Favorite things of 2023–
…things to give to your friends, your family and yourself.
Hi y’all. I’m back. This has been such a weird year for me. If you haven’t heard, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2022 and spent the last 2 years negotiating that and the aftermath. I haven’t had the energy or need to keep up with the regular blogging that I’ve done in the past. In 2023 I’ve started to feel more like myself and more like… sharing…
As we coast into another holiday season, I find myself reflecting on what worked for me this year. What brought me joy? What have I obsessed over?
So I couldn’t help myself from once again jotting down a few of my favorite things list – JUST LIKE OPRAH.
I’ve already compiled my list of favorite 2023 books HERE if you want to gift yourself or a loved one the best gift of all - BOOKS.
And here are my past guides if you need all the ideas:
2021 guide HERE
2020 guide HERE
2019 guide HERE
So these are LEGIT some of the things that I’ve enjoyed/ discovered/ relied upon in the crazy year that we have called 2023.
Woozoo fan(s) <— see how I put the plural? That’s because I own FOUR. And will likely buy more. I’ve installed one in my room at my parents’ house so I can always have my Woozoo air. Costco and Target also sell them, when they’re not sold out. These little fans have a remote control, can go in any direction and are just fabulous little workhorses if you, like me, need to be fanned often.
Stratia lipid gold - Do I love skin care? Yes. Do I use a lot of products? Also yes. Have I particularly fallen in love with this? Yes? It gives me the emollient qualities of an oil but a lighter lotion feel. My daughter also loves this for eczema on the body because it’s so soothing.
Stanley cup and liquid IV - I am a basic bitch but there’s just something about my Stanleys that keep my water cold and perfect. I also preach a lot about my liquid IVs, which I started taking last year after all my surgeries and now I keep it up to manage medication side effects, hot Texas weather and post-workouts.
Early bird cbd - another thing I recommend all the time. Again, I started experimenting with various full spectrum CBD products during my breast cancer year and I’ve still found them invaluable for mood and sleep and stress support.
lululemon bag - I finally gave in to this trend and I see the hype, especially for airport travel.
Elf Halo glow products - A LEGIT TikTok makeup trend. I have loved all the products I’ve managed to find (they are often sold out everywhere.) The highlighter and blush and liquid filter are just perfect on skin to give you that did-she-just-get-back-from-a-facial-or-a-day-at-the-beach look. Supposedly they’re dupes of Charlotte Tilbury products but I think they stand on their own.
Dyson Hairdryer - it’s a splurge but worth it
Tymo straightener - less of a splurge but a decent option with air-blowing technology that makes my hair feel less fried
Skullcandy noise reduction headphones - I really love these for the price. My tech-y husband gets annoyed that I can’t hear him through the “cheap” headphones, so that’s saying something. lol
The JOMO Robe - this would be a great gift for the person who has everything. Thoughtful details, a classic style, lightweight and easy.
Packing bags - the perfect gift for kids going off to college. Bookmark for grad gifts next spring.
STOCKING STUFFER ideaS!
Because everyone needs some!
How about a tortilla blanket?
Everyone needs socks and especially these.
How about some Women With Books merch? A fun sticker for a reader? HERE
It’s the 21st century and we need to stay connected and organized with the perfect cord carrying case and the best multipurpose charger/battery.
I love red light therapy and this wand is great for those who want to start off small.
Recent power outages at home and abroad have convinced me that everyone needs a head lamp
WHITE ELEPHANT GIFTS!
For all the Christmas/ neighborhood/ family get togethers, I always keep some multi-purpose multi-gender multi-age just- in- case gifts around.
Marshmallows — Always a huge hit. Who wouldn’t want a tub of cereal marshmallows? Or use them for a fun hot chocolate bar! Honestly, this a go-to gift I will stock up on for last minute school parties, etc.
Mini projector - a gadget that everyone will love they just don’t know it until they see it at the white elephant exchange
Luxardo cherries - the premier choice for old-fashioned enthusiasts. Pair this with a bottle of serviceable bourbon and your gift is THE ONE TO WIN.
Me at any white elephant exhange.
Reminder: some of the links on this page are affiliate links and I may receive a few coins in return for your purchase.
OKAY!!!!
I hope that these recommendations help you get started on your lists this year. If you’re interested in more of these types of recommendations, I do a monthly round up of my fave things, movies, shows, books, etc. in my Women with Books newsletter. So… you know… you could sign up for those here.
And over the next few months, as we go through the holiday gathering season… be safe. Be Well. Take care of yourself and your loved ones. And keep reading.