Last Christmas, four days post IVF transfer, all I wanted was a healthy baby. I’ve always been kind of a Grinch about the holidays, and I promised if I got to celebrate Christmas 2023 with my daughter, I would try to change my ways. This is easier said than done.
Instead of gifts for ourselves, Kyle and I adopted a family from a local charity, and there are EIGHT children. So all of our holiday gifting cash is being spent on socks (so many socks!), fluffy blankets, and toys for those kids. I think this will probably become our new Christmas tradition.
Here are a few options that caught my eye (some I already own; some I would love to own) in case you have a woman on your list who seems to have everything. (Because it’s me, I’m the problem.)
I already own this Soap Ultrasonic Cleaner, but I would buy it again in a snap. The machine uses sonic vibrations to loosen dirt and grime from your jewelry. And, trust me, even jewelry that looks clean, isn’t. It can also clean retainers, baby pacifiers, and other items you need to be grime free without harsh cleansers.
This weekend, I was watching the Studio McGee Dream Home Makeover on Netflix and spotted this Tory Burch fleece jacket on the show’s star. It looked like the kind of “cool girl casual chic” that I’m always hunting for but haven’t mastered. I also like the simplicity of their black and navy option.
Looking for a fleece in a less expensive price range? LL Bean has this dreamy fleece in a modern cut. (Love the ivory!) It also comes in petite and plus. If you want a trendier cut, this quarter-zip fleece from Abercrombie is the ticket.
I don’t know who introduced me to Brooklyn Dehli, but I need to thank them. This small-batch brand of curries, condiments and delicious sauces ins incredible. All of their products are delicious, but the one I need to restock every few weeks is the Roasted Garlic Achaar. This smoky, savory condiment is great on sandwiches, in rice bowls, or on french fries. You will find yourself putting it on everything. And don’t miss their chutney.
Take your skincare to the next level with this Higher Dose red light mask. Unlike most red light devices, this one doesn’t have a cord, so you can put it on and go about your household chores, Saturday morning routine, or workout without needing to be tethered to the bathroom.
Last year, I replaced my wedding bands (that didn’t fit post-IVF) with Mejuri’s thin dome ring and pave diamond ring. They’re both incredible pieces. The thin, gold dome ring works for anyone. Or if you want something a bit less expensive, try this duo beaded ring in gold vermeil.
This Dagne Dover canvas bag is the must-have, versatile bag that no woman can be without. If you’re a Mom, it makes a great diaper bag. If you’re a woman who loves to workout, this is the best gym bag. If you love to travel, it is the ultimate plane bag. It have great organization, and it’s washable.
Going on a girls’ trip this year? These conversation cards from Esther Perel help you keep the discussion flowing. So put on your pjs, grab a bottle of wine, a stack of cards and learn something new about your friends and loved ones.
This Lexon Design device is a Bluetooth charger and a speaker. Its compact size makes it perfect for the office or traveling. It’s sleek, comes in several colors, and costs under-$100.
Need the charger without the speaker? This wireless charging pad is thin, portable, and rolls or folds up for easy storage. It also charges three devices at once.
I’m not a sentimental person, but I want to save some things for Sloane to have later in life. So this Keepsake Box is perfect. Hold onto small items, trinkets and heirlooms without taking up a ton of space. Just set it on the bookshelf, and walk away.
I wish I could convince my husband that having those beautiful, brightly colored Estelle glasses was the right look for us, but he isn’t having it. Instead a simpler set like these Schott Zwiesel glasses would make a good gift.
Also in the glassware category, I love these glass coffee mugs from Amazon. And my husband, the dedicated espresso drinker, loves these insulated cups.
What do you want as a gift this holiday season? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
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Will need to send my husband this list for some inspiration for me!
One other thing, and said in kindness because I feel like people are always correcting language, but I would advocate for saying sponsored a family as opposed to adopted a family. There are conflicting opinions on it because adoption is complicated, but this is a good link with more info to consider. https://www.instagram.com/p/Clul8LZrzdy/. Appreciate your willingness to consider it.
The charity calls it adopting. If they call it something else, I will too.
Thanks for sharing this, I hadn’t thought of it that way before.
This is a fantastic round-up and I’ve added almost all of these items for various wish lists for myself. Thanks for picking such great items!
These are such good ideas! Also love the idea of buying for another family. I don’t really do a big gift exchange with family, so I’ll look into that for future years.
Love these pics! Word of warning about the LL Bean fleece- I ordered the ivory a few weeks ago and while the jacket is high-quality and warm, it was NOT ivory. It was a really gross dingy grey or beige color that was not like the image pictured. I don’t know if the contrast with the white website background makes it look nicer but I was so disappointed (and there was a return shipping charge). It was well made and I’ve thought about ordering it in another color, but I look back at a photo I took when I got it and ugh, it was grey! I wish they made it in a true winter white.
The Brooklyn Delhi products are amazing. I’m planning to try their garlic achaar but I’ve been loving the tomato achaar. It’s really upping my winter breakfast of plan oatmeal with runny fried eggs mixed in.