A Gift Guide of My Most-Loved Purchases This Year

From beauty favorites to home upgrades to the pieces I reach for again and again, these are the items that truly earned their spot on my Favorite Things of 2025 list — and they all make amazing gift ideas.

Beauty + Hair Favorites

Shark FlexStyle Hair Tool
A repeat favorite for a reason. This tool gives me that salon-style blowout at home with minimal effort — smooth, bouncy, and fast.

MAC “Soar” Lip Liner + Gemme GNO Lip Topper
This combo will have people genuinely wondering if you got lip filler. My trick: over line just the inner ⅔ of the lips, blend, then add the topper. Video tutorial here.

Texturizing Hair Tool
Creates a micro-crimp at the root for instant lift. It gives my naturally flat hair a huge boost. Video here.

$3 Eyebrow Pencil (Taupe)
A tiny product that makes a noticeable difference. Frames the face beautifully and it’s self-sharpening — a small convenience but a good one.

Volumizing Root Powder
This stuff is basically steroids for flat hair. A tiny sprinkle = major volume.

Hair Mask
I’ve used this for years and nothing compares. Every time I travel and use hotel conditioner, I’m reminded of just how good this is. I use it every wash.

Lighted Magnifying Mirror
This is on my “favorites” list for the second year in a row. I use it multiple times a day for grooming — it catches everything.

Fashion Favorites

$25 Retro Sneakers
These look way more expensive than they are and they’re incredibly comfortable. The neutral colorway pairs with almost anything.

Boatneck Cashmere Sweater
My go-to for day-to-night. Tug it slightly off one shoulder for a more elevated evening look. I wear a small.

Wide-Leg Jeans
Comfortable stretch, flattering fit, and now available in a 34” inseam. The inseams run a bit shorter compared to other brands — something to keep in mind.

Double Soft Lounge Set
Worth the splurge. It’s incredibly soft but doesn’t pill like the Air Essentials line. Save option here.

Brown Suede Booties
THE color of the season. These pair so well with wide-leg and flare denim.

Shift Dress
I own this dress in multiple fabrics because it doesn’t cling at the waist and always looks polished. Pair with knee-high boots for a great holiday outfit.

Mini Belfast Blazer
Yes, it’s a splurge — but I wear it constantly. Cozy, polished, and elevates even a simple tee. Budget-friendly option here.

Blue Light Glasses
A newer favorite with an oversized square shape that feels modern and chic.

Accessories + Day-to-Day Essentials

Weighted Walking Vest
My friends and I started a walking group this year, and we all wear these. I have the 12 lb vest — adds just the right challenge.

Pickleball Paddle Set
We started a weekly pickleball night with friends, and after suffering through an ugly Amazon set, I upgraded to this cute one. Love it.

OSSA Phone Strap + Case
Fashion and function. I love the wood bead strap. If you’re unsure you’d use it, there’s a great save option that works with your current phone case. This one that I have does need the case to be purchased as well. Here is the Save.

Pedometer Watch
Probably my favorite purchase of the entire year. Tracks steps but looks like a chic fashion watch, not a fitness tracker.

Coffee Maker
My tried-and-true favorite for years. Grinds fresh beans at the touch of a button for every single cup.

Home Favorites

All-Clad Cookware Set
After giving up on my Caraway set (which didn’t hold up to heavy use), I upgraded to All-Clad based on reader recommendations. Zero regrets.

Linen Sheets + Silk Comforter
Quince is known for their bamboo sheets, but I bought these linen sheets and silk comforter for my son’s room… and every time I sleep there, I debate stealing them for my own bed.

Slope-Arm Slipcover Sofas
We bought these when we moved in June — oatmeal performance linen. My friend Sarah (from Life on Virginia Street) warned me they’d feel scratchy for the first couple weeks, and she was right, but they soften beautifully. The light, neutral color never looks dirty.

Immunity Spray
My secret weapon during cold season. If someone around you is sick or you feel a tickle in your throat, start using it multiple times a day. It REALLY works and makes the best stocking stuffer.