Daniel and I decided to get gifts for each other in a very non-traditional way this year.
He bought me a very cool protest poster from the 80s and I bought some things on seasonal sale to round it out. He bought himself a few sofubi figures he’s had on his wishlist for a year.
Over the 15 years we’ve been married, we’ve found out that it’s just a better use of our shared budget to buy the precise thing we want. While it can be delightful to open a surprise on Christmas day, too often the thing just sits around being admired without much purpose in our lives.
So, even though I’m not expecting anything in particular as a gift this year, these are some items I have my eye on this season…
My Christmas Gift List
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Loop Earplugs
I have very sensitive ears and am equally sensitive about losing my hearing, which would be devastating as a singer. When I’m working on sermons, I like to wear earplugs to support hyper focus. And if I dare go to see a local band, I definitely need ear protection.
I just bought two sets of earplugs from Loop: the Quiet 2 for focus and the Experience 2 for loud events.
R+Co Badlands
In the words of my hairstylist, “R+Co is so expensive!” She’s right. I have been buying one of their styling balms recommended by a previous stylist for years, but I wanted to try the Badlands Dry Shampoo paste.
I just got it in the mail so I can’t speak to its quality yet, but it is indeed a dry shampoo paste. Turns out it’s similar to one my stylist uses! They are still running some seasonal sales.
Sam Edelman Zuri Flat
I have had these on my wishlist for over a year, but the price point didn’t make sense for me. I found a gently used pair on ebay yesterday for less than $25!
Sam Edelman makes this ballet slipper inspired flat in a lot of fabrics and colorways, some of them currently on sale. If I end up liking these satin ones, I might go for a leather pair. I have found flats to be the most comfortable option for standing during worship services.
Offe Market Mystery Box
I’m curious about the mystery box offered by Offe Market, an outlet-style shop selling end-of-season and overstock items from small brands.
This is the kind of box that could be a way to quickly collect suitable small gifts for friends and coworkers at a discounted rate.
An Engagement Ring (Replacement)
I “outgrew” my original engagement ring (a size 4.5) and there’s not enough metal to expand it. I have been throwing on random rings I’ve found at thrift and antique markets, but they’re not really working out.
This one is similar to the original white gold and sapphire band, but made with sterling and lab-created gems.
I’m on a rare blog posting kick that won’t last long with Christmas sermon-writing on the horizon.
Thanks for humoring me by reading!
