There’s been LOTS of radio silence on the blog front. I’ve been trying to make some decisions on what becomes of my site. Is it regular updates or sporadic updates while using social media as a way to share food-related updates like recipes? The jury is still out.

What I do know is that I’m here today with my 2022 holiday gift guide! I wrestled with even writing one at all but I had a bit of energy, opinions and ideas on what holiday gifts you or your loved ones may like. I think there’s a little something for everyone here. You also may want to take a look at last year’s guide for more ideas.

Alright, let’s do this.

2022 holiday gift guide

Ina Garten’s “Go-To Dinners” Cookbook
I love the Barefoot Contessa and her recipes. I’ve always been a huge fan of her show and her cookbooks. This is her latest one that dropped earlier this year. If you have someone in your life who loves to cook, this is a great gift option.

Post Meridiem Afternoon Variety Pack
Truthfully, Post Meridiem canned cocktails have been on a previous gift guide but that was before they had variety packs! These are tiny but powerful cocktails that are so delicious. The afternoon pack features favorites like the margarita and mai tai. If you’re into other drinks like an espresso martini or an old-fashioned, try the evening variety pack.

“Watermelon & Red Birds” cookbook
Black author
This cookbook written by Nicole A. Taylor is the first cookbook to celebrate Juneteenth. The book is filled with delicious recipes from Moscato pound cake to watermelon ginger juice. You want this cookbook.

Bodum milk frother
I honestly never thought I’d want/need one of these but this one is so inexpensive, I couldn’t help myself. It’s a useful tool to have on hand when you want to add a little pizazz to your morning coffee.

Nespresso VirtuoPlus Coffee & Espresso machine
OK, I’m less than a month into being a Nespresso owner and I love it. Every year, I debate whether or not we “need” a complicated espresso machine and every year I get intimidated. We finally made the decision and went the easy route with this Nespresso machine. We’re in love. At the time of writing this, it’s currently on sale at Target! I think I’ll do a whole separate post about this machine soon.

GAP matching sweatsuit
In this moment in my life, I’m loving being comfortable but not compromising on style and this jogger suit is both. You can dress it up or down and look cute doing it. Comes in a variety of colors. Click here for the pants and here for the sweatshirt.

A Piece of Cloud 9 earrings
Latina-owned + Chattanooga-based business
If you’re looking for a uniquely stylish gift, look no further. Monica of A Piece of Cloud 9 makes gorgeous and super-creative pieces. If you’re reading this and you’re in Chattanooga, you can catch her at The Chattery’s Winter Solstice Market on December 17th.

Mini Chloe Woody tote
This summer, I bought myself a medium woody canvas tote and I love it but I’ve been seeing the mini version around online and I’m in love. I guarantee the purse-loving person in your life will be *very happy* to receive this as a gift.

Gemstone studs from Valerie Madison
Afro-Latina owned business
Valerie Madison has been on my holiday gift guides before because I really do love their stuff. I bought these birthstone studs for my best friend’s 40th birthday and now I’m contemplating getting more for myself.

Scunci knotted headband
Since cutting my hair a little bit shorter, it’s harder to hide “bad hair days” so I’ve become obsessed with knotted headbands. This particular one is from Target. They’re inexpensive and would make great stocking stuffers.

Makeup Eraser toner puff
I LOVE these! Buying a set of these puffs allowed me to stop buying disposable cotton rounds. They’re reusable and come with a small laundry bag so you can wash them.

Fringe Studio Notebooks
I’m pretty particular when it comes to notebooks and Fringe Studio has been my go-to brand for quite some time. I love the variety of designs and consistency of the products. If there’s someone in your life who also loves notebooks, check out Fringe Studio.

The Original Makeup Eraser
Not to be confused with the puffs mentioned above. These are “cloths” if you will, and with just a bit of water, will wipe all any makeup you’re wearing – even waterproof mascara. They’re reusable and machine washable.

Fenty Bright Fix Eye Brightner
Black-owned company
If you want to brighten up your under-eye area, look no further. Once I tried it out, I knew I had to add this product to my 2022 gift guide. What I love most is that it’s light, easy to apply and has lots of shades to choose from.

Nars Air Matte Lip Color
Matte lippies aren’t always my thing but this one is a winner. I love the color (I chose dolce vita) and the packaging. The jury is still out on their Velvet Lip Glide – the colors I’d like to try are currently sold out. Stay tuned to next year’s gift guide though.

Crayola washable sidewalk chalk
Yes, these are great for the sidewalk but Mason loves to use them inside on her little chalkboard. Keeps her busy for however long a toddler’s attention span will last.

Indoor play tent
Mason loves her little tent. We currently have it set up in her room with some pillows. She loves to sit in it and read books and it’s really cute and wholesome.

Yoto Audio Player
This is on our list to purchase for Mason this Christmas so we’ll see how she likes it. The website says it’s designed for kids ages 3-12. She’s almost 3 so I’m sure it’ll be fine. It’s a really cool, screen-free audio player that comes with cards to insert so your kiddo can listen to different stories. Very excited about this one.

Toddler House Slippers
There’s nothing more ridiculous but necessary than little toddler slippers. Mason has a pair at our house and her grandparents. They’re perfect for keeping little toddler toes nice and warm.

Corduroy Pillowfort Chair
I was so excited when we bought this chair for Mason. She loves it. It’s a little ridiculous and she already has two other “lounge chairs” but she loves to sit in this one with her snacks while watching Peppa Pig.