a list of what I love this year

I didn’t really make Christmas or Birthday lists until I married my husband, and like clockwork every year my mother-in-law asks me for my list. And then when Christmas roles around I genuinely feel shocked and excited when I get to open up everything I’ve wanted and forgot I had asked for. My mom always gives us money to buy something we like for our birthday but often I’d end up putting it into my bank account and never spending it on something that felt like a gift. So now, I’m a fan of the list. I like to ask for things that I wouldn’t normally buy myself. The nice face oil, a gift card for a massage, totally unnecessary but fun tennis skirt, a membership to a wine club, pink dutch oven, +$100 pair of sneakers, a face mask that’s overpriced but really works; things that aren’t required but that are fun. Isn’t that what a gift should be?

I keep a note on my iPhone of ideas throughout the year. Things I see and love but don’t buy because they aren’t needed or feel indulgent. Here are some things on my list!

[This is a guest style post by my sister Joanie. Links are affiliate where applicable. Thank you Joanie!]

It’s fun to ask for experience gifts. I got a facial membership one year from my mom and it was such a treat and felt like the gift that kept on giving. My aunt gives me a case of champagne for my birthday and I look forward to it every year. We share it with lots of people and it’s fun to have a bottle on hand to open on a random Wednesday. I also love Helen’s Wine Club she has the best taste and was the first person who really got me into wine. She’s a wealth of knowledge and has a great wine club! Also, a coffee club is an excellent gift that keeps on giving! Go Get Em Tiger is a local favorite of ours that ships. (Editor’s note: Carrier Roasting is a Vermont brand that we love that ships as well.)

Radiance Face Oil

glasses

dutch oven

lunya sweatpants

everlane

tennis skirt

Every year I get a bottle of the radiance face oil from True Botanicals. They have a Black Friday sale that brings the price down and (in my opinion) it’s the best face oil out there.

I got a set of these glasses for my birthday last year and love them. Upgrading your barware is definitely not a need but makes hosting cocktails with your neighbors more fun.

Add this absolutely unnecessary but beautiful Dutch oven to your list. Cooking with color is more fun!

I highly recommend these sweatpants. They were on my Christmas list three years ago and I wore them so much and have since told about 10 people to buy a pair. They are something I wouldn’t buy myself because of the $$ but they are worth it. So comfortable and cute for running outside to walk the dog or a quick stop at the grocery store. I think investing in great sleep/lounge ware is underrated! (Editor’s note: my sister-in-law Hannah and I have both given these sweatpants are early postpartum lounge wear. The waist can be worn high or low. They are much loved.)

I don’t play tennis enough to need a tennis skirt but it sure does make playing more fun. I got this for my birthday this year and love it. So chic!

This sweater was on my birthday list this year and I have barely taken it off since I got it. I sized up (normally a small and got a medium) and i would say it’s really oversized so maybe stick with your normal size unless you want it big.

Mansurs

Clare V

Celine

A bag that you’d never buy for yourself. Most of us carry a purse every single day so having something you love to carry is well worth it. I have a yellow crossbody bag that I wear all the time and even though the color might seem hard to coordinate with it mixes surprisingly well with many things. I love this one by Mansur, this beautiful blue woven bag by Clare V, this silver option is the perfect day and night bag, and my dream wishlist item, Celine, this one is stunning.

perfume oil

lightening paw perfume

fly by jing

Perfume is something I never buy for myself but love to receive. I currently have two favorites, this Malin + Goetz cannabis one smells SO good, you’ll never get more compliments on a scent. I’m currently out of it and need a re-stock! Also, this one by Olo is amazing.

I love Fly by Jing so much. Their trio pack is the best gift to give or receive. The Mala Spice Mix on popcorn is SO good. Would make an excellent hostess gift.