After a Year of Weekly HomeGoods Trips, These 15 Items Are Still My Top Picks

I'm always at HomeGoods, shopping for myself and looking for bargain finds for readers. My once-a-week trips to the store in the past year have made it easy to spot the top bargains in interior decor, kitchenware, bedding, and more.

If you're looking for the best shopping hacks so you can save money in retirement, I've got you covered. A little insider info can help you figure out what's worth grabbing at this beloved discount home store.

From cute buys to upgrade your bathroom to kitschy wall art, the following HomeGoods items combine affordability, quality, and style. Just keep in mind that HomeGoods inventory changes constantly, so if you see something you love, grab it.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $3.99

Deals on dupes are my thing. These beaded drinking glasses are among the best copycats you can find at HomeGoods.

This sophisticated style is identical to Pottery Barn's Jupiter tumblers. But instead of paying up to $72 for a set of six (or $12 each), you can score a single cup for less than $4. Buying a few singles also lets you mix and match colors or replace a broken glass without buying a whole new set. They're great for iced tea, cocktails, or sparkling water.

Pro tip: Want something with a pop of color? I also spotted this pick in pastel pink, emerald green, and golden amber.

Price: $14.99

Clean, classic lines make these bone china bowls a must-have bargain buy. Of course, aesthetics aren't the only reason I'm obsessed with this find. The chip-resistant set of four is also freezer, oven, microwave, and dishwasher-safe. 

That means you can use them for everything from cereal and soup to pasta and salad, then toss them in the dishwasher when you're done. Mikasa is a longtime dinnerware brand, so finding a bone china set of four for under $15 is a real score. The clean, simple design also pairs easily with dinnerware you already own, and the bowls stack neatly in a cabinet.

Price: $24.99

I had to do a double-take when I saw this massive wooden board. The sheer size, combined with the under-$25 price tag, makes this one of the best HomeGoods kitchen/entertaining values in my opinion. 

A big board gives you plenty of room to chop vegetables, carve a roast, or knead dough. It also doubles as a serving platter for charcuterie, cheese, and crackers when you're hosting. 

To keep the wood looking its best, hand-wash it with mild soap, dry it right away, and rub it with food-safe mineral oil now and then. When you're not using it, lean it against the backsplash as an easy kitchen decor piece.

Price: $69.99

Are you looking for budget-friendly flooring? I am too. And this posh powerloomed designer 5.3-by-7.3-foot rug is one of my top choices. The neutral hue and plush texture are perfect for the living room, the bedroom, or a home office. 

Power-loomed rugs are made by machine, which helps keep prices lower than hand-knotted rugs while still giving you a dense, even weave. A neutral rug also works with almost any decor, so it's easy to keep when you change your throw pillows or wall art. 

Add a rug pad underneath to keep it from sliding and to add extra cushion underfoot.

Price: $14.99

Is this bedazzled bathroom buy for everyone? Probably not. But I couldn't look away when I spotted this pick on HomeGoods' shelves. The celeb stylist's home product line is one of my favorites. 

And this glam accessory is a serious bargain for under $15. Fill it with your favorite liquid hand soap or lotion and set it on the bathroom vanity or kitchen counter for an instant upgrade. 

It's an easy way to add some sparkle to a guest bathroom before holiday visitors arrive, and it also makes a fun gift for the friend who loves a little glam and a lot of sparkle.

Price: $14.99

This barware bargain is one of the best I've found at HomeGoods. Pass on plain shakers and nab this luxe crystal cocktail "maker." 

The retro style gives a glam vibe that makes me want to display this find on a shelf for everyone to see. Use it to shake up martinis, margaritas, or mocktails for your next get-together, then set it on a bar cart or tray with a few coordinating glasses. 

It also makes a stylish hostess gift for holiday parties or a fun present for the home bartender in your life. Just remember that crystal is delicate, so handle it with care.

Price: $39.99

How could you not love this adorable (and affordable) tomato Dutch oven? In my search for quirky finds, I spotted this playful piece.

Not only does the four-quart enameled cast iron cookware item add a touch of whimsy to both my kitchen and dining table, but it's priced just right. For reference, the almost identical tomato-themed Staub Enameled Cast Iron Three-Quart Cocotte sells for $279.95 at Williams Sonoma. 

According to Smith & Clark, the pot works on all stovetops, including induction, and is oven-safe up to 500 degrees. The brand recommends it for tomato soups, braised meats, bread, and pasta, and the gold-tone handles and knob add a polished finish. Even at the brand's full price of $69.99, it costs a fraction of the Staub version.

Price: $6.99

Unexpected items are what make shopping at HomeGoods so enjoyable. While I was browsing decor and furniture, I found this sweet-smelling hand soap. The scented soap is the perfect addition to my bathroom vanity or kitchen counter. 

