I don’t know about you, but I am so excited for this new decade! The new year is always a great time to refocus and refresh (although I do believe it can be done anytime of year!). I’ve been thinking about what things have become my most recent mom must-haves for 2020 and can’t wait to share them with you!
I’ve been talking with my kids about what life was like at the start of the last decade in 2010. Only 2 of my 5 kids had been born and none of them had even started school. My list of mom must-haves for 2010 would have included all things Baby Bjorn, including their luggage-like clamshell diaper bag that I loved so much, baby bouncers and swings, my favorite brand of pacifiers and Aden + Anais swaddle blankets. I was so caught up in all things toddler and baby that I completely lost sight of my own needs. I didn’t know it then, but this would lead to some of my hardest times mentally and emotionally.
The recent cultural focus on mental health and self care is a wonderfully positive trend. Just as it is true for anyone that we cannot give what we do not have, I feel it especially pertains to moms. If we are not practicing self care, we can easily fall into patterns of burnout and depression.
Related article: 20 Ways to Avoid Mommy Burnout
So, I’ve curated this list of Mom Must-Haves for 2020 from the standpoint that self-care is an absolutely essential practice for moms. I hope you enjoy!
#1: a quartz roller
I just got my first rose quartz roller in my Christmas stocking, and I love it! The coolness of the quartz is energizing in the morning and calming at night. I haven’t noticed a decrease in wrinkles yet, but it’s only been two weeks! I love how pretty it is and the element of style it lends to my bathroom countertop.
#2: an inspirational planner
Mine is from Clever Fox and includes sections for creating a vision board, writing goals and affirmations, creating a mind map, and recording notes and inspirations. Of course it also contains daily and monthly calendars, as well as a weekly review. The 20 minutes I spend every Sunday reflecting on the past week and planning for the next has become a wonderfully rewarding ritual for me.
#3. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
If you struggle with perfectionism (like I did for SO long!), PLEASE read this book! Dr. Brown suggests 10 guideposts for wholehearted living, such as cultivating a culture of play and rest, and an environment of song and dance. Doesn’t that sound just like a house with toddlers running around? If you enjoy reading, make this book a priority on your own list of mom must-haves for 2020!
#4. thank you cards
One habit I began a few years ago was writing a thank you note every Monday morning. I put a reminder in my phone, and every Monday I’d reflect on the week that had passed and choose someone to send a thank note in the actual mail. Now I know, as a busy mom, this might seem like a big thing to add to your plate. But let me just tell you that it really only takes 5 minutes to write a short 2-3 sentence thank you note. I’ve learned again and again that expressing gratitude is a sure path to finding joy, and I know this weekly note writing has helped.
#5. a capsule wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is a carefully curated collection of clothes designed to complement your body shape and natural coloring and coordinate with each other. I created my first capsule wardrobe nearly 4 years ago, and it has absolutely changed my life. I feel so passionate about helping other moms increase their confidence and their intentionality that I’ve created a 4-week course called The Capsule Wardrobe Collaboration that will be available to the public for the first time on January 27th! For more information, check out this page here.
#6. rain boots
Going out on a rainy day with kids in tow can definitely be challenging. But having a pair of cute rain boots to wear can make it so much more fun! I just got this pair as a gift from my husband, and I love the way they fit. They feel lightweight and are the same brand that my style icon, Duchess Kate, owns, so they definitely make me smile when I get to pull them on.
#7. a heated blanket
There is no better feeling in the winter than climbing into a bed that is already warm and cozy. Just remember to turn it off before you go to sleep, or you’ll end up a sweaty mess during the night! A great option is this one that is easily found on Amazon.
#8. Imagine Big! by Terri Savelle Foy
This fantastic book by one of my favorite mentors reminds all of us that it is okay to dream big dreams. As a mom, I’d totally forgotten about many of my dreams, passions, and goals until I read this book. It is inspiring and faith-promoting and full of real-life stories about people who found the courage to imagine big and achieve their dreams.
