It’s time for the annual
not a gift guide (gift guide)!
this is a list of my favorite things of the year meant to inspire presents for YOU under the tree,
(because I know you spend this season shopping to surprise everyone else)
The Not A Gift Guide (Gift Guide) goes out to my Secret Post email subscribers. It’s FREE! If you’re not already on my Secret Posts list, sign up below. I put every effort into making each email I send worth your time.
If you want a taste of what the Not A Gift Guide (Gift Guide) contains, see a few of my Hall of Fame items below. For the full 2023 version with dozens of new recommendations across multiple categories, make sure you’re signed up!
not a gift guide (gift guide) hall of fame
These are items that have been on past NAGG editions and that have stood up over time as my favorites.
I have purchased all of these products on my own - nothing is sponsored - although some affiliate links are used.
HOME category:
These agate cheese boards have become one of my go-to hostess gifts (not to mention that I’ve purchased several for myself). Every color is beautiful and looks so much more expensive than it is (and it regularly goes on sale). Pair it with a bottle of wine or some pretty cheeses, or just wrap a bow around it and call it good.
I discovered Life Therapy at a spa and fell in love with their scents and promptly bought candles and lotion and body wash. My favorite scent is GROUNDED.
I have lost count of how many of these Keiki Co. blankets I’ve given over the years. They’re pricey, but so luxurious and arrive already wrapped in a bow and ready to give. (I also love that it is a local LA company.)
Sugarboo & Co. makes all kinds of cute gifts, but these speckled mugs are the best. They’re the perfect size and weight and have the best sayings.
These Caraway pans have become very popular over the last few years for good reason. I use mine multiple times a week for all kinds of dishes and it cleans up like a dream. (Available in several colors)
I first received this teak cutting board as a gift myself and promptly bought another one, because you can never have too many of these when you grill out as much as we do. Like the cheese boards, this one can be paired with anything to make a big gift, or just slap a bow on it and present to a happy recipient.
Sunday Forever makes my favorite writing candle (the 11:11 candle) and because I burn it all the time, I buy the mega version. When you purchase a gift from Sunday Forever, it arrives wrapped and presented so beautifully.
kindle paperwhite vs. kindle oasis
The #1 question I get on social media is about which kindle e-reader I use and love. Currently I use (and prefer) the kindle oasis, but I find myself most often recommending the updated kindle paperwhite.
Here’s why:
The ONLY reason you need the kindle oasis is if you vastly prefer the buttons on the side. As this point, I do like the buttons because I read in bed so often that I think it’s just a smidge easier to have the buttons to turn the page.
BUT…I used the paperwhite for years and think it’s the better choice for most people, especially if they’re just starting out with e-readers. (Which is way, way, way better than reading on your phone or iPad.)
The paperwhite is half the price of the oasis and has twice the batter life. It’s smaller (not thinner) and fits in my purses better. (It even fits in my smaller fanny packs.) I would go weeks without charging the paperwhite and I have to charge the oasis regularly, which is a pain, especially while traveling.
My verdict: the paperwhite is the best choice for most readers.
SKINCARE
The older I get, the more money (and time and interest) I’m spending on skincare than I am on makeup. (And if you also love this topic, don’t miss my recent podcast episode with Jamie Golden about our current favorite beauty recommendations.)
Here are a few items that I swear by:
CEO Glow by Sunday Riley was my hands-down favorite product of last year and I have continued to use it almost daily in 2023. I like the oil formation because my skin is always dry, but they also offer it as a cream.
Again with the Sunday Riley brand, but it is what I reach for every single day. I love the products, the way they feel and smell and the packaging. Two of my favorites are part of my regular nighttime routine (Good Genes and Luna Night Oil) and you can buy them as a Power Couple duo to try out together before you purchase the full size products.
Another oil, but this one is super multi-use and I always have a bottle in my cabinet. I use it when my skin is ultra dry to get a good boost of moisture, but mostly I use it when I shave my face (also known as dermaplaning) with these razors because I have peach fuzz all over when I don’t. Makeup and skincare goes on so much more smoothly when it’s shaved. This Seabuckthorn oil works so well for so many things and it’s reasonably priced for a big bottle.
Clarins V-Facial Intensive Wrap is the best depuffer I’ve used, perfect after a night out drinking or a heavy meal or just when stress or hormones has caused some puffiness.
About once a week I use this Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Baby Facial to do a deeper exfoliation than I get with my daily routine. It’s a little harsh if you have sensitive skin, but my skin is not exactly tough and it tolerates it fine.
I post pictures on instagram of me in this chin strap thing-y and promptly get dozens of DMs asking about it. This has been on my personal hall of fame list for years for (again) battling puffiness, this time on the chin line.
Secret Stuff Annual Membership + Merch
If you like what I share on my podcast 10 Things To Tell You or on Instagram, consider taking it to the next level by joining my membership community called Secret Stuff. It’s $7/month for the book club, monthly Symposium zoom meeting, personal episodes and regular reading roundups. Starting December 1, you can buy an annual membership to Secret Stuff, so it will be just one charge for all the Secret Stuff content through 2024. You can buy yourself a membership or as a gift. The annual membership option goes away in January (you’ll still be able to join, but only monthly), so don’t wait!
I also (finally) introduced MERCH this year, available to anyone (not just Secret Stuff members). I’m always adding and updating, but there is currently a selection of sweatshirts, totes, and mugs.
style
Gold hoops have become one of my signature style statements. They just elevate any outfit and go with basically anything. I love these from Jennifer Zeuner (multiple sizes available, but I wear the 2” linked) and when you’re ready for an upgrade go for the Jennifer Fisher hoops that are extra beautiful and sturdy.
I know MZ Wallace bags have been popular for awhile, but I finally bought one that became my “volleyball mom” bag, perfect for schlepping to all those weekend tournaments because it’s super (super) lightweight and can hold more than it appears. My favorite is the small sutton. (I recommend going for a darker or patterned color. The lighter colors do get a little dingy.)
Again with things that are already popular, but I LIVE in these joggers. They are so soft and with a cute fit and are more comfortable for working at home than yoga pants or (gasp!) jeans.
Click here for my longtime secret for getting a steal on designer sunglasses. Because I live in sunny California with very sensitive eyes, I wear sunglasses every single day. My favorite styles are Gucci and Chloe, and these Chloe glasses pictured are in my cart.
Bear with me because this is a splurge, but L’Agence has become one of my favorite designers and their blouses in particular are so flattering and beautiful. They are what I reach for when I want to look professional, and this version with the 3/4 sleeves is good all year and less bulky under blazers.