Pretty soap bottles like this one are an inexpensive way to make a bathroom feel more polished, especially when you're expecting guests. Place it next to a coordinating hand towel or a small tray for a spa-like look. 

At under $7, it also makes an easy stocking stuffer, teacher gift, or add-on to a hostess gift basket during the holidays or a small thank-you for a neighbor.

Price: $16.99

Now my feline friend has a pillowcase that looks just like her. But you don't have to be a pet parent to appreciate these 100% cotton, 200-thread-count percale pillowcases. 

The two-pack set has an offbeat charm and stand-out style that can perk up any bland bedroom space. Percale has a crisp, cool feel, which makes it a good pick for people who sleep warm. 

Cath Kidston is a British brand known for its cheerful prints, so these pillowcases are an easy way to add personality to plain white or solid-color sheets. They'd also make a sweet gift for a cat lover.

Price: $12.99

HomeGoods is one of my favorite places to pick up affordable bathroom accents. This two-piece pack of mindfully made "Eco-Hue" hand towels is one of the top options. 

The super-soft material is amazingly absorbent, and the designer pattern features a sweet style that I adore. At $12.99 for two, that's about $6.50 per towel for a designer name. 

Hang them in a guest bathroom or by the kitchen sink, and swap them out seasonally for a quick refresh. Wash them before the first use and skip fabric softener, which can reduce how absorbent towels are over time. Tumble dry on low heat to keep them soft.

Price: $69.99

A fabric pouf is an easy addition to any living space. The fully functional piece seamlessly transitions from a footrest to an end table to stand-alone decor.

While HomeGoods has plenty of these pieces, I couldn't stop staring at this patterned pick. The blue and cream design has the undeniable elegance and contemporary, casual feel that I enjoy. Poufs are also handy as extra seating when guests come over, and they're light enough to move from room to room. 

Set a tray on top to use it as a coffee table, or tuck it under a console table when you need more floor space. A patterned pouf is also an easy way to add color to a neutral room.

Price: $29.99

As an art enthusiast, I always look for something different at HomeGoods. And this pick did not disappoint. Along with reproductions from icons like Monet and Renoir, the retailer also carries pieces from contemporary artists.

Created by California-based graphic designer/digital artist Amy Peterson, this bubble-blowing bunny has an imaginative whimsy that truly caught my eye. Her artwork also appears in collections from home decor brands like Kate and Laurel. 

The playful piece would brighten a nursery, a kid's room, or a reading nook. Pair it with other animal prints or soft pastel decor for a cohesive look, or hang it on its own as a cheerful focal point above a dresser or bookshelf.

Price: $34.99

Score a 20-piece flatware set for under $35. I'm a fan of this muted gold tone. But I don't want to pay a high specialty store price for it. That's why I'd rather snap up this find than Crate & Barrel's almost-identical $300 Mercer Champagne version (also 20 pieces). That's a savings of more than $265. 

The warm gold finish dresses up holiday tables but is subtle enough for everyday meals, and it pairs well with both white and colored dinnerware.

If you're a fan of Crate & Barrel's styles but not its prices, check out these HomeGoods items that are identical to Crate & Barrel's but a fraction of the cost.

Price: $4.99

I absolutely can't resist the charmingly quaint and delicately dainty style of this vintage-inspired plate. The old-world aesthetic has an understated elegance that only appears expensive. And unlike the seasonal selections (that I also adore), this designer dinnerware doesn't scream, "holiday table." 

That means you can use it all year long, whether for a dessert, appetizer, or salad course. Mix it with plain white dinnerware for a collected, layered look, or hang a few on the wall as decor. At under $5, it's also easy to buy a few for a set, or to pick up an extra as a gift for a friend who loves vintage style.

Price: $12.99

My decor tastes range from one extreme to the other. While opulent items (like the crystal Rachel Zoe soap dispenser) are on my favorites list, this classic floral bin is also one of my top HomeGoods finds. The elegant English-rose style of the five-liter bin flawlessly combines form and function. And bonus, it's a steal for $12.99. 

The step pedal opens the lid hands-free, and the compact size fits neatly in a bathroom, bedroom, or home office. A pretty floral bin is a simple way to make a practical item feel like decor instead of something you want to hide. It's also an inexpensive upgrade from a plain plastic bin, and it pairs nicely with other floral or cottage-style bathroom accents.

So there you have it. My must-have buys feature items from almost every aisle of the store. And while you have your own personal preferences and style, these fab finds are worth checking out.

How do I make the most of my weekly HomeGoods hauls? Here's a hint: Use the best cash back credit cards to earn points or perks on eligible purchases.

It also helps to shop often, since new merchandise arrives regularly and the best finds sell out fast. HomeGoods doesn't sell online, so prices and availability can vary from store to store. If one location doesn't have an item, check another nearby.