Top 5 things I bought last year (2025)

Top 5 things I bought last year (2025)

25th January 2026 0 By Rachael Stray
I thought it would be useful to share my top 5 things I bought last year (2025) that I feel made a difference to my life.

This year, a lot of my spending was focused on making home work better for us, especially my working-from-home setup, and investing in things that make family life easier and more enjoyable.

I used a mix of my TopCashback savings pot and vouchers from Shop and Scan, which made these purchases feel even more worthwhile.

So here are my top 5 buys of 2025 – the ones I’d happily recommend again.


Top 5 things I bought last year (2025)

1. Ergonomic Standing Electric Height Adjustable Desk

This was the purchase that completely transformed my working-from-home situation.

I finally invested in an ergonomic standing electric height adjustable computer desk, and honestly, I wish I’d done it sooner.

I rearranged the playroom and moved my work area around, and it feels like a totally different space now – calmer, more practical, and much better for my posture.

Being able to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day has made such a difference, especially during long workdays.

It really has elevated (literally!) my home working setup and made it feel like a proper workspace rather than a corner I squeezed myself into.

2. Sperax Walking Pad Treadmill

Once I’d sorted the desk, I knew I wanted to move more during the day – without having to leave the house or carve out extra time.

Enter the Sperax walking pad treadmill.

This fits neatly under my desk and allows me to get some steps in while working from home.

I don’t use it all day, every day, but even short walking sessions add up and make me feel so much better by the end of the day.

It’s quiet enough not to be distracting and easy to slide away when not in use.

Such a simple addition, but a real game-changer for energy levels.

3. VonHaus 12L/Day Dehumidifier

Drying washing indoors during winter is always a challenge, and after our old fan finally gave up the ghost, I decided it was time to invest properly.

The VonHaus 12L/day dehumidifier has been amazing.

It has a dedicated laundry mode, holds plenty of water, and isn’t too loud.

Clothes dry much faster, they don’t get that horrible musky smell, and it helps prevent condensation and mould too.

It’s genuinely a game changer for winter laundry – and surprisingly cheap to run, which is always a bonus.

4. National Trust Family Membership

This one isn’t a “thing” as such, but it’s been one of the best-value purchases of the year.

We’ve loved having a National Trust family membership, with trips to places like Cragside and Gibside already under our belt.

It’s such an easy way to plan days out, especially when you just want fresh air, space for the kids to run around, and somewhere lovely to explore.

We’ve definitely not made the most of it yet, and I’m really looking forward to discovering even more places in 2026.

5. Beauty Works Ten-in-One Miracle Spray

A smaller purchase, but one I reach for all the time.

The Beauty Works Ten-in-One Miracle Spray is something both Elsie and I use, and it smells absolutely gorgeous.

It makes hair so much easier to brush, protects from heat, and leaves hair feeling soft and healthy rather than heavy or greasy.

It’s fortified with argan and macadamia oils and promises ten different benefits – from eliminating frizz and restoring shine to detangling and preventing split ends.

It really does feel like a little treat for your hair, especially if you use heat styling regularly.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, I love that most of these purchases weren’t about having more, but about making everyday life easier, healthier, and more enjoyable.

Whether that’s working more comfortably from home, drying laundry without stress, or spending quality time together as a family.

Have you bought anything this year that’s made a big difference to your day-to-day life?

I always love hearing other people’s “best buys”.


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