’s comfy to walk or relax on, even though it isn’t a ‘plush’ material. It warms up an otherwise dull corner in a room and looks great under large houseplants. It isn’t waterproof, though. Years ago I had clay potted plants resting directly on it (instead of atop, say, a small table) and the moisture from the soil left mildew underneath. I was able to clean it, but now I know to not leave a porous material (with moisture) directly on it!

Ultra Plush Carpet Stair Treads

A lower half of stairs as seen from standing at foot of stairs, with all but the lowest covered in off-white plush carpet stair treads
The upper half of a flight of stairs as seen from standing at the landing halfway up, with each step covered in comfortable off-white plush carpet stair treads

Having just moved into a home with stairs last year, I was terrified of my tumble-muffin toddler bumbling down the entire flight of hard wooden stairs. So after some comparison analysis I ordered this set of soft carpet stair treads. The attractive off-white colour not only brightened up the dark wood stairs, but the carpet is so comfy to walk on and I worry much less about inevitable injuries – especially due to the bullnose design that wraps over the edge of each stair.

White Folding 17.5-Inch Step Stool

A white stepstool with grippy black circles/dots design stands assembled in front of a wall
A white stepstool with grippy black circles/dots design rests folded up against a wall

I’m sure every other reader has seen or already owns a stepstool similar to this, but I wanted to showcase this one because it’s a little bit taller than the standard sizes out there – and that can make a huge difference when trying to reach just a little bit higher!

Cool Mist Humidifier

Picture of a white cool-mist humidifier with its water tank removed and sitting beside it on the floor of a carpeted bedroom next to a dresser
A white cool-mist humidifier with its water tank sits on the floor of a carpeted bedroom next to a dresser

What initially drove me to purchase not only one but eventually four of these cool mist humidifiers over the years is how much easier they are to maintain. Other humidifiers grow mildew if not meticulously cleaned after every use (which, for a third of the year, is every night in our house) but this one does not, and the filter stays mildew-free so long as you leave the fan running every day to dry it out after each use (or, alternatively, dry out the filter any other way).

Eventually, minerals from the tap water accumulate in the filter and that prevents it from being able to soak up and therefore emit as much water vapor, so replacing the filter each winter is an ongoing cost. Occasionally buying a new filter is well worth the cost, though, because of how well these humidifiers have held up. The fan sound is soothing enough to use at night to muffle out other sounds (in fact, it’s our preferred sound machine), and it humidifies effectively.  

Ceramic Wax Melt Warmer

Close-up image of a natural-looking ceramic wax melt warmer in a sand-coloured hue with creamy white paint around the top, and the switch on the cord wrapped around a table leg behind it
Close-up image of a ceramic wax melt warmer and the switch on the cord wrapped around a table leg behind it, with the small orange light on the front lit up to indicate it's turned on

A wax melt warmer is a great way to spread a pleasing scent throughout your home without the open flame of a candle. I bought this electric wax melt warmer a few years back because I wanted to try out wax melts (kids and all). I like its simple and pleasant design and the light on the front to indicate that it’s on. It’s also very easy to clean out the removable ceramic bowl and replace it on the base. Just note that if you have young kids (or pets), be careful where you place it so that nobody pulls on the cord and sends hot wax (and a hot plate) flying. There are crafty ways to secure these things; just be strategic!

Rechargeable Electric Lighter (Set of 2)

Two electric lighters in silver and rose gold lay atop a wood table nearby a candle and some plants
Two electric lighters in silver and rose gold and a gold-coloured metal candle care set (consisting of snuffer, wick trimmer and wick dipper) viewed top down on a wood table
Close-up photo of the tip of an electric lighter where the arc connects to light

I didn’t even know there was a such thing as an electric lighter until very recently, when I first purchased these. I had recently become more cognizant of the fact that every time you light a lighter, a bit of butane is released. No big deal every now and then but when you light candles every day, these toxins add up. I wanted an option that was environmentally friendlier without having to go through multiple boxes of matches. Not to mention the finite lifecycle of long lighters – don’t get me started on how many we’ve burned through trying to light outdoor fires alone.

Electric lighters are a perfect alternative because they are clean-burning and rechargeable with a standard USB charger. The only performance difference is that instead of a flame, it creates an arc. That can make it a little trickier to light larger things as the tiny arc works better with a precision target, like a small candle wick or an incense stick. Save matches for outdoor fires – this lighter does not do the trick when it comes to larger kindling. But for lighting normal indoor candles, it’s an excellent device that I highly recommend. This set of two comes in attractive colours, too, like rose gold and champagne.

Candle Care Set with Wick Trimmer, Snuffer, and Wick Dipper

A trio of gold-coloured metal candle care items consisting of bell-shaped snuffer, scissors-like wick trimmer, and wick dipper rest on a wood table

Around the time I bought the electric lighters I also bought this trio of candle wick trimmer, wick dipper, and snuffer. I haven’t actually used the wick dipper yet but it serves the straight-forward purpose of easily dipping the wick into the wax to extinguish the flame as opposed to snuffing it out with the bell-shaped snuffer (options). The wick trimmer is a very useful item for easy mess-free ‘bloom’-snipping and wick-length maintenance. Of nearly three decades of burning candles and awkwardly carving into candles while trying to trim wicks with giant kitchen scissors, I’m glad I finally got around to buying these very useful (and affordable) tools!

Ivory Beige Faux Leather 18″x12″ Rectangular Tray

An off-white faux leather rectangular tray with silver-coloured metal handles on either end rests atop a wood table with potted plants. The tray is filled with a number of small jars of various materials (glass and metal) and of various sizes and colours
An empty off-white faux leather rectangular tray with silver-coloured metal handles on either end sits atop a wood table next to houseplants and a white couch. Basic household products (like this handsome tray) can be both useful and attractive.

This tray is a very basic item but it comes in handy for any number of purposes and it’s handsome, too. The most common use is holding papers or mail at a heavily-trafficked location (i.e. by the front door or desk or in the kitchen) to keep paperwork contained in one spot instead of strewn about. It also comes in handy for transporting small snacks or drinks to a sofa or other lounging spot. Other uses include holding supplements or other everyday-use items on the kitchen counter so they aren’t strewn about free-range, or organizing bedside essentials on a nightstand like tissues, lotion, a book, etc. I like how solid and sturdy it is. You need not worry when transporting serious dishes. It’s a universally functional tray.

