These Are a Few of My Favorite Things–2020

Raindrops on roses

and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of my favorite things…

Yup, The Sound of Music is still one of my favorite things, but that’s not what this post is about. Today I’m here to bring you the 2020 edition of my Favorite Things shopping guide, just in time for the holidays!

I always find it helpful to hear about the things that other people have tried and enjoyed. It makes me feel more confident in my purchase. Some of the best gifts I’ve given have been the result of a personal recommendation.

For the past several years, I’ve preferred to do the vast majority of my holiday shopping online. I do not like crowds, so Black Friday shopping has never been my thing. This year, in particular, I will be doing every bit of my shopping online. Fortunately, most retailers are prepping for that, and extending the online deals out over time, rather than just one day.

Here are some of my favorite things that I personally own and/or have gifted to other people, in hopes that they may help you check some boxes off on your 2020 shopping list.

This post contains affiliate links. When you click on a link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for reading and supporting The House on Silverado.

1. Shaker & Spoon

Shaker & Spoon has been one of my favorite things for a couple of years now, but especially in 2020. During a year when dining out and Happy Hour at restaurants (formerly one of our fave things to do) has not been a good idea, looking forward to this shipment once a month has been extra fun. It is a great way to make bar-quality cocktails at home.

You can read my full Shaker & Spoon Review HERE, and use my link to get a discount on your first shipment. Shaker & Spoon offers gift subscriptions that allow you to determine the number of monthly shipments to send to your recipient.

2. Hello Fresh

Hello Fresh has been a lifesaver this fall. With a crazy and stressful back-to-school schedule, it offered a needed reprieve from shopping and meal-planning for at least 3 nights of the week. Now, with the COVID numbers surging, it’s allowing me to spend less time in the grocery store, because all the ingredients for 3 meals per week (you can choose more) are delivered right to our door. I gifted this to my then-college-aged son last year, because he likes to cook, and this gave him something fun to do with his girlfriend, and have better meals than the typical college student in an apartment might otherwise have.

Now, with many people staying away from restaurants, this also allows for you to have restaurant-quality meals, without the potential COVID exposure. My husband and I enjoy turning on some music, opening a bottle of wine, and preparing our Hello Fresh Meals together. Now more than ever, this would make a great gift for many different people on your list. You can choose meals for 2 people or meals for 4, or combine them for a bigger group. You can also choose the number of meals per week (3 minimum) and skip weeks or cancel whenever you want. See my full Hello Fresh Review HERE, and use my code for a discount off your first order.

3. Inspire Me Bracelets

These bracelets are easily one of my favorite things right now. I ordered the one with my favorite Bible quote, (Jeremiah 29:11) pictured below, and I wear it daily. When my anxiety is high, it’s a comforting reminder of a promise that has proven itself true over and over in my life.

As you can see, there are literally dozens of quotes, beads, and metal colors to suit anyone on your gift list. For my daughter, I bought the one that says, “BEAUTIFUL GIRL, YOU WERE MADE TO DO GREAT THINGS”, which is perfect for her. She makes the world a better place every day through the important work that she does with child protection social services. 💕

Use my affiliate link above, or enter my code SILVERADO, to get 20% off your purchase.

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4. Athleta Pranayama Wrap

Yes, the Pranayama wrap makes My Favorite Things List again. I own it in gray and heather, and recently ordered a third one in a new color–shale– when they sent me a 20% off coupon. Last year they had a Black Friday sale with everything 20% off, so watch for that. This wrap is cozy and warm and cute. What’s not to like?

5. Steve Madden Wedgie High Top Sneaker

I have these in black and wear them almost daily. They are super cute and also comfortable, which is a winning combo. I am very close to ordering a second pair in gray. Or maybe someone I know will get them for me for my upcoming birthday. 😝

6. Essential Oil Diffuser Ultrasonic Humidifier with Remote Control

My husband got me this diffuser for my birthday last year. I keep it on my nightstand and frequently place lavender essential oil in it at night. The relaxing scent of lavender is helpful in falling asleep, especially with the extra amount of stress we’ve likely all felt in 2020.

Recently, I purchased this Juniper Berry oil which is also meant to aid in relaxation, but has a seasonal scent that is a nice change for the holidays.

I love the color-changing mode, and also that it has a remote and timer, so I can control it easily.

