The Ultimate “Favorite Things” Holiday Gift Guide: Discover Beloved Gifts for Everyone
Welcome to our highly anticipated annual “Favorite Things” Holiday Gift Guide – a meticulously curated collection of my absolute most cherished and frequently used items from the past year! This guide is more than just a list; it’s a heartfelt sharing of products that have genuinely enhanced my daily life, bringing comfort, efficiency, and joy.
It’s that wonderful time of year again, and I’m thrilled to unveil one of my absolute favorite annual traditions: the “Favorite Things” gift guide! This particular edition holds a special place in my heart, as it encapsulates all the incredible products and discoveries that have truly resonated with me throughout the past year, specifically 2018. If you’re curious to see what made the cut in previous years, you can explore last year’s favorites here for even more inspiration.
Today, we’re diving deep into a diverse array of items that span various categories, ensuring there’s something for everyone on your holiday shopping list – or perhaps a little treat for yourself! We’ll be covering everything from stylish and cozy apparel to essential kitchen appliances, practical houseware, and innovative gadgets. These aren’t just random picks; they are tried, tested, and truly loved items that I personally vouch for. You might notice an asterisk (*) next to a few items; these indicate special sales that were active at the time of this guide’s original publication, offering fantastic opportunities for savings. While those specific sales might have passed, it’s always worth checking retailers for current holiday promotions, as many of these popular items frequently go on sale.
As you browse through my top picks, I’d love to hear from you! If you have any personal favorites from the past year that you think others would love, please be sure to share them below in the comments section. Your recommendations enrich our community and help us all discover even more wonderful things!
My Handpicked Favorite Things: The Ultimate Gift Selection
Asymmetrical Snap-Up Fleece* – This fleece was one of the most delightful and unexpected clothing purchases I made all year! While it had been ages since I last shopped at Abercrombie & Fitch (think pre-teen years!), this piece quickly became a wardrobe staple. I’ve practically lived in it for the past month, a true testament to its comfort and style. It’s incredibly flattering, fitting true to size with just the right amount of relaxed ease. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it’s remarkably warm, making it perfect for chilly days, and features a practical kangaroo pocket in the center. Though my specific color might be out of stock, it comes in several other beautiful shades, and at the time, it was an absolute steal during the Black Friday sales. Keep an eye out for similar seasonal discounts!
Thermal Socks – It feels like I mention these socks in almost every gift guide I create, but honestly, they are just *that* good! These thermal socks are a true game-changer when it comes to staying warm and cozy. They are unbelievably soft, wonderfully fluffy, and provide exceptional warmth without being bulky. What makes them even better is their incredible affordability, making them a perfect stocking stuffer or a practical gift for anyone who appreciates comfort. From December through April, you’ll rarely find my feet without them – they are an absolute cold-weather essential!
American Spoon Sour Cherry Preserves – Since moving to Chicago, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of making an annual pilgrimage to an American Spoon store in Michigan every summer. This brand is a true gem, crafting an exquisite range of high-quality jams, preserves, pickles, and other artisanal condiments. My personal obsession is their sour cherry preserves. I always make sure to stock up generously, gifting jars to friends and family who quickly become converts, and savoring every last spoonful myself. It’s a taste of summer, preserved perfectly, that brings a burst of flavor to breakfast, desserts, or even a cheese board.
Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones – These headphones were my main Christmas gift last year, and they have far exceeded all my expectations! Not only are they sleek and stylish, but the sound quality is genuinely impressive, delivering crisp highs and rich lows. However, the absolute standout feature has to be their phenomenal battery life – it truly lasts *forever*. I use them constantly throughout the week for workouts, calls, and listening to music, yet I’ve only needed to charge them a handful of times over the past year. Plus, they sync seamlessly with all Apple products, making for an effortless user experience. And for those moments when you’re in a rush, just five minutes of charging provides a remarkable three hours of playback. A perfect gift for the music lover or podcast enthusiast on the go!
Walnut Cake Stand – Every baker knows the importance of presentation, and a beautiful cake stand is essential for showcasing culinary creations. This particular cake stand, crafted from elegant Corian and sustainable FSC walnut wood, is truly one of my all-time favorites. I adore its timeless design, which allows it to be proudly displayed year-round, not just for special occasions. It elevates any dessert, turning a simple cake into a centerpiece. If you have a passionate baker in your life, or someone who appreciates exquisite home decor, this walnut cake stand would be an absolutely cherished gift that combines functionality with enduring beauty.