Pastel-Coloured Clear Plastic Storage Bins with Latchable Lids (Set of 6)

Two clear pastel-coloured rectangular storage bins (in lavender and sea green) are filled with small toys and sitting on a wood floor. If you are drawn to certain colours, you can find common household products (like storage bins) in those colours!

I think the type of item I’ve purchased over the years surprisingly more than I expected is storage bins. Somehow I always end up needing more storage bins, usually for toys but also for kids’ clothes they’ve outgrown or haven’t grown into yet, among a number of other uses. Large bins, small bins, plastic bins, basket bins. These cute see-through plastic bins in pastel colours are useful for a number of purposes, but I mostly use them to contain small toys. They have a lid that conveniently latches if needed.

5-Tier Metal Mesh Paperwork Organizer Tray in Pretty Colours

Pink five-tier metal mesh paperwork organizer tray filled with papers and various items, viewed diagonally from the front/side, atop a table alongside various other items
Close-up photo of the front of a pink five-tier metal mesh paperwork organizer tray filled with papers and various items

These metal tiered paperwork trays come in various designs but I love these pastel-coloured ones. It’s an excellent way to organize paperwork, kids’ schoolwork, homework, bills, or anything you need to keep orderly. When you are lower on space, it really helps going vertical! I keep ours atop the console table in our kitchen. The specific one I found (in pink) is no longer available, but there are similar alternatives including the nearly-identical purple version with good reviews that’s linked above.

Pastel-Coloured Scissors (3-Set)

Three pairs of pastel kitchen scissors arrayed on colourful rug, in sea green, pale yellow and pale pink. If you need any given household products (such as scissors), opt for pretty versions like these!
Three pairs of pastel kitchen scissors arrayed on the seat of a woven/wicker chair, in sea green, pale yellow and pale pink. If you can find pretty versions of common household products like scissors, opt for those!

There is nothing special about these scissors other than the fact that they are cute! I bought them after we moved last year and I could not find any of our scissors. (I later found them stashed away, naturally, but these ones are still superior due to aesthetics alone.) If you simply want to beautiful your everyday household tools, these pastel scissors are lovely!

Colorful Small Square Refrigerator Magnets (Set of 24)

When you want to display every single piece of artwork your kid brings home from school on the frig, these magnets are plentiful, cute, and perfectly sized for the job. They’re strong enough to hold up most typical papers whether by just one or two in each top corner. I love the rainbow of colours available. Of course, if you have very young children, keep in mind that they are quite small. Kids or not though, they’re great magnets for sticking all kinds of things on the frig from reminders to sweet notes to photos and more.

Close-up photo of five small square magnets in blue hues stuck to the side of a refrigerator. When you need to stock up on any common household products like magnets to affix things to the refrigerator, it's more fun to use a version in your favourite colours!

17″x11″ Magnetic Dry Erase White Board/Mat For Refrigerator

If you’re anything like me and you keep a meticulous list of all perishable inventory on the refrigerator (not to mention an ongoing grocery list), this dry erase white board (more like a flexible mat) is wonderfully helpful. I prefer this mat version over the rigid dry erase boards that stick onto the refrigerator surface at four corners, because sometimes the curved contour of the refrigerator door doesn’t allow all four magnetic corners of the hard boards to stick as easily, and that allows them to clatter to the ground on occasion when they get slightly repositioned. This version, on the other hand, is thin and flexible and the whole surface is magnetic which allows it to much more easily stay snugly on the front of the frig.

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4. Cleaning Supplies

Molly's Suds liquid laundry detergent, powder laundry detergent, and laundry stain remover atop washing machine

Cleaning supplies bore me to tears (as does cleaning) but finding non-toxic alternatives to common toxic household cleaners is important to me, especially after I had my first baby. So when I look for cleaning supplies, I firstly seek out non-toxic versions or at least more natural alternatives. And when it comes to tools, I look for the most efficient products for the job in order to minimize inconvenience and messy maintenance. Here’s our small but noteworthy list which I’ll detail more below:

Molly’s Suds Powder Laundry Detergent

Two packages of Molly's Suds powder laundry detergent atop washing machine

Years ago I discovered the Molly Suds company which began after the tragic death of the founder’s little girl due to the leading laundry detergent brand’s pod capsules. Molly Suds products are very reasonably priced, well-cleaning, and worry-free. I have been using this powder detergent for over five years now. I love supporting this business and everything it promotes, from protecting children from harmful household hazards to providing gentler materials for everyone and for the environment in general. You may also find Molly’s Suds in natural grocery stores but the price will likely be marked up there compared to online options.

Molly’s Suds Liquid Laundry Detergent

Bottle of Molly's Suds powder laundry detergent atop washing machine

This is your Molly’s Suds laundry product if you prefer liquid over powder detergents. I use both the liquid and the powder ones interchangeably and I don’t really notice any difference in the two except that the liquid one I buy has a stronger scent than the powder one. The minty powder one smells lovely as I’m pouring it but it doesn’t leave a noticeable fragrance on the finished wash; the liquid citrus scent, however, does linger a bit after the wash. I love both scents and am happy with the fact that they’re naturally derived; they do provide scent-free options if you prefer no scent, however.

Molly’s Suds Laundry Stain Remover

Bottle of Molly's Suds laundry stain remover atop washing machine

The Molly’s Suds stain remover is an effective laundry stain remover when applied reasonably soon after a garment is stained, and especially applied again before going into the wash. I have had great success with it (and I have two boys)! There have been untouchable stains, however, and I don’t know if it’s due to the staining material (some things are simply hopeless) or the fact that I waited too long after the stain occurred (inevitable when it happens away from home), but for the most part, this has been a great natural product. It’s even (surprisingly) removed ancient stains that I discovered after a piece of clothing already went through a washer and dryer cycle and was worn again. It smells a little funny due to the enzymes, but it isn’t as strong or smelly as the leading brand stain removers (which don’t exactly smell good, either)!

