Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love the Fall weather, the food, the family, and that it’s completely calm before the holiday craziness. The week before Thanksgiving when I’m most relaxed is the time when I get most of my Christmas shopping done. I’m here today to help you do the same with a list of some of our favorite, can’t-live-without items in our home.
Gift Guide of Favorite Things
P.S.: I tried to our favorite things on Amazon for you so you could immediately add them to your shopping cart. They are affiliate links and if I couldn’t find the exact item, I found one as close to it as possible. Happy shopping!
Down Alternative Hypoallergenic Comforter: Last year Macys had a Daily Deal offering a white Home Design comforter for only $18 (originally $80+). I bought two and was shocked to find how much I love them. This year they offered a similar Martha Stewart comforter for just $18.99. I bought 6 of them!
Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Vacuum: I purchased this vacuum two years ago. It was so amazing, I bought one for my Mom. It replaced her much heavier wall vacuum unit. My Mom is in her 70’s so that long, heavy hose that is part of the wall unit was getting too heavy. This ultra-light vacuum has incredible suction on wall-to-wall carpets (even with our pet hair) and goes from carpet to hardwood and tile with the flick of a switch not eh handle. Attachments are included to vacuum corners and the couch. And there’s no bag. Just empty the canister after each use. Love it!
The Greatest Showman Movie: This is by far my favorite movie of 2018. Absolutely love the soundtrack which you can get here.
LED Clamp Light: My kids have clamp lights very similar to these attached to their beds. They’re the perfect reading light.
Mary Kay Timewise Soap: My sensitive skin was still breaking out in my 40’s. I tried just about every wash I could find. Then I discovered this soap. It’s incredible and does not dry out my skin. In the last 10 years I’ve run out of it 3 different times and within 5 days started to breakout again. I cannot live without this soap!
Lavender Oil: If anyone in your house wants to fall asleep easily and sleep through the night, give them a jar of lavender oil. I tell anyone about this if they say they don’t sleep well or wake up during the night. I rub a few drops on my wrists and the bottom of my feet every night. Mix 10 drops of the oil with some fractionated coconut oil and place in a roller ball. One year I made up a bunch of bottles and gave them as gifts to my friends.
Bagolini: My favorite bag! I have this same bag in a dark gray. It’s small, super lightweight nylon, and has a ton of pockets to keep items separate. It’s perfect size to hold my phone, money, business cards, etc. but not bulky at all. And the extra-long strap makes it a cross body bag with hands-free convenience. Love these bags.
Big Skinny Wallet: For the guys, I buy these Big Skinny wallets. They really are super skinny, lightweight, and hold a ton! I like the bi-fold leather, but they also come in trifold, nylon, and women’s versions.
Regenerist Cream: Another essential I can’t live without. I prefer the fragrance free and my skin looks better today than it did 10 years ago.
J.A. Henckels Ceramic Fry Pan: I won’t cook with teflon or copper. I’ve read too many scary reviews about the danger fumes they produce. A ceramic pan seemed like the best non-stick option. We actually love this pan. My only tip is you must allow it to fully cool before rinsing.
Under Armour T-Shirt: One of my boys is super picky about his t-shirts. They have to be super soft, stretch, have the cotton (not dry fit) feel to the fabric, and have only a small logo if any. This Under Armour t-shirt is his favorite.
Nike Duffle Bag: This is a great, basic duffle bag. My kids love them.
Asics Sneakers: Three of us in my family wear Asics sneakers. We’ve been wearing them for years, so shopping is easy. They’re lightweight, have great arch support and fit wider than Nike and Under Armour. I just ordered these gel ventures for my husband and son for a 3rd year in a row. The link above is for the men’s, I have these women’s Asics.
Amazon FireStick: Okay here’s one I don’t have, but my friends do and it’s on my list to check out and buy. We spend a crazy amount on DirectTV every month. I’m looking for a much less expensive solution and this FireStick was recommended. It has over 200,000 customer reviews on Amazon with 73% of those being 5-star.
Reebok Leggings: I love Reebok leggings. The fabric isn’t too thick or too thin. Super soft, comfortable, and durable. Just great leggings.
Hanes T-Shirts: Ladies these aren’t just for guys. You will always see me wearing a soft cotton t-shirt under every shirt, sweater, and sweatshirt. I wear them so often that I decided to buy a big pack of men’s white cotton t-shirts. And you know what? I’ve worn ladies brands from LLBean, Target, Old Navy, and The Loft and I love these basic men’s t-shirts. They’re super soft, economical, don’t stretch out, and they stay bright white. I can’t say that for the other brands!
Groomer/Trimmer: I’ve been cutting my family’s hair for years. And have saved thousands of dollars over the years doing it! These trimmers are essential for the men’s haircuts.
Defender Laptop Pad: This laptop pad is on my list to purchase. We all use laptops in my family and I do worry about the radiation. This one has great reviews.
Hunter Women’s Rain Boots: Love these!
Dove Vanilla Scented Soap: This soap has a warm vanilla scent and helps defeat dry winter skin. A must-have in our home.
Playstation Plus: My boys purchase these digital codes to play playstation online with their friends, so it’s always a great stocking stuffer.
Hope this list helps you. As I think of more of our favorite items, I’ll post them for you. In the meantime you can also check out my favorites lists from last December.
Happy shopping!
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