Christmas Wish List Ideas: My Family's Favorite Gifts!

Looking for Christmas wish list ideas? My family and I are sharing our favorite finds of the year, with tons of great gift ideas for everyone on your list!

I’m so excited to share my 11th annual Favorite Things Christmas Gift Guide! Every holiday season, I round up the things my family and I have loved most throughout the year, from everyday favorites to fun little discoveries that make great gifts.

Whether you’re shopping for her, him, college-aged or 20-something women, or even your dog, I’ve got you covered! 😊 Ready to check out our favorites? (post includes commissionable links; for more information, see my full disclosure statement {here})

Let’s start with my personal favorites! I’ve got lots of great ideas to add to a Christmas wish list for her:

Christmas Wish List Ideas: Gifts for Her

Product collage of Christmas Wish List items for her

Read on for details on each gift for her, or jump to gifts for him {here}

1. Sparkly floral studs – These earrings are simple but gorgeous, and I reach for them time and time again when I want a little sparkle to dress up an outfit!

Sparkly floral earring on girl with sunglasses

2. Electric kettle – I love this electric kettle not only for its practical features, but also because it’s so pretty that it’s earned a permanent spot on our countertop! Whether you’re making tea, hot chocolate, or pour-over coffee, it heats water quickly to the exact temperature you specify and holds it there until you’re ready to use it. You can buy it directly from Fellow {here}, but right now, you’ll get a $20 credit if you buy it through Quince {here}!

White electric kettle in front of cutting boards in kitchen

3. Tea infuser – I recently started drinking loose-leaf tea, so I bought this tea infuser to go along with my new kettle! Pairing the tea infuser with a set of high-quality teas like {this one} would make a great gift for any tea lover!

4. Floral throw blanket – If you’re gifting a friend who loves design, these throw blankets combine gorgeous patterns and colors with cozy comfort! They come in multiple sizes and are just as pretty draped over a sofa or chair as they are cozy to snuggle up with on a chilly night.

Green, blue, and white floral patterned throw blanket

I also love {this soft and snuggly blanket} – it’s so amazing to curl up in and while normally on the pricey side, they gave me a promo code to share for 50% off full-priced items with code DRIVENBYDECOR50. It would make a great teen or 20-something gift too!

5. Brass butterflies – You know I have a thing for little brass creatures, so it’s no surprise that I fell hard for this set of two brass butterflies! They look SO GOOD perched on a stack of books on our coffee table and would look great on a shelf too. Pairing one or both of them with a favorite coffee table book would make such a great gift! I originally found them on Anthropologie {here} but I’ve since found the same ones on Wayfair {here} for less!

6. Ruffled marble bowl – This ruffled marble bowl is gorgeous AND half the price I’ve seen it for elsewhere! I have it in the 7″ size, which is perfect as a little catch-all bowl for jewelry on a nightstand or keys on an entryway table. The larger sizes would be beautiful on a dining or coffee table!

Ruffled marble bowl with patterned rug in background

7. Silk pillowcase – I gifted myself a pair of these silk pillowcases last year and love them! As someone with frizzy hair, I love how they help reduce morning frizz and tangles while being gentle on my skin too. A lot of “silk” pillowcases are actually made of polyester, but these are 100% mulberry silk, so they’re the real deal.

8. Knot hair ties – A girl can never have too many hair ties! I bought these to replenish my constantly disappearing supply and think the little knot with gold ends is such a chic detail!

9. Woven leather belt bag – Just when I thought I couldn’t love this bag any more, I discovered a feature I didn’t even know it had! It’s been my go-to travel bag for years (I wear it as a crossbody to prevent pickpocketing), but I recently figured out that you can remove the strap and use it as a clutch! It came in clutch (ha ha!) at a recent Amazon event when I realized I’d forgotten to pack a purse to go with this outfit:

Kris with cross top, brown silk skirt, and woven leather clutch

10 & 11. Jewelry – If you’re looking to gift jewelry that’s chic but reasonably priced (and comes with a lifetime guarantee!), {this pair of earrings} is one of my everyday favorites:

Woman with small crystal earrings with overlay of product photo

I also wear {this ring} almost daily. It gives you the look of stacked rings without having to put together the perfect stack yourself! (Note: size 6 is the average woman’s ring size):

And I would have included {this necklace} in my collage too, but my daughter beat me to it and included it in hers (she has the silver & I have the gold):

Now’s a great time to buy any of these pieces because they’re offering 25% off plus a free hoop set with orders of $75+.

