How vain is it to keep a running list of things you want? Wait, don’t answer that because typing it out just made me cringe. However, in my defense, on certain occasions people ask what I want and when I’m put on the spot I can never think of a thing, so now I actually keep a list in Evernote of things I want. How silly is that? Or is it brilliant? At least understandable? Ah well, moving on…
Reading through my list honestly made me laugh because it’s such a list of stuff a 30-something-year-old mom would want. Translation: things I would have laughed at as a kid and joke about how sad it would be to want a new sweater instead of a new boom box. But here I am, wanting kitchen gadgets and other sensible items and you know what? NO SHAME.
I’m also throwing in a few items that I own, use, and love, just in case you’re in need of a little inspiration of what to ask Santa for. The list includes some affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you purchase, but there’s no added cost for you.
Gifts For Around the Home
Slippers. We are a no-shoe household (so maybe I should also ask for this shoe organizer to take care of the shoe pile by the door?). I may be showing my age, but cutesy slippers don’t cut it for me anymore. I like support, especially since I’m around the house quite often. My current pair has been great, but both my big toes have poked holes through the exterior so it’s safe to say it’s time for a new pair. After a lot of searching, these are at the top of my list.
Essential Oil Diffuser and Bluetooth Speaker. This diffuser, humidifier, and speaker by ArtNaturals is pretty amazing. Full disclosure: they sent me one a year or so ago and I almost didn’t open up but thank goodness I did because I know use it everyday! During the germ season, I diffuse OnGuard almost daily and the speaker feature is perfect for my Pandora obsession (Tupelo Honey is my favorite station, though lately it’s all about classic Christmas).
Candles. I feel I’ve become more sensitive to scents of candles and some of the strong smelling ones now give me headaches. I love trying new ones, but my go-to favorites will always be these (the scent never gets old!) but I also really love this one that my mom had at her house.
Aura Digital Photo Frame. This wifi-enabled digital frame is expensive. It’s not actually even something I want myself, but I think it would make an incredible grandparent gift because you can constantly upload new photos to be shared from all over the world. So if your family is far away, you can upload new pictures of the kids daily to share with them through the frame. It just sounded so cool I thought I had to share it!
White Square Picture Frames. I have a wall I want to put some pictures on (think instagram style). I’ve been searching for square frames and think I might give this reasonably priced frame set a try!
Gifts For the Kitchen
Set of Glass Mixing Bowls. I have some metal ones from out wedding that are showing signs of wear and tear and I’d love to replace them with a fresh set of basic and beautiful glass bowls. I really like this set from Crate and Barrel.
Rice Cooker with Porridge Setting. Rice cookers are something I laughed at once upon a time. Rice is so easy to make; why would I need a special machine for it?! But I have a small rice cooker now and I love it. It’s easy, mindless, and cooks rice perfectly. However, it’s a small unit and I need a bigger one, so while I’m at it, I’d love one with a porridge setting (waking up to perfectly cooked steel cut oats? Yes, please!) and a delay timer. I’ve had my eye on this model for a while now.
Cutting Board. I love the cutting board we got for our wedding, but it is a little stained now and I’d like to retire it to the “meat only” cutting board status and would love a new, solid wood cutting board to take the main stage.
A Cheese Grater. Did you just fall asleep? Hello? I know, dull dull dull but mine is broken and every time I use it I think, man, I need a new one! I love that this one has a compartment underneath to minimize the mess.
Just for Fun Gifts
A Cute Camera Strap. We recently (a couple months ago) upgraded to a new Canon camera. It’s a phenomenal camera! I carry it most places with me now (it’s wifi-enabled so I can send pictures right to my phone) and I am loving practicing shooting on manual (see below). However, I’ve almost dropped it once or twice (don’t tell David!), and need a camera strap as insurance. I would lean towards a girly camera strap, but since David and I both shoot with it, I’m leaning towards a cute neutral, like this one.
Pajamas. I recently went through my dresser drawers and cleaned out all my old, ratty odds and ends (decades old t-shirts included). I have one pair of pajamas and have loved wearing a real pajama set, so I’d love another pair to have on hand. These looks so cozy and cute!
Gratitude Journal. I know any notebook would work for this purpose, but I’d really love a gratitude journal set up like this one because in 2018 I’d like to get in the habit of writing down one thing I am grateful for every day.
Work Out Gear. I feel I might be inspired to go more often with a few new tops? My friend has worn these tops a few times and they are SO cute. I really like this look too. I also need a new sports bra, but am not sure where to look. Do you have a favorite sports bra for medium-high impact workouts?
Yoga Mat. I lost mine (how do you even do that?) a couple years ago. I’ve had more of a pull towards returning to yoga lately and feel like a mat might kick things off. Maybe? It’s in the running to be a 2018 goal, so a quality yoga mat in “magic” or “sage” would be a fun treat!
Stocking Stuffers
Remember how getting socks as a kid sucked? Now I LOVE socks. They are the embodiment of cozy and comfy which is what I love. I really would love this funny pair.
Marble Drink Coasters are sleek and functional and would probably make me feel more like a real adult than the kids board books I use for coasters now.
A subscription to Real Simple Magazine (it’s only $10!). Guilty pleasure. Minus the guilt. I love Real Simple.
A quick shout out for those of you that don’t have a citrus press. I have this one and it’s so easy to squeeze and makes a mean margarita! I mean lemon water. Yes… lemon water.
Cordless Hand Vac. David gave me this handheld vacuum last year and I’m recommending you snag one too! It’s lightweight and easy for the kids to use and we use is every single day. I no longer shudder when the girls ask to eat crackers.
