Gift Guide: What’s On My Personal Wish List

A few weeks ago, my family decided to do something that I was doubtful about,
but now I am 100% behind. We each put together our own personal wish lists on
Elfster and shared
those lists with each other. Since we have lots of family birthdays in
December and January, this makes gift buying through these months so much
easier.

I actually thought I was a good gift giver but through this exercise I learned
that instead of the sweaters and makeup I would usually give, my older sister
preferred gift cards to
her favourite shop, my
green-thumbed brother wanted
new plant pots, and my
niece wanted cash for a monitor.

1. I always have a very long list of design books that I’d love to own one
   day and this book is
   at the very top of that list. I
   follow Heidi on Instagram
   and she has a unique way of using colour and pattern. I’d like to dive
   deeper into her work.
2. My favourite kind of workday lunch? A charcuterie board. This
   KitchenAid mini food processor
   would allow me to make my own hummus and roasted red pepper dips, plus, it
   would make chopping vegetables for salad a breeze.
3. Every year I buy myself a planner.
   This Hemlock & Oak planner
   caught my eye last year and I kept it in mind. I love the minimalist
   design, linen texture, and the gorgeous colours. The fact that it’s made
   in Canada and uses sustainable sourcing and production is a bonus.
4. Simple and sculptural, these
   brushed gold orb earrings
   would work with any outfit. I have quite a few earrings from J.Crew and
   they’ve proven to be classics that elevate your every day look.
5. This
   fleece crew neck long sleeved shirt
   might not look like much, but let me tell you, its like wearing your
   favourite cozy, soft and worn-in shirt. I already have this in the beige
   colour and would love it in the black. Its the perfect work from home
   shirt that keeps you warm but not too hot.
6. What’s your go-to purse? I use my
   Lululemon belt bag
   everyday but sometimes I need something a little more polished.
   The Sidekick Camel
   purse would be perfect. Its slightly larger size and vegan leather finish
   make it a great purse for city walks, day trips, or wearing out with day
   dresses.
7. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a phenomenal 2024. The last few
   years have been tough on all of us. That plus moving into my 50’s have
   caused me really to evaluate what I want out of life, my career, and be
   intentional what I’m focusing on. I’m in need of a pivot year and Brianna
   Wiest always knows what I need to hear. Seriously,
   go follow her on Instagram
   and
   grab this book for
   daily motivation.
8. A
   jar of Chestnut spread… on my Christmas wish list? I would love to find this in my stocking!
   Perhaps only my husband knows this about me, but I’m a sucker for anything
   Bonne Maman and anything chestnut/praline/hazelnut, especially during the
   winter months. Sean gifted me with the
   Bonne Maman Advent calendar I asked for this year – little does he know this will now be a
   yearly tradition – and I cannot get enough of their jams and spreads. The
   infamous 2021 Twitter thread only endears me to this brand and their delicious spreads even
   more.
9. I only started using
   Merit beauty products
   in the last year but I am OBSESSED with this brand. Their
   cream blushes
   are fabulous for mature skin and this
   five-minute morning routine
   convinced me that I need to add
   The Minimalist Foundation and Concealer Stick
   to my makeup bag.
10. I’ve been using
    Caudelie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum
    for years and it lives up to its promise. It visibly reduces my dark spots
    and leaves my skin looking brighter and more even.
11.  Back in March when I was
    vacationing in Amsterdam
    with my family, my daughter Chloe and I saw this girl in her 20s run by
    and the first thing we both noticed was her running shoes. They were Nike
    Air Force 1’s and they had a green sole. After a bit of sleuthing, I found
    out those particular shoes aren’t sold with a green sole but you can
    create your own customized pair of Air Force 1’s! How fun is that? I’d love to have my own unique pair of white sneakers
    with a touch of green tennis flair added to them.

That’s everything I have on my Christmas wish list this year. Even receiving
just one of these things would make me extremely happy. Tell me, what’s
really on your list?