Molly’s Suds Toilet Bowl Cleaner (Bleach-Free)

Bottle of Molly's Suds toilet bowl cleaner in front of tiled bathroom wall

Molly’s Suds toilet bowl cleaner does work well and cleans the toilet nicely. However, because it doesn’t contain bleach, it won’t necessarily ‘kill’ already-existing bacteria in a toilet bowl. So if there’s any remnant of nasty residue left in a toilet (due to natural build-up/accumulated filth), even when you get most of it with this cleaner, the toilet bowl will over time get funky again. Of course, all toilets do, but part of the reason why bleach is so harsh is that it is effective. Harmful and toxic, yes, but effective for the really funky stuff.

Honestly, cleaning the toilet just a little more often won’t kill you. You’ll be able to go a least a month between cleanings using just this toilet bowl cleaner, even if there is bacterial residue building up over time. It’s nice to be able to conveniently stash this behind the toilet because while my sons aren’t haphazard enough to actually get into the stuff, I take no chances and would never leave a bleach cleaner in reach. This is quick and easy to access for a quick toilet clean as needed. But we do keep a heavy-duty bleach-based toilet cleaner on a high shelf somewhere inaccessible to the kids (and therefore more inconvenient for us to get to) that we use rarely if needed.

Silicone Toilet Brush with Curved Bristle and Hanging No-Touch Stand

Bottle of Molly's Suds toilet bowl cleaner in corner of bathroom next to silicone 'bristled' toilet brush hanging in touch-free stand
Silicone 'bristled' toilet brush hanging in touch-free stand in front of tiled bathroom wall
Close-up photo of silicone 'bristled' toilet brush hanging in touch-free stand (ends of bristles don't touch inner sides of stand)

I discovered this awesome toilet brush when I was researching alternatives to the standard bristle-brush that inevitably gets gross. This brush is superior because instead of normal bristles, it has spaced-apart silicone ‘bristles’ that allow airflow between them to dry out after every use. Even better, the stand allows it to hang from a bottleneck opening at the top where it doesn’t touch any surface of the bottom but can drip-dry and evaporate. So you aren’t putting a wet, dirty brush into a dark cup with no air flow. It costs more than your standard toilet brush (which are all of a few bucks from a dollar store) but altogether it is comparatively inexpensive considering the fact that it will never stay filthy. Again, I keep it behind the toilet and don’t want my kids touching it, but if they do, better that than a funky, mildewy brush.

Wipex Wet Floor Wipes (Natural Plant-Based Alternative to Swiffer Wipes) – Fits Swiffer Sweeper Mop

Package of Wipex wet wipes

I have been using Wipex floor wipes for three years now which may have coincided with when my son first became upset over the vacuum sound. Prior to that, I simply vacuumed our entire house, even the hard floors, and I only occasionally used the Swiffer mop. Once mopping became an everyday thing, though, I wanted to replace the name brand wipes with a natural version so as not to jeopardize our health – especially my son’s. While infrequent use won’t kill you, this is about repeated exposure over time, and it’s especially about protecting those more vulnerable – children and pets. So I discovered Wipex and have never gone back.

The Wipex wipes fit Swiffer’s wet jet and are perfect for everyday use. They’re toxin free so safe to step on barefoot. They’re moist but not as ‘sopping wet’ as Swiffer’s name brand wipes, so if you want something more efficient for an occasional huge clean and you can keep children and animals away while the floor dries, Swiffer’s own wipes may make more sense. But if you are doing a light clean every day to keep dirt from accruing in your home at the entrances, or cleaning crumbs or spills in the kitchen, Wipex is the way to go! We are a shoes-off household but that doesn’t mean I don’t clean the floors every day to limit dirt that gets tracked in by either door (and believe me, it’s plentiful). With crumbs-a-plenty and a noise-sensitive son, I mop as an alternative to vacuuming.

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5. Clothing/Accessories/Toiletries/Personal Care

This category of personal care products is a modest list of some things I’ve found useful for specific purposes. There is a reason I am sharing these particular pants, cream, and sandals. If you likewise experience any of the same needs that drove me to use these products, hopefully something listed below will benefit you as well:

Fleece/Sherpa-Lined Warm Jogger Pants

It’s hard to find a truly warm pair of pants. There are plenty of pants that are soft or somewhat warm, but to find a pair that’s actually insulated is very tricky (and I’ve tried several). This pair of pants, while far from sexy, does the job. These fleece-lined pants are quite thick and warm enough to keep you comfortable in the coldest of winter days. I highly recommend them for around-the-house use, but other reviewers also raved about how comfortable they were for dog-walking during freezing weather and other such ventures. I’m a bit pickier regarding what I wear outside of the house, but if I had a dog and needed to walk in sub-freezing weather, I’d probably wear these pants, too!

Soft Fingerless Gloves

Most offices are far from being warm, cosy work environments. A sedentary desk job is enough to lower one’s body temperature simply because you aren’t up and moving around. And if your body’s inner thermostat runs cooler or if you don’t have extra body fat as a layer of insulation, then working in a standard American office is like working in a frigid castle in winter except without all the impressive architecture. That brings us to a helpful accessory: fingerless gloves. These became a necessary apparel item while I was working in an office (and routinely running a space heater because, efficiency…)

These gloves don’t magically warm your hands – they are thin and can’t provide all that much insulation, but they do make a difference and are certainly more comfortable than typing barehanded. I love this particular pair because they are so soft, and quite attractive in classic neutral colours (or a lovely red to spice things up).

If you are looking for superior warmth, seek out heated fingerless gloves. I used to own a pair of wired fingerless gloves that I kept plugged in while working at my desk, but I gave them away once I no longer needed them, and neither that exact pair nor the seller are still listed. However, there are similar versions of heated fingerless gloves available from other sellers in various styles.

Orthopedic Sport Slides/Sandals (Cute and Comfortable)

These sandals have saved my husband’s feet. He bought a pair after I bought a pair for myself to wear outside of the house, since many sandals are just not all that comfortable. I was already gifted a pair of Oofos sandals to wear around the house in order to prevent foot pain, which my spouse and I both experience when walking barefoot on hard floors. But Oofos are quite an investment, so I was relived to discover these KuaiLu sandals which cost half the price and are just as comfortable and supportive. Unfortunately they’re seasonal as we can’t wear sandals in winter without freezing toes (at the time of this writing, the company doesn’t make closed-toed shoes except for house slippers) but if you likewise need support for foot pain, these are great to wear indoors and they are relatively attractive. I bought mine in black and white but there are plenty of other options in both vivid and neutral colours.