#9. J.Crew boot socks
One of the things I cannot stand is having cold feet sliding around in my boots on a winter’s day. My favorite boot socks are from J Crew, and I highly recommend them. It always makes me happy when I get to pull them on.
#10: a menu plan to display
I’m a huge fan of planning my menu in advance! It is such a time saver, especially on busy week nights. I plan our dinner menu a month in advance (here’s how), and every Sunday I write out the week’s dinner plans on our menu board. If I need to make changes to my monthly plan, I can easily do so when I write out the weekly menu on my board. Also, my kids that are old enough to read love knowing what we’re having for dinner. I’ve got a great free printable weekly menu planner for you right here so you can get started ASAP!
#11. silicone muffin cups
My kids love muffins and with these silicone muffin cups, I don’t have to peel the paper off for them. Mom win! These little muffin cups also make great little serving containers. I’ve put anything from berries to bite-size brownies in them on a cute tray or plate for a quick and easy serving display.
#12. nail care set
I know that many moms don’t have the time or money to get regular salon manicures. But taking 10-15 minutes to tend to our fingernails is a great way to feel more polished as a mom every week. I plan this little act of self care for every Sunday morning. With all of my tools gathered in a cute set like this makes it most likely that I’ll do it!!
Related article: 6 Simple Ways to Look More Polished as a Mom
#13. a pretty blank notebook
Are you a list maker or a goal setter? Me too! I love having one beautiful notebook to jot down inspirational thoughts, business and blog ideas, groceries I need to add to the list. This may not seem like a game changer, but it definitely has been for me, so onto my list of mom must-haves for 2020 it goes!
#14. a vision board
Vision boards have become rather popular in recent years, and for good reason. In Jack Canfield’s Success Principles, he writes about the power of having a visual representation of our hopes, dreams and goals. I made my first vision board almost 2 years ago and it has been amazing to see my hopes and goals come to fruition. When I accomplish a goal on my vision board, I take it off (use only tape or push pins – nothing permanent), I take that photo down and transfer it over to my victory board!
#15. a habit tracker
One of the best ways to make sure we reach our goals on our vision board is to evaluate our habits. I love having a habit tracker to record what time I go to bed every night, how much water I drink throughout the day, etc. For a pretty downloadable habit tracker, I have a great one available for free here.
#16. resistance bands
If you love working out, but find it hard to get to the gym, these resistance bands are a fantastic way to work out at home. And unlike a lot of home gym equipment, these bands take up almost zero space and are so easy to store. I got this set in my Christmas stocking and I love them! There are several different bands of varying strength, so you can mix it up easily.
#17. delicious herbal tea
There are few things more calming to me than a cup of warm herbal tea. Lately I’ve been drinking Orange Clove by Yogi, which supports the immune system and is delicious. My other favorite is Pumpkin Spice, which eases tension and promotes relaxation and calmness. What mama doesn’t want that?!
#18. hand cream
With all the work we do with our hands everyday, it is a lovely feeling to treat them to a mini-massage at the end of the day. This all-natural hand cream from Andalou Naturals is absolutely delightful.
#19. Pampered Chef small and medium scoops
Years ago a friend told me that these scoopers would change my life. I totally laughed at that. But I bought them anyway. And she’s right, I use them all. the. time! I use the small one for scooping cookie dough that bakes into perfectly shaped cookies, and the medium sized one for muffin batter, and of course, for ice cream.
#20. Spanx faux-leather leggings
Are you even a mom if you never wear leggings? Just kidding! I only wear leggings if I can make an outfit with them. No dirty, baggy t-shirts and the same leggings for 3 days here! I love these faux-leather beauties because I can easily work them into several different seasons of my capsule wardrobe. They do all the lifting and smoothing a mom of five could ask for, trust me!
Related article: Why Getting Dressed Every Day is Worth the Effort
So there’s my big round up of my 20 mom must-haves for 2020! What would you add to the list?
P.S. Remember that the Capsule Wardrobe Collaboration will open for enrollment on Monday, January 27th! Go to this page here for all the details!
