In my opinion, most gift guides are not that helpful. This includes ones that I have shared in the past 😬

This year I am doing things a little differently. I am only including items that I already own and love. Think of this as a list of our favorite things. instead of a typical gift guide.

I have separated my favorites into 4 topics: Cozy, Cooking, Practical and Mad's Favorite Things.

Honestly the practical section includes some of my most used items and almost all of them were gifts - practical gifts for the win!!

The two bonus sections are some of James and Amy's favorite things! James is almost one so these would be great gifts for anyone with a baby 6-18 months. Amy is a nurse so some of her items would be perfect for your healthcare / shift workers in your life!

I hope this list at least helps or at the very least gets the creative juices flowing. Happy gifting :)

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1. Robe - Robes and pajamas are my go to gift because they fall into the category of nice things that you don't usually spend money on for yourself. I bought this super plush robe for Amy a few years ago and she still loves it today. I also have the same one and its 20% off right now!
2. Slippers - I have had these slippers for a little over a year now and love them. Just like Ugg slippers for less than half the price.
3. Barefoot Dreams Blanket - My two couch companions every evening: my dog Ollie and my barefoot dreams blanket. This is a fantastic gift for any postpartum mom as well!!
4. Nice Pajamas - If you know me, you know I'm a pajama girl. I wear matching pajama sets to bed every night and I think they are the best gift. Two of my favorite pajama sets are from Lake and Eberjey. They are SUPER soft. For a more affordable, but still super comfy option I love Honeydew Intimates.​
5. Cozy Clothes - This Barefoot Dreams cardigan along with some cozy joggers are my work from home uniform lately. These joggers from Lululemon are a splurge, but worth it.

1. Cookbooks - I will always think cookbooks are the best gift to get anyone who likes to cook. Even if they don't use the recipes directly, they will be inspired by what they see. I love the book Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat for developing skills that allow you to create your own recipes. Anyone looking to make homemade bread needs a copy of Flour Water Salt Yeast. For a straightforward recipe book with heart grab That Sounds So Good or Let's Eat​
2. Nice Knives - The fastest way to improve efficiency in the kitchen is to improve your knife skills. Nice, sharp knives will help get you there. You want to use an 8" chef knife for most tasks and a pairing knife for smaller, handheld tasks. This set from Zwilling is perfect for home cooks of any skill level who are looking to upgrade.
3. Wooden Cutting Board - I have several different wood cutting boards. They are beautiful and versatile. Use them for your prep work or to serve food and charcuterie boards. This one from Boos is amazing, but on the pricer side. This is a similar option from Target that is more affordable.
4. Dutch Oven - Whether you're making soup, stews, chili or homemade bread, a dutch oven is a kitchen must! I find that people forget to buy this for themselves so it makes an amazing gift. Look for one that is between 5 and 7 quarts. This one from Staub is beautiful! But for a more affordable option check this one out.
5. Non Stick Pans - Perhaps not the most exciting or sexiest gift out there, but having nice non-stick pans that actually work well is indeed a luxury. Made In nonstick pans are my favorite. I have had mine for 5 years and it is still just as nonstick as day 1.
6. Ceramic Batter Bowl - This is not the one that I have, but I think this would be such a fun gift for bakers!! Fill it with fun sprinkles, fancy vanilla extract and a cute spatula. I love my ceramic mixing bowl with a pouring spout.

1. Coffee Maker - If you love a nice home brewed cup of coffee in the morning, the Moccamaster is worth the splurge. This one is on sale right now!
2. Vacuum - A vacuum is perhaps the most boring Christmas gift of all time, but if you have pets and kids, you know how critical a good one is!! This shark upright vacuum is the hero of our home.
3. Luggage - The suitcases from Quince look just like trendy high-end ones, but for way less. I have this carryon size and its fantastic.
4. Personalized Tote - You can add any name or monogram to these zip top tote bags. They are the perfect way to stay organized while traveling. I have the Large for James and XL for myself.
5. Travel Pouches - Another organization must while traveling are these pouches from Baggu. I use the small for chapsticks and hand sanitizer, medium for electronics and large for toiletries.
6. Water Bottle - I can admit when I was wrong and I was wrong about water bottles. When you're a mom on the go you need a water bottle that is not going to leak. Owala is my go to lately!! This size fits in my cup holder.

