I swear my wish list stays the same between birthdays and Christmas, year to year. I just remove the things I got in the meantime and maybe add an item or two. While I certainly want some things, I tend to keep it practical. I want less the older I get. And I mostly spend my own money on food or the kiddo. I cut this list closer to Christmas each year, too, oftentimes missing big shopping days like Black Friday - or in the case of this year, Black Friday has come like a week earlier than usual. But whatever. Here are the things I’ve been eyeing that I’m not up to buying for myself. I swear some of these things are less than $20.



I always love comfy outfits, and matching sets are a favorite. They just look so put together. There are cute sets from Aerie and Old Navy or tons of more size-inclusive boutique brands. I particularly like these from Shop Taby or these from Dressed in Lala. I wear a 2X. 

In addition to matching sets, I’m always interested in low-key, subtle accessories, like a new Apple Watch band (series 8, 45mm) or a solid gold anklet that will last for years to come.


Most of what I want tends to fall into the category of “home.” I’m always trying to organize or make the space a more functional place to live.

Right now, my shoes are on a shoe rack in the entryway, but we also need a space to hang bags and jackets. So I’d love to replace the shoe rack with a hall tree, which functions as both things! I think this one is nice and spacious, while also being quite affordable.

We could also really use new food storage. We bought our current set 10+ years ago for cheap on Black Friday, and we’ve certainly got some good use out of it, but they’ve been through it. I like this Pyrex glass set, but I’m open to other options that look nice and have a nice quality.

Also in the kitchen, I would love a Nespresso machine. I used one for several days while staying at a hotel in Toronto a few years ago, and haven’t stopped thinking about it since. The drinks it creates are worlds better than the Keurig. These small space-saving options are some of the more affordable ones, and come in fun colors.

Outside, we need an extra long water hose, something like 200 ft, since our only spigot is at the front of the house and doesn’t reach around. And boy, let me tell you - true adulting is putting a water hose on your wishlist.

I’d love some fun picture frames, something with character. I typically like to find unique options at thrift stores, but often, places like TJ Maxx have cute options too. I’d love a variety of sizes for pictures of our sweet girl and for family portraits. I’d also love a gift card to somewhere like Framebridge, where I can opt for custom framing options.

Speaking of pictures, I absolutely need a hard drive to store thousands of photos, specifically of our daughter, in case something ever happens to the iCloud. I really like this LaCie option or this one from Samsung, but I’m not hard drive expert, so I’m totally open on this front.

Not quite “home,” but somewhere else I spend a lot of time is my car. I’ve wanted a cargo cover for years, but it seems like such an unnecessary expense, so in the wishlist it goes year by year. I’m not too picky here either, as long as it fits a 2019 Prius.

One of the cheapest things on my list is also the most challenging to find - first edition original Goosebumps books. I’m working on completing my collection of Goosebumps novels, but they can be kind of interesting finds. When I find them, it’s typically at thrift stores or yard sales, and it can take some digging. Online, they’re more often available on resale sites like Mercari or eBay, and can be found on Etsy too. But online, it’s more difficult to confirm the first edition status. I just definitely don’t want the newer reprints of the books.