7. Magnolia Table, Volume 2: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering 

This is one of my very favorite cookbooks! Volume 1 was included in my Favorite Things 2019 post, and now I’ve added Volume 2 to my collection. It is filled with easy-to-make, homestyle recipes that your family will love. I have nearly cooked my way through both books and have not been disappointed yet! Plus, Volume 2 is on sale on Amazon right now, with a digital coupon for $3.99 off!

8. Travel Pin Map

I bought a travel map for my daughter as a wedding gift, and loved it so much I decided I wanted one for our home as well. The colors in this Farmhouse Style map worked perfectly in my office makeover, and I’m so happy with it! This makes the perfect gift for the traveler/adventurer on your shopping list. I can’t wait until it’s safe/smart to travel again and we can start adding more pins to our map.

9. Project Smoke by Steven Raichlen

I gave this book to my husband for his birthday last year, and it ended up being a “gift” to the rest of the family too! 😂 My husband has made some of the most delicious things on his smoker using this book as a guide! The book is a complete, step-by-step guide to mastering the art and craft of smoking, plus it contains 100 recipes.

10. Oversized Carved Wood Tray – Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia

I bought this gorgeous oversized wood tray that is part of Target’s Hearth & Hand with Magnolia line, on a whim when I spotted it in Target several months ago, and I’m so glad I did! Since then, I’ve used it for charcuterie creations, as well as for several home decor vignettes. It’s functional and stylish, and I love that it serves multiple purposes.

11. NutriBullet Pro

I love our >NutriBullet Pro for making smoothies. In the summer, I had my favorite Cherry Almond Smoothie, or a seasonal smoothie like this Fresh Summer Peach one, for lunch almost every day. My husband and I often make wine smoothies to go with our popcorn on movie nights at home, too. 😂 The” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>NutriBullet blends up a single-serving smoothie in no time, with little mess, since you drink right out of the blending container. I’m sure it has many other uses, but this is how we primarily use it at our house, and it’s worth it just for that!

12. Lasko Digital Ceramic Tower Heater with Remote

I hate being cold. This little portable space heater is my friend during the cold Iowa winter months. It can be picked up and moved to wherever you need a little extra warmth. I like it pointed right at me! It has a timer, multiple heat settings, a remote, and it oscillates! Right now, while I’m working from home, I have it set up in my home office, so I can stay toasty warm without having to dial the heat up in the whole house. We actually own two of these and use them frequently in our screened porch. With the fireplace on out there, plus a couple of these little space heaters, we can get it toasty warm in there almost all winter long.

13. Philosophy’s Amazing Grace

I’ve been wearing Amazing Grace from Philosophy for something like 20 years now. I love the light, fresh scent of Amazing Grace in particular, but all of their products are great. I have also used Philosophy’s Purity Face Wash for years. Philosophy typically has wonderful Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, so watch for some deep discounts. I usually stock up for the year during these sales!

14. Camille 23 Oz. Long Stem Wine Glass

Any Olivia Pope fans out there? The first time I saw Olivia sipping red wine out of this long stem glass, I went on a mission to find it! Turns out, they’re from Crate and Barrel and you can easily order up your own without a scandal. (Hehe, see what I did there? 😂) The extra-long and slender stem, and the bubble bowl are perfect for sipping your fave glass of red in style.

15. Tiled Monogram Mug from Anthropologie

My husband got me this mug for Christmas last year, after I fell in love with it at the Anthropologie store at the mall. It reminds me of vintage penny tiles. So cute. And, lucky for you, if you’re not planning to traipse the malls this year like me, due to COVID, Anthropologie offers free shipping on orders of $50+.

16. Staub Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 4-Qt

Williams Sonoma has this Staub Dutch Oven on sale right now as a Black Friday special . Seriously, if you have a cook on your gift list, this is a quality piece of cookware that will last a lifetime. I have it in the Basil color, which is one of the few colors not on sale strangely. But many other colors, including this stunning Cherry Red, as well as White, Teal, Royal Blue, and a Graphite color which I adore, are all on sale with fast and free shipping. Trust me friends, this is a deal. They are normally more than 3x as much. Don’t wait on this one. You can see mine in THIS POST.

Happy Holiday Shopping,

Looking For More Great Gift Ideas?

Check out these posts to help you with your holiday shopping!

• Great Gift Ideas from Etsy
• Favorite Things 2019
• Winter Wardrobe Ideas
• Great Gifts That Aren’t More Stuff
• Father’s Day Gift Guide
• Prime Purchases

This post contains affiliate links.