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Mashable's team of shopping experts spends all year researching, testing, and writing about the best products available at any given moment. A ton of gear comes through our homes for rigorous hands-on testing, so we know exactly what's worth buying. So, what do we actually spend our own money on?

In 2026 so far, our purchases show a theme of little, everyday improvements. We've bought new sheets and towels, blue light glasses for when we're locked in at our laptops, and smart bulbs that are more budget-friendly than the big-name brands. Here are our favorite purchases of the year so far. And check back in December when we're sure to have bought even more stuff.

Owala FreeSip

After saying I simply don't need another reusable water bottle for so long, I finally gave in and bought an Owala FreeSip. I was previously cycling through my Yeti Rambler with a Chug Cap and my Stanley with a straw. The FreeSip's ability to combine both of those drinking methods really drew me in, and this year's Birthday Bash colors finally convinced me to make the purchase. With two months under my belt, I can officially say I'm an Owala convert, and would absolutely recommend the FreeSip to anyone and everyone. — Miller Kern, Deputy Shopping Editor

Brooklinen bath sheets

I don't know if this is an unpopular opinion, but bath sheets > bath towels. Bath sheets give you more surface area to dry off quicker and easier, without having to don a makeshift mini dress. The Super-Plush Turkish Cotton bath sheets from Brooklinen are massive and feel almost like a throw blanket in size. I feel like I can dry off after a shower without individually drying each of my limbs. Plus, I love the striped green and cream colorway. — MK

Abercrombie & Fitch Sunday Mockneck Crew

I went to Abercrombie & Fitch during its Memorial Day sale and picked up this mockneck sweatshirt for $30. It's incredibly comfy and quickly became my favorite sweatshirt in my wardrobe. I tried to buy a second one online during the sale, but they had already sold out. Don't be surprised if I've bought a second one in the December update of this story. — MK

Bauer Pro 5-in-1 Hair Styler and Hair Dryer

I spent a month in London this spring and started desperately missing my Shark FlexStyle within the first few days of my trip. This dirt-cheap dupe I found on Amazon UK filled the void. Its build quality is questionable, but it's ultra-lightweight and works fast. (It runs way hotter than the FlexStyle and its even-more-premium cousin, the Dyson Airwrap, so heat protectant is essential.) I plan on bringing it on all future Euro trips; you can safely use it in other countries with just a plug adapter, not a voltage converter. The only catch is that it's not available for U.S. delivery, meaning you have to order it once you're already abroad. — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

Conair TravelSmart portable charger

I impulse-bought this little charger at Target just before heading to London, and it wound up being the MVP of my trip. It's not very powerful, but it gave me some juice in a pinch whenever my iPhone's battery was running low. I bought most things via contactless mobile payments when I was out exploring the city, Tube trips included, so I would've been in some pickles without it. I liked how it fit flush against my phone so I could easily take pictures or pull up a map while it's charging, without having to wrangle a cable. — HH

WiZ Connected Smart Light Bulbs

I got one of these smart bulbs as a white elephant gift a few Christmases ago. I liked it so much that I've been slowly replacing all of the regular bulbs in my house with them. They're colorful, customizable, super easy to set up — and best of all, they always go on sale for super cheap during Amazon's Prime events. I bought my last pair for only $13 over Prime Big Deal Days in March, and I'll probably grab a couple more this coming Prime Day. My kitchen and bathroom lighting still need upgrading. — HH

Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speaker

I've been slowly building out my vinyl collection over the past few years, and this spring I decided to upgrade my turntable speakers. My husband and I were still using a pair of ancient desktop speakers that he'd owned since college, so they didn't sound the best, plus their volume controls were busted. It was time. We landed on these Edifiers because they got great reviews and came in under $200 on sale. They sound lovely and blend in so nicely on our record console. I especially like that you can control them with a remote or Bluetooth. That adds a little modern convenience to my vinyl listening experience without detracting from the ritual of it. — HH

Kindle Paperwhite

Upgrading to the new Kindle Paperwhite wasn't a game-changing tech milestone for me. I was already using an older generation model, so I was well aware of the benefits of owning one of these e-readers. That being said, the larger screen is a nice touch. And most importantly, it actually charges without me having to balance it upside down at a very particular angle. I don't know why I didn't buy sooner. — Joseph Green, Global Shopping Editor

GE LED+ Color Changing LED Light Bulbs with Remote

I love the idea of Philips Hue bulbs, but because my household avoids WiFi-connected appliances, I’ve been seeking an alternative. I finally found the GE LED+ color-changing bulb that’s controlled by an included remote. I love it for its adjustable warm white tones and fun color options. While there aren’t nearly as many color options as the Philips Hue bulb, I still like the selection nonetheless. I’ve been using the red light to wind down at night and genuinely think it’s improved my sleep. — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

Brooklinen Classic Percale sheets

After ditching our Quince linen sheets, we opted for Brooklinen’s classic percale sheets, which have been life-altering. They’re so crisp and cool, and a relief in the hot weather, especially. These are my first Brooklinen sheets, and I’m so impressed by their quality. They’re soft right out of the box and really sturdy, hopefully lasting us years. — SM

Prescription blue light glasses from Gunnar

After a lifetime with 20/20 vision, I've finally been forced to join the world of prescription eyewear. So far, no one has bullied me for my glasses. Most of the time, I wear a pair of prescription frames from Persol (or whichever pair of smart glasses I'm testing), but at night I switch over to prescription blue light frames from Gunnar. No product has had a better impact on my life this year than these specs, which seem to make my vision even sharper.

If you have trouble sleeping and wear glasses, I highly recommend investing in Gunnar glasses. — Timothy Beck Werth, Tech Editor