12. Velvet-contoured bra & panty set – I have and LOVE this bra and panty set that hits the trifecta of sexy, comfy, and chic! It comes in multiple colors, but I think the Madam Lux shade is especially gorgeous. You can also buy the bralette and panties separately.

13. Oura ring – I bought an Oura ring in January hoping it would motivate me to get more sleep and exercise, and it truly has! My favorite feature is the nightly sleep score, which made me realize how little sleep I was actually getting (it accounts for time spent falling asleep, waking during the night, etc.). It’s helped me get into the habit of going to bed earlier (although I’m still a night owl)! I’ve also been amazed at how accurately it picks up on signs of illness. After being sick, it showed me that my body was still recovering and convinced me not to jump right back into my hectic routine. I have the Oura Ring 4, which is less expensive, but the newer Oura Ring 5 is thinner, which is a nice feature.

14. Wood-handled scissors – I’ve always had a thing for pretty scissors, and my old pair had gotten super dull, so I bought these very reasonably priced scissors and LOVE THEM! Not only are they beautiful, but the smooth wood handles feel so good in your hand, and they’re nice and sharp too. Such a great stocking stuffer!

15. Softies lounge set – If you want the COZIEST loungewear out there, this set is it! I first spotted it on Oprah’s Favorite Things list, and after trying it myself, I totally get why she loves it! It’s a little too warm for me to sleep in, but I love wearing it around the house on chilly nights and weekends.

16. AirFly Pro 2 – If you do much airline travel, this is a must-have! Just plug it into the headphone jack on your seatback screen, and you can connect your AirPods or other wireless headphones to watch movies and shows. No more packing wired headphones or using the airline’s crappy ones!

17. Beis carry-on roller – After years of use and abuse, it was time to replace my luggage, and Béis kept coming up when I asked friends who travel a lot for recommendations. I started with the carry-on roller and loved it so much that I bought {this large check-in bag}! The carry-on glides like butter (seriously, it’s such a treat!), and I love the cushioned handle:

For my larger suitcase, I also bought {one of these protective covers} to keep it looking nice and prevent everything from spilling out if a zipper ever breaks (I once saw a suitcase come off the baggage carousel with a busted zipper and clothes falling out everywhere. Nightmare scenario!). Also check out {these discounted travel sets}.

18. Heirloom tomato candle – This candle is expensive, and to be honest, I never would have bought it for myself if I hadn’t received it as a gift. But… I’m now 100% addicted and will happily spend my own money to replace it when it’s gone because it smells THAT good! It truly smells like heirloom tomatoes (that exact smell you get on your hands after picking tomatoes from the garden).

Heirloom tomato candle in kitchen next to tomatoes and vase

Also check out their gift sets {here}, which would make great hostess gifts or gifts for someone who’s hard to buy for (everything comes wrapped so beautifully too!).

19. Eyelash comb – I picked this up during a Prime Day sale, and it’s some seriously good bang for your buck! I mostly use it on days when I’m reapplying mascara and my lashes get a little clumpy. It works great for separating them and getting rid of clumps so you’re left with long, beautiful lashes. Such a great inexpensive stocking stuffer!

20. Portable charger – If you don’t already have a portable charger with built-in cords, it’s a game-changer for travel! My AirPods and phone use different charging cords, and this one has both built right in, so I don’t have to worry about packing extras. It’s so handy for long travel days when you’re using your phone constantly and don’t have easy access to an outlet.

Navy portable charger with built-in cords

21. WOW Dream Coat – I’ve been a fan of WOW Dream Coat for years (it’s amazing for reducing frizz!), but didn’t realize until my oldest daughter came to visit that it comes in a travel size too! Another great stocking stuffer!

22. Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil – I love this lip oil! It gives your lips a pretty wash of color with a glossy finish without feeling sticky. It comes in so many great neutral shades and would make a perfect little holiday treat! My favorites (from left to right) are Bare Sand, Warm Beige, Midnight Berry, & Soft Mauve:

Four Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil bottles

23. Brass snail watering can – The advantage of having a December birthday is that when you see something you love while holiday shopping, you can add it to your wish list or treat yourself! My mom doesn’t know it yet, but this is what I preemptively spent my birthday money on! 😂 I’m not the best about watering my plants as often as I should, but that’s going to change now that I have this watering can that I’m 100% obsessed with! That brass snail on the handle is everything!

