This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Aura House but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
We’ve all heard the saying: “Money can’t buy happiness.” The gag of it is, it’s usually said by someone who’s never had to choose between their gym membership and groceries or genuinely had to weigh the emotional cost of doing their own baseboard cleaning. As a gal who is by no means rolling in dollar bills, I know that money cannot literally buy you joy. But it can buy things that make life a whole lot more manageable—and in turn, happier. Sure, we’re not at the point where you can Prime a bottle of instant optimism to your doorstep, but investing in things that protect your peace? That’s the next best thing.
Whether you’re outsourcing meals or putting your well-being first, these eight purchases aren’t splurges—they’re self-care strategies. If you’ve ever questioned whether spending on yourself was “worth it,” consider this your permission slip. No, money can’t buy happiness, but these buys come awfully close.
Walking into your apartment after a long day and having it smell like a boutique hotel lobby, or a friend stopping mid-conversation to ask what candle you’re burning? The epitome of class and sophistication. Idea: your home deserves a signature scent!! Here’s how to get there.
This diffuser allows you to skip candles and reed diffusers entirely, using only cold air and fragrance oil to fill the room. You can control it straight from its app and set it on a schedule so your space smells good before you even walk through the door. Plus, it’s verified Sephora Clean and pet-friendly.
We’re big believers in therapy around here—and not just when you’re in a full-blown crashout. Investing in your mental health regularly (and proactively) is one of the smartest and kindest things you can do for yourself. If finding a therapist through insurance or doing an internet deep dive overwhelms you, platforms like BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Headspace make therapy and guided mindfulness more accessible than ever. Whether you’re managing anxiety, setting boundaries, processing grief, or just trying to make sense of modern life, therapy offers structured support on your own schedule. Is it an expense? Yes. But it’s one that has ripple effects—on your relationships, work, confidence, and sense of self—that are well worth the cost.
Buying a new mattress is one of those things we don’t think about until we absolutely need to, but having one that fits your needs and preferences is more important than you might think. Sleep is one of the most foundational elements of mental and physical health, and yet so many of us are tossing, turning, and waking up feeling like we wrestled a bear all night. Upgrading your mattress to a high-quality option—from an expert-recommended brand like Casper or Tuft & Needle—can drastically improve your sleep, which has a direct impact on your mood, focus, and immune system. It’s not about luxury; it’s about being able to function for everything life throws at you. You spend roughly a third of your life in bed, so you might as well make it a place where you’re as comfortable and supported as possible.
You know what’s exhausting? Planning, shopping for, and cooking three meals a day, every day. Especially if you’re juggling work, a social life, or just trying to survive the week without eating peanut butter on a spoon over the sink again. That’s where meal kits (like HelloFresh or Home Chef) and grocery delivery (like Shipt or Thrive Market) can be game-changers. They cut down on planning time, reduce the number of grocery store runs where you aimlessly walk around and buy nothing you actually need, and help you eat healthier all around. When dinner is one less thing to overthink, you can reclaim that precious brain space for things that light you up—like reading, relaxing, or doomscrolling in peace.
Repeat after us: Fitness doesn’t have to be a punishment. It should be something that energizes you, lifts your mood, and makes you feel strong in more ways than one. Whether you’re into boutique classes (hi, reformer Pilates), traditional gyms, or even virtual workouts you do from your living room, finding a form of movement you like can be transformative. Regular physical activity is scientifically proven to boost serotonin, reduce anxiety, and help with sleep—all major happiness wins. So yes, a monthly fitness membership might seem like a splurge, but if it helps you feel good in your body and emotionally grounded, it’s worth every penny.
You don’t need to drop thousands on a European vacation to reap the benefits of travel and experiences (although, if you do, please take me with you). The point is that spending on experiences—big or small—has the potential to bring more lasting happiness than spending on material things. That could mean a weekend getaway with your best friends, a solo museum day, a cooking class, or even just a night out where you look cute and treat yourself. Experiences create memories, foster connection, and give you something to look forward to, which is a sneaky little hack for happiness in itself. Things gather dust, but memories gather meaning.
Noise-canceling headphones aren’t just for tech snobs, people! For anyone who works from home, commutes on public transit, lives with roommates (or children), or gets overstimulated easily, they’re a sensory must-have. With the press of a button, they create a buffer between you and the chaos of the world, which can allow you some much-needed peace and quiet throughout your day. Whether you’re tuning into a podcast, zoning out with a playlist, meditating to brown noise, or just blocking out the construction outside your window, they offer instant serenity in a way few things can.
Let’s be honest: Some of the most joyful moments of adulthood come from getting a break from your responsibilities. Whether it’s an hour to grab coffee alone, a child-free date night, or a stress-free weekend trip knowing your dog is being taken care of by a sitter, it’s money well spent.
Hiring help doesn’t mean you can’t handle it all. It means you’re smart enough to know that you shouldn’t have to. Your time is valuable, and sometimes, spending a little to buy back some bandwidth is the happiest decision you’ll make. Because sometimes, happiness looks like someone else walking your dog (thank you, Rover!) while you sip iced coffee in a silent car.
As the Branded Content Editorial Assistant, McKenna collaborates with our sales team by creating both written and social media content, collecting and analyzing performance data to report back to our partners, and assisting our editors with their everyday tasks to ensure a smooth and productive process.
This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Aura House but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
