The Products That Make Editors Feel Good, Every Day
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Artipoppe | Luchesse | Bonjour Delilah
There can be a lot of guilt around spending money. For many of us, that's been ingrained since childhood: we've all heard the warnings about what happens when you don't save for big financial milestones like a wedding, buying a home, or retirement.
Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, a financial therapist, works with a lot of fellow millennials who were cautioned to save and not spend — even if it was on something that brought them joy. "I think a lot of it has to do with the financial experts who were available to millennials and Gen Xers: they were very shame-based, very restrictive, very prescriptive. So this idea of, god forbid, spending your money on something you enjoy, was not even in their realm," she says. "These are the experts that were saying the reason millennials couldn't afford homes was because of avocado toast."
Experts Featured in This Article
Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, LMSW, is a financial therapist, podcast host, speaker, social worker, and author of "The Financial Anxiety Solution."
Delyanne Barros is a financial expert and podcast host.
In recent years, that mindset has started to shift. Many younger folks and experts alike now recognize that it's not the avocado toast moving the needle; widespread structural factors like rising mortgage rates and the high cost of living are. And many of us are making more value-aligned purchases in the process. The truth is, many people find purchases in their life that they justify, no matter the cost — maybe it's a once-in-a-lifetime concert or a travel keepsake. Less often, though, do we think about the day-to-day purchases we make that we never regret. Those daily items that we literally could not live without, or that simply make our daily lives easier, more joyful, or more comfortable. Welcome to a new term we're coining here at Popsugar: "feel-good spending."
These purchases might range from everything to a gym membership to a baby carrier, but they often reflect our deepest values. They're an embodiment of the belief that feeling good is the secret to living well, and we're here to celebrate them.
Delyanne Barros, a money coach, believes that the act of simply reflecting on your feel-good spending can help infuse your life with more joy. "Most people don't know what actually brings them joy. They think they do, but what they're used to is experiencing little dopamine boosts that just gets them through the day," she says. "Knowing what actually brings joy to yourself takes self-exploration. Explore new hobbies and expose yourself to new people and ask them what brings them joy. You might discover the things you love aren't actually that expensive."
With all this in mind, we asked several Popsugar editors to divulge the purchases and products that bring joy to them in their daily lives. Keep reading for our picks — and might we suggest reflecting on your own feel-good spending habits? We promise it'll spark joy.:upscale()/2026/03/09/745/n/49352476/8163846bbdab706b_Kelsey_Artipoppe.jpg)
A Beloved Baby Carrier
Artipoppe Zeitgeist Baby Carrier ($420)
"Don't ask me how, but this baby carrier has been known to prevent a number of postpartum meltdowns. Baby won't nap? Put her in the carrier. Mommy needs a hot-girl walk? Put the baby in the carrier, and let's roll. Stroller won't fit inside the hip neighborhood sushi spot that's the size of a walk-in closet? Carrier it is.
Though she's pricey, I've used this carrier nearly every day since becoming a mom seven months ago. I love it more than I even thought possible, and to be totally real, I get misty-eyed thinking about the day my baby will outgrow it." — Kelsey Garcia, lifestyle director:upscale()/2026/03/09/745/n/49352476/e5b70c637ca57eea_IMG_0026.jpg)
zappos.com
Many Pairs of Cowboy Boots
"Call me a concrete cowgirl because, despite being in New York City, I will never bat an eye at dropping money on cowboy boots. I have my daily-wear Dan Post black boots ($210, originally $230), which have been through the trials and tribulations of walking through the city, being stomped on at concerts, and doing the stomping themselves while line dancing. I also have an assortment of vintage boots, colorful pairs like these Boot Barn Circle G Western Boots ($179), and embroidered boots like these Macie Bean Cowboy Boots ($230). I keep them all on display in my apartment when I'm not wearing them.
As I mentioned to Vogue in 2025, cowboy boots are a meaningful part of my identity as a little queer girl who grew up in rural Ohio and never felt like I belonged. They're a way for me to reclaim those roots. That, and they look badass. As I write this, I'm eyeing Luchesse's Cherry Red Darlene Boots ($895). I can already picture the outfit I'll wear them with at my local honky tonk's next bluegrass night." — Kaitlin Hatton, director of audience development:upscale()/2026/03/09/745/n/49352476/2227c6affe9960b3_IMG_9793.JPG)
A Creativity-Inspiring Craft Kit
Woobles Crochet Kit ($30)
"In terms of my splurge spending, nothing feels as good as throwing money at craft kits and projects. I will go out of my way to justify buying the newest Woobles kit, including and not limited to pre-ordering their collabs! Maintaining my mental health comes down to creating something every day — an overwhelming ask with so much going on, to say nothing of 'blank page anxiety,' which makes it additionally challenging to start something from nothing. Woobles kits give me the blueprint, the materials, and the basic skills, which prime the pump on my creativity, opening up a world of possibility. At times when I'm pulling back on ordering in, eking out the last drops of a precious hair oil, and rationing my pricey perfume spritzes, I will always make room for one more craft, because nothing is more soul-feeding than creating. It anchors me to my humanity!" — Caitlin Oates, editorial operations coordinator:upscale()/2026/03/10/742/n/49352476/5509d7e9a6f14e1d_IMG_2016.jpeg)
A Morning Treat
Nespresso Coconut Vanilla Flavor Over Ice ($16)
"This is so unbelievably niche, but my mornings are infinitely better when I've made myself a coffee specifically with a coconut-flavored Nespresso pod. The brand introduces new limited-edition iterations every spring that are only available through end of summer (this past drop was a coconut vanilla blend, but frankly I've gone feral for all variations). The moment it hits the website is my personal Amazon Prime Day; I order hundreds of dollars worth every single time to last me through the year, and I regret nothing.
