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.com
Bandless Ear Mitts – $18.96 on Amazon.com
isotoner 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.com
Friendship 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
I love rose quartz! It’s so much better than jade. Jade makes me itch the day before I use it. You wouldn’t think that’s possible, but such is the power of jade. Rose quartz is more forgiving in that it only does nothing at all.