Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Most Loved Big Ticket Gifts

 Today’s my last day of work for the week, and I am so thrilled to be slowing down for some family time soon. I’ve already started making a list of what I need to take home, and I foolishly decided that my desk chair was a good place to pile some of those items when it’s where I need to sit to get work done today. As I was moving my growing stack, I realized that while some of the items were higher ticket items, many of them were given to me and made terrific gifts because of how often I use them. Since I know many of you are in the process of compiling your Christmas wishlists (I’ll have a complete gift guide of ideas on this as well) or shopping the sales; I put together a list of my favorite big-ticket items with links to where they may be able to be shopped on sale. 


As I’ve gotten older, my Christmas list has become more and more practical. Let’s not forget that last year I asked for tires and was told by my parents that that is kind of a lame gift. Well, if it’s something I know I’m going to use and happens to be more expensive, I don’t think it’s lame but instead practical. I know some of you are in the same thought camp as me for this one since when I polled you to see what the best gifts you’ve received were, many of them also fit into the practical category. I’m excited to be sharing your answers to the best gifts you’ve received this afternoon, but first, some of my more expensive answers! 

Michele Watch

One of the most unbelievable collaborations I’ve gotten to do through my blog was the one I did around the time of my college graduation with Michele Watches. I didn’t fully expect the collaboration to be a reality until this watch showed up in the mail. I remember a few friends were with me when I picked up the package, and they made me unwrap it in front of them so they could see it too. At first, I thought I would only wear it on occasion, but since receiving it well over three years ago, I’ve worn it almost every day. The square face is modern yet still classic, and the ability to change the bands has been an unexpected feature that I’ve adored since it makes it feel like I have more options to choose from. A watch had never really been on my wishlist, and now I can’t imagine not having it on me at all times. 

David Yurman Bracelets

I have this one and this one.

Sticking with the jewelry trend, my David Yurman bracelets, like my Michele watch, are items I reach for daily. My first David Yurman was actually a gift to myself, my sophomore of high school. I had seen them and loved the simplistic style and combination of metals and eventually saved up enough money to purchase my own. I have since added to my collection and love the layered look and variety of bracelets made by the brand. As such a timeless piece, I could see many girls categorizing a David Yurman bracelet as one of the best gifts they have received as well. 

Barbour Jacket

While there is definitely a bit of sticker shock when you see the price of a waxed Barbour jacket for the first time, I can assure you it is worth EVERY penny. This is, without a doubt, one of the most worn items in my closet. I received mine for Christmas my freshman year of college (meaning I’ve had it for a long time) and wear it regularly for almost three full seasons of the year. I have the Barbour Beadnell jacket in the color Sage in a U.S. 6 and have since invested in a hood and liner for the coat. Even with those additions, I think that if I had a quarter for every time I wear it, I would have another one or even two in my closet. I have sent it to be rewaxed before by the Barbour team in North Carolina, and it came back feeling like a brand new jacket. As long as you continue to take care of it, it’s a piece that can last forever. If you’re considering purchasing a Barbour jacket, I have shared a complete guide on the brand and their jackets in this post earlier this month. 

Patagonia Puffer Jacket

Sometimes a gift to yourself can’t be beaten since you know precisely what you want. That’s how I feel about this Patagonia Puffer Jacket that I got for myself during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale this year. I have a white North Face puffer jacket that I got before my 8thgrade class trip to Washington D.C. (it’s as shocking to me as it probably is to y’all that this jacket still fits and appears to be white) and decided it was finally time for an upgrade. I chose this jacket in particular because it would be easy to put on over other jackets and can be packed up into a very tiny size. It gets so much wear in the winter when I am in comfy leggings, and the better sweater pullover from the brand has been another great buy. 

Frye Riding Boots

Currently 42% off.

Last year for Christmas, I received these boots but only because my previous identical pair had been quite literally worn through. I had them resoled a few times, but I wore them so much that the last time (when I could see my sock through the sole of the shoe) I was considering resoling them, it became clear that a new pair would be a better investment. I had kept my eyes peeled for something similar and classic that I liked equally so I wouldn’t be asking for the exact same thing I already had, but nothing fit that bill, so the Frye Melissa Riding Boots were unwrapped (again) on Christmas morning. From November until March, I wear these boots frequently with dresses or jeans. The quality of Frye’s boots is unparalleled, and I’ve been impressed by how good these boots still look despite the countless treks across campus I’ve put them through. 

Hunter Rain Boots

Hunter Rain Boots are a must-have for any college girl having to walk to class in the rain. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that once your feet stop growing, investing in footwear that works for the weather you’re faced with and your style is a worthwhile purchase. I adore Hunter rain boots and have two pairs. I’ve had my taller pair since middle school and don’t wear them as often as the short, grey high-gloss pair I got in college. I am so thankful for these boots on rainy days and would highly recommend adding them to your list if you find yourself confused with which shoes to wear on especially rainy days. 