There's something about coconut flavored-anything that makes me feel like I'm on vacation, which must be why my house is littered with the scent in every form: candles, body sunscreen, even the milk I use for said coffee is coconut. It's also why it feels like I'm treating myself to a little something special any time I brew myself a coffee. (My dog likes to chew up the paper carton afterward, a win-win for both of us.)" — Kelsey Castañon, editor-in-chief:upscale()/2026/03/09/745/n/49352476/c58f8f7671a3208d_IMG_8207_1_.jpg)
A Worthwhile Fitness Membership
Orangetheory Membership (prices vary by location)
"My Orangetheory membership is easily the best feel-good investment I've ever made for myself. Each morning, Orangetheory becomes my third space—somewhere I can turn my brain off, push myself, work really really hard, and connect with other like-minded members. Investing in my health makes me feel strong and capable — like I can accomplish anything. And the mental clarity I get after my workout keeps me sane and focused throughout work. I'll never regret investing in my health and wellness because I'm ultimately paying to become the best version of myself. To me, that feeling is priceless." — Taylor Andrews, senior Balance editor:upscale()/2026/03/09/745/n/49352476/a660087b33311a51_IMG_5789.jpeg)
A Luxurious Cream
Bonjour Delilah La Crème du Luxe ($98)
"As I'm getting older and learning more about anti-aging and skin care, when I find a product I love that really seems to work — no matter how high the price point — I purchase it for self-care purposes. I never regret it; I'd rather spend money on something that works than consistently buy repeats of moisturizers or serums that get the job done but don't have that luxurious quality about them. One of my go-tos lately is Bonjour's Delilah La Crème du Luxe, which is a grass-fed tallow that leaves me smelling like a vanilla cupcake. I'm actually convinced that the scent, plus the cloud-like, cooling texture helps me drift off to sleep when I apply it before bed. Nothing makes me feel more relaxed." — Sarah Wasilak, shopping director:upscale()/2026/03/10/798/n/49352476/5e7fda93cc0cf2ea_FullSizeRender.jpg)
A Monthly Clothing Rental Subscription
Nuuly Subscription ($98 per month)
"I've always expressed myself through clothing. I loved fashion growing up, and although I generally stick to my San Francisco uniform of high-waisted jeans, a crop tee, and black boots, getting dressed in the morning always makes me feel like me; it's how I outwardly portray who I am on the inside. I've been using Nuuly for years now, and every month, I look forward to picking six items to pack my Nuuly bag with — it always feels like a mini Christmas when my bag arrives and I unwrap the pieces, trying on each one and feeling like my 10-year-old self pretending to walk the runway.
I'm often complimented on the more daring picks (studded leather jackets! swirly printed pants!), and I've recommended the service to so many friends. Yes, subscriptions aren't cheap, but I'd be really devastated to give this one up." — Lena Felton, senior director of special projects:upscale()/2026/03/10/668/n/49352476/c9e77e13fa414f07_IMG_7221.jpg)
An Emotional Support Blanket
Lola Blanket in Desert Taupe ($125-$425)
"Lola Blankets aren't cheap, but after curling up with one every night, I can confidently say it's no longer just a blanket — it's my emotional support blanket. The second I slide underneath it, I physically sigh. Its cloud-like softness and perfectly weighted feel basically tell my nervous system, 'You're off duty.' At this point, going back to a regular blanket feels barbaric. It's a non-negotiable part of my daily routine, and every single person who's come over has had the same reaction: one touch and they're plotting their own purchase. Honestly, it's the easiest sell of my life." — Haley Lyndes, shopping staff writer:upscale()/2026/03/10/820/n/49352476/a83985750fc0a341_IMG_7327.jpeg)
sephora.com
A Supplement That Works
Nutrafol Women's Vegan Hair Growth Supplement ($88)
"I have naturally very fine hair and a genetic form of hair loss runs in my family, so I've been purchasing the Nutrafol Women's Vegan Hair Growth Supplement routinely for the last two and a half years. Supplements can be tricky to shop for, so I'll happily pay for one with numerous clinical studies published in medical journals that prove its efficacy. As a vegetarian, this helps compensate for nutrients I might be missing in my diet, and the results have truly impressed me on my hair-care journey. It's an act of self-care at this point." — Jessica Harrington, section lead, beauty
Lena Felton (she/her) is a senior director of special projects at PS, where she oversees sponsored packages, tentpole projects, and editorial partnerships. Previously, she was an editor at The Washington Post, where she led a team covering issues of gender and identity. She has been working in journalism since 2017, during which time her focus has been feature writing and editing and elevating historically underrepresented voices. Lena has worked for The Atlantic, InStyle, So It Goes, and more.