As you might recall, I shared what I got for Christmas this time last year and I really enjoyed creating the post! So, I decided to share my Christmas gifts this year, too.
Like I said a year ago, I do this to share my gratitude for the wonderful people who gave me these. Hopefully, it will inspire a few gifts for you to get for loved ones, too. Spread the love!
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Clothes & Accessories
Pajamas
If you read my Blogmas post about Christmas traditions, you’ll know about our annual Christmas Eve jammies! This year’s featured some adorable llamas–matching for me, Rachel, and Mom! Mom got the sleep shirt while Rachel and I got the top/pants set in the same design.
Fuzzy socks
Something you should know about me if you don’t already: I’m nearly always cold! The past few months, cold feet have been a particular annoyance (don’t tell my future husband!). So, I’ve been wearing fuzzy socks as much as possible. These were a great trio to add to my collection!
Llama keychain
If you haven’t caught on yet: Hi, I’m Jules. I adore llamas (also, alpacas). That being said, this little fuzzball (in my favourite colour) was a perfect gift!
Necklace
While my mom doesn’t actively sell Paparazzi jewellery any longer, she still purchases some from time to time. When she gave me this necklace, she prefaced it with “I thought of you when I saw this because it seems very Victorian.” She isn’t wrong and I love it! The green stones are the perfect touch.
Beauty
Wet n Wild
Having gotten much more into makeup this year (thanks, RachhLoves, I entirely blame you for my obsession–in the best way possible!), one of the top items on my Christmas list this year was this holiday zodiac-themed set from Wet n Wild. I’m a Scorpio (and a very stereotypical Scorpio more often than not!) and I knew the gorgeous blue-toned shades in the Water set would go beautifully with my eyes. I’d already fallen in love with the lip shades, so this was a must-have!
Mom was wonderful enough to find me the set! And, soon enough, our local Walmart had the whole series (all four elements) on sale. I picked up the others to use as some goal incentives for 2019–I can’t have them until I’ve paid off a certain amount of my credit cards!–and as a gift for my sister who, despite being a fellow Scorpio, was mildly obsessed with the Fire set.
If you follow us on Twitter or Instagram, you might have seen that I’m on a bit of a search regarding that Fire set. Ours came with a smashed compact mirror which, the bad juju notwithstanding, was so disappointing to my sister. I contacted Walmart and Wet n Wild, who each told me to contact the other, so no luck there. So, if you or someone you know has the Fire set and would be willing to part with the compact to make a sad teenager’s day, I’d be eternally grateful!
I also got a few other makeup goodies from my mom and my grandparents! I’m especially excited to test out the blush–I had some bad experiences with blush years ago (the colours I had were all wrong for me and looked horrid!), so I haven’t tested it out in years. I’m excited to play with it once again!
Haircare tools
Another thoughtful gift from my grandparents was this stunning champagne/rose gold set of brushes and other haircare tools. The colour is absolutely perfect and I was desperately in need of a new brush!
Electronics
Headphones
I work in transcription when I’m not blogging or writing, and all those hours with $10 Walmart headphones pressed to my ears weren’t doing me any favours, neither for my consistent migraines or my ability to work in anything but absolute silence. Mom found an amazing deal on some Beats headphones* and it has made such a difference!
Webcam
You might remember me mentioning several times that I’ve been preparing a Youtube channel for For the Sake of Good Taste. It’s definitely been pushed to the backburner over time, but it’s definitely something I hope to incorporate at least a bit in 2019 (perhaps videos once a month or so?). With that in mind, Mom picked up this webcam* that I’d had on my wishlist and actually forgotten about!
This is going to get its first use with an interview I’m doing soon on the poetry side of my life (learn more about my writing at my writing site, if you’re interested!). From there, I’m hoping to get a space together to start vlogging! I’d love any tips you’d like to share so feel free to reach out in the comments or on social media if you’ve got any experience or tips for new vloggers!
HP Sprocket*
This was definitely the most surprising of my gifts! I’m in quite a few bullet journalling groups on Facebook and the HP sprocket (and similar products) are constantly appearing as favourite items. I’ve always thought they were neat, but I never in a million years thought I would have one of my own. Between the relatively high price point (at least for my personal budget) and needing to buy paper going forward, I had resigned myself to never testing out instant prints in my bujo.