Zella ‘Hatha’ High Waist Crop Leggings – When it comes to workout apparel, I am incredibly particular, and these Zella ‘Hatha’ High Waist Crop Leggings have truly earned their spot as my absolute favorite. They strike the perfect balance between high compression and extreme comfort, making them ideal for any activity, from yoga to high-intensity interval training. Beyond their performance, they are incredibly flattering and, crucially, not at all see-through, providing confidence during every movement. While they are a premium item, I highly recommend checking Nordstrom regularly for sales, as they are often available at a discounted price, making them an even smarter investment for the fitness enthusiast.
Stumptown Hair Bender Coffee – For the coffee aficionado, Stumptown Hair Bender is simply a revelation. This is our go-to coffee that we consistently use in our beloved espresso machine, and for good reason. Its flavor profile is a harmonious blend of smooth and strong, offering a rich and satisfying experience with every sip. What makes it truly versatile is its adaptability; it performs beautifully whether you’re pulling a precise espresso shot, crafting a pour-over, or brewing a classic drip coffee. It’s a consistently excellent choice that elevates the daily coffee ritual, making it a perfect gift for anyone who appreciates truly great coffee.
Madewell Berkeley Black 9-Inch High Rise Skinny Jeans* – My obsession with these Madewell jeans knows no bounds. They are, without exaggeration, insanely comfortable, incredibly flattering, and effortlessly versatile, pairing well with almost any top or shoe. The thoughtful button details add a touch of distinctive style, and I particularly love the subtly “chewed” hem at the bottom of each leg, which gives them a modern, slightly edgy feel. I’ve owned them for nearly a year, and despite frequent wear, they still look just as fantastic as the day I bought them, a testament to Madewell’s quality. At the time of this guide, Madewell offered a generous 25% discount with a special code during their Black Friday promotions – always worth looking for similar deals!
Wemo Smart Plug – Initially, when Connor bought a few of these Wemo Smart Plugs last year, I admit I was a little skeptical. Living in a small apartment without a fully integrated smart home, the concept seemed a tad excessive. However, we’ve both grown to genuinely love these ingenious devices! We use them to control several lights in our apartment, seamlessly paired with our Alexa. There’s something incredibly satisfying about being comfortably tucked in bed, realizing you’ve left the living room light on, and simply being able to say, “Alexa, turn off living room light.” Beyond voice control, you can also manage them through a convenient app on your phone, allowing you to schedule items to turn on or off, perfect for home security or energy saving. They make an unexpectedly practical and delightful gift for anyone looking to add a touch of smart convenience to their home.
Cuisinart PerfecTemp Electric Kettle – When we moved to our new apartment, replacing our old electric kettle was a necessity, and I’ve been utterly impressed with this Cuisinart PerfecTemp model! It’s quickly become a kitchen workhorse. One of its standout features is the multiple temperature pre-sets, which are an absolute dream for tea connoisseurs or anyone who loves French press or pour-over coffee, as different beverages require specific brewing temperatures. It also boasts a convenient ‘stay warm’ function, keeping your water at the ideal temperature. Its relatively compact and attractive design ensures it won’t clutter your countertop, and perhaps best of all, it’s remarkably affordable compared to many other high-end brands offering similar features. A fantastic and thoughtful gift for any beverage lover!
Hanselmann Pottery Thumb Mug – There’s something truly special about sipping from a handmade mug, and this Hanselmann Pottery Thumb Mug is one of my absolute favorites from one of my most admired ceramic artisans. Hanselmann’s signature thumb mug is renowned for its ergonomic design; the unique thumb indentation makes it incredibly comfortable to hold, perfectly cradling your hand. Beyond its tactile appeal, it’s a piece of functional art, beautifully crafted and aesthetically pleasing. Practicality hasn’t been sacrificed for beauty, as it’s also microwave, dishwasher, and oven safe, ensuring durability and ease of use. Pair it with some gourmet coffee, a selection of fine teas, or fill it with delicious treats for a truly personalized and thoughtful gift.
