The past couple of years have been rough to say the least, but we’re leaving that chaotic energy behind and?welcoming good vibes?in the year ahead. If you’re like us, you’re looking to surround yourself with positivity — whether that be fun things that make you happy, picking up meditation or even reconnecting with the people you surround yourself with.
For the bits of joy money can buy, we’ve rounded up some items we truly think will brighten your day. Keep reading to check them out — and wishing you all the best in 2023.
Home items that make you happy
You might still be wary of congregating in theaters to watch the newest movie release. Recreate that experience at home with a portable projector like?this one?for a fun date or night in.
This fuzzy throw?is just as incredibly soft as it looks. With over 23,000 5-star ratings, reviewers (and their pets) are obsessed with it.
Heated potato slippers?are what you didn’t know you needed in 2023. Just plug these bad boys into any USB port to keep your feet warm while you relax.
Does some shower karaoke seem to do the trick when you’re down? Put?this waterproof Bluetooth speaker?in your bathroom to sing your troubles away.
You’ve probably seen this pan all over your Instagram feeds, and for good reason;?we tried it and loved it?ourselves.?The Always Pan?can take the place of a whopping eight cooking devices (from a spoon rest to a steamer), and arguably most importantly, it will look ultra chic in any kitchen. Just check out those colors!
Reminiscing about the good ol’ days is sure to put a smile on your face, right? Grab?this candle?to remind you of Grandma’s warm apple pie whenever you need to feel close to home.
One of the reasons we love subscription services is because it’s always nice to have something to look forward to every month. Gift yourself or someone you love a?floral delivery from Urban Stems?to add some color and fresh air to the home on a regular basis.
Make bath time that much more calming with?this spa bath pillow. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day, and essential to?turning your bathroom into your own personal spa.
Mood lighting is essential to winding down, especially after a long day. Opt for?this ambient light?in the shape of an adorable soup dumpling to make you smile each time you turn it on.
A good yoga mat, like this one that we named the best yoga mat of the year, will make you more excited for your yoga practice each day. We love it because it's dual-sided, with a smooth and sticky polyurethane-coated top side and a textured natural rubber bottom side that provides loads of traction. Beyond that, though, we also loved that the mat is slightly oversized and provides ample cushion given its 5-millimeter thickness.
Planning your days can go a long way to keeping a positive attitude. This one from Ban.do is especially good at making you smile thanks to its bright and gorgeous design. If you’re looking for more planner ideas, check out our full roundup here.
This vintage-inspired record player?is sure to help you set the mood with your favorite tunes. Even better, it’s housed in a chic carrier that can also serve as a little bit of retro decor when you’re not using it.
This throw pillow?by designer Justina Blakeney was inspired by uplifting other people. Use it to not only remind yourself of your community but also as a creative accent to your decor.
If your gallery wall is in need of yet another fun print,?this piece?by artist Mikayla Lapierre gives the 18th-century woman a modern take that’s sure to make you smile.
We believe that buying a new candle can fix practically any problem. This one can transport you into a good mood, with scents like Nirvana, Fairy Moss, Lucid Dream and more.
A good floral arrangement is timeless, but unfortunately live flowers aren’t. One solution is?BeautifulThingsbybec’s paper floral arrangements, handcrafted to create a vibrant bouquet that mimics the real thing and literally lasts forever.
Are baked goods the key to your heart, or does baking something new bring you immense joy? If the answer is yes to either of those questions, check out?this subscription box by Red Velvet NYC?that sends you two gourmet baking kits each month, sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Going through old memories is a great way to lift your spirits when you’re feeling blah. Capture each moment in an instant with?the Fujifilm Instax camera?to cherish the memories for years to come.
Beauty items that bring us joy
A self-care day will brighten your mood without a doubt. Incorporate one of?these celebrity-loved face masks?in your routine to help you leave all your worries behind, if just temporarily.
The little things can really make the biggest difference in your routine. Lather on?this industry-favorite lip sleeping mask?before bed to lock in moisture for supple lips each morning.
Give yourself an extra boost of confidence with?Pat McGrath’s MatteTrance in the shade Elson 2, which is a red lipstick that?celebrity makeup artists swear by.
There’s something about rocking false lashes (or?a really great mascara) that makes you feel like a superstar. Grab?this pack of natural-looking false lashes?by Kiss that even includes a tool for easy application at less than $10.
Fashion items that’ll make you smile
OK, sure, you don’t necessarily?need?a color-block fanny pack, but don’t you?want?it? Just think of how convenient it will be to have it slung around your waist while running errands or on an outdoor adventure.
Is anything more calming than finally going to sleep after a long day? Ensure you’re completely relaxed when you get in bed with this colorful sleep shirt from Modcloth.
If you’re looking for some new jewelry pieces, Mejuri is guaranteed to have something that’ll suit your fancy. We have our eyes on this bold ring?for a little spark of joy each day.
Raise your hands if a little retail therapy can cure your sour mood. If that’s you, check out?Everlane’s French Terry Crew?that will be a cozy addition to your loungewear collection.
A comfy pair of quality leggings like?Lululemon’s Align pair?are sure to put a smile on your face when you’re picking out work-appropriate tops for your Zoom calls. We named this one the best workout leggings of the year.
Other joy-inducing items
Trying to drink more water in 2023??This water bottle could provide just the motivation you need.
How adorable is?this AirPods case, inspired by a bag of Skittles? Choose between this and other fun cases, with options like a?Fritos bag?or?Mountain Dew bottle, and never misplace your beloved earbuds again.
What better for an anxiety-inducing day than?a stress ball in the shape of a rainbow? Likely nothing! It’s a necessity for your desk.
For some of us, practicing self-love is essential to maintaining a positive attitude. In?this book, Alexandra Elle teaches how to overcome obstacles and welcome abundance into your daily life.
We hold our phones so much these days, so we might as well protect it in a case that makes us smile.?This one, featuring a giraffe eating a bouquet of flowers, is at the top of our wish list.
