My Favorite Things: Luxe and Practical Gifts For Christmas

I like making a wish list for Joe so he can pick the gift he wants to purchase for me. By making this list for him, I take the work out of his job, and I am sure to get a gift I like. Plus, instead of buying the gift myself, I have an element of surprise. I think this will be a lot of fun, and I will try to get him to make a wish list for himself to give to me.

The first list is the favorite gifts I own and love. Remember, this guide was created with YOU in mind, not with gifting to others. Of course, you can still gift any of the items to someone, but I want to take care of my gurls, and I want YOUR Christmas to be special.

I thought a little Christmas music might put you in the mood.

My Favorite Things Luxe Gifts

Most of the items on this list are luxe gifts. When I say luxe, that means it is luxe to me. Everyone has a different idea of a luxury item, and you might not think my choices are luxurious. Most of these gifts are from Joe (whether he knew it or not), but some of them are from Rodan + Fields for hitting certain goals.

The dress is from Chico’s is old – SOLD OUT

1 – This is a gift from Joe for Valentine’s Day. It is one of the gifts he had no idea he gave me. Lol! The Brahmin Finley Small Croc Embossed Leather Satchel is gorgeous; I LOVE the quality and workmanship of this special bag. It looks and feels luxurious!

2 – A watch is something I had gotten away from wearing. My phone had taken its place, but I missed wearing a watch. I love my Michele Two-Tone Watch, which is a gift that I bought using my Nordy reward points. This watch can be worn with dressy or casual outfits, so I know I’ll get my money’s worth since I’ll wear it all the time. I bought the watch over a year ago, and I still love it!

3 – The Dyson Corrale™ straightener/styler is another gift I still love. The cordless feature is awesome! If you’ve ever been in a hotel fighting with your husband for a plug-in and counter space, you know what I mean.

4 – CHATELET AIR 2.0 Luggage. When Joe and I went to Belize a couple of years ago, he grumbled the entire time about his luggage. So, I bought him the 21″ carry-on, the 24″, and the 28″ check-in sizes in chocolate. He loved using it when we went to Palm Springs last year. This year, I bought myself the white set, and I love it. I also bought clear suitcase protectors to help to keep it white.

5 – Sorry, this isn’t the best photo of my David Yurman Cable Loop Bracelet. I’ve had this bracelet for several years; it was another gift from Rodan + Fields. This bracelet makes me feel special. It is easy to put on since it has a hinge closure. I put this pair of earrings on my wish list last year to match my bracelet, and I’ve worn them a lot. I guess I need to add another item to my wish list this year to grow my DY collection.

6 – Rechargeable LED Flashlight E35R EDC Flashlight, 3100 Lumens USB-C Rechargeable High Lumen Performance Flashlight. I know what you’re thinking…”You go from an expensive bracelet to a flashlight; what the heck?!?” You probably don’t think a powerful flashlight is a luxury gift, but it is one of my favorite purchases, and I can’t live without it. I love that it is rechargeable (the charge lasts a long time), but it is the powerful light and the small size that I love. I bought my mom one, and she loves it too.

7 – The Lo & Sons Pearl Nappa Leather Crossbody has been a bag I’ve loved carrying this year. It is the perfect size to carry all my essentials, and I love the triple compartment, which keeps everything organized. I bought the bag to use when traveling, but I’ve found myself using it for every day.

8 – This Barefoot Dreams Robe is fantastic! I’m a huge Barefoot Dreams fan, and I purchase it whenever I find it on sale. This robe was an Anniversary Sale item, and I wear it almost every morning. I ordered the small/medium, which is a great fit, but if you want an oversized fit, then you might size up. This was a Christmas gift for my mom last year, and she had to hem it because it is long.

9 – I’m sure you’re not surprised to see my 18kt Gold Vermeil Cross Necklace on my favorites list. I wear this cross daily; I even shower and sleep in it, so you know it is durable. I wanted a larger cross, and I got this necklace last year when I caught it on sale; I only wear it for special occasions.

