I am a big fan of giving gifts that mean something. Not necessarily gifts that are serious, but gifts that speak to the recipient on some level. So here are 10 things I’m loving right now, just in time for the holidays:
- My Zuca bag. Nevermind that people always think I’m lugging around a computer server or in one case, body parts (seriously), this bag is magic for me and my multi-city travels. 6 compartments on the inside, a long telescoping handle, the smoothest wheels around, and a top that will hold 300 lbs., it’s my favorite bag to pack for my short trips. And it never fails to get comments. Plus no one ever mistakes it for their bag. It’s pricey, but if you, too spend a minimum of 2 weeks out of every month on the road, it’s the best. And one of these days, I’ll definitely be rocking these.
- Stop Talking cards. I was really hesitant to put these faux business cards on the list, because I hate to give away all my secrets, but let’s face it: these rock. If you’ve ever been stuck in a meeting with one person droning on and on, then you may find these handy. I fantasize about sliding one across the table at the guilty party, and then simply moving on to the next order of business. I’ll let you know if that actually happens someday.
- Yes Means Yes. I love this book. Also available as a Kindle edition.
- Papaya Art legal pads. Hanging out with lawyers all day, everyone’s got legal pads. Mine are cooler.
- Nooka Asset Organizer. I use it exclusively for business cards, because it’s easy to keep mine separate from yours in this brightly colored, rubber case. I roll with electric blue, but could have just as easily gone with orange.
- Foodzie. It’s not a thing, it’s a site. For all of you who love food as much as I do, peruse the different categories and see what kind of fabulous yum yums you can have shipped to yourself or loved ones. Homemade goodies from small purveyors, much in the tradition of Etsy.
- North Face Recon Backpack. Many of my colleagues prefer the cushier Swissgear pack, but for me, this is the greatest laptop bag ever made. Every once in awhile I’ll switch it up and carry a Timbuk2 bag, but I always go back to my trusty orange Recon.
- Prevention is Primary. The title of this book says it all. We cannot simply respond to violence; we must also figure out how to put an end to it once and for all. That way I can stay at home and bake cookies and go to PTO meetings like all the other moms at my daughter’s school. Okay, well, that part might be a bit of a fib (my husband’s the cookie maker in our household), but having to refocus my career wouldn’t be a bad thing.
- V-Day Ring/Necklace. I don’t have one (yet), but I want one. I just can’t decide which.
- Any of the Post Secret books. I read the website religiously–it’s one of the highlights of my Sundays. The books just take it to the next level. How can you not find other people’s secrets compelling? It’s a brilliant idea, executed in a brilliant fashion.