It depends on what playstyle you prefer.
My personal favourite of the releases after cottage living would be werewolves. I love playing occults and werewolves are implemented very well. I like how they look and can be customised (only thing missing is a feminine body type) Their powers are useful and they pose a challenge with their rampages.
Horse ranch is also a nice pack. It goes well with cottage living. Combining both gives you more options for a farm with not only horses but also sheep and goats which give wool and milk respectively.
Growing together is great for family play. I like the milestones because sims finally feel like they have a bit of a memory of passed events. It adds a lot of small things to enjoy like bikes for kids, new board games, sleepovers, family members coming to stay for a few days to help out with the kids,... Playing with infants is quite different with this pack.
