Every December, I host one of my favorite traditions of the entire holiday season, my annual Charity Brunch & Favorite Things Gift Exchange. We gather friends, eat way too many baked goods, and fill my living room with gifts that we donate to children spending the holidays in the hospital. It’s a day full of generosity, community, and joy, and I love surprising my guests with a curated selection of my favorite things of the year.

This year’s list is extra special. These are the products I’ve loved, used, and recommended nonstop throughout 2025. Whether you’re shopping for foodies, bakers, hosts, teachers, or stocking stuffers, these gift guides will make holiday gifting easy, thoughtful, and budget-friendly.

Below are my three curated guides: Gifts Under $20, Gift Guide for the Baker, and Holiday Foodie Gift Guide, with links so you can shop each item. This is not sponsored and I don’t receive anything when you shop these items, these are truthfully products I use and LOVE.

Gifts Under $20: Budget-Friendly Favorites Everyone Loves

Bono Olive Oil

My go-to affordable olive oil because the flavor is bright, smooth, and tastes far more expensive than it is and comes from Italy!

Geometry Towels

These are my favorite kitchen towels because they’re ultra-absorbent, quick-drying, and come in the cutest designs.

King Arthur Kids Cookbook

I love gifting this because it encourages kids to bake confidently and makes family time in the kitchen so much fun. My 6 year old make cookies 100% on his own (other than mom helping with putting the cookies in the oven).

Portland Syrup Spiced Cranberry Syrup

This instantly elevates holiday cocktails and mocktails with its warm, spiced winter flavor.

L’Avant All-Purpose Cleaner

It’s the chicest, best-smelling cleaner that actually works and makes my kitchen feel luxurious. It also works as a spot/stain remover on clothes. When I’m telling you that it works, IT WORKS. It got tomato stains out of my sons white basketball shorts and red lipstick out of white linen.

Maldon Flaky Finishing Salt

The perfect finishing touch for baked goods and savory dishes, adding crunch and flavor every home cook loves. I literally put this on EVERYTHING. Check your local Costco, they usually carry it during the holidays for the best price.

Gift Guide: Best Gifts for the Bakers

KitchenAid Clear Mixer Bowl

I love this bowl because the clear sides let me see butter, dough, and batter perfectly while mixing.

Watkins Dye-Free Sprinkles

These are my favorite sprinkles because they’re dye-free, taste delicious, and photograph beautifully.

Diamond Crystal Baking Salt

I love this salt because it dissolves perfectly in doughs and batters, making baked goods taste better every time.

Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Paste

My go-to vanilla paste because it adds rich vanilla flavor with gorgeous flecks in every dessert. Check your local Costco, they usually have it for the best price during the holidays.

Holiday Gift Guide: Best Gifts for the Foodie: Flavor-Lovers

Graza Olive Oil

A foodie favorite because the squeeze bottle makes drizzling delicious, peppery olive oil effortless. It taste delicious on everything!

Karma Vineyards

Local to WA state, this champagne is delicious on it’s own or pair it with a festive simple syrup or mimosas!

Bachan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce

My favorite sauce of the year — sweet, savory, and incredible on everything from veggies to chicken.

Just Ingredients Electrolytes

These are clean, refreshing, and the perfect pick-me-up for busy holiday mornings.

Carnation Farms Granola

It’s crunchy, lightly sweetened, and honestly the best granola I’ve eaten all year. It’s local to WA and my kids and I are obsessed!

SkinnyDipped

My go-to snack: lightly coated almonds that feel indulgent without being overly sweet.

Pop & Bottle Oat Milk Lattes

I love these because they’re creamy, clean-ingredient lattes that taste like a coffee shop treat.

Why I Love Giving “My Favorite Things” During the Holidays

Gift giving is such a big part of my holiday season, especially during our annual Charity Brunch, where friends arrive with gifts to donate and leave with a bag of products I personally used and loved all year. Sharing these favorites feels special, like passing on small pieces of joy, comfort, and creativity.

These gift guides are your shortcut to thoughtful and practical gifting, whether you’re shopping early, last minute, or building your own favorite-things baskets.

If you are looking for Homemade Gifts, try making a batch of my viral Sea Salt Caramels! Or whip up a batch of my popular Brownie Cookies.