Skyler Nelson

From tech gadgets to home essentials, these are the items I bought this year that completely paid for themselves—saving time, money, and stress. As a psych nurse and chronic disease warrior, intentionality in my environment is EVERYTHING! Perfect for healthcare workers, creators, or anyone ready to make smarter purchases in 2026.

As a registered nurse (and small business owner/artist myself), I wanted to spotlight nurse-owned Etsy shops doing amazing work — from cozy self-care to medical humor to handmade art. Nurses are out here creating beauty, laughter, and comfort in between 12-hour shifts, and it’s honestly magic.

I grew up with a mom who was both a medical esthetician and a professional makeup artist, so clean, effective beauty was literally my childhood baseline. Add in my own autoimmune sensitivities, and I’ve spent decades testing what actually holds up for sensitive, inflammation-prone skin. These are the brands that have withstood the test of time in both professional and personal settings - and they’re the ones I still trust today!

When your brain feels like molasses + you can’t move off the couch, these are my go-to sensory tricks that actually shift my mood. Some are free, some are little upgrades-but all are low-energy friendly. Use this as a serotonin-boosting menu, for anyone that has off-days with a little side of guilt complex… These are quick & easy ways to trick your brain out of the negative loop!

As a nurse who's fought a rare disease my whole life- I've come to realize how many SCAMS are out there in the skincare industry! Through experience and collaboration with many different specialty areas of the healthcare field, these are some simple products I recommend that won't overcomplicate your skincare routine, and are backed by SCIENCE! Including a wide range of budget options from drugstore, to high-end/luxury as well as spa-grade skincare options, you'll be able to find products for everyday essentials OR, maybe find your next fave splurge for the ultimate self-care skin routine!