A new year has arrived and many of us are starting with one goal in mind: save money. Everything seems to cost more right now, which is why it’s important to remember this MIDDI fundamental: Shop smarter, not fancier. Big bucks don’t always mean better—do your research, test products and then give yourself a moment to think about a purchase before checking out. Can shopping still be fun? Absolutely. But the extra work will mean you still love that [insert item] you bought three months or three years from now.

For the first edition of the new year, I wanted to share three items from my Christmas holiday in Copenhagen (with a bonus day trip to Sweden). I had this city on my travel wish list for ages and it did not disappoint. Each find showcases the best of Scandi style without breaking the bank. Check them out online or add them to your itinerary should you be able to visit.

Skål!

1. Skandinavisk Skog Collection (€10 and up)

skandinavisk

A post shared by S K A N D I N A V I S K (@skandinavisk)

Villa Copenhagen was our home away from home in Denmark and each room comes stocked with toiletries from the Nordic-inspired brand Skandinavisk, which was founded in 2012. “Skog” is the Swedish and Norwegian word for “forest,” and the range’s main notes are pine needles, fir cones, birch sap and woodland lily of the valley. The scent is warm and gently spicy. While I enjoyed using the hand wash, body wash, lotion and conditioner, it was the shampoo that stood out the most. Not only did it leave my hair smelling amazing, but it was shiny and oh-so-soft.

2. Moss Copenhagen Sweats (DKK 190 and up)

mosscopenhagen

A post shared by MSCH COPENHAGEN (@mosscopenhagen)

If there’s one thing we all associate with “hygge,” the Danish and Norwegian word for “coziness,” it’s sweats. Hygge is all about comfort and relaxation. Launched in 2010, Moss Copenhagen (or MSCH) offers women’s clothing, accessories and handbags. Walking past their store near Strøget, the main shopping street in Copenhagen, my girlfriend and I were drawn by their cozy knits. She picked up one of these drawstring sweatshirts that looked just as great paired with the matching bottoms as they did with jeans.

3. Sanne Dahlström Ceramics

sannesverkstad

A post shared by Sanne Dahlström (@sannesverkstad)

If you’re a longtime reader of MIDDI, you know I love a bit of whimsy in my home goods. This sense of playfulness is what immediately drew me to Swedish artist Sanne Dahlström’s ceramics. Sanne’s creations include dishes like mugs and egg cups, flower pots and more. I picked up one of these sweet lemon pinch bowls pictured above for 180 kr ($17) at Formargruppen, an artist cooperative located in Malmö. I visited a similar shop during my trip to Scotland—you never know what you’ll find and it’s an excellent way to support independent artists.

Something to think about …

Denmark is consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world. And truth be told, Danes are some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. Learn more about what makes them so happy in this article from The Atlantic.

Last week on MIDDI …

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MIDDI is a weekly roundup of mid-priced beauty, fashion and home buys released every Monday. Have a product you’re searching for? Leave your suggestions in the comments.