All I want for Christmas is you… and five things on this list.
I truly love giving presents more than getting presents, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love Christmas for the presents just a little. Okay, a lot! I feel like this is the year to go big or go home… and we’re all stuck at home anyway, so we don’t really have a choice but the latter!
My family teases me for always having the longest list, but it’s a strategy! I leave no room for anyone to say “I don’t know what to get her,” leaving for awkward gift cards shoved into stockings in lieu of a thoughtful present (though there’s no shame in winning the gift-card game… more on that in a sec!).
Think I’m nice? Check this list twice!
1. Packing Cubes. Goddess as my witness, when this pandemic is over, I am vanishing into a puff of smoke onto the nearest flight to New York, or Boston, or a tropical island. I have not decided yet. I’m the girl who rolls up (NOT CRUMPLES INTO A BALL. THERE’S A DISTINCTION, MOM) her clothes when packing to maximize the space in the suitcase. Though it’s efficient for saving room, clothes can get misplaced or wrinkled in the process. Packing cubes can fit into any suitcase, and keep your categorized tops, bottoms, or even coordinated outfits, all in one place! Traveling should be relaxing, so packing (and repacking) should be the first step to that!
2. Makeup Mirror with Light. I have a new ring light, which helps with taking photos, but using that to do my makeup is always like dancing with my hands tied. I have to place my phone in the center of the light, and use my front-facing camera to do my makeup in the view finder. There has to be an easier way! There is! Using a mirror, not a camera! I want one with a light that will help me better maximize my makeup usage (help me cover where I need it, use less product where I don’t). Flawless finish, here I come!
3. 1001 Movies to See Before You Die. This book is my new bucket list. I’m excited to see how many films listed in this anthology I’ve already watched. I wonder how many of them I’ll actually enjoy! I didn’t minor in Film/TV studies to watch movies… but considering how few “classics” we watched for coursework, I feel like there’s so much essential viewing I’ve missed! I’m sure this book will bring me up to speed.
4. Disney Sketchbook. During the pandemic, Aaron and I sat down and followed along with Disney Animation’s step-by-step on how to draw certain Disney characters. Aaron’s a visual artist in his free time, so this was just a fun exercise for him! For me, it was humiliating. Olaf and his warm hugs deserve better than my weak hand. Sure, I can follow along with the Youtube videos, but I want a book to guide me, too!
5. Tex Bee Star Projector. I’ve been suckered by Youtube, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. This looks SUPER cool! I want to see the night sky from the comfort of my home. Maybe then I’ll actually stargaze!
6. Pink Sands by Yankee Candle Co. Fun fact about me: I love candles. LOVE them! I always loved having a bunch of different scents in my room when I was in high school, ranging mostly in vanilla and sugar cookie sweet! Now that I’m older, I do have more variety. Pink Sands is a more flowery scent, and to me smells like the floral parts of “Flight of Passage,” the Avatar ride in Animal Kingdom. I have a car freshener of it hanging on my rearview mirror, and a big candle in my bathroom to make my shower smell pretty, but knowing me, I’ll burn that big candle out in a few months time! I won’t want to be without it when it’s gone.
7. Morphe Babe Faves Eyebrush Set. If there’s anything my makeup experiment this year has taught me, it’s that having the right brush can make or break your look. This set has a brush for every density, sweep, and blend that you can imagine. I’m hoping to use some of the brushes during my new journey of attempting nose contour, too!
8. Squatty Potty. DON’T MAKE FUN OF ME. We could all always be healthier right? This little stool (shut up) apparently really helps get your flow goin’ when you gotta get goin’.
Don’t get snippy with me, baby. If you knew the science, maybe I’d listen to a word you’re saying.
–“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” Edgar Wright and Michael Bacall, 2010
9. Gift Cards. I personally don’t think that gift cards are always a symbol of “I don’t know you, so I’m going to get you something that everyone would like.” If you know the person you’re getting gifts for well enough, you know exactly what they like and where their passions lie. Anyone who knows me knows that I love my Kindle, and I love Audible! On top of that, I could have a pajama drawer filled with JUST Victoria’s Secret PJ sets in different lengths, fabrics, and colors. I also do have a passion for makeup, even if I would prefer to wear less on a daily basis. All that combined, you could find Amazon, Victoria’s Secret, Ulta, and Sephora gift cards on my list this year. I know what I like at each brand, which can be a very particular thing for anyone. My sister loves H&M, but learned early that telling that to loved ones meant that she would get pieces that were not her style. So, don’t skip out on the gift card. When done right, you prove that a) you know your loved one enough to know what they like and b) you give them the chance to get what they will truly enjoy!
10. Yeti Water Bottle. I have a massive water bottle that holds all the water I should be drinking in one day. It helps me halfway, since I can rarely be bothered to get up from my workday for a refill, but the temperature changes in the standard plastic of the bottle. The Yeti Water Bottle is known for keeping the temperature of the liquid inside the same temperature for a LONG time. I want ice cold water ALL day. ALL day. Plus, they come in such pretty colors!
This is just a skimmed version of my list for this year. As you can see, I have a variety of items at different price points! I hope I get some of the things I put on my list this year, but at the end of the day, I’m really grateful for what I have now. Life is precious, no matter whether bells are jingling!
P.S.: This post makes it 104 for the year. Resolution accomplished! I’m taking this week off to really take in that holiday cheer, but I’ll be back with some thoughts on the past and new year!