Here's the thing I've learned as I've gotten older: the best gifts to give are those the receiver has actually said they've wanted. 

A few weeks ago, my family decided to do something that I was doubtful about, but now I am 100% behind. We each put together our own personal wish lists on Elfster and shared those lists with each other. Since we have lots of family birthdays in December and January, this makes gift buying through these months so much easier.

Not only that, but you're 100% guaranteed to love the gifts you receive. 

No more receiving a gift that you would never use, is the wrong size, isn't your style, or you don't need. 

No more returns, wastefully tossing or donating a perfectly good gift, or having to hold onto something out of guilt. 

Doesn't that sound like bliss?

I actually thought I was a good gift giver but through this exercise I learned that instead of the sweaters and makeup I would usually give, my older sister preferred gift cards to her favourite shop, my green-thumbed brother wanted new plant pots, and my niece wanted cash for a monitor.

Sure, you give up being surprised by what's under the tree but I think that's entirely worth it for complete gift receiving satisfaction.

On that note, I thought I'd share with you the actual things I put on my wish list. When it comes to gifts, price doesn't matter... it really is the thought that counts. Read through and I think you'll learn more about me.

Click to shop: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11

1. I always have a very long list of design books that I'd love to own one day and this book is at the very top of that list. I follow Heidi on Instagram and she has a unique way of using colour and pattern. I'd like to dive deeper into her work.
   
   
2. My favourite kind of workday lunch? A charcuterie board. This KitchenAid mini food processor would allow me to make my own hummus and roasted red pepper dips, plus, it would make chopping vegetables for salad a breeze.
   
   
3. Every year I buy myself a planner. This Hemlock & Oak planner caught my eye last year and I kept it in mind. I love the minimalist design, linen texture, and the gorgeous colours. The fact that it's made in Canada and uses sustainable sourcing and production is a bonus.
   
   
4. Simple and sculptural, these brushed gold orb earrings would work with any outfit. I have quite a few earrings from J.Crew and they've proven to be classics that elevate your every day look.
   
   
5. This fleece crew neck long sleeved shirt might not look like much, but let me tell you, its like wearing your favourite cozy, soft and worn-in shirt. I already have this in the beige colour and would love it in the black. Its the perfect work from home shirt that keeps you warm but not too hot.
   
   
6. What's your go-to purse? I use my Lululemon belt bag everyday but sometimes I need something a little more polished. The Sidekick Camel purse would be perfect. Its slightly larger size and vegan leather finish make it a great purse for city walks, day trips, or wearing out with day dresses.
   
   
7. I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a phenomenal 2024. The last few years have been tough on all of us. That plus moving into my 50's have caused me really to evaluate what I want out of life, my career, and be intentional what I'm focusing on. I'm in need of a pivot year and Brianna Wiest always knows what I need to hear. Seriously, go follow her on Instagram and grab this book for daily motivation.
   
   
8. A jar of Chestnut spread... on my Christmas wish list? I would love to find this in my stocking! Perhaps only my husband knows this about me, but I'm a sucker for anything Bonne Maman and anything chestnut/praline/hazelnut, especially during the winter months. Sean gifted me with the Bonne Maman Advent calendar I asked for this year - little does he know this will now be a yearly tradition - and I cannot get enough of their jams and spreads. The infamous 2021 Twitter thread only endears me to this brand and their delicious spreads even more.
   
   
9. I only started using Merit beauty products in the last year but I am OBSESSED with this brand. Their cream blushes are fabulous for mature skin and this five-minute morning routine convinced me that I need to add The Minimalist Foundation and Concealer Stick to my makeup bag.
   
   
10. I've been using Caudelie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum for years and it lives up to its promise. It visibly reduces my dark spots and leaves my skin looking brighter and more even.
    
    
11.  Back in March when I was vacationing in Amsterdam with my family, my daughter Chloe and I saw this girl in her 20s run by and the first thing we both noticed was her running shoes. They were Nike Air Force 1's and they had a green sole. After a bit of sleuthing, I found out those particular shoes aren't sold with a green sole but you can create your own customized pair of Air Force 1's! How fun is that? I'd love to have my own unique pair of white sneakers with a touch of green tennis flair added to them.