My toxic trait is that I’m easily influenced. I love things. Funnily enough, while I like trinkets and knickknacks, I can be pretty frugal regarding what I’ll spend on. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to adopt the mindset that if I splurge on something higher quality once, it can save me money in the long run since I won’t have to replace it again and again.
As an editor, I often get sent samples of new releases so I can try things out free of charge. It’s a great job perk, and sometimes I end up genuinely falling in love with products. There are some items that I would happily swipe my card for and will rave about to anyone who will listen. TBH, if any of my besties are reading this, they could probably guess what gifts I’ve included below without even scrolling.
The items below are what I’d consider “simple pleasures” — high-quality basics that will make every day feel like a special occasion, whether you’re hosting your girlies for happy hour, updating your space, or getting dressed for a WFH day.
Read on for the 10 simple pleasure gifts I haven’t shut up about for the past year. Consider yourself influenced.
Shockingly-Good Socks
Women’s Vintage Stripes Half Calf Socks 4-Pack
I used to be the type of person who bought a 50-pack of thin, white ankle socks whenever my previous pairs mysteriously disappeared in the wash. After trying Bombas, I don’t think I’ll ever go back.
You can choose different patterns, colors, lengths, and styles (compression, athletic, etc.) that match your preferences and needs. Their white socks look like new even after multiple washes and are extremely comfortable for long days on your feet.
The Smartest Scent Purchase
Smart Fragrance Diffuser LAFCO Set
If you see me cornering someone in conversation at a party, there’s a serious chance I’m telling them about Pura. These diffusers pair with a smartphone app so you can control scent strengths and diffusion times remotely. The best part is that the Pura shop includes cult-favorite fragrances from brands like LAFCO, Anthropologie, NEST, and more.
My secret? I set my diffusers (I have one in my living room and one in my bathroom) at full strength for one hour when I’m having guests over so it smells phenomenal when they arrive but isn’t too strong throughout their stay.
Your Perfect Match
The Match Bouquet
You should be keeping matches in your bathroom for guests — if you know, you know. This collab between Susan Alexandra and Staff is a fun take on a seemingly boring houseware. The only challenge will be having the heart to strike the adorable floral-inspired matches.
On-The-Go Nail Care
Apricot Nail & Cuticle Oil
This year, I became a DIY manicure girl. I alternate between press-ons and classic polish manis, but one thing that stays constant is this cuticle oil from essie. It has a fruity scent, keeps nail beds strong, and can be thrown in a bag on the go.
The Softest T Ever
Wundermost Ultra-Soft Nulu Hip-Length Crewneck Shirt
When lululemon called this top “ultra-soft,” they weren’t messing around. The cut and crop of this shirt make it ideal for pairing with leggings, sweats, or jeans, and the fabric is the definition of lush. I wear my beige version all the time, and have been eyeing other reliable hues like deep brown and classic black.
For A Pic-Worthy Pregame
Olive Cocktail Picks
Martinis are a pillar of my personality at this point and I love hosting my friends for a happy hour at home during the colder months. These cutesy cocktail picks have olives with different-colored pimientos so everyone can keep track of their cocktail — and the Instagram pics of the drinks will be fire, too.
Body Care With Vacation Vibes
Citrus Scented Body Oil
I thought body oil would make me feel like a sticky mess, but this one from Saltair is super moisturizing and easily soaks into the skin. The exotic pulp scent reminds me of that post-beach vacation haze, and the size is perfect for stocking stuffers.
Non-Basic Balletcore
Circus NY by Sam Edelman Zuri Flats
Trends come and go, but I think ballet flats have real staying power. Sofia Richie Grainge, Hailey Bieber, and J.Lo have all rocked the trend and while I initially thought I couldn’t pull it off, these gold flats have become a staple. They can be paired with a basic T or a full-on balletcore look, and the metallic colorway gives them some extra flair.
The Most Fun Home Addition
City Sac
One of the best parts of being an adult is that you can decorate your space how you always dreamed of as a kid. Enter: Lovesac. The brand makes various sizes of bean bags that are super durable and available with so many cover options to match your home’s aesthetic — mine is a fun zebra print that really brings my living room together. It’s a cozy, fun piece of furniture that will feel like a gift to your — or your recipient’s — inner child.
Sweats That Last
Cozy Fleece Mega Sweatpant
Quality comfy clothes can feel like peak luxury. The Cozy Fleece Mega Sweatpants from Aritizia don’t pill after washing and are available in short, regular, and tall lengths so you can find the best fit. Choose from classic neutrals, pretty pastels, and bold jewel tones, and pick up the matching sweatshirt for the sweetest gift for your hygge-obsessed loved one.
The post 10 Simple Pleasure Gift Ideas For The 2024 Holiday Season appeared first on Bustle.
