I couldn’t bring myself to add one more gift guide to the internet this December. You don’t want to read it, and I don’t want to write it.
But you know what I can always bring myself to do? Expose the things I’ve bought on Amazon lately.
There’s something weirdly intimate about seeing what people panic-order on Prime at 11 pm, so here’s a peek inside my cart—and my brain.
(Psst: Every product title is a link, and I’ve included honest notes on whether or not you need these items, too. I’ve got you!)
Colorfully yours,
Haley
Vanicream Moisturizer
Listen, I’ve gone DEEP when it comes to skincare research. I have dry skin with hormonal breakouts, so I was willing to drop some $$ on a unicorn moisturizer. Instead, my research led me to this under-$6 cream, and I swear the financial gods were smiling down upon me. It’s thick enough to feel nourishing but doesn’t clog pores or feel oily. Do you need it? It’s $5.71. Even if you don’t, it’s fine.
Collapsible Pant Hangers
I’ve always dreamed of having a closet big enough to hang my jeans…and these hangers helped make that dream come true. You hang a pair of pants on each rod, then collapse the whole thing so barely any space is taken up. Do you need these? A thousand times yes.
Label Maker
When organizing our bathroom and kitchen cabinets, I decided that labeling each container was absolutely necessary. While it was super satisfying in that very moment, it has been sitting in a drawer ever since. Maybe one day I’ll bring it out again and organize more areas of the apartment…but that hasn’t happened yet. Do you need it? No. Unless you enjoy labeling things like “Q-tips” for absolutely no reason.
Suede Clogs
Oh, these? My Firkenstocks? These are actually my package-retrieving, trash-taking-out shoes. Oh, is it not necessary to purchase separate shoes for tiny errands that involve walking down a few flights of stairs? Then carry on. Do you need them? Not if you’re normal.
Catalina Crunch Protein Cereal
Every single morning, I make a yogurt bowl. And every single morning, the best part of that bowl is the Catalina Crunch topper. As a Type 1 diabetic, typical granola ruinssss my blood sugar for the entire day. So I switched to this cereal instead—since it’s lower carb, a little sprinkle gives me crunch without a spike. Do you need it? If you’re T1D or low carb, yessss. If your pancreas works, enjoy your granola and give thanks.
Closet Purse Organizer
I have lots of bags, but since they historically sat piled in a bin, I never used them. I put two of these purse organizers on the floor of my closet and not only does it look so much better, but I actually remember what bags I have and can access them easily. Do you need one? Probably.
L’Oreal Glow Paradise Balm-in-Gloss
I finally reached the end of the tube of YSL lip gloss that my best friend gifted me forever ago. While I probably could’ve ponied up and paid $40 for 0.2 ounces, my conscience said “Google the dupe, Haley.” Which led me to this L’Oreal version, currently on sale for $8.76. I love her–she’s the perfect blend of pigmented and glossy. I went with the color “Feathery Fleur.” Do you need it? Yes. Yes. you do.
Disposable Face Towels
Let me start by saying: I KNOW. This is bad for the environment. As my dad would say, I am being an “environmental terrorist.” And I’m sorry! But I was getting grossed out by reusing towels to dry my face after washing at night, and I simply cannot keep up with the laundry required for a fresh one daily. So for now, I’m trying this disposable solution. Do you need them? I’m going to say no, solely because somebody needs to preserve the planet. Thank you for your service.