Phew… ready to move on to gift ideas for him? Before we do, I’ve linked my gift ideas for her from last year for you to take a peek at if you need more items for your Christmas wish list:

Now let’s move on to my husband Jeff’s favorites, with lots of great ideas to add to your Christmas wish list for him…

Christmas Wish List Ideas: Gifts for Him

Product collage of Christmas Wish List items for him

Read on for details on each gift for him, or jump to gifts for 20-somethings {here}

1. Old-Fashioned Glasses – We were gifted {these glasses} for our wedding 28 years ago and still love them (the fact that Crate & Barrel still carries them is a testament to their timeless design!). Recently, Jeff decided to add some slightly larger glasses to our collection and landed on {these}, which have a beautiful multifaceted design. Either style would make a great gift for someone who enjoys a good cocktail!

Cocktail in multifaceted old fashioned glasses

2. Sasquatch multitool – We have a long-standing Sasquatch joke in our family, so of course we had to gift Jeff this multitool! Whether you need a screwdriver, hex wrench, can opener, ruler, or bottle opener, Squatch has got you covered! 😂

3. Cool Degree blazer – This has become Jeff’s go-to blazer for both work and dressier social gatherings. It’s made of a super stretchy material that feels more like athletic wear and doesn’t wrinkle when worn or packed in a suitcase. It’s cool, breathable, AND machine washable! He brought it on our trip to Portugal where he traveled with only a carry-on and it came out of his suitcase each time without a wrinkle:

Jeff (in blue jacket) and Kris in front of tiled wall

4. Bose QuietComfort headphones – After hearing me rave about my Bose headphones a zillion times, Jeff finally got a pair of his own and says they live up to the hype! He mostly uses his for travel. The noise cancellation is excellent, and they’re so much more comfortable than AirPods for hours of use on long flights. They also fold up compactly for packing in a carry-on bag.

5. Wireless meat thermometer – Jeff used the MEATER wireless thermometer for grilling for years, but when it recently died, he decided to try {this one} instead. So far, he likes it even better! It comes with either 2 or 4 probes, so you can monitor multiple cuts of meat at once. His favorite feature is that each probe is numbered and shows up on the smart base so that you can tell the difference between meats cooked to different temperatures for different guests. Such a great gift for anyone who loves to grill!

Wireless meat thermometer for grilling and BBQ Rub on white platter

6. Ratchet nylon web belt – Jeff loves this belt because it adjusts in tiny increments, so you can get the perfect fit instead of being limited to the preset holes on a traditional belt. Such a simple but smart design!

Navy men's belt that ratchets to the perfect size

7. Pitch & putt carry bag – Jeff has and loves this small, lightweight golf bag that’s perfect for walking 9 holes or heading to the driving range when you only need a few clubs instead of your full golf bag. It’s easy to carry and takes up so much less space than a traditional golf bag. A great gift for any golfer!

8. Muscle stimulator – Jeff’s brother recommended this electronic muscle stimulator to him, and he’s found it really helpful for sore or strained muscles, especially in his back and shoulders. It’s similar to what chiropractors use and has lots of different settings and intensity levels, so you can find what feels best. He uses it at home and even takes it when he travels. Ah, the joys of getting older! 😂

9. Herringbone performance zip – Jeff discovered Rhoback last year when he bought {this hybrid jacket} for golf. He absolutely loves it – he says it keeps him warm without restricting his swing. This year he decided to try their herringbone performance zip, and it’s another winner! I love it too because it’s really good-looking and nice enough to wear off the golf course.

10. BBQ rub – If you have a guy on your gift list who loves grilling or smoking meat, a good BBQ rub like this one is always a hit! It makes a great stocking stuffer for the grill master in your life!

11. Suede Chelsea boots (taupe) – These taupe suede Chelsea boots are such a versatile addition to a guy’s wardrobe! Jeff loves that they’re casual enough to wear with jeans but can easily be dressed up too. The taupe color goes with just about everything.