Sherpa Half-Zip Pullover – Here’s another incredibly comfortable and unexpectedly beloved clothing purchase from the year – and yes, it’s *also* from Abercrombie & Fitch, much to my surprise! This sherpa pullover has quickly become a go-to item in my wardrobe. It’s luxuriously soft, providing unparalleled comfort, and features a perfectly loose fit that feels relaxed without being shapeless. I particularly love the stylish half-zip design and the comfortable, loose sleeve ends. It’s wonderfully versatile: ideal for cozy lounging around the house, perfect to throw on over workout clothes for a quick errand, or excellent for layering under a lighter shell jacket when heading out. Crucially, it has also washed exceptionally well, maintaining its softness and shape. Keep an eye out for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, as Abercrombie & Fitch often offers fantastic discounts on these popular items!
Apple Watch – Last year, for our 30th birthdays, Connor and I exchanged Apple Watches, and it has proven to be one of the best gifts we’ve ever received. I absolutely *adore* mine and wholeheartedly believe it’s one of the best investments you can make, especially if you’re seeking a comprehensive health and fitness tracker. It seamlessly monitors activity, heart rate, and much more, motivating you to stay active. Beyond its health features, it’s incredibly helpful in the kitchen; I frequently use it to set multiple timers for cooking and baking, keeping me organized and preventing anything from burning. It’s a truly versatile device that combines technology, health, and convenience, making it an exceptional gift for anyone looking to enhance their daily life.
Sarah Kersten Covered Bowls – Sarah Kersten is another ceramic artist whose work I deeply admire, and I’m fortunate to own several beautiful pieces from her collection. These covered bowls, in particular, are a testament to her talent, combining stunning aesthetics with impressive functionality – a quality that ranks high on my list of priorities for any kitchen item! Crafted with elegance, they are perfect for storing leftovers, meal prepping, or even serving. Using them is an easy and stylish way to significantly reduce waste in the kitchen, cutting down on the need for plastic wrap and other disposable coverings. They’re a thoughtful and eco-conscious gift for the home cook who appreciates both beauty and sustainability.
Anchor Glass Containers with Acacia Wood Lids – I recently made a conscious effort to replace many of my plastic airtight containers with these exquisite Anchor glass containers, beautifully complemented by acacia wood lids, and I couldn’t be happier with the transition. While they are undoubtedly heavier and a bit more fragile than plastic, their sheer beauty makes up for it entirely. I often leave them displayed on floating shelves in my kitchen, where they add a touch of natural elegance. They are incredibly easy to use and a breeze to clean, maintaining their pristine appearance. I’ve collected them in various sizes and now use them for practically everything – from storing dry goods and snacks to meal prep and leftovers. They are a gorgeous and practical gift for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen storage with sustainable and aesthetically pleasing solutions.
Brod and Taylor Folding Proofer– This seemingly humble appliance, which uses almost no energy, has been an absolute game-changer for my sourdough bread making over the past few months. I honestly never thought I’d own a proofer, but it has quickly become one of my most cherished kitchen gadgets. It functions as a precise proofer box, creating the perfect warm and stable environment for dough to rise, which is crucial for consistent sourdough results. Beyond proofing, its versatility shines through as it also functions as a slow cooker, and can be accurately programmed to any temperature ranging between a gentle 70 to a higher 195 degrees Fahrenheit. This broad temperature range also allows it to be used for making homemade yogurt or fermenting a wide variety of other foods. For the avid baker or fermentation enthusiast, this is an investment that truly pays dividends in delicious results!
Looking for even more brilliant gift ideas to inspire your holiday shopping? Don’t forget to explore my comprehensive 2018 Cookbook Gift Guide for culinary inspiration, and browse through all my past gift guides for a treasure trove of thoughtful suggestions! Happy gifting!
I hope this curated selection of my favorite things provides you with plenty of inspiration for finding the perfect gifts this holiday season. Each item on this list has been personally loved and thoroughly tested, ensuring that you’re giving a gift that truly brings value and joy. Whether you’re shopping for a home chef, a tech enthusiast, a fashion-forward friend, or someone who simply appreciates cozy comforts, you’re sure to find something special here. May your holidays be filled with warmth, happiness, and the joy of giving and receiving thoughtful presents!