Everyone for Every Body Lotion in Coconut Lemon

There is nothing magical or special about this lotion, but I’ve been buying it for years because I like how it smells and feels. I especially like that its ingredient list, while not the purest I’ve seen, is certainly healthier than leading skincare brands. It’s a good-quality, cost-effective option when you need pounds of it every day (exaggeration but it certainly feels like that for those of us with dry skin!). I therefore also like the fact that it comes in a huge bottle so it doesn’t run out as quickly. You can buy the bottles solo or in a pack of two like this set.

Love Beauty and Planet Murumuru Butter and Rose Lotion

This is another nice lotion option that I’ve likewise been buying for years. It also smells and feels nice and is health and environmentally conscious with its formulation and production. There are many delicious scents; this is only one of them among others like coconut, lavender and more.

Ancient Greek Remedy Butter Cream Face Moisturizer

I don’t know what I would do without this moisturizer. Probably slather my face in smelly olive oil from the kitchen out of desperation. Thankfully I have the alternative: this Ancient Greek face cream. It’s a delightfully rich and pure concentrated/thick oil that feels so good smoothed over dry skin. A little goes a long way. Its ingredients include: organic sweet almond oil, organic jojoba oil, organic olive oil, organic rosehip seed oil, glyceryl stearate, organic lavender essential oil, organic lavandin essential oil, organic spike lavender essential oil, and vitamin E (tocopherol). It’s hard to find such a clean ingredient list for a skin care product without paying a fortune.

I have tried several face moisturizers over the years and none feel so good on my skin as this one. After applying other moisturizers, my skin will feel dry and taut after only minutes of it soaking in. Not with this Greek formula. This stuff is number one, the best.

Pastel Toothbrush Travel Covers

Toothbrush covers aren’t brimming with excitement but they are much appreciated when traveling! After my sole toothbrush cover of something like three decades broke a while back, I replaced it with this four-pack of pretty pastel covers that snap open and shut to secure your toothbrush safe and snug from nasty bathroom sink germs. Brushing in a hotel? No problem. At the airport? Worry-free. At a friend or relative’s house with questionable cleaning habits? Who cares! This toothbrush cover has yours covered. When done in the bathroom, just leave it open with your toothbrush resting in it to air dry in any clean/private space with your other personal belongings, however your setup looks.

Jade Roller

Jade rollers always seem to roll on away from me. The one I originally got many years ago I gave to my mom a while back. Then later I wanted a jade roller again, so I bought a pink ‘rose quartz’ Pacifica brand one from Target. Somehow that one’s gotten lost (kids/disorganization/chaos) so I ordered another jade roller from Etsy which promptly broke after a week or two. The handle/rod broke where the jade stays fixed in place and the seller, while apologetic, did not offer a refund (‘fair’ since it wasn’t broken in transit, but a frustrating experience since I’ve never had a jade roller break before). She said she got it from a trade show (note to self: will not purchase such things from a trade show, if I ever go to one).

So finally I ordered this jade roller a couple of months ago, and so far so good! I chose it because it has great reviews and I am so far pleased with it. I use it every morning to help wake my son before dawn to get ready for school. Many tout jade rollers for their use in facial skin care – myself included – but I really love its effects as a massager, especially to help ground neurodivergent children. I used the old one for nearly forty minutes to help calm my son when he was terrified after a long screaming meltdown in the middle of a transatlantic flight last summer. Consider also that jade rollers stimulate blood flow, providing both physical and cognitive benefits whether to calm down or to gently wake up.

3-Tiered Standing Necklace Organizer

Tired of tangled necklaces? This three-tier necklace stand is really helpful for storing and displaying your necklaces without having to stuff them inside boxes or other containers. The varied heights are helpful when your necklace lengths range from long to choker-sized. The gold and white colours are also quite pretty.

Minimalist Jewelry Box with Window in Lid

There’s a story behind why I bought a new jewelry box a few years ago after decommissioning the old wooden one I found at a thrift shop and covered in seashells (like many things, this story involves young kids) but I did some comparison browsing and am glad I settled on this one. For one, it’s such a pretty colour (I chose light turquoise/mint but there are other lovely options) and the window in the lid makes it easy to peek inside and view its top contents, spared from collecting dust. The faux leather material, as opposed to a hard wood, is nice and soft. Its lower two drawers with multiple earring and bracelet compartments, in addition to the top level that also includes ring storage, make it a convenient solution for storing and organizing various types of jewelry.

The only downside to this jewelry box is that the strap connecting the top of the lid to the base broke at some point over the years. This isn’t an issue for my jewelry box since sits in front of a standing vanity mirror and the lid rests against it when open. However, if there isn’t anything supporting the lid from behind, it would fall open at an 180° angle (instead of the 95-ish° angle that the strap would have allowed while taut). If you situate the box on top of a table or dresser against the wall, it won’t be an issue. But consider the space behind if you plan to have your jewelry box in the middle of a surface.

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6. Children’s Products

Closeup view of a jar periwinkle-coloured jar of Maty's Baby Multipurpose Ointment, used for diaper care but also for chapped skin anywhere (and for anybody) - one of the most useful household products for skincare
Bottle of Earth Mama lavender baby lotion atop a wicker chair in front of a coral pillow
Two hooded toddler towels lay on a carpeted floor. The dark blue and white striped one is extended lengthwise and tucked inside width-wise. The light blue, white and yellow striped one (same shape/design) is also extended lengthwise but tucked in just once widthwise to show the hood and one side extended

I encourage you to peruse this list of great children’s finds even if you don’t have kids, because some of these items are versatile and serve other purposes as well! Listed in a somewhat chronological order from birth through toddlerhood and into primary school, you’ll find personal care items, items for the kitchen, clothing, bed/sleep items, and more. I promise you there are at least several things that any adult could use regardless of family status, so check out the list below and jump to the descriptions for more details:

Maty’s All Natural Multipurpose Baby Ointment

Closeup view of a jar periwinkle-coloured jar of Maty's Baby Multipurpose Ointment, used for diaper care but also for chapped skin for anybody - one of the most useful skincare-oriented household products to have on hand

To start our list of children’s products is this Maty’s ointment. For reference, I’ve applied it to my chapped lips/nose at least once already today (we’re in that season where our ‘family colds’ last well over a month or two). I’ll use it on my face and lips in lieu of the above mentioned Greek oil moisturizer as needed. I originally bought it as diaper ointment, of course, but its uses far exceed just bum comfort and healing. My youngest son toilet trained nearly a year ago but we still benefit from this balm.

