This year, I really wanted to host a Favorite Things party.  If you’re not familiar with these parties, the concept is simple: every attendee brings a gift, usually something under $15, that they really love, and they bring enough for everyone.  So at the end of the night, everyone leaves with a few new “must have” trinkets.  I think it’s a tremendous idea.  I mean, who wouldn’t want to play Oprah for a day?

But alas, it was simply not to be.

Then, I realized, wait a minute.  I have a blog, which is essentially one giant collection of my favorite things.  So why not do a Favorite  Things gift guide filled with affordable things?

Le Pen makes the very best pens.  Period.  They’re extremely fine tipped, fun to write with, and come in awesome colors or basic hues.  I buy the Oriental Blue.  If I were doing a Favorite Thing, I would buy a pack of blue and a pack of black and give one of each.

It’s an inexpensive and fabulous gift.  Watch how quickly they become everyone’s favorite pen.

Do you get bruises?  Sore joints?  Small aches and pains?  Translation, are you over-35 and don’t know why your body seems to be falling apart?

Then Dr. Bronner’s Arnica-Menthol Magic Balm is for you.  Rub this onto what pains you to shrink bruises fast and soothe soreness.

Condiments are a great thing to bring to a gift-swap party.  Whether it be a spice blend from the local ethnic-foods market, a honey, a hot sauce, a jam, a coffee syrup, the choices are endless.

For me, the number one condiment in my pantry is this Roasted Garlic Achaar from Brooklyn Dehli.  I’ve shared this before, and I keep coming back to it because it is delicious.  Mix it into hummus.  Spread it on sandwiches.  Use it in a rice bowl.  It’s also incredible with the chicken nuggets that your toddler didn’t eat.

I bought these $10 Immobird Hoop Earrings during a 1:00AM Instagram binge when I was feeding my then-newborn.  They are the ultimate cool girl earring that is still work appropriate.  I usually wear them with all black, and whether it’s a business suit or leggings and a sweatshirt, they always look fabulous.

Looking for another earring related gift that people don’t know they need?  Locking earring backs.  If you have a pair of earrings that you are terrified to lose, these snap on backs keep them firmly, but comfortably, on your ears.

My kitchen, like the kitchens of all 40-year-old women, is filled with small appliances — toaster ovens, stand mixers, slow cookers, waffle makers, you name it.  As a result, it is also covered in haphazardly stored cords.  At least, it was.

These stick on cord organizers are phenomenal.  Attach one to almost anything with a cord (not hot rollers) to keep things tidy.  Pro-tip: clean the surface with rubbing alcohol and then, heat the adhesive with a hair dryer to get it to stick really well.

Meet the Pony Popper.  If this product had existed in 1996, it would have been sold by a 30-minute infomercial airing on HGTV and the Disney Channel.  Every woman you knew would have owned five.

The small plastic clip adds volume and life to any ponytail.  Even on my shoulder length hair, it makes my ponytail fuller and bouncier.  It’s how you get that supermodel quality ponytail without teasing your hair until it cries out for mercy.

As I’ve mentioned before, I always check luggage.  Don’t @ me, this is my beige flag and I wave it with pride.  But while I love to bring a full-size liquid or gel, I recently discovered these handy pouches for bringing your own shampoo, conditioner, lotion, etc. when traveling.

They’re fantastic.  They’re sturdy enough to refill and reuse if you want.  If not, just toss them before you leave for home.

These products were my favorite affordable things for 2023.  Later this week, I’ll post some more affordable gifts for White Elephant gifts and stocking stuffers.

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