PopSockets. I don’t know what is taking me so long to get one, but it’s time. I think this one is pretty!
Ok ladies, don’t be shy… tell me…
What is something that you’d LOVE to find under the tree this year?
Tanya says
ALL of this! Seriously we 30-something’s are the same. I seriously want new slippers and pajamas and a candle for Christmas. And picture frames I am adding that too. Along with my bath towels and kitchen towels. (My 20 year old self is currently rolling her eyes). I also want Gray Malin’s new book Escape (unless someone wants to actually buy me a giant print) and new booties. Also a bar necklace that says Mama from Roolee.
Karen says
I recently bought my first sports bra ever from Fabletics and have loved it since. I plan to buy more next year when we travel back to Chicago. Otherwise, Under Armor have always been my go to.
Brynn says
Magazine subscriptions are my guilty pleasure! I love to find my favorites- coffee and a new mug, lotion or perfume. Items I use daily that make me feel good. My biggest wish list item is a silk pillowcase!
Leah says
Yes! Love the list. Even as a late 20-something, I definitely relate to everything here. I also have a “want” list on my phone that made making a Christmas list this year super simple! It also helps me see what stays on there the longest so I know what I truly want and what things may have been put on there as an impulse. 🙂
I love my Crate and Barrel glass mixing bowls! This is the set I have and the little bowls always come in handy. https://www.crateandbarrel.com/10-piece-2.25-10.25-glass-nesting-bowl-set/s591303?&a=0&source=igodigital&_=1512138016161
Alyssa says
Coupons for babysitting so I can go to a yoga or barre class… love my BOB runs but sometimes a stretch by myself in peace and quiet with someone telling me what positions to move into is necessary!
Laura says
Alyssa- or maybe also a family Y membership that includes free childwatch! I starting looking into babysitting for a few classes a week, and when I added the cost of the class plus sitting, it was two or three times more than a family Y membership. My kids love the childwatch, and I love the unlimited body pump, zumba, barre, pilates, yoga… I’ve even gotten my husband to join me for some classes, and we can play raquetball together (without worrying about knocking out one of our little ones) 🙂
Alyssa says
We looked into a Y membership! It’s tough as child care is 8-12 so mornings only and my 8 month old still takes 2 naps and gets angry/cries/screams if we’re out of the house and he can’t be in his crib. He naps 10-11:30 and 2:30-4. I plan to join when he transitions to one afternoon nap, since getting him up and fed (around 7:30-8am), to the Y and into childcare and out again during a time they have a class scheduled would only be able to happen once a week right now (they have 8:30-9:30 ONE day a week) and since I know we’d have to skip it occasionally it’s not worth it :/
Laura says
Yes, it will definitely be a lot easier when down to one nap! I didn’t start taking both kids either until that happened with my one year old. Fortunately my Y offers the childcare in the afternoon/ evenings as well so we can use it after work during the school year (I teach) and then during the day for the summers.
Elizabeth says
I’m constantly laughing at myself thinking about how my middle/high school self would be so disappointed in me (e.g. not styling my hair, not wearing cute outfits, not wanting to go out, etc.)! I was so self centered & naive – but those were good times!! Speaking of middle school, have you seen that everyone’s wearing Adidas Superstars again?! Those are on my list.
That really expensive picture frame that can upload pics easily looks awesome. What a great idea. If you’re looking for simple picture frames (e.g. black/white), Ikea has really good ones for super cheap.
Sara says
Sportsbra shoutout: these from Victoria’s Secret are my absolute FAVE. https://www.victoriassecret.com/victorias-secret-sport/sport-bra-types/lightweight-by-victoria-sport-bra-victoria-sport
I wear them to Crossfit & find they are plenty supportive for my running/weightlifting/burpee-ing needs. (to be clear, I wear a 34C, so I don’t know how they fare for larger-chested ladies) As with all things VS, you can also get them on sale for great prices periodically… I just ordered 3 a few weeks ago for <$18/ea!
Sara says
Eek, I don’t think that link above works. But this one should: https://www.victoriassecret.com/victorias-secret-sport/sport-bra-types/lightweight-by-victoria-sport-bra-victoria-sport?ProductID=336663&CatalogueType=OLS
If not, it’s the ‘Lightweight by Victoria Sport Bra’.
and w/that, I will end my lengthy sports bra comment, ha ha.
Jennifer says
I do keep a list of things I want… it’s on my phone and I titled it, “wants, not needs”. Sometimes when I get a little extra change I take a peek at it. Some items are a waffle maker, an electric griddle so I can make like 10 pancakes at a time!! I recently bought a butter dish which is super dorky but I think it’s so cute! I would love a diffuser – call me a later comer but I just found out about this on Sunday and want to try the Breathe oil in my sons room! But just a simple one will do.
Katie says
I would love ALL of these gifts!!! I think we’re at the same stage in life- I asked for gift cards to buy some sweaters, a desk calendar, the Simply Real Health cookbook and new pajamas!
Maria says
I keep a running list too and then I end up buying off of it as the year goes on. Fail.
My family always asks for detailed lists, so I usually stick on a few makeup favorites, a new desk calendar, and kitchen towels (always need new ones after a year of use!). We have a small vac, but it’s not cordless – so yeah, I need a THIRD vacuum now 🙂
I’d also LOVE another pair of Allbirds, these new wool sneakers that I discovered this fall. They are ridiculously comfy, stylish, and just all around amazing. I want them in every color. They have slippers too if you are interested!
Kim says
I bought myself (I mean our family…) a couple of things around black Friday as early Christmas gifts. An instant Pot (had been waiting one and found a great deal!) and a new Shark vacuum (Rocket true Pet) – I love them both!