It’s great for wounds that aren’t openly bleeding, to simply soothe and protect chapped skin. It’s great for chapped knuckles. I used to routinely apply it to my kids’ faces after bathtime, and just put lotion on the rest of their bodies, because the balm is even more heavy-duty (and I am a bit obsessed about hydrating skin – especially on faces). Most importantly, the ingredients list is solid: olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax, castor oil, jojoba oil, carnauba wax, and vitamin E. In a society where way too many harsh ingredients are allowed in the vast majority of consumer goods, this safe formula is tried and true, and that’s especially important for the littlest of all: babies and young kids.

Sadly, this Maty’s ointment is unavailable at the time of this writing. But I wanted to include it in case the manufacturer restocks/relists it. In the meantime, check in with their shop in case it ends up listed at a different link.

Era Organics Super Balm for Babies

Close-up view of jar of Era Organics Extra Soothing & Moisturizing baby balm, as the label reads 'gentle head to toe care for dry, cracked, sensitive skin'

If the above-listed Maty’s balm is solid, then this balm is solid gold. While its formula’s texture is a bit ‘stiffer’ than Maty’s, its ingredients are all organic and completely pure: organic chickweed and chamomile infusion in organic sunflower oil, organic castor oil, organic cocoa butter, organic coconut oil, organic arrowroot powder, organic calendula oil, organic avocado oil, organic rosehip seed oil, organic arnica oil, and organic gluten-free oats. The price is understandably higher due to its contents, so I still use the Maty’s balm as well, but a little Era balm goes a long way. I still (sparingly, but regularly enough) use the same small tub I purchased nearly two years ago.

Earth Mama Calming Lavender Baby Lotion

Bottle of Earth Mama lavender baby lotion with a purple label reading 'ridiculously relaxing' - a tried and true household product for kids' skincare for years

I’ve tried various lotions on my boys, and this one remains my go-to choice. It’s been our bathtime routine companion since babyhood and I still love it. It’s gentle and doesn’t cause any irritation, it’s easy to rub in, and its lavender scent is lovely and relaxing. Its ingredients include: organic aloe leaf juice, organic olive fruit oil, organic rooibos extract, organic calendula flower extract, organic shea butter, olivoyl hydrolyzed oat protein, cetearyl alcohol, glyceryl oleate, glyceryl stearate, kosher vegetable glycerin, organic lavender flower oil, organic vanilla fruit extract, and xanthan gum.

It’s hard to find a reasonably affordable body lotion with much purer ingredients, especially one in which the majority of ingredients (those listed first in the list) are pure. I’m less stringent about this in regard to my own adult body lotion, but it’s important to me when it comes to what I put on my kids. They can slather on whatever they want when they’re grown but so long as they’re too young to meet their needs independently, I take my stewardship over their health seriously (little things, over time, add up). It’s also why I’m the sunscreen police and rub a bit of mineral sunscreen onto their faces, much to their annoyance, almost every day of the year before school!

Turtleneck Long Sleeved Bodysuit/Onesie (set of two: blue and airplanes)

Why are baby turtlenecks so cute? These two are no exception. I bought them for extra neck warmth, but their cute and simple colours/design is unique and extra special in a market inundated with limited Carter’s apparel designs. Both of my sons wore these adorable long-sleeved turtleneck onesies until I had to regift them when the boys got bigger. (Sadly I could not find any photos of them wearing them but I know there are some somewhere…I will post once I can find them in the thousands of photos!)

Baby Bottle Drying Rack

Close-up view of a pretty white and mint-coloured baby bottle drying rack, loaded with various small items including a medicine syringe, toothbrush, glass straws, and water bottle parts
A baby bottle drying rack, loaded with various smaller dish items such as a medicine syringe, toothbrush, glass straws, water bottle parts, etc. sits atop a counter next to the normal dish drying rack

Despite the fact that we haven’t used baby bottles in a couple of years, we still use this baby bottle drying rack every day. It’s very useful for small cups, food containers, lids, and anything from shot glasses to large plastic cups. Unfortunately, it is no longer available, the brand is now nonexistent, and I have yet to find an exact replica elsewhere (I’ve looked). But there are various similar versions with slightly different ‘arms’ and whatnot, so you can find something just as useful.

Waterproof Bib Smock for Mealtime

A large waterproof bib smock, with a neck hole and two arm holes, hangs on the back of a kitchen chair. It's blue with a picture of a plate and utensils in white along with white clouds

These smocks are stellar for keeping much larger mealtime messes at bay. What I love most about it is how large it is: you can fit it over the baby/toddler and then over the entire high chair and tray table. When it’s time to clean up, all you need to do is wipe the baby’s hands and mouth (naturally), remove the smock, and then wash it out in the sink. I toss it in the dryer on delicate and then let it air dry if necessary (my husband leaves it in the dryer much longer…we have had four of these for nearly 3 years now, and they have held up remarkably well despite being dried in the dryer so regularly). No need to clean the highchair, tray table, or baby’s clothes!

I also love that it’s completely waterproof. Before I discovered these smocks, I ordered a similar-looking but less comprehensive mealtime smock that only covered baby’s front and arms (it was supposed to suction to the tray table but that never worked very well). That thing mildewed immediately, despite the fact that I wrung it out and hung it to dry carefully after each use. You won’t need to worry about that with this smock. Its material won’t absorb moisture at all and while you still want to at least air dry it after washing, it’s not like it’s going to get funky very easily (its material is more similar to that of an umbrella, just not stiff of course).

Pastel Silicone Baby Spoons

Two silicone toddler spoons, in pale blue and pale pink, are arranged crossed overtop of each other atop a coral-coloured cloth on the counter
Three iridescent-coloured stainless steel toddler forks are arranged crossed overtop of each other atop a coral-coloured cloth on the counter

Baby spoons of course aren’t hard to come by, but I love how pretty and delicate these pastel ones are. I still give them to my sons when they eat yoghurt. They’re soft, small and flexible, and perfect for a little baby’s mouth.