12. Therabody mini massager – Yes, this is the second item on Jeff’s list for dealing with aches and pains. Apparently, we’re at that age! 😂 He loves using this massager on tight, sore muscles after a workout or a long day.

Want even more gift ideas for him? These are Jeff’s favorites from last year:

Also check out my post on quick-ship Father’s Day gift ideas for more gifting ideas for the guys on your list.

Let’s move on with gift ideas for young women in college and their early 20s…

College/20-Something Women

Product collage of Christmas Wish List ideas for women in their 20s

Read on for details on each gift for 20-somethings, or jump to gifts for dogs {here}

1. Loop ear plugs – These super comfy, reusable ear plugs reduce background noise for more restful sleep. With all the street noise in NYC, they’re one of my oldest daughter’s must-haves! I have them too and pack them on every trip (they come in a handy carrying case) along with {this sleep mask} for use on long flights and in noisy hotels:

2. Zebra print laptop cover – Animal prints are super popular right now, and my oldest daughter loves this zebra print laptop cover that comes in multiple sizes to fit a variety of MacBooks. Several of her friends have also bought one after seeing hers!

3. Puffer coat – I bought my daughter this Aritzia puffer coat for Christmas last year, and she wore it practically every day all winter. It’s super warm, water-repellent, and has built-in thumbhole cuffs that make all the difference on cold days. Aritzia puffers are especially popular with 20-somethings, so this is a great gift idea for college students and young adults (I actually have one too and love it!).

4. Designer-inspired sunglasses – These sunglasses are a more affordable alternative to the designer KHAITE pair that went viral this year. My daughter loves their trendy shape and how they go with just about everything. Several of her friends have them too!

5. Jo Malone Scarlet Poppy perfume – My oldest daughter says she gets more compliments on this Jo Malone perfume than any other fragrance she’s tried. She’s even had strangers stop her to ask what she’s wearing! She started with the travel size but loved it so much that she splurged on the full-size bottle.

6. Rhode lip shaper – My oldest daughter has tried a ton of lip liners, but this one from Rhode in the shade Balance is the one she keeps in her purse and uses every day. She loves its creamy formula and soft, blurred finish that makes her lips look naturally fuller. She says it’s one of those products she’d immediately repurchase if she lost it.

7. Hatch alarm clock – I bought both of my daughters Hatch alarm clocks with an agreement that they’d stop falling asleep watching shows on their phones in bed (a habit they picked up in college). It’s helped them establish healthier sleep routines, and they love waking up gradually with light and sound instead of a blaring phone alarm.

8. Summer Fridays eye patches – Under-eye patches are super popular with 20-somethings, and these Summer Fridays patches are a favorite of both of my daughters! They use them almost every morning before work and say they reduce puffiness and make their eyes look more refreshed. They’d make a great stocking stuffer!

9. Owala water bottle – Both of my daughters love their Owala water bottles! They’re big fans of the built-in straw and leakproof design that lets them toss their bottles in their bags without worrying about spills. Plus, they come in so many fun colors.

10. Belle necklace – My oldest daughter received this necklace as a gift in silver, and it’s become one of her most-worn pieces of jewelry. It has a chic, structured collar design with a delicate dangling gem that makes it look much more expensive than it is. I loved hers so much that I ended up getting the same necklace in gold!

Silver collar necklace with round crystal

11. Hinge cuff bangle – This J.Crew cuff bracelet has become super popular! Its chic, sculptural design looks much more expensive than it is, and it comes in both gold and silver. It’s a great gift for anyone who loves jewelry and keeping up with the latest trends.

12. UGG Slip-ons – Just when you thought UGGs might be out of style, these slippers became super popular! With their fluffy trim and cozy slip-on design, they’re as cute as they are comfy.

13. Rhode glazing mist – Rhode is one of my oldest daughter’s favorite beauty brands, and this Glazing Mist is her latest obsession. It’s a hydrating facial mist that she says leaves her skin feeling refreshed and works great before applying makeup for a dewy finish.

14. Spiced chestnut diffuser – My oldest daughter has been hooked on this Williams Sonoma fragrance diffuser ever since my sister introduced her to it a few years ago. She buys the Spiced Chestnut scent year after year because it smells amazing and fills her entire apartment with fragrance. She says everyone who visits comments on how good it smells!

