Top Five Purchases of 2025
In my previous blog post, I mentioned the personalized Christmas stockings that I ordered on Etsy at the end of last year. All this month I've been looking at them hanging on our mantle and thinking to myself "Wow, that was a really good purchase!"
Well, it got me thinking about the purchases I've made in 2025. Most were necessities (like food and gas); many were experiences (activities, events, and trips); some got more use than expected (my gym membership!); some got less (the cookie projector); and some I admittedly regret (expensive Matouk bath towels...probably should've just bought towels at Costco.)
As far as tangible items go, there were several good purchases this year, so much so that I honestly had a hard time coming up with a Top Five. I decided to limit the list to five mostly to remind myself that sometimes all you need are a few good things. Having less stuff makes the stuff you do have more special. But most simply, four of the five items on my Top Five made the list because I used them. I got my money's worth. They are getting worn and torn and used and I don't care because that's exactly why I bought them.
My Top Five, in no particular order:
5. Skechers Hands Free Slip On Sneakers and Skechers socks
I went into the Sketchers store in Brier Creek Shopping Center on a whim a couple months back. After seeing so many people, including my sister, wearing slip-on sneakers, I decided to give it a try. I was blown away by their selection! I ended up choosing the ones picture above, and I have worn them all day, every day ever since I purchased them. I wear them for all daily errands, casual wear, and exercising. They are just as comfortable and supportive as the Brooks brand that I've been wearing for decades, but even more versatile. I take my shoes on and off constantly during the day when I come and go, so being able to just slip them on has been a game-changer.
I also randomly picked up two packs of their socks ("low cut sport" I think was the style) and they are the best socks I've ever owned. I used to always reach for my Bombas socks, but now I find myself reaching only for the Skechers socks. And they were inexpensive, especially compared to the Bombas brand!
4. This inflatable slide from Wayfair
Our normal pool was closed all summer for renovations, which was causing me anxiety leading up to the summer months. We basically spend every weekend at the pool...HOW WOULD WE SURVIVE THIS!? I need my kids outdoors...all day...in the sun...getting worn out. Making this purchase seemed like the best solution, but I was worried that it would be a hassle to take up/down, get damaged, moldy, or just end up being a bust (since my kids and their cousins span a large age range).
Well, my sister and I decided to just go for it and split the cost (it was about $400 when I got it on sale in May). I am happy to report that this inflatable did the trick - it entertained a 9, 6, 4 and 1 year old all summer long. it made for wonderful memories. There were hours spent outside playing baseball, sliding down the water slide, and eating ice cream sandwiches in my parents' backyard.
I can honestly say that I don't think anyone in my family actually missed the pool! This was a bit easier than shlepping back and forth to the pool, plus Brooke could take her naps at my parents house. We left the inflatable in my parents' yard all summer (just deflated when not being used) and it stayed clean and never got moldy. We folded it up and stored it in September, so I am excited to pull it out again in 2026. Thankfully we'll have the pool back next year, but this will remain a great addition to summertime fun.
3. This paint-by-number kit on Amazon
I have sent the link to this paint-by-number to so many people this year because I cannot stop talking about it! I can't remember what inspired me to buy one of these, but I spent several days searching for a paint-by-number and randomly saw this one that lets you upload your own photo and they send a custom kit. Well, it totally surpassed my expectations!
I loved painting in the evenings after my kids went to bed. It took me a few weeks, but it was easy and mindless. I could listen to a podcast, relax and paint. The best part is that now I have a beautiful painting of my kids at the lake, which is framed in our dining room. The kit came with everything needed - the canvas, the paint, frame - all for less than $50!
2. Cool Cabana (large)
I don't have any good pictures of it, but you can see the blue and white striped Cool Cabana I purchased in the background above. I was torn between buying this brand or the very popular Shibumi Shade, and I think I made the superior choice! This cabana is incredible. Easy to put up. Sturdy against the NC beach wind. Remained standing when flooded by the high tide. Provided lots of shade. Made our Outer Banks beach time much more enjoyable.
Ironically, we have already rented our OBX house for 2026 and - for the first time ever - we have cabana service included. While this means we probably won't need the Cool Cabana for next year's Outer Banks trip, I still definitely think I'll use it for smaller beach trips throughout the summer and for plenty of years to come. This was definitely in my top five purchases for the year!
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