Stainless Steel Iridescent Toddler Forks

There are plenty of similar versions of stainless steel toddler-sized forks – including fun iridescent ones like these ones – but I’ve had these particular ones for years now and they hold up very well. They’re a perfect size for young kids, with a fun rainbow shimmer. As I lauded above in the kitchen section, stainless steel is one of the purest materials for food equipment/eating vessels. And while these forks are specifically marketed for kids, they aren’t too small for general adults’ use, too. I often use one for a dessert or small snack.

Bamboo Toddler Bowls

Two nested toddler bowls (in purple and orange) made out of bamboo sit atop a counter draped in a coral cloth
Close-up photo of two nested toddler bowls made out of bamboo, in pink and orange

Again, toddler bowls aren’t hard to find, but sometimes it’s hard to find cute ones. I bought a cute set of four pastel-coloured bamboo toddler bowls very similar to these ones years ago, and my kids still use them every day. They are unfortunately no longer available and the seller is MIA, but this set of bowls is the most similar replacement I could find to share here, and in nearly identical colours. Even if you don’t have kids, they’re very cute bowls for small snacks!

5-Ounce Toddler Glasses (Set of 12)

Close-up view of a clear glass five-ounce toddler-sized glass resting atop a coral-coloured fabric on the counter. Glass household products for the kitchen are the safest way to drink beverages toxin-free.

We use these tiny glasses every single day. Whether it’s for a spot of water, fizzy water, milk, orange juice, or whatever other beverage, they’re the perfect size for my young boys. As I mentioned further above in this post, I try to avoid plastic for everyday use as much as possible when it comes to serveware. So I bought these little glasses for my boys once they began to transition out of sippy-cup or bottle-stage. I’m sure a lot of people worry about using glassware with their kids, and I understand. Guess how many of ours have boke? Zero. And my youngest is very accident-prone! That being said, nothing is impossible, so make your own judgment call here. The glass is nice and thick so that probably helps prevent fractures. And even if you don’t have kids, these glasses are great for DIY wine-tasting parties, mini desert cups, or even fancy hors d’oeuvres.

Kids Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw Lid

Children's stainless steel water bottle seen from above with its orange lid unscrewed and resting on the top, with the plastic straw in view and top of the orange flip straw on the lid open
A children's stainless steel water bottle with colourful 'alphabet monsters' and a straw lid (flip-lid tucked in closed position) rests atop a coral-coloured fabric on the counter

I love this stainless steel kids’ water bottle with a cute ‘ABCs monsters’ design. There are loads of other fun designs, too. I bought it because even though the straw is still plastic, I like that the rest of the bottle is stainless steel. That makes me feel a little better about my sons’ water sitting out in warmer temperatures all day. We have a few plastic water bottles that we use, too, and the water definitely collects a ‘plastic’ taste after sitting in it a day or more. I always empty their bottles into glass cups once they’re home from school, but for days I forget, stainless is all around healthier in that regard.

The downside is that it’s a little heavier, so you have to weigh these pros and cons. I tend to vary which I use depending on how heavy the backpack is otherwise. We can’t always have it all, but we can do what we can when it makes sense! Another issue is that, at some point after using it for a while, the handle broke off when my husband was washing it out the water bottle in the sink. Whether that was because he was handling it a little too forcefully or whether it was because of a weak design (or some combination of both factors) I don’t know. It’s possible it was just ours, or maybe the handle design across the board has improved. In any case, it’s something to consider! The water bottle is still fine as it is, but it was nice having the handle as a more convenient way to carry it (short-lived though the handle was).

Soft Solid-Colour Pyjamas (red and other colours)

Collage of two photos of a toddler wearing cute and comfortable bright red pyjamas (with a graphic yellow smiley face overtop his face for internet privacy) as the base of a devil/angel toddler Halloween costume under a red devil tail and white feather angel wings and halo

These red pyjamas, along with the pair listed below from another brand, are the most comfortable pyjamas I’ve ever put on my boys. I actually bought them for a cute devil/angel costume for my toddler the Halloween before last, and while they perfectly suited that purpose, they’re even more importantly a comfy set in our PJs rotation. I love the happy, vibrant red colour, but there are other pretty colours as well.

Soft Striped Pyjamas (ivory/mint and other colours)

Photo set in center of a design with light green and pale green stripes (to match the pyjamas) and outlined in a thin matching green frame. Photo shows a toddler wearing cute, comfortable ivory-and-mint-striped pyjamas, and a graphic yellow smiley face overtop his face for internet privacy

These striped pyjamas are another delightfully cosy pair that I originally bought for my first son; now my second one enjoys them as well. The ivory/mint stripes pattern is so cute but there must be a couple dozen other colours/variations listed as well. I originally bought them because they had such good reviews, and I can add to that. They’re soft, stretchy and comfy, and they don’t have that cheap quality that so many standard PJs have. They don’t fade or lose their fabric’s integrity after so many washes, like most kids’ pyjamas do. Especially if you have multiple children, these pyjamas are an excellent choice for lasting as hand-me-downs that don’t look or feel old and worn.

Collage of three photos of toddlers wearing cute and comfortable pyjamas (each with a graphic yellow smiley face overtop toddler's face for children's internet privacy): both photos on end show a toddler wearing bright red pyjamas and center photo shows a toddler wearing ivory-and-mint-striped pyjamas

Toddler Fold-Up Futon/Floor Mattress

This toddler-sized futon is an excellent sleeping surface for naps, overnight trips, or any similar occasion. My six-year-old still sleeps on his at my mom’s house (that’s why I couldn’t photo it in time for this post; it’s there). He’ll eventually grow out of it, but it still provides great use after four years. And, of course, my younger son can sleep or nap on it as well. It’s comfortable, solid without being too stiff, and just right for young kids. You can pack it in the trunk of your car for vacations where there isn’t a designated/separate bed for your kid (convenient when room-sharing). When not in use, it conveniently folds up for easy upright storage in a closet or up on a shelf.