Well, Mom listened to my thoughts on this more than I had. She found a great deal on the 2-in-1 sprocket*, which actually takes photos as well! I haven’t played around with all of its features yet, but I have printed out some cute photos of Fitz because priorities.
Stationery
Harry Potter stationery & wand pen
One of my best friends, Monica, goes to visit her sister in Ireland regularly (one of these days I’ll follow her!). On a recent trip, she picked up this gorgeous Harry Potter stationery and wand pen for me for Christmas! I’ve already told her that we *will* be writing letters now.
Dot grid journals
Back to my bullet journal obsession, Mom got me two of my favourite dot grid journals from Michael’s, which should keep me going bujo-wise for at least half this year!
Stay tuned for a look at my 2019 bullet journal next week!
Pens
I adore Papermate flair pens* and these were the perfect addition to my collection! Apparently my parents’ dog agrees, though . . . if you look closely, two of the caps have been attacked!
Recollections Creative Year Planner Books
While I keep lots (and lots and lots) of collections in my bullet journal, there are a few things that I’d love to have a pre-set layout for (and maybe transition into my bullet journal eventually). These little booklets are perfect! I’ve already been making huge strides towards my 2019 goals (posts on those coming soon!) with the Goals book! In total, I got the menu planning*, goals*, important info, and bucket list books.
Letterhead
In probably the most touching of my individual Christmas gifts, Mom had some letterhead made for my brand-new literary magazine, Nightingale & Sparrow, which I’m thrilled to say has taken off beautifully so far! I haven’t decided just yet as to what I’ll be using this for, but I can’t even tell you how much it means to me that she thought to do this.
Bullet Journal Organiser
While we’re already on a sappy note, I’ve got to share this organiser that Mom put together for me. I’ve been saying for ages that I need to find a better organisation system for my bullet journal supplies. While this won’t hold all of my goodies, it’s absolutely perfect for holding my most-used items! She included my bullet journal supplies, letterhead, and other goodies in this with a note reminding me to follow my dreams. I’m tearing up again just writing this!
Books
Cookbook
For weeks, my sister has been pointing to a Harry Potter-wrapped package under the tree and reminding me that it’s the gift she’s picked out especially for me. It turns out that that packaged housed this lovely vegan cookbook*! I’m looking forward to playing around with some of these recipes!
Whiskey in a Teacup
I’m a huge fan of Reese Witherspoon (to the point that I’ve written a micropoem titled “In which I am played by Reese Witherspoon,” which will hopefully be published soon!). This book* has been on my TBR since months before its release. Once I get caught up on some of the pieces I’m reviewing & blurbing, this is next up!
Bonnies Crew Anthology
While not technically a Christmas gift, I won a giveaway for a copy of this lovely little poetry anthology. It arrived just before Christmas, so I think it still counts!
Misc.
Kuchi Kopi blanket
Like last year, I got a few Bob’s Burgers gifts! This hooded Kuchi Kopi blanket* is a personal favourite–he’s my favourite character from the show!
Sheep finger puppet
My friend B is going to school back in England and sent me this adorable finger puppet of a sheep. While we were both living there, she got used to me getting excited each time we came across a field of sheep (which was, thankfully, quite often). This was the perfect reminder!
Burger pillow*
Mom loved the irony of buying this for her vegan daughter. But, I could definitely replicate it as a vegan burger! It’s also the perfect amount of fluffy.
Wand
Another gift from my wonderful friend B! This personalised wand is meant to be a reminder of my being “badass.” She knows about my struggles with mental health, so this was, again, a perfect gift!
Fish ornament
Back to the earlier topic of Christmas traditions, this was the first year that we received a special ornament as part of our Christmas Eve gift. My sister, a lifelong proponent of Chinese food, got a little soy sauce bottle, while I got this beautiful goldfish! Mom and I have referred to each other as “fishy” for years now, so it was the perfect touch.
Like in years past, I’m blown away at my friends’ and family’s talents at giving the perfect gift. What Christmas gifts were your favourite to give or to get this year?