L.L. Bean Duck Boots

Growing up, I called these farm boots since we always knew to pack them when we went to our grandparents’ house, which we call the farm. I even have one of my aunt’s pair from college in my closet since these shoes last forever! Whether you’re looking for something easy to hose off when dirty or keep your toes warm in the snow, these boots can fit the bill! 

Barrington Gifts St. Anne Tote

Currently 15% off with free shipping using the code TISTHESEASON.

I love tote bags and am under the impression that you can never really have too many. That’s a good mindset to have when narrowing down which Barrington Gifts St. Anne Tote print to purchase. Thanks to my indecision, I now have five different prints of this tote. The durability and functionality of it are what keeps me coming back to it time and time again. Whether I’m carrying my laptop, magazines, and other work supplies or textbooks in college, these totes only get better with age. Thanks to the customized nature, I also love that you can create exactly what you want to fit your style when making this purchase! 

Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote

I warned you that I love tote bags! I received my very first Longchamp bag in eighth grade and have been a huge fan of the brand ever since. While I’ve outgrown that first medium-sized chocolate brown one I received years ago, my navy, large Le Pliage tote is the perfect bag to tote to the gym or pack in when heading out of town. The material is so durable, and the style is simple enough to be used as an accessory or luggage easily! 

Mark and Graham Luggage

carry on and checked luggage

I used to rely on my parents’ suitcases in our attic, but once I moved, I figured it was about time I have my own luggage. I own both the carry-on and checked size of this hardshell suitcase and love the navy color's classic appearance. What’s great about this luggage is that you can go ahead and buy it as a set or break up the gift and order the various sizes separately. The hard exterior makes me think that everything inside is well protected, and the navy striped lining when you unzip it is pretty cute too. 

MacBook Pro

I spent more time with this computer than I did with my family while in college. If that’s not a scary realization, I’m not sure what is, but it’s the reality. I was lucky enough to replace that first MacBook Pro I received in high school and used so much that it had to have its hard drive replaced with a newer one for my master’s graduation that I hope will have an equally lengthy lifetime. From college applications, starting a blog, four years of college coursework, teaching lesson plans, graduate coursework, and the occasional Netflix binge, I’ve spent a lot of time behind the screen of a Macbook and can undoubtedly say it is worth the investment. 

Ember Mug

Definitely one of those items that is a want, not a need, but with my coffee obsession, it made for a really great gift from my brother last year. Using the app on your phone, you can set the mug to heat up to your desired temperature, and it will keep your coffee warm. I keep mine on my desk at work, and it helps me to savor my coffee instead of chugging it for fear that it will be cold come the final sip.

Lake Pajamas

I wish I could come up with where my love of pajama sets originated, but I think it started at a very young age. I always remember opening my pajama drawer to find matching sets to grab. I suppose I never outgrew that since my pajama drawer now is still the same way with many of those sets from Lake Pajamas. I could rave about these for days (and actually did yesterday) and understand why some people may be hesitant to purchase them. They are expensive for a pair of pajamas, but the quality is unparalleled. Pajamas are one of those items that get more wear than many of my real clothes, and I use that as an excuse to spend a little more on them. The material of these P.J.s is so soft, and the different colors and lengths mean they make a fantastic gift for a variety of people! 

Gold Family Crest Ring

Last year for Christmas, my sister in law gave me one of the most thoughtful gifts. She and my brother had gotten married that August and she originally wanted something with her new monogram (we are slowly convincing her of how fun southern traditions can be) but came across a family crest ring instead. She got one for herself and gifted one to me for Christmas, and I wear it daily. I love that it looks like a classic signet ring with a really sweet story behind it! I wish I had thought to gift it to her as a way to further welcome her into the family, but it was so thoughtful for her to give it to me! Since it was a gift. I don’t know exact details on the crest's size or where it is from, but I’ve linked one that looks incredibly similar to mine.

Weezie Robe

Remember when we all got stimulus checks earlier this year? Well, I knew exactly how I was going to shop small, and it involved this robe! I happened to get an email from the brand stating that they had ordered the wrong color pink piping, and were going to be offering that batch of robes for a discount. I jumped at the opportunity immediately and am so glad that I did. I have the short sleeve style and put it on every time I get out of the shower. The material is absorbent yet soft, and the short sleeves make it so that I don’t get hot wearing it while blow-drying my hair. Some other features I love are the pockets, lack of color, meaning you’re not going to get makeup all over it while wearing it do that, and that the tie is attached to the back and doesn’t get lost in the dryer. Next on my list from the brand are their towels! 

I would love to know what you would put on a list like this if you made one! 

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