Each year, we test a lot of products, and over the years, we have collectively tested thousands of products. While a lot are truly great since we do our research first, some far surpass our expectations and land themselves on the best products list for the year.
These products are innovative, outside the box, or just the best in their class, but one way or another, they manage to stand out from the competition. So, let’s dive into the best products we tested this year.
The Carry-On Suitcase from Solgaard
I’ve done my fair share of travel over the past few months, and each time, I took a suitcase from Solgaard, and I’m glad I did.
This great looking, well-crafted luggage is super easy to use, rolls like a dream has built-in chargers (in some models), and the real gamechanger, it has a hanging pack that allows you to pack what you need neatly and pull it out and hang it when you get settled on the other end. This means everything in your luggage is secured and protected, that unpacking will be as easy as can be, and along the way, your luggage will be the perfect accessory while travelling.
I’ve tested the Check-in luggage and the Carry-on luggage and absolutely love both. They do make travel so much easier.
Belif Skincare
When it comes to great skincare, I have to admit, after years of testing many brands, one of my favourites is Belif. Offering a wide range of effective and quality products, Belif skincare is on another level, and two of my current faves are The True Cream Aqua Bomb and the Super Drops.
After years of testing the Aqua Bomb and many other moisturizing products, I’ll happily admit that the one that has worked best for me over the years has to be the Aqua Bomb. Not only does it offer instant hydration, but 12 hours later, it still works to keep your skin looking great. Not only that, but often, it looks even better, and recently, paired with a little bit of the super drops every other day before I put the aqua bomb on, it has taken my skin’s look and hydration to a great place.
If you’re like me and don’t have problem skin but desperately need some significant hydration, especially in the winter months, these two innovative and truly outstanding products are for you.
KaseMe MagSafe Power Bank
I picked this up to test it out because I wanted to find a small, more discreet power bank to charge my phone on the go, and while I found a few that worked well, I love the small size and simple design of the KaseMe MagSafe Power Bank.
Magnetically, it connects to your phone and starts supercharging in moments, and it quickly recharges your battery’s phone with the extra power to spare. Once you are all charged up, you can easily store it in your backpack or travel bag until you need it again.
Icebreaker Base Layers
As any good Canadian knows, having a great base layer is the key to making it through any winter in freezing conditions, and honestly, Ice Breaker is pretty much the best of the best.
Made from 100% merino wool, these base layer items help to keep you warm in the coldest conditions while still allowing a bit of breathability, which makes for the perfect base layer.
They are also well made and designed to fit you perfectly and properly, leaving you free to enjoy some outdoor time or adventure, which is why the base layers from Ice Breaker made it into our top products of 2023. They are truly amazing, and we’ve put them to the test, and they passed with flying colours.
You need the Ice Breaker base layers if you live in cold weather.
Our Place Ovenware Set
Over the past year, I’ve done a fair amount of cooking and, time after time, I’ve been using the Our Place Ovenware Set.
This super sturdy, well-made set does add to the ease of cooking and baking in the kitchen. With the large one, I’ve been making a lot of meatballs and also cookies, and with the medium one, I’ve been making lasagna. With the second to smallest, some cobblers, and in the smallest; I just made a delicious meatloaf the other day.
They are so handy to have in the kitchen and are just as easy to clean as they are to use, which you’ll hopefully do repeatedly.
The Vessi Weekend Chelsea
I started testing these boots in January and used them here (in Toronto) and for some travel as well, and I have to admit, these are some seriously amazing boots.
First off, as they claim, these boots are completely waterproof. Not only that, they are also warm enough to wear in the snow but somehow still breathable enough to wear on warmer rainy days or while going for a walk, in my case, with my dog Manny.
They are also super comfortable, well made, and come in many great colours so that you can get the perfect pair for you. The Weekend Chelseas from Vessi are some fantastic boots.
Ocoopa Hand Warmers
Last but not least, we focus on something that anyone with cold hands needs in their life: the Ocoopa Dual Hand Warmers.
These little devices charge via USB in no time at all and offer several hours of hand warming for those who spend a lot of time outside in the cold weather or for those who don’t have great circulation and often have cold hands. Either way, these innovative little devices are game-changers.
Charge them up, place them in each pocket, and let them keep your hands toasty warm even on those super cold days.
We tested them out in minus 15 in our coat pockets throughout two winters, and have to admit, they kept our hands warm as can be, which is why they landed themselves on this year’s best products list, as they are definitely a Canadian must-have.
So there you have it, the best products we tested over 2023. Now, it’s time for us to take a little break and, in the coming weeks, start a whole new year of discovering and testing great products for you and yours. Until then, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!