The Ultimate Favorite Things Gift Guide: Discover Must-Have Items for Every Occasion

Welcome to my highly anticipated annual favorite things gift guide! This curated collection showcases my absolute most-loved items from the past year – products that have genuinely enhanced my daily life, brought immense joy, or proved to be incredibly useful. If you’re searching for thoughtful, practical, or simply delightful gifts for friends, family, or even yourself, you’ve come to the right place. Each item on this list has been personally tested and enthusiastically endorsed, ensuring quality and genuine utility.

Stasher Bags – Embracing a more sustainable lifestyle has been a key focus this year, and Stasher Bags have been an absolute revelation in my kitchen. I’ve significantly cut down on single-use plastic bags, thanks to these incredibly versatile and durable silicone alternatives. Made from platinum-grade silicone, they’re remarkably easy to clean – just toss them in the dishwasher or wash by hand. Their airtight seal is fantastic for keeping food fresh, whether you’re storing meal prep components, packing snacks for travel, or even marinating meats. Beyond food, they’re indispensable for organizing toiletries or small electronics. My personal favorites are the stand-up size for bulk items and the ½-gallon for everyday leftovers, though the sandwich size is perfect for smaller items like avocado halves or cheese. Gifting Stasher Bags is a thoughtful way to promote sustainability and convenience.

Framebridge Gift Certificate – There’s something truly special about professionally framed art, and Framebridge makes the entire process incredibly seamless. We have several cherished art pieces beautifully framed by Framebridge, and each one is a testament to their quality and ease of service. From selecting the perfect frame style online to the final delivery, the design and shipping process is unbelievably user-friendly. I particularly appreciate that the framed pieces arrive ready to hang with all the necessary wiring and hardware. This makes a Framebridge gift certificate an exceptionally useful and practical present for anyone looking to elevate their home decor, preserve a favorite photograph, or finally get that treasured piece of art onto their wall. It’s a gift that helps create lasting memories and beautiful spaces.

East Fork Pottery – Investing in handmade ceramics brings such a unique charm to any kitchen, and my collection of East Fork Pottery has become a true highlight this past year. Their pieces aren’t just functional; they’re works of art. I opted for four dinner sets, and they’ve quickly become my go-to for daily meals and entertaining, even featuring prominently in many of my recent food photographs. These ceramics boast a timeless beauty and incredible versatility, seamlessly blending with various decor styles. The everyday bowl, in particular, is a standout for its perfect size, making it ideal for everything from fresh salads and hearty soups to comforting pasta dishes and more. Their mugs are also a personal weakness – truly beautiful craftsmanship that makes every sip a pleasure. A gift of East Fork Pottery is a gift of enduring quality and artisanal beauty.

Zella Leggings – If there’s one item of clothing I practically live in year-round, it’s these Zella leggings. They are an absolute wardrobe staple, especially during the colder winter months. What makes them so exceptional? They feature a wonderfully comfortable high-waisted design that offers excellent compression without feeling restrictive. The fabric is just the right thickness – not too thin, not too bulky – making them perfect for workouts, lounging at home, or running errands. Durability is another major plus; my pairs have consistently held up beautifully through countless washes and wears over several years, looking as good as new. Don’t just take my word for it; the glowing reviews online speak volumes about their quality and popularity. These leggings are an ideal gift for anyone who values comfort, style, and long-lasting athletic wear.

Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum – Investing in a Dyson cordless vacuum last Thanksgiving was a decision I’ve never regretted; I truly can’t imagine living without this machine now. It has revolutionized our cleaning routine, becoming our go-to for nearly every task, from quick clean-ups to more substantial vacuuming. We rarely, if ever, pull out our cumbersome upright vacuum anymore. The Dyson V8 is incredibly powerful, effortlessly tackling crumbs, pet hair, and larger debris, yet it remains remarkably lightweight and exceptionally easy to maneuver under furniture and into tight spaces. If you’ve been contemplating a cordless vacuum, the V8 offers unbeatable value, especially at its current price point. While newer models might boast longer battery life, I’ve found the V8’s duration perfectly sufficient for our daily needs. **Note:** It’s important to keep in mind that this particular model may not perform as effectively on high-pile rugs or very thick carpets, so consider your flooring types!

Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones – These headphones were a birthday gift for Connor last year, and they have proven to be an absolute game-changer. He adores them, and after extensive research, I can confidently say they are among the best on the market. The comfort level is unparalleled, making them perfect for long listening sessions, and the sound quality is simply incredible – rich, clear, and immersive. The noise-canceling technology is particularly impressive, effectively blocking out distractions whether you’re traveling, working in a busy environment, or simply seeking a moment of peace. Frankly, they offer a far superior audio experience compared to my own Beats headphones, much to my chagrin! These Sony headphones are an ideal luxury gift for audiophiles, frequent travelers, or anyone who appreciates exceptional sound and quiet solitude.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag – This spontaneous purchase for a friend’s bachelorette party last year has surprisingly become one of my most cherished items of 2019, much to my own astonishment! It’s a testament to its incredible practicality and thoughtful design. I literally use it every single day during the spring and summer months, and often in other seasons too. It’s perfect for hands-free activities like dog walking, hiking, visiting the farmer’s market, or running quick errands. The design is sleek, functional, and, dare I say, far more attractive than many other belt bags on the market. It keeps essentials like keys, phone, and wallet secure and easily accessible without the bulk of a traditional purse. This versatile belt bag makes an excellent gift for the active individual, the busy parent, or anyone who appreciates effortless style and convenience.

