Oprah’s Favorite Things list came out yesterday. All of the items were luxurious and beautiful. But, the comment section was filled with angry people, who felt the items were far too expensive, and not affordable or realistic gift suggestions. After going back through the list, I came to the conclusion: I’d have to agree. The items are mostly luxury, with the only items priced around $20, being straws and stationary.

I am gift-giver by nature. I absolutely love to find the perfect present for someone, surprise a friend with a little treat, or give a little lagniappe to clients and friends. I have a large family, so Christmas has always been tricky… I want to give everyone something thoughtful and special, useful or fun – but don’t always have the budget for higher priced gifts. So I get creative, and create my own version of luxury. Luxury is defined as: the state of great comfort and extravagant living.

Well, I’d say, if you can afford to give a gift at all, that in and of itself is a state of great comfort and extravagant living. The ability to give, even if it’s just our time, is a luxury. Some of the most meaningful gifts I’ve given to friends, have been handmade gifts I created myself. A gift, especially one handmade, is a luxury item.

In the spirit of looking at luxury a little differently, I’ve decided to share my favorite things. Some are pricey, some only a few dollars, but all items are things I’ve either given as gifts, absolutely adore and/or use myself. My friends call me AJ, and this is a list of my favorite things.

 

COZY THINGS
Mexican Blanket – $8.95 on Amols.comBandless Ear Mitts – $18.96 on Amazon.comisotoner Women’s Spandex Touchscreen Cold Weather Gloves with Warm Fleece Lining and Chevron Details – $47.00 on Amazon.com

Women’s Cozy Neck Pullover – $29.99 on Target.com

Blanket Scarf – $14.89 on Amazon.com

FAMILY GIFTS

Utter Nonsense Naughty Edition (Family-Edition available) – $13.19 on Amazon.com

Women’s Thermal-Knit Sleep Leggings (with coordinating pajamas for the whole gamily) – $19.99 on Oldnavy.com

Click Clack Lumberjack – $19.54 on Amazon.com

Wooden Tic Tac Toe Game – $11.00 on Amazon.com

FOR BEAUTY LOVERS

Benefit They’re Real! Mascara – $25.00 on Sephora.com

Rose Quartz Face Roller – $22.77 on Amazon.com

Living Proof Perfect hair Day™ Dry Shampoo – $23.00 at LivingProof.com

T3 Twirl Convertible 1.25″ Curling Iron – $185.00 on Sephora.com

Tortoise Backcomber – $2.29 on SallyBeauty.com

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads – $9.02 at Amazon.com

 

St. Tropez 6.7 oz Express Mousse Set – $55.00 on QVC.com

TRAVELER TREATS

Clarity Clutch Small – $48.00 on Truffle.com

Leather Travel Case Set – $110.00 on Cuyana.com

Ambeur 3-piece luggage set – $385.00 on CalpakTravel.com

Light Cotton Robe – $24.99 on WorldMarket.com

S’well Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, Double Wall, 25 oz (holds an entire bottle of wine) – $45.00 on Amazon.com

Cosmos ® 8 Pcs Non-Woven Dual Drawstring Shoe Bags with Clear View Window for Travel Carrying – $11.97 on Amazon.com

YETI Rambler 20oz Tumbler – $29.99 on YETI.com

FASHIONABLE FINDS

Charleston Rice Beads, Bracelet – $32.00 on CandyShopVintage.com

GiGi Uber Clutch – $170.00 on GiGiNewYork.com

KREWE Sunglasses, Tupelo 24K – $215.00 on Krewe.com

Wide-brim Fedora Hat – $16.45 on Amazon.com

SPANX Faux Leather Moto Leggings – $110.00 on Spanx.com

Non-Slip Velvet Hangers (100 Pack) – $42.99 at Amazon.com

FOR THE KITCHEN

100% Cotton Classic White Tea Towels with Blue Stripes, Qty 13 – $16.99 on Amazon.com

 

Rub-a-Way Bar Stainless Steel Odor Absorber – $8.99 on Amazon.com

Royal Casa Cheese Markers Set – $14.95 on Amazon.com

Hurbo 2 Tier Stainless Steel Dish Rack Basics Dish Plastic Drainer Dryer Tray Holder Organizer – $30.99 on Amazon.com

Platters and Boards: Beautiful, Casual Spreads for Every Occasion, hardcover – $16.96 on Amazon.com

Enamelware Coffee Mugs (Set of 4) Grey Marble – $36.99 on Amazon.com

FOOD GIFTS

Oh! Nuts, Large Roasted Nut Variety Fresh Assortment Tray – $26.95 on Amazon.com

Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses, Set of 4 – $15.95 on Amazon.com

Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Sunset Tea – $5.99 on Harney.com (also available at most grocery stores)

Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries – $13.95 on YummyBazaar.com (or Fresh Market)

Oak Grove Jambalaya Mix – $2.30 on CajunGrocer.com

Louis-Sherry 12-piece Tin – $35.00 on Louis-Sherry.com

Sparkling Rosé Bears – $8.50 on Sugarfina.com

TECH GADGETS

Car Mount, Maxboost (2 Pack) Universal Air Vent Magnetic Phone Car Mounts Holder – $7.90 on Amazon.com

 

Phone Tripod, UBeesize Portable and Adjustable Camera Stand Holder – $13.98 on Amazon.com

Compatible Headphone Lighting Jack Adapter Charger Cables iPhone – $11.96 on Amazon.com

Compatible Heahphone Lighting Jack Adapter Charger Cables iPhone – $11.96 on Amazon.com

GIFTS FOR THE HOME

Antique Reproduction Iron Mermaid Bottle Opener Rust – $5.97 on Amazon.com

Oriental Furniture 24″ Floral Blue & White Porcelain Umbrella Stand – $110.16 at Amazon.com

Black & Gold Ice Bucket – $46.70 on Amazon.com

Galvanized Cheers Tub – $29.74 on Amazon.com

The Art of the Cheese Plate: Pairings, Recipes, Style, Attitude, hardcover – $23.79 on Amazon.com

Aroma Bakeware Marble Cheese Board Slicer – $19.99 on Amazon.com

ECO-FRIENDLY GIFTS

Wool Dryer Balls Natural Fabric Softener – $9.95 on Amazon.com

Fun Size Burlap Wrapped Bouquet – $49.00 on FarmgirlFlowers.com

BAGGU Standard Reusable Shopping Bag – $10.00 on Amazon.com

Set of 8 Stainless Steel Straws – $7.99 on Amazon.com

GIFTS TO INSPIRE

Lists For Togetherness: Journaling Inspiration to Deepen Connections with Your Loved Ones, hardcover – $11.87 on Amazon.com

LOVE IS PROJECT | Skinny Love Bracelet – $24.99 on LoveIsProject.co

Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People, paperback – $11.55 on Amazon.com

Winnie Earring – $32.00 on Akola.com

PRESENTS FOR PETS

ZippyPaws, Monkeys ‘n Bananas, Hide and Seek Plush Dog Toy – $9.99 on Amazon.comFriendship Collars – $35.00 on FriendshipCollar.com

Ethical Pet Interactive Seek-A-Treat Shuffle Bone Toy Puzzle – $9.50 on Amazon.com

JUST FOR FUN

Box Fox | Merry Merry – $34.00 on ShopBoxFox.com

Bowling Pin Electric Wine Opener – $29.99 on Amazon.com

Chopstick Pens – $14.95 on Amazon.com

Talking Tables Prosecco Pong – $19.66 on Amazon.com