Gifts for Em

How do gifts work in your families of origin these days? For several years, on both sides, we’ve moved to picking names for siblings. A few years ago, we incorporated John’s parents into the picks on the Thomas side. This year, for my family, we’re forgoing sibling gifts and instead getting together and going out for a nice dinner. (We’ll still gift individually to my parents.) I don’t know if we’ll do it every year, but it’s a fun experiment!

Even though I’m giving (and receiving!) fewer gifts this year, I still thought it would be fun to share a few things on my personal wish list while Black Friday Cyber Monday sales are still in full swing. As in the kids’ guide, I’ve listed a few tried-and-true favorites below, as well.

On my wish list:

— A new set of mixing bowls | The glass set of 7 bowls we took with us when we moved to North Carolina is down to three. This pretty set would be even better for all the little bakers joining me in the kitchen these days.
— A wool coat in a punchy color | I wear my down parka daily in the winter, but it would be lovely to have a dressier option to mix in. I have looked at these beauties for YEARS without pulling the trigger.
— A tennis dress | John and I have rearranged appointments on Fridays to play together a few times, and I foresee more matches in our future now that June is taking lessons. The green is gorgeous!
— A soft, chunky sweater | Again in the green. This one is a splurge, but I seem to have reached the season of my life where I’d rather buy one sweater every few years and make it an especially good one.
— A dough bowl candle | Love these candles poured on the coast of NC – would look so pretty in the center of our table.
— Sweetest library bag | We visit biweekly at least, and our arms are always overflowing :)

And here are a few things I own and love that I think are worthy of adding to your wish list:

Clothing and accessories:

— Maylis shoes | I own and adore the Ella heels (in cream, at top) and the Catherine loafers (in Maylis blue, above). Both pairs are comfortable, beautiful, well-made, and required almost no breaking in. Still in awe one of my bestest friends has seen a dream come to life in this company!
— Julie Vos Penelope Demi Studs | I wear these 95% of days. Classic pearl studs with the loveliest gold-rim upgrade.
— Clementine shorts | Made for athletic pursuits but they look cute enough to wear out and about with a tee! I love the green color I own and wish they’d restock it.
— Kule tee | My favorite striped tee (below). I have the Classic in cream and navy, but it reads black and white to me.
— Hunter Play Rain Boots | I used to own tall Hunter boots and almost never wore them, because they were uncomfortable and hard to take on and off. I received the shorter version for Christmas last year and ADORE them! Perfect for rainy walks and school pick-ups.
— Ugg Classic Mini II Bootie | I was dubious about adding these to my wish list two years ago, but I am fully converted. Priceless for staying warm in the winter, especially with walking June to school and hanging with friends and neighbors outdoors.
— Summersalt swim suit | I have the Sidestroke and the Oasis and I LOVE them both. I would order up at least one size, as I think they run small. Very fun one-pieces and they’re always getting compliments from other mamas at the pool!
— Lake Pajamas | It’s been approximately four years since I’ve worn any other pajamas. I wear the long-longs year-round and they feel so cool and silky.
— Bow sun hat | This hat is going on year seven or eight and it still looks good as new! Packable, adorable, keeps my face protected.
— Shearling slippers | At hours-of-wear, this item of clothing would probably clock in at the top of my wardrobe – they’re my go-to from when I walk in the door to hopping into bed.
— Tree Skippers | These shoes are incredibly comfortable and cute to wear with everything – dresses, shorts, jeans (see below!). Just make sure to wear no-show socks with them, as they are a bit prone to holes.

Other:

— Half Baked Harvest Super Simple | One of the only cookbooks I actually cook out of. Lots of dogeared pages in this one!
— Skin Twin Featherweight Foundation | I wear this daily and love that it evens out my skin without covering anything up. Clean ingredients, too.
— Original Bogg Bag | Just me, or did these start showing up everywhere last year? I see them at the pool, the beach, and soccer game days (and we use ours in all of those places), but I think they’re particularly helpful for road trip packing. We were gifted ours by a friend and I’m so grateful!
— Block stamp zipper toiletry bags | I picked up the large size while in Connecticut this year. The patterns and colors and great and I think the price is good, too!
— Striped snap tote | I bought six of these for teacher gifts one year when they were marked down to $15, and am SO glad I snagged one for myself, too! They fold up flat and snap open to fit a ton, and I use mine at least weekly!
— Round serving tray | I have the blue design, but all three are absolutely gorgeous. They’re a good size and perfect for corralling things on a dresser or coffee table!
— Boat & Tote bags | Incredibly sturdy and incredibly classic. I like mine open top, in navy, with sans serif embroidery.
— PowerSheets | My beloved goal planner and monthly calendar rolled into one. Can’t do life without them.

For the men in your life, don’t forget this post on some of John’s favorites – lots of good ideas in there!

Affiliate links are used in this post.