10-The Large Hoop Earrings aren’t costly, but I think they look luxe, so they made the list. I don’t think the earrings are too big, but if you like smaller earrings, here is a smaller version.

11-Beige Lou Matelassé Leather Camera Bag. I love this bag! Handbags are my guilty pleasure and the one item I will splurge on. I bought this bag last Christmas as an “I deserve it for all my hard work” gift. Some women love shoes, but for me, it is handbags. This handbag was more expensive than most of the bags I buy, but it is one that I’ll carry for years. (justification)

My Favorite Things Practical Gifts

Practical gifts aren’t underwear and socks. I may be a grandmother, but my idea of practical gifts is slightly different than the gifts I’ve received from others.

1 – Atomic Clock with Outdoor and Indoor Temperature. How is this for practical??? I bought one of these for my grandfather years ago, and he rolled his eyes at the gift. Once it was set up and working, he quickly changed his mind. Joe and I look at this every morning, and yes, I keep my house on 72 degrees in the winter.

2 – Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate™ Tumbler. You might not think this is a practical gift, but I respectfully disagree! I love this tumbler, and it not only keeps everything ice cold, it helps me to consume more water than ever before. I like this soft matte version since it feels soft to the touch and doesn’t clank when you set it down. I have it in this orchid color and shale. I don’t like gnats getting in my drink when I’m outdoors, so I ordered the Straw Covers that come in a six pack.

3 – Heavyweight Anorak Jacket. This Heavyweight Anorak Jacket is available in several colors; I ordered it in plum. Plum has become my favorite color for fall and winter, and I think it looks gorgeous with the blonde fur trim. The coat is a good length, and it really warm and comfortable.

4 – Velvet Quilt. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am with this velvet quilt. Joe and I disagree when it comes to the covers on our bed. I am always cold, and he runs hot. We were always trying to find a happy medium, and nothing worked. He hated a weighted blanket, a down comforter, and I wasn’t warm enough with just a blanket. This quilt keeps us both happy! I also have this dual control Heated Blanket under our sheets. I turn in on to warm the bed, and then the quilt keeps me toasty the rest of the night.

5 – Electric Pepper and Salt Grinder Set. I’ve had these battery operated salt and pepper grinders for years. I loved them so much that I bought them for everyone on my Christmas list a couple of years ago. They require batteries, but the batteries last a long time.

6 – Laundry Detergent for Delicates. I’m new to the luxury laundry detergents. Did you know that was a thing? I have cashmere and wool sweaters, but I always took them to the dry cleaners. Now, I use these products, and my sweaters are soft and smell great. This brand had a recall several years ago, but according to everything I’ve read, they got the issue fixed. I decided to give them a try, and I’ve not had any problems.

7 – Souper Cubes 1 Cup Silicone Freezer Tray With Lid. These are a souper practial gift. I’ve used these several times, and they are perfect for freezing left over soup, chili, or whatever you might have. The last time I was “home” (aka, my parent’s house) my mom told me that she uses hers all the time and loves how easy they are to use.

8 – Himalayan Salt Crystal Lamp 60-80lbs. You might not think of this as a practical gift, but I do. I have several small salt lamps in my guest rooms and bathrooms so my guests can find their way in the dark. But, I have always wanted a LARGE lamp, and boy this one is large. It sits in the hallway outside my bedroom, so if Joe or I get up in the night, we can see just fine. It took Joe and I both to lift this thing; it is so heavy. I put a silicone mat under it to avoid scratching the chest. Also, salt lamps can weep (fancy word for release water) if they aren’t turned on. Salt draws dampness from the air, and the light helps it to evaporate. We don’t always keep ours on, so I put the mat under it just in case, but if has never weeped…I guess it is happy.

9 – 1/2 Carat Diamond Necklace. Here is another non-practical gift. No, none of us “need” a diamond necklace. But, if you want to give someone something that looks super nice and expensive, this necklace is a great option. It is under $100 (barely), but I was so shocked at the size and how nice it looks on my neck. It fits perfectly in the v of a v-neck top, and seems to be a nice quality item.

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Verse Of The Day

Romans 8:31

³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?