Full disclosure:
Some of the items below are not gifts per se because I bought them. For myself. (Thank you, self.)
But I think this fact makes this list even better because these are items I have either given or received (from others or myself), and still love.
I’m going to go in different price ranges here, okay? I admit the last one is bougie. If you want to scroll down to the bottom and leave a comment telling me how I wasted my money, it’s a free country. I’m afraid I can’t agree with you, but that’s what makes democracy so exciting.
Without further ado, below are my affiliate-linked favorite gifts:
- The Yeti 10 oz. tumbler.
This is a Goldilocks situation at its finest. Not too large, not too small, just right. I also have the 20 oz. But this smaller size fits perfectly under my coffee maker, so it is the clear winner in this season of my life. Mine is white, but there are many delightful colors available.
Jonathan bought this earring set for me last Christmas and I have not gone a day since then without wearing a pair. I kept a pair of the hoops in for months…I showered, sweat, and slept in those babies…and then during a vigorous ear-scrubbing session, I dislodged a hoop and it swam down the drain. Anyway, they never bothered my ears or tarnished. And they’re just a little over a buck a piece, so…that’s my kind of style.
3. Silicone Muffin Pans with Metal Frame
The purchase of these pans has exponentially increased my muffin-making. The metal frame is KEY because then the silicone pans don’t go slip-slopping batter all over your floor or inside your oven before you get a chance to bake said muffins. And the silicone means you are never again scrubbing your pans of muffin remains. I also use these to make egg bites and they come out like a dreammmmm.
A couple of years ago, I bought and hung these prisms next to the window in my living room. Every time the sun shines, we get the loveliest rainbows all over our wall, floor, couch, and anyone who happens to be in the path of the prism. It’s just another way to appreciate the beauty of sunlight. They come with a clear string to attach them, and with a 3-pack, you can hang them all at varying heights, scatter them around your home, or even keep one and share the other two with friends!
5. Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboard
This paddleboard was a birthday gift from my husband and I love it so much despite the fact that I plunged myself and my phone into the water the very first time I used it. It takes less than 5 minutes to inflate and then provides an amazing paddleboard experience. (Pro tip: don’t use it backward.)
How do we use these devices?
Alarm clocks (We have one in all the bedrooms.)
Playing music (We have it connected to our Amazon Music account.)
Playing audiobooks.
Setting reminders.
Creating grocery lists.
Dropping in on other family members without yelling up and down stairs.
Keeping in touch with our kids when we’re out of the home.
We have the old versions of the echo devices and they still work well! Now they have devices that can show images, cat videos, etc.
7. 14K Gold Plated Necklace Set
Who knew this necklace set would be worn so frequently by yours truly? Did you know it?? I did not, but I highly suspected. Also, several ladies in my church have the exact same set, so I’m in very good company. These are simple and lovely; I find myself reaching for them all the time.
8. 3-pack Macrame Plant Hanger
I purchased these lovely plant hangers several years ago and use them to hang my string of pearls plants. They’re lovely and simple. And since it’s a 3-pack, you could also break this up into 3 gifts. Yay.
I bought these bags several years ago, gave some to my kids’ teachers, and kept some for myself. They hold SO MUCH WEIGHT but also fold very small so I can keep one in my purse, in my van, in my carry-on bag for when I accidentally bring too much stuff on my return flight and need to pass it off as a large purse…you get my drift. Anyway, they’re still in heavy rotation years after purchasing.
I’ve been very into striped socks lately, but I only had one pair. So I took the plunge and bought a 5-pack. These are comfy, they keep my ankles warm, and they’re cute. Which I know is relative, so maybe you hate them in which case…we can still be friends, I suppose.
11. De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Coffeemaker
I’m not going to say this coffee maker isn’t a splurge; it very much is. And far be it from me to overstate things, but I am going to say that my husband and I use it every single day—multiple times a day. It has improved our marriage, cleared our skin, calmed our children, toned our abs, strengthened our relationship with God, and provided much enjoyment to our mornings. Okay, only one of those statements is true. Anyway, the ability to have freshly ground and brewed coffee at the mere touch of a button is…I’m just going to say it…luxury. We even packed this baby with us when we traveled down south for a couple of weeks this summer. Did we feel slightly silly? Yes. But that only lasted until we had our first cuppa. And then we knew it was the right life choice and congratulated ourselves on doing so.
So yeah, put it on your Christmas list if you desire your quality of life to increase, and thank me later.
That’s it! 11 gifts I’ve received and still love. I hope this list is helpful as you shop around this holiday for gifts for your friends, family, and you know, maybe even yourself.
