Thoughts on Gifts

Just look at this beauty.  Check out the shop here.

Apparently the spirit of the holidays (or just the spirit of consumerism?) has gotten me thinking about the gifts we give and receive during the year.  (Ok, ok, it was this article over here on Raptitude: What to get Everyone for Christmas)

Anyway.  It got me thinking about most loved gifts.  The ones you use all the time and cherish.  So here a list of my most loved gifts I've received (in no particular order).

The Green Knubbly Man Sweater
This sweater is definitely in the running for personal favourite article of clothing of all time.  Once it starts to get chilly you can probably find me wearing this thing at least 70% of the time.  It's a chunky waffle knit pullover in the best forest green colour you've ever seen.  It is snuggly and oversized just to perfection.  I wear it to work.  I wear it to coffee.  I wear it at holidays.  I wear it to bed.  I might really like this sweater.

The Wooden Jewelry Case
I don't actually think this miniature chest of drawers was necessarily intended to house jewelry.  But it's what I use it for in any case.  It's just like a big set of drawers except tiny.  Now that I think about it it does sit on my dresser... a jewelry dresser on top of a clothes dresser!  It's a dark, soft wood with a natural finish and it just happens to be perfect for my jewelry.  I think Felicia Day has nearly the same one (unless her instagram is lying, which would be weird).  Mine is taller and thinner but it's the same damn thing, I swear.

The Most Cozy and Most Giant of Quilts
My bed is a full sized bed.  Not even a queen sized bed.  But nonetheless I have giant (and marvelous) flannel scrap quilt.  This thing is huge.  One hundred and twenty-five inches square.  And I love it.  It's snuggly and warm and there is never not enough of it.

The Fancy Watch
For a very long time (6 or 8 years?) I did not wear this watch very often, if ever.  I got it when I was about 16 or so.  And being a mouthy tomboy who found herself more often covered in paint (hello, tech crew) than not, I didn't exactly where said very nice, expensive watch.  Lately, I wear it nearly everyday.  It has a small, deep blue face and a simple, thin metal band.  I like it.  Apparently 16 year old me new what she was doing when she picked out fancy things...

The Wall Hanging from China
A good friend of mine brought me back a custom wall hanging from China when he was finished studying abroad.  It's the first line of the eighth chapter of the dao de jing.  My favourite translation of which is, "The best of man is like water."  I keep it hanging in my living room.

The Oxblood Mug
I'm not sure which birthday I got this for but believe you me it is the single best mug in the history of mugs.  The glaze on the outside is this absolutely wonderful deep, deep red (hence "oxblood," hello) while the inside is just barely a minty blue.  The shape and size and handle are just perfect.  It is the best mug.  (It may be worth noting that I firmly believe that everyone should be in possession of a friendly stuffed critter, a cozy blanket, and a good mug no matter what.  Just sayin'.)

The Knitting Stash
This one is bittersweet.  My good friend's mother passed away this summer; she was an avid knitter and had amassed quite the collection of beautiful books, patterns, and yarns.  I am so lucky and blessed to have them now in my home.  Every time I pick up my needles I hope I will do her proud.  She was a lovely woman.  And she raised a lovely man.


There you have it.  I doubt this list is by any means exhaustive of course but you get the idea.  Leave a comment below and let me know some of your favourite gifts.

Hey kids, It's time for PRESENTS!

... Or at least, the deal of the century (which is close enough).

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