1. Headphones - You don't need to buy Airpods to have a nice set of headphones. I love my Raycon Everyday Earbuds and Everyday Headphones. They are comfy, have great sound quality and are way more afforable! You can get a discount right now using code EARLYBF (affiliate)
2. Hokas - I really wanted to be the girl who got dressed nicely for work each day, but leggings and sneakers are my go to. These Hokas are comfortable enough to wear cooking all day.
3. Baggu Crossbody - The medium size crossbody bag from Baggu is the perfect size to be able to fit everything without being too big. I can even fit diapers, wipes and a snack in it!
4. Ember Mug - If it takes you a while to drink coffee, but you need it to be hot, you need this mug!! This is perfect for anyone who constantly finds themselves reheating coffee in the microwave.
5. Shark Flexstyle - I had my eye on the Dyson airwrap for years before going for the Shark Flexstyle. In my opinion it is the same exact thing for a fraction of the price!! I have curly, frizzy hair and this makes styling my hair so much easier.
6. Walking Pad - My walking pad is my savior. It keeps me sane during busy weeks when I feel like I haven't stopped looking at my computer.

1. Baby Chair - this baby sized chair is the perfect thing for James' to sit in when he has a sippy cup and snack after a nap. He doesn't sit still for long, but he will sit for way longer if its in his chair.
2. Farm(s) - James is obsessed with 2 separate toy farms. A wooden one from Melissa & Doug and the Little People Farm. He gets so excited and squeals when he gets to play with them.
3. Fleece Bunting - We are trying to keep our outdoor walks going as long as possible into the winter. We pop James into a little fleece suit in his pajamas and hes so warm and toasty! We got one from Costco, but this one from LL Bean looks so cute!
4. Cozy Blanket - Babies want to be cozy too! This one from Little Giraffe is great because it is large enough for him to use for a while. This cashmere baby blanket from Quince is so soft and it is washable which is key with babies.
5. Books - Who knew kids got so particular with books so young!! These are the four books that he will actually sit and listen to right now. Brown Bear Slide & Find Version, We're Different We're The Same, Llama Llama Red Pajama and anything by Sandra Boyton.​
6. Stacking Cups - He has played with these almost daily since he was 5 months old!! A great stocking stuffer.

1. Joggers - Amy proudly has a SAHM uniform for the days she's not at the hospital. It includes a pair of joggers and either a flannel or nice looking sweatshirt. Zella joggers for casual days and Treasure and Bond for days when she has social plans.
2. Neff beanies - The queen of beanies has spoken! These ones by Neff continue to be her favorites.
3. Brooks Ghost - I finally convinced Amy to buy some more supportive sneakers. She loves these Brooks for her long shifts at the hospital as well as workouts, walks and daily tasks. She has 3 pairs now!
4. Nespresso - Amy and her coworkers all LOVE this nespresso coffee maker with frother. Nurses take their caffeine very seriously, so if they like it, you know its good! On sale now!
5. Herschel wallet and Backpack - Amy is not one to be bogged down by large items. She loves this simple little card case instead of a full wallet. Similarly she uses this smaller backpack as a diaper bag instead of our full diaper bag.
6. Lightweight Drill - It would not be a list of Amy's favorite things without a tool or two. She has this lightweight Dewalt drill charged at all times. It makes household tasks SO much easier.

Looking to shop on Amazon? I have added as many of these items as I could to my Amazon Storefront.​

Give the gift of delicious recipes!! My Best of Mad About Food E-Book would make a fantastic gift for anyone looking to get more interested in cooking.

$5.00 Best of Mad About Food E-Book Grab 25 of the top rated and most loved recipes from Mad About Food. These recipes are reader favorites as well as some... Read more Get it now!

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