2016 Mommies Awards: Our Faves From the Year

When we love something around here, we really love something. We get a lot of product pitches, but we only review stuff we think we’ll really like — otherwise we’d need to rent storage space for our junk. (Plus it saves us from writing reviews like “This product stinks!” Trust me, it’s much more fun to write about the good stuff.) And when we do really, really love something, not only do we tend to purchase extras and/or buy them as gifts and/or insist that our friends and family purchase them (we’re looking at you Camelbak Forge, most amazing coffee mug ever), but we want to let our readers in on all of the awesome. That’s why we do our annual Mommies Awards — so you can be in on our not-so-secret favorites. Here are 12 of our favorites from the past year that will not let you down (and a couple of inspirational people we love for good measure!).

Best shoe for busy moms: You want to be stylish, but you need to do everything from dropping the kids off at school to sprinting after your toddler who likes to head straight for the street when you’re on a walk. Vionic has you covered. I got these sandals for myself, rounded up these for a giveaway for you readers, and am just waiting until it’s late enough in the season to start thinking about what I’m going to get for the fall. And I’m not even a shoe girl.

Best meal on the go and snack: Whether you’re a nursing mom, a mom on the go, or just need something handy for incessant snackers, these Revolution Foods Lunch Bundles are filling and fun to eat.

Best baby food: Once Upon a Farm’s pouches are so fresh, so tasty, so convenient, and so a hit with both moms and tots.

Best cleaning products: EverydayHappy’s cleaning products were effective and made us hate cleaning less and that’s a huge accomplishment.

Cutest teddy bear: An adorable bear with a meditation and yoga vibe, Meddy Teddy will get you and your littlest ones in downward dog…er, bear, more often.

Best for moms in cold weather: The Shellter is genius for baby-wearing in the winter.

Product I wish I’d gotten years ago: I got a Diva Cup a few months ago, and I’m actually angry I didn’t take the leap sooner. Having to think about my period just twice a day is a game changer.

Cutest bike: This Solé bike has me cruising around the neighborhood and just waiting for my kids to get rid of their training wheels.

Best motivator: I was struggling to find the motivation to work out consistently, but that changed when the TomTom Spark came into my life. It kicks ass and I’ve barely taken it off since I got it in February. I even bought my husband one for his birthday.

Best handy helper: It seems like just a piece of plastic and it is. But the Mighty Handle is a piece of plastic that does a job, and when you’ve got a kid on your hip and need to lug in groceries, this thing saves you a trip back out to the car.

Funniest book: How to Have a Baby and Not Lose Your Shit. This book had me busting out laughing and I went back to annotate it so I can send it to Jenn.

Best app for streamlining your groceries: OurGroceries. This app let me kick my paper and pen lists to the curb in favor of multiple lists that multiple people can access. Plus, you can put in your favorite recipes and easily add ingredients to your store list. S.w.o.o.n.

Most inspirational mom: She didn’t make the cut for the Olympics, but new mom Sarah Brown showed us all that it’s possible to follow your dreams through pregnancy and as a new mom. Talk about someone who will give you motivation to get off the couch if you’re struggling.

Most inspirational kiddo: Mason has faced challenges head on an encouraged fitness in others!

Any products you’ve come across that you’ve recommended to everyone you know? My Dyson still gives me heart-eyes, I still use Kodiak Cakes all the time, and that darn Camelbak… —Erin