A Few of Our Favorite Things

Every holiday season a flood of gift guides hits my inbox and social media feeds. Typically it seems like most gift guides are actually a wish list of items people would like to have under their tree, for themselves, rather than items that are already tried and true in their home.

I’m also sharing a gift guide. But, to go against the grain, I’m sharing only items that we have used (and loved) for over a year. The items on these lists (all linked below) are items we actually own. They are toys my kids still play with years later. They are items that still bring my husband joy or that I still rave about. These are a few of our favorite things.

If you still have a little shopping to do or are struggling with just one person on your list, I hope this gift guide can help take a little pressure off of you. We love everything on this list and I think anyone you give these gifts to will probably love them too.

Gifts for the Kids

These are some of our favorite things for kids. (For reference my kids currently range in age from 7-12.)

1. Hover Cart: Turn the hoverboard that you gave your kids last year into a go-cart this year. So many people have asked for this link this past year, and it’s no wonder. My older kids use their hover carts daily.

2. Calvin and Hobbes: Year after year my kids enjoy reading the antics of Calvin and Hobbes. I have lost count of how many times they have re-read the entire comic strip.

3. Melissa and Doug Grocery Store: This store has been an In-n-Out restaurant, a clothing boutique store, a grocery store, and a library. Year after year our four kids continue to play with it in a variety of ways.. Their imagination is the limit.

4. Labyrinth: The ultimate maze game that even adults will enjoy.

5. Scooter: We have gone through so many brands of scooters over the years. This is our favorite and it lights up at night!

6. Magnet Blocks: You can build anything with these blocks–houses for Barbies, parking garages for Matchbox cars, or tall towers. Our kids have played with these every day for four years. (I’ve linked the exact brand I prefer.)

7. Orbrium Train Set: This was the starter train set that we purchased ten years ago. We have added on to it over the years, but many of the original tracks are still in rotation.

8. Topo Mini Rover Backpack This was part of our older girls’ Christmas present last year. It’s the perfect size for a day pack.

9. KidPower Roll On: Our favorite for keeping our homeschool day running smoothly, soothing big emotions, and it smells so comforting.

10. Colored Pencil Art Roll: 72 colored pencils fit into this canvas holder. It rolls up for seamless storage, encourages kids to not misplace a single pencil, and can be easily transported all over the house.

Gifts for Him

A list of some of my husband’s favorite things.

1. Saddleback Leather Bifold Wallet: The motto on their website says, “They’ll fight over it when you’re dead.” My husband has had his wallet for years and each year it looks better and better.

2. Walnut, Cherry, and Maple Cutting Board: If he likes to cook, this is a sturdy board that is pretty enough to display on your countertop or to use for charcuterie.

3. Lochby Field Journal: If he likes to write or keep a small notebook handy for jotting notes down, this is a really nice one.

4. Riedel Drink Specific Glassware Set: We’ve fallen in love with Negronis in 2021, and this mixer set is our favorite for date night in or when we introduce friends to our Cocktail of the Year.

5. Crossback Apron in Moss: If he likes to cook or grill but likes to keep his clothes clean, this apron is classic (and comfortable).

6. Vermilyea Pelle Waxed Canvas Briefcase I bought my husband a briefcase several years ago from this one-man shop. I don’t really know how to pronounce Vermilyea Pelle, but they make great stuff. Unfortunately, since everything is produced in pretty small batches it can be tough to find the bag you want in stock. But, just in case, I’m sharing the link to their waxed canvas bags.

7. LEGO Creator Bookstore: If he liked building LEGO as a child and wants a fun hobby that is also stylish on his office bookshelf, this set is a great starting point that he can add onto over the years.

8. Spiff Kit: My husband loves most things from this website, but this is their take on a classic toiletries kit that packs and travels exceptionally well.

9. AeroPress: I’ve talked about an exceptional cup of coffee before. If he is looking for simplicity while also handcrafting a superior cup of coffee, this is for him.

10. Valet Tray: Perfect for the corner of a desk or on top of a dresser, this valet tray catches all of the small and random things that might get misplaced or lost as he empties his pockets.

Gifts for Her

A list of some of my favorite things.

1. A favorite painting: I have this exact painting hanging over my desk, and it makes me smile each time I see it. Pair it with this frame.

2. Locket: The perfect weight and length, I wear this locket year round as it seems to go with everything. I have it in gold.

3. The Mini Aria: A smaller version of my favorite diffuser, the Mini Aria has a darker base that I really love. It comes with three favorite oils: Vanilla, Christmas Spirit, and Peppermint. Drop three drops of each in the Mini Aria and you are all set for festive smells!

4. Natori Robe: 100% flattering. 0% bulky. Sleeves short enough that you can wash dishes in it without having anything in the way. Still my daily favorite.

5. Garden Party Monogrammed Mug: I have a lot of mugs, but I use this one daily because it’s not too small and not too large. It’s pretty, and the handle grip is absolutely perfect.

6. Franklin Tote Bag: I’ve talked about how much I love my “mom bag”. It keeps me organized and makes my office portable. Plus it comes in so many color options!

7. Travel Tray: Traveling or camping, any time I’m away from home this tray (which packs down small) acts as a catch-all, which is handy when I’m not in my normal surroundings.

8. Neck Massager: I do not care if I look ridiculous when using this while we are watching TV or a movie. I carry stress in my shoulders, and this feels absolutely amazing at the end of a long day (and it’s heated!).

9. Breville Espresso Machine: Pricey, but my favorite way to wake up. We broke up with Starbucks five years ago and this machine paid for itself in about six months.

10. Better Sweater: Extremely warm and versatile. I find myself wearing this all winter long when I need a quick extra (warm) layer.

Snippets from our week

I didn’t take a single picture on Thanksgiving, but we had a magnificent day at the beach on Friday with our cousins!

On the hunt for the perfect Christmas Tree.

Our local vineyard sells Christmas Trees, and it’s always a highlight to get our tree there.

Thanks for reading! What’s one of your favorite things that I need to put on my list this year? I’d love to hear about it! Just hit reply if you’d like to respond. (When you hit reply, your message goes directly to my email. It’s a private conversation between just us.) I read all your messages and try to respond, but not always in a timely manner. Sorry! And if you enjoyed this email, you’d be doing me a favor by forwarding it to someone else who might like it.