15. Nodpod sleep mask – My daughters are big fans of weighted blankets, so it’s no surprise that they love this Nodpod weighted eye mask too! It provides gentle pressure around the eyes that they say helps them relax and fall asleep faster.

Woman resting with NodPods over her eyes

16. Shark ChillPill – The ChillPill is a portable cooling device with a high-speed fan, evaporative dry-touch mist for indoor and outdoor use, and InstaChill Cooling Plate. My youngest daughter loves it for her summer commute, especially on hot, humid days when she’s walking to work or waiting for the subway. Would be a great gift for a sports parent, theme park lover, frequent traveler, or anyone who tends to run hot! You can get $20 off with code HOLIDAY20 if you’re a first time customer on QVC.

17. Color changing light bulbs – My youngest loves these color-changing light bulbs that she can control right from her phone. She can easily switch up the color and brightness to change the mood of her room without needing a separate remote.

18. Designer-look purse – My oldest daughter has this Amazon purse in multiple colors. It’s a more affordable alternative to the popular The Row 90’s designer bag and she loves that it works just as well with casual outfits as it does for dressier occasions.

Woman holding green drink and yellow designer-inspired handbag

19. Folding purse hook – These portable purse hooks are such a clever idea that I hadn’t even heard of until my daughters started using them! They hook onto a table at restaurants or bars so you don’t have to put your purse on the floor or keep it on your lap. They also fold up compactly to fit right in your bag. I just bought my own and love it – such a great girlfriend gift!

Purse hanging fron portable purse hanger

Want more gift ideas for this age group? These ideas that I shared last year are other proven winners:

Christmas wish list gift ideas for girls in their 20s

Another gift that’s great not only for this age group but the entire family is {this Ninja Creami 7-in-1 ice cream maker}! It’s so easy and fun to make ice cream, milkshakes, smoothies, and more. Plus, you control the ingredients, so you can make frozen treats that are low fat, high protein, etc. (or indulgence in your favorite mix-ins like my favorite – mini peanut butter cups 😋). They redesigned it since we got ours – love the new look and colors:

And last but not least, Cricket wanted to get in on the action and share her favorite things too! They are…

Christmas Wish List Ideas For Your Dog 😊

Product collage of Christmas gift ideas for dogs

1. Potty bells – We house trained Cricket with these potty bells and she nudges them with her nose whenever she needs to go out. I love that they keep her from barking or scratching at the door and that we can bring them when we travel, so she always knows which door to use to ask to go out.

2. Donut dog bed – We’ve had this bed for over 5 years now, and not only does Cricket love it. but it washes up in the washing machine SO well.

3. Dog water bottle – We bring this with us on long walks and whenever we travel so Cricket can easily drink water on the go!

4 & 5. Chicken chips & Beef liver treats – Cricket’s favorite treats!

6. Snout soother – Old age comes with rough, dry noses! I started putting this on Cricket’s nose every night before bed and along the edges of her ears, which have started getting dry and flaky too!

7. Apple air tag + Collar holder – Cricket wears this AirTag attached to her collar whenever we let her outside. It gives us extra peace of mind knowing we have a way to help locate her if she ever gets loose.

8. Fleece jacket – We’re on our third fleece jacket from this small Etsy brand, and they never disappoint! While they’re designed for pugs, they’ve worked for all three of our Boston Terriers (including “Hope” below), and I think they’d work for similar breeds like Frenchies too. The seller will customize them to your dog’s measurements for the perfect fit!

9. Dog stroller – With Cricket’s heart disease, she can’t walk more than a block in warm weather without getting winded, but she still begs to go on her daily walk. We tried her out in the stroller, and at first she wasn’t sure what to think, but now she loves it! So yes, we’re the crazy people in the neighborhood pushing our dog around in a stroller like she’s a baby. 😂

10. Floral patterned leash – I recently discovered Lane & Leash, which has the CUTEST stuff for dogs, including the leash we use for Cricket, as well as pet bowls, harnesses, bandanas, and more.

And with that… my family’s favorite things post is a wrap! I hope you found a few gift ideas to add to your own Christmas wish list or buy for those you love!

XO,

Christmas Wish List Ideas: My Family’s Favorite Gifts!

Christmas Wish List Ideas: Gifts for Her

Christmas Wish List Ideas: Gifts for Him

College/20-Something Women

Christmas Wish List Ideas For Your Dog 😊

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