Cue Sound of Music’s “These Are A Few of My Favorite Things” playing in the background…

Because, friend, these are my ride-or-die daily favs. Whether it’s my favorite pen, my signature scent, my daily supplements…this post is going to outline the 16 things that I keep in my desk drawer at work that are for me. While the other cabinets may be filled with paper files & staples & rubber bands & other materials, this drawer is MINE. A simple & straightforward little space full of 16 things that keep me healthy, happy, and calm—even on the busiest of days.

Don’t laugh at me, but I kind of think of it as my grounding and peaceful “first aid” kit .

We have first aid kits for medicines, cuts, scrapes, wounds…but what about a little kit of go-to items that bring us joy, peace, and a sense of calm? For me, it’s this drawer in my work desk. For you, it could be a cabinet in your kitchen, a box on your work desk, the nightstand in your bedroom, a shelf in the bathroom…but wherever it is, stock it up with things that bring you joy. Choose somewhere that you’ll see often in your day-to-day life (so that it’s always within reach and accessible!) and fill it with things that make you feel calm. That will give you mini moments of presence. Joy. Gratitude.

Here are 16 of my personal can’t-live-without-em, instantly-make-me-happy items. Let’s dig in, shall we?

body butter:
Mmmmmmm, my FAV. Not only is this all-natural body butter my absolute savior for dry hands, but the almond + vanilla flavor is one of my FAV SCENTS IN THE WORLD. Like I wish this blog post was scratch ‘n’ sniff because it’s just so good, haha. It kinda smells like freshly-baked cinnamon rolls? Your sweet grandma stirring cookie dough? French toast with vanilla frosting? Idk, just trust me on this—it’s the best. (Bonus: it lasts forever. I have had this one canister in my desk drawer for over a year.)
on-the-go holistic beverage packets:
There’s nothing better than a cozy sip while at your desk! (Not pictured: my electric tea kettle.) At least a few times a day, you can find me mixin’ up a delicious drink to sip while I work. It’s such an instant mood boost! I have lots of options: chai tea, matcha latte, organic coffee, turmeric latte… All of them are made with wholesome, nourishing ingredients (and added health-promoting mushrooms and adaptogens) that you can feel good about! Save 15% with the code “KE15”.
organic tampons:
I always have 1 or 2 organic tampons juuuuust in case I get caught without my menstrual cup with me. Also, you may be thinking “REALLY, KATE?? YOU EVEN BUY ORGANIC TAMPONS, YA CRAZY HIPPIE???” Yes, really. Did you know that tampon companies are not required to list the ingredients and chemicals that go into their products? Most tampons are made of pesticide-laden cotton. Do you really want pesticides in one of the most finely-regulated, hormone-rich, microbiome-dense areas of your body? Simply put: It. Matters.
vitamins & supplements:
I take my midday supplements pack with my lunch, so I keep my desk stocked with little packets of supplements and vitamins. :) I get all my vitamins from Honed Vitamins. What sets them apart? Aside from their quality supplements (you’d be amazed at how many conventional supplements are full of fillers, chemicals, and non-bio-available forms of the mineral/vitamin), they design custom vitamin sets for you and your needs (based off a lab sample you send in via mail). This simple at-home test measures for nutritional imbalances, mineral ratios, metabolism factors, and heavy metal exposures. Once you get your results, they make a custom vitamin plan for you and your body’s needs. (I honestly GEEKED OUT at my lab results. It was so thorough and gave me so many insights into my health.) After your lab results are in, they design a supplement plan specifically for that. There is nothing “one size fits all” about this—it’s supplements designed for you and your body’s specific needs. Mmmm, I love it. I have had such a phenom experience with this company, and just wanted to pass them along to you! (Save 10% with the code KATE10)
nontoxic deodorant:
Because we alllllll need a little scent refresh sometimes. I like to have a deodorant handy just in case I need it or if I have plans after work. If you have been wanting to switch to natural deo—I hiiiighly recommend this brand. I tried about 4 different clean deodorant brands before I found this one, and it is truly the only one that worked for me. 11/10 would recommend to a friend!
natural perfume:
Going off the above statement, sometimes ya juuuust need a little scent refresh. Here is my faaaaaav natural & nontoxic perfume. This is a small, lady-owned business (hi, Melissa!) and is handcrafted with jojoba oil & coconut oil as the base and then scented with essential oils. It is my fav. I especially love the scents “desert bloom” and “citrus and sunshine.” Melissa was kind enough to give TFB readers 15% off with the code “KATE”. Enjoy!
herbal headache relief:
For those spur-of-the-moment, too-much-screen-time headaches. This is an all-natural headache relief, backed by science. It’s all herbal (designed by medical doctors and herbalists) and backed by clinical trials. This has been one of my fav finds for my natural remedy first aid kit. :) I’m not anti-medication whatsoeverrrrr, but if I CAN solve a headache with natural herbs, why wouldn’t I??? If you struggle with headaches, highly recommend. :)
essential oils:
Just a few oils and a diffuser on my desk for a little scent pick-me-up. I get asked which essential oils I use on the daily, annnnnd here’s a hard pill for many to swallow: essential oils are not made equally. I hate to break it to ya, but many essential oil brands use synthetic fillers, chemicals, and fragrances in place of the natural, pure oil. Yikes. To ensure you get the good stuff, ALLLLLWAYS look for a brand that does GC/MS batch testing which ensures quality, potency, and safety. I also prioritize companies that source with sustainability and the environment in mind. Which is exactly why I get all my oils from here: high quality, low prices. No pyramid scheme stuff happening here—just high-quality, lovely oils to incorporate mini moments of joy into your day. I also looooove the Primally Pure seasonal blend (that is what is pictured in my desk drawer!).
daily devotional:
Mmmm, this little book. So much peace, clarity, and quiet time found within these pages. This is my go-to daily devotional to weave a brief (but impactful) moment of faith into my day .
all-natural lip balm:
Little daily pleasures—a nice, quality, beautiful (nontoxic) lip balm! Especially crucial in the dry Minnesota winters! I have two in here. (Peppermint and lavender are my fav!) Sometimes I even dab it around my eyes to nourish, protect and wake up the delicate skin in that area.
these particular pens:
Pilot G2 pens. The smoooooothest pen ever that doesn’t smudge. My fav pen forever and ever and ever. Amen. All I use.
polaroid keepsakes:
Sneaking a bit of happy into my desk drawer! I keep a few pics of travels, our little fam, and happy moments for little moments of joy in my day. (In case you’re curious—here is the camera and film I use!)
tea, tea, tea:
Sippin’ cozy bevs 24/7…that’s me! I always have a wide variety in here, but some constants are ginger-turmeric tea from Trader Joe’s, a variety of Yogi brand, this anti-gas & bloating blend (ha!), hazelnut teacchino….
portable beverage frother:
Are you getting the theme that I am beverage OBSESSED yet???? I keep this little frother in my drawer for mixing up some matcha or turmeric lattes. It gives me that frothy, creamy drink right from my desk!
a few staple items of clean makeup:
For the quick touch-ups. If I ever have plans after work or after I work out on my lunch break, I have a few basics of clean beauty for a quick touch up, if needed. Just a basic clean foundation, bronzer, and mascara—allllll ya need. :)
this little massage roller:
This little guy! LOVE IT. This simple tool provides the most lovely mini massage. It has a cooling effect and is simultaneously gentle while really being able to dig in deep??? I can’t quite describe it, but I love it so much that I bought one for work and home. Highly recommend!

to wrap it up

Alllllright, 16 must-haves in my life. My hope is that this was a fun & tangible way to see “behind the scenes” in my everyday life. I hope 1 or 2 (or heck, all 16!) of these little items & daily rituals resonated with you. Because here’s the thing—this life can feel straight up cray cray.

And, for me, it’s allllll about making the small decisions to do the little things that make me feel like ME. To prioritize mini moments of joy. Small moments of peace. To invest in little things that add joy to my life. To make time for the mini moments of self-care. To nourish + hydrate my body every day. To surround myself with things that *uplift* me. And, my friend, these are 16 small (but impactful) things that brighten up my every day—body, mind, and spirit. I hope you enjoy!