HP Envy 5055 with Instant Ink – While a printer might seem like an unconventional addition to a “favorite things” list, this particular setup has quickly become one of my most valued and surprisingly affordable investments this year. The HP Envy 5055 itself is straightforward, reliable, and incredibly simple to use for all your basic printing needs. However, the true magic lies in the HP Instant Ink service, which I can only describe as life-changing. We utilize the free printing plan and pay a minimal fee for any additional pages beyond that, which I highly recommend. Seriously, if you dread the hassle and expense of constantly buying new printer cartridges, you absolutely need to look into this service. It ensures you never run out of ink when you need it most, making this printer an incredibly practical and stress-reducing gift for students, home office users, or anyone tired of printer woes.

Foil Press Seasonal Produce Kitchen Poster – My sister gifted me this beautiful seasonal produce poster a few years ago, and it continues to be one of my favorite kitchen accents. It strikes a perfect balance between being incredibly practical and undeniably beautiful. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it serves as a wonderful visual guide to what fruits and vegetables are in season, encouraging more mindful and flavorful cooking. The foil press detail adds a touch of elegance, making it a sophisticated piece of wall art. Available in a variety of colors, you can easily find one to complement any kitchen decor. This poster is an ideal gift for home cooks, food enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates combining functional utility with stunning design in their living space.

Becoming by Michelle Obama – Out of all the books I’ve delved into this past year, Michelle Obama’s memoir, “Becoming,” stands out as an absolute favorite. This was a truly captivating and remarkably fast read, a testament to her incredibly engaging and well-written narrative. Beyond being an insightful glimpse into her extraordinary life, the book offers powerful lessons on resilience, identity, and the importance of finding your voice. It’s an inspiring journey that resonates deeply, filled with honesty, humor, and profound wisdom. Whether you’re interested in politics, personal growth, or simply enjoy a compelling story, “Becoming” is a must-read that leaves a lasting impression. It makes a perfect gift for anyone who appreciates powerful storytelling and inspiring biographies.

Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer – I confess, I was initially “suckered” into buying this hair dryer after seeing countless rave reviews online and receiving a strong recommendation from my own hairdresser. However, it quickly became evident why it’s so beloved! This all-in-one tool works incredibly well, delivering a salon-quality blowout at home with surprising ease. It’s a true godsend for those of us who either despise styling our hair with multiple tools or simply haven’t mastered the art of a perfect round brush blow-dry. It combines the power of a dryer with the volume-boosting capabilities of a round brush, significantly cutting down on styling time and effort. For anyone looking to simplify their hair routine and achieve smooth, voluminous results effortlessly, this Revlon One-Step is an absolutely fantastic and highly recommended gift.

Sodastream Fizz Sparkling Water Maker – Sodastream graciously sent me one of their machines over the summer, and I’m genuinely astonished by how much I’ve come to love this appliance. As a huge sparkling water enthusiast, I’ve always been bothered by the environmental waste involved in constantly buying bottled or canned options from the store. This ingenious gadget provides the perfect solution, allowing you to create fresh, fizzy soda water at home with the touch of a button. The cartridge refill process is remarkably easy and surprisingly affordable, making it a sustainable and cost-effective habit. It’s not just about reducing waste; it’s about enjoying customizable sparkling beverages whenever you desire. This Sodastream Fizz makes an excellent gift for environmentally conscious individuals, sparkling water lovers, or anyone looking to add a touch of effervescence to their daily hydration.

Madewell High-Rise Jeans – It’s rare for an item to make a repeat appearance on a “favorite things” list, but these Madewell High-Rise Jeans are an exception, proudly featured in last year’s guide as well! That’s how profound my love for these jeans is. They are, quite simply, perfect. Their comfort is unparalleled, offering a flattering fit that truly molds to your body. The high-rise design is not only stylish but also incredibly comfortable and supportive. They’ve proven to be incredibly durable, holding up exceptionally well through countless wears and washes, truly demonstrating their worth. While they might be an investment, their longevity, comfort, and versatile style make them absolutely worth every penny. These jeans are an ideal gift for anyone seeking a timeless, comfortable, and flattering denim staple in their wardrobe.

Looking for even more inspiration? Dive into my treasure trove of past favorite things gift guides from 2016, 2017, and 2018. Each one is packed with additional unique and beloved gift ideas to spark your imagination and help you find that perfect present. Happy gifting!