Free Feet/Mobile Toddler Sleep Sack with Owl and Stars

Top-down view of a dark blue 'feet-free' velvet toddler sleep sack with a cute owl and yellow stars

You’ll find plenty of high quality sleep sacks but I don’t think I’ve found any quite as cute as this one. It’s a ‘footed’ sleep sack, which provides ankle holes for kids who are old enough to walk but still need a sleep sack in bed. It isn’t the warmest out there, but it’s definitely warmer than the thin cotton or muslin ones. It’s a good middle-of-the-road warmth, and boy is it cute. There are other fun designs as well, but I fell in love with this midnight blue one with an owl and stars on it.

Jool Toddler Toilet

A white and aqua-coloured free-standing toddler toilet sits on a wood floor

There are a lot of variations of free-standing toddler toilets, but I like the simplicity and practical design of this Jool version. The colours are nice (white and aqua – and there are a few other good options as well), it’s just the right size and ergonomic design for toddlers, and it’s easy to clean out. When it becomes more soiled over time (inevitable with boys), it just takes soapy water and a little scrubbing for the occasional clean (you may be surprised to find pee accumulated in hard-to-see crevices, but remember that pee is sterile). For everyday use, it’s quick and easy to pull out the bowl, dump pee in the sink, rinse it well, and replace it. For poo, it’s a matter of pulling out the bowl, dumping it into the toilet, and then cleaning it out with hot soapy water in the sink before replacing it. None of this is all that time-consuming, and it’s certainly more straightforward than more complicated designs.

Munchkin Toddler Toilet Seat Cover

A toddler toilet seat rests secured atop an open toilet seat in a small powder room

This Munchkin toilet seat cover helps toddlers sit on a toilet without their bum falling into the bowl (yeek!). You’ll find plenty of similar and comparable toddler toilet seat covers but I’ve been perfectly pleased with this one. Even my six-year-old still uses it for number two, just because it’s comfier. When the seat gets rather soiled (and it eventually will if you have boys), it’s easy to wipe clean with soapy water or to even soak and scrub in a sink.

Rainbow Striped Shirt (toddler through kid sizes)

Top-down view of a colourful rainbow-striped toddler tee-shirt

In a world of boring and ‘overly serious’ colour scheme options in boys clothes, I was so happy to discover a line of bright rainbow-striped shirts available from Mud Kingdom. Both of my sons have worn this shirt plenty of times, as it’s not only bright and happy but it holds up nicely. I bought the long-sleeved tee-shirt version of this rainbow-striped shirt for my oldest son to wear now. This is why I like to peruse Amazon – you won’t easily find such optimistic and boldly raw colours in standard American children’s clothing lines.

Fleece-Lined Toddler Mittens (pack of 3)

Atop a blue and white striped rug rest two pairs of fleece-lined toddler-sized mittens spread in an array in navy and gray. One of the mittens is shown turned partially inside-out to reveal the thick insulated interior

These fleece-lined mittens are wonderfully warm for little fingers. They’re thick, well-insulated, and the only mittens I’d put on my boys to play out in the snow (or on any very cold day). It’s surprisingly hard to find mittens so well-insulated for toddlers. Most are made of thin fabric that doesn’t keep out the cold after being outside in freezing temperatures for very long. Sadly, these ones are unavailable at the time of this writing, but the company also makes thermal gloves for bigger kids, and hopefully in time they’ll restock the toddler mittens, too.

Faux Fur-Lined Winter Toddler Hat

Photo of a toddler outside a pony enclosure wearing a light gray faux fur-lined winter hat with a bill extending to shade his eyes and ear covers extending down to cover his ears in cold weather
Atop a blue and white striped rug rests a light gray toddler-sized white faux-fur-lined winter hat with a short 'bill' in front for sun shade and two short strings on either side of ear overhangs

This soft, warm faux fur-lined hat kept my boys’ heads warm through their littlest winters. While the tie strings on either side of the cheek aren’t long enough to tie under the chin, I believe that’s an intentional design for safety purposes (to avoid strangulation). So you’ll have to make sure baby keeps it on his/her head. But the ear flaps are convenient for keeping little ears warm, and the slight visor in the front can shield some of the sunlight from little eyes on bright days. This is a great winter hat for babies/toddlers! And if for some reason you don’t want the front visor down, such as during a night excursion, it’s easy to safety-pin it up to top part of the hat (we did this during a winter wonderlights event).

Toddler/kid Painting Smocks

Two long-sleeved colourful toddler/children's painting smocks, in blue and yellow, are spread out atop a yellow and white striped rug, with the blue one turned over to see the back side which ties shut like an apron
A pack of Honeysticks beeswax baby crayons lays open atop a yellow and white striped rug with all six large-sized crayons (in green, orange, black yellow, blue and red) sticking out of the pack

If you want your kids to paint without getting paint on clothes, these smocks do just the job! They are long-sleeved with elastic at the wrists and they tie in the back like an apron. When finished, they’re easy to wash clean in the sink and quickly hang dry. These come in a set of two and fit both my two-year-old and six-year-old (the latter of whom has been wearing them since he was three).

Honeysticks Jumbo Beeswax Nontoxic Crayons

I bought these delightful beeswax crayons for my son when he was a baby so he could colour with something that wouldn’t be toxic to ingest. Needless to say, he had quite a time gnawing on the orange one! In a pack of six, these crayons are extra fat for baby safety and they have a lovely honey scent from the beeswax. They’re made in New Zealand by a great brand (Honeysticks).

Bearington Collection “Lil’ Socks” 8-Inch Plush Kitten

Close-up front/side diagonal view of a small gray and white plush kitten atop a child's pillow

When it came to stocking stuffing for my oldest son’s third Christmas, I had to think of things that were appropriate for his age yet would fit in a stocking. I found this adorable little super-soft plush kitten and it has since become one of his favourites. He named it after a little girl in his preschool class and, for a good year or so, took it around with him everywhere. Even at age six he still likes having her in his bed with his other favourite plush animals at night. There are over a dozen kitten-colour variations.

Planets and the Solar System Smithsonian Kids Board Book

Top-down view of a couple of the inside pages of an open baby/toddler board book called 'Planets and the Solar System' showcasing Mercy and Venus with fun facts and other information for kids with engaging illustrations

Oh, there are so many good books I could recommend (but for the sake of brevity, I’m limiting myself here!). This space book about our solar system is one I bought for my oldest son when he was still an infant, just a month shy of one. I’ve enjoyed showing him the different planets and, for a little while during his toddlerhood, he learned to name them himself. We love the textured illustrations that he can feel with his fingers (tactile components are big for him). I’ve even learned more about space and our solar system, so it’s been enjoyable for both of us! Smithsonian also offers a couple other fun kids books, including this similar-style Trains book I just got for my younger son – who now adores it.

Top-down view of the cover of a baby/toddler board book called 'Planets and the Solar System' by Smithsonian Kids.
A clear pink plastic cup sits atop a shelf filled with many multi-coloured toy acrylic diamonds

Acrylic Multi-coloured Diamonds

These acrylic diamonds are so much fun. I purchased them to put in my older son’s Easter eggs when he was two (in lieu of candy) and they’ve provided plenty of entertainment and fascination since then. Later, my younger son – as soon as he could crawl and grab things – would always dump them (in fact, both boys did this) – diamonds strewn across the carpet. (We taught them to pick them all up, because stepping on one upside down does not feel good!) Whether you buy them as something ‘pretty’ to scatter about, or for kids’ entertainment, or even to practice math by counting all the different colours and adding/subtracting/etc., these diamonds are a win.

Dozens of colourful acrylic diamonds lay strewn about a rug, reflecting the light to 'sparkle'

Long Foam Bedside Pillow Rail/Toddler Bumper (2-Pack)

I bought this long foam bed pillow/rail when my two-year-old repeatedly came into my bed last year. You get a little tired of repeatedly picking up a giant potato and tucking him back in his own bed, and eventually you just want to lay there and trust that he can lay there safely, too. The nice thing about this version is that the underside is made with a grabby rubber material that doesn’t slide. It’s shaped like a long half-moon, or imagine a giant fat pool noodle sliced in half longways. Before making the bed you place it directly atop the mattress/mattress pad (aligned with the side of the bed or placed in just a few inches) and then tuck the fitted sheet overtop when you fit it over the mattress.

Close-up/diagonal front/side view of a long '3D half-circle' shaped bolster pillow/toddler bed rail with a soft white removable/washable cover, its texture visible up-cose

I don’t need the pillow for that same purpose anymore, so now I place it alongside the wall at the edge of my older son’s bed in his room, to avoid that pesky and inevitable ‘bed ravine’ between the edge of the mattress and the wall. Placed sideways with the rubber bottom against the side of the wall, it remains wedged in place (no need to fit a sheet or anything over it). I also used it for a similar purpose when my younger son was temporarily sharing a room with my older son and sleeping on a futon on the floor. I wedged the pillow against the wall next to his futon so he wouldn’t roll into a little ‘wall crack.’ (For help outfitting a baby/toddler room or sleep space, visit the post about creating a calm nursery.) Even without kids, this pillow can serve similar purposes if you sleep anywhere with a gap between your bed and a wall!

Soft Snap-Up Toddler/Kid Hooded Bath Towels

Two striped hooded toddler towels lay on a carpeted floor. The dark blue and white striped one has part of it folded inside and part of it open to show both the outside and inside, as well as the white snaps at the top. The light blue, white and yellow striped one (exact same design) sits folded beside the other one.

We’ve gone through a few baby/toddler bath towels that have more or less remained intact (even if the snaps haven’t), but these ones are exceptionally soft and warm by comparison. The material feels thicker and sturdier than the other similar styles I purchased years ago. I love all the different striped patterns (I got one in handsome blue and white stripes, and one in light blue, yellow and white stripes) and my boys love how snuggly they are. They’re big enough for both my preschool and my six-year-old. My youngest loves manipulating the snaps, so I’ve yet to see how long those hold up to his constant use. In the meantime, we certainly appreciate the quality and softness of the material.

Dream Pairs Athletic Sneakers with Velcro Straps

Close-up view of a pair of children's Dream Pairs athletic sneakers with Velcro straps (and non-functional/decorative laces) in black, electric blue, and neon lime detailing. The white bottom of shoe is thick and ergonomically-shaped

After wearing through plenty of pairs of kids shoes, these Dream Pairs sneakers are a solid find. Boys tend to wear out shoes rather quickly, as I’m sure everyone can attest to, but the quality in shoe manufacturing makes a big difference (and if you’re paying $40 per pair and the shoes still wear out in one season? Forget about it). I’ve now bought my older son two pairs of these sneakers as his feet have grown, and he’s worn both of them comfortably and has yet to wear the toe beds through. I like the supportive insoles and comfortable edges/lining. While I can’t of course attest to how comfortable they are myself (feet are a bit bigger!), my son seems to enjoy them just fine.

Close-up view of an orange pair of children's Dream Pairs athletic sneakers with Velcro straps (and non-functional/decorative laces). The white bottom of shoe is thick and ergonomically-shaped for safe and comfortable movement

Back to Table of Contents

Now for the Fun Part: Buy What’s Best for Your Own Home!

A pack of Honeysticks beeswax baby crayons lays open atop a yellow and white striped rug with all six large-sized crayons (in green, orange, black yellow, blue and red) sticking out of the pack
A bottle of lavender baby body lotion, a jar of Maty's multipurpose ointment, and a jar of Era Organics balm rest in front of a coral-coloured pillow on the seat of a wicker chair
Top-down view of an orange pair of children's Dream Pairs athletic sneakers (with blue detailing) with Velcro straps and non-functional/decorative laces

I hope you’ve been able to find at least a few household products that will benefit you! Even if you find just one thing that makes a positive impact on your left – whether for convenience, aesthetic improvement, or healthy upgrades, I hope my own research and experience has made product selection more straight-forward for you. I have spent hours upon hours meticulously researching products over the years, especially since having had kids. It can be time consuming (if not educating, to some extent) trying to find things that are safe, healthy, responsibly made, and still cost-effective. There are a lot of variables to balance, including who you buy from. I think we as a modern society suffer massively from information overload. Cognitive fatigue is a thing, so if this has helped you in any way, I am glad. I’ve spent plenty of time digging through products and learning what works, so I’m happy if this also benefits others!

Check in on occasion as I’ll most likely continue adding household products I find. And if any of the handful of items that are currently unavailable become available in the future, I’ll definitely inform of that as well. Happy browsing, perusing, and shopping!

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