Month: November 2022

https://amzn.to/3uaO0jK

Air fryers have gotten so much attention lately… It’s time to recognize that deep fryers are still arguably more delicious inducing kitchen gadgets… Though if your friend is the healthy type we better include a good air fryer suggestion too just in case! But if your chef friend needs to be able to make donuts, homemade fried chicken, easy fry bread, etc… This is the way to go. The one we have is a hamilton beach, and we are really happy with it.  Definitely the best fried chicken I’ve ever had has come from here, and I am working up to trying a batch of bread machine yeast rising donuts in it!

https://amzn.to/3GZrwd9

All the cool kids are messing with the charcuterie boards these days, so consider buying your madame or monsignor or them one for dinner parties and netflix sessions.  This one is my favorite because it has room for ALL the trimmings, plus dainty little hor d’oeuvres forks.

Even if your friend isn’t into raw fish, there is a ton of versatility to sushi! There are vegetarian options, cooked fish options… even interesting (cooked!) land animal sushi types.  If your adventurous cook friend doesn’t have one yet, consider getting them a sushi maker.  This one gets good reviews, and is the one I got my sister for Xmas. Bonus points for having cute soy sauce bowls and whale shaped chopstick holders!

https://amzn.to/3Un2Z4N

The makers of instant pot also made an extremely versatile air fryer with 6 qt capacity.  Great reviews, and if you can’t justify the deep fryer then this is almost as flavorful and twice as healthy!

https://amzn.to/3VGFfcQ

https://amzn.to/3UfLkvH

This one is similar and will work just as well. If you’re not sure, check those 7500 ratings!

This is probably my favorite bread machine recipe, light sweet easy dinner rolls.  I have also engaged in some Outback knock off bread recipes though AKA Bushman honey wheat bread, which I personally love and enjoy that they are a little healthier with the whole wheat.

https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/bread-machine-dinner-rolls/d958dcf1-5fd4-4b8e-bea8-ff817e6227ce

I got a bread machine for my birthday last year, and I have used it even more than I expected.  I actually prefer using it to make my dough then baking the dough in the oven, but a bread machine often times also comes with settings for jam, yogurt, sometimes even icecream! And more,  I cannot recommend them enough. Sadly, the brand I know and love is out of stock, who knows for how long.  That’s this one.

https://amzn.to/3gO3rv7

https://amzn.to/3VEKTMJ

This one is almost a no brainer, but it comes with a hefty price tag so make sure you… ya know. Like the person you’re getting it for! Kitchen aid mixers are SO versatile, especially for the bakers and pastry chefs among us.  MAKE SURE you know what color your person wants- I have absolutely seen these sold for half price on facebook marketplace just to rebuy the right color!  With a kitchen gadget this big, if it’s sitting on your counter most often- you want it to match. 

https://amzn.to/3udD9FD

This kiln fired absolute unit of a mug will hold 24 oz of coffee, so your friend doesn’t have to stand up 3 times to get coffee.  Also dishwasher safe, because ain’t nobody got time for that otherwise.

https://amzn.to/3isswMR

The yeti: if they don’t have one yet, it’s because they haven’t yet justified buying it for themselves.  Help save them from analysis paralysis, and get it for them. Minimalist design, but top notch engineering, materials AND construction.  Yes, you can put them in the dishwasher. Their coffee would probably stay hot the whole day in this thing, if they didn’t drink it faster than that.

https://amzn.to/3ijW5jn

If you want the absolute bougiest, top of the line, “smart” temperature controlled mug- I would be loathe to keep the information from you. Don’t worry, it comes in rose gold (do the other colors even matter? Cause they do exist.)

https://amzn.to/3EHKUso

If you want a good quality nespresso machine that won’t absolutely break the bank, this one is your best bet.  The machine reads a barcode on each pod and automatically adjusts to it’s optimal brew method.  It hits the mark for ease and convenience for sure. If you don’t prefer single use pods, there are some interesting reusable options to circumvent that issue.

https://amzn.to/3VDy2dz

Good for a friend with an office job, OR your office job friend (if you work at the same place, you can probably borrow it sometimes so it’s a win win. 😉 ) this instant espresso machine is PORTABLE my friends for all the office coffees, even CAMPING coffees.. I’m sorry I may have jumped the shark with this gift!!

I’m going to be honest, my personal favorite espresso maker is actually the stovetop kind.  Sure, it’s no frills, and you have to watch so it doesn’t burn.  There is something satisfying to the ritual though, and I don’t think you will beat the price tag.

https://amzn.to/3Vli4VS

Mr. Coffee’s cafe barista does the shot and the steamed milk for you, making it the best choice for latte lovers.  Plus no pods necessary, which is always a pro in my book. That does mean it takes a little more time to load the ingredients, but then it does all the work for you and I’ve heard cleaning is actually a breeze.

https://amzn.to/3Vm8MsB

https://amzn.to/3ieaI7N

This frother doesn’t require heated milk, thus making it ideal for cold drinks like iced macchiatos.  It is, unfortunately, hand operated which makes it less ideal for tech lovers, but is also affordable and harder to break.

https://amzn.to/3gP2zGw

This is my favorite every day frother.  It has a protective case to ensure you don’t damage the whisk end in travel, froths in seconds and comes in battery or usb rechargeable versions.  There are other colors but I prefer the stainless steel look.

https://amzn.to/3inE57N

This hight tech, versatile milk frother comes with a proportional price tag- but it is worth it.  Cold froth, hot froth to a specified temp, steamed milk, or just a perfectly blended hot chocolate- it does it all with a touch of a button. Easily cleaned and even easier usability, this is a luxury your hot drink lovers will thank you for. 

https://amzn.to/3ifv2Wo

For us mere mortals who feel aged before our time, this patent-pending scientifically innovated star trek worthy coffee remineralizes your body rather than dosing you with caffeine high enough to threaten your life. In this case, danger coffee is a misnomer, thankfully.  It comes in at a bit higher price point, but keep in mind you are probably saving money when you brew at home anyway.  In fact, I am sipping a cup of their pre ground medium roast as we speak.  The flavor is definitely on the upper end of coffee (this is no F****rs sticks and twigs, folks) but the true star of the show is the quality of the caffeine high you get. It really is pleasant, folks.

Link coming soon!

For those of you who have drunk so much caffeine you can’t feel it anymore, death wish coffee may be perfect for you. Don’t say you weren’t warned- it’s literally in the name- this coffee has about 60 mg of caffeine… per fl oz.  For comparison, that’s over 10x the caffeine in normal drip coffee! Include it in a gift basket for your die hard coffee lovers.

https://dangercoffee.com?ref=karendurtka

Bones coffee gets a special mention, because while my personal preference is a high quality, plain medium roast bean (I’ll control the additional flavor ratios later) Bones coffee has some really interesting innovative flavors infused right into the bean.  Maple and bacon is my favorite so far, but if your coffee friend is looking to spice things up, macamaniac (macadamia flavored,) cinnabun, irish cream, or even mint chocolate chip ice cream flavored beans may delight. If you can’t choose one, they have a fabulous variety pack. And yes, of course they have a pumpkin spice infused bean. It’s called Jacked-o-Lantern.  These are also a good choice for people who want flavored coffee without a ton of added calories via flavored syrups.

https://amzn.to/3ASyfBW

Bring mario into your home with the RC mario racer.  Toddler and big kid approved. You might even hear your kids say, dang these real life Mario game graphics are so good…! We got one last Xmas for our 3 and 8 year olds, and it has gotten a good bit of play time.

https://amzn.to/3OMiyli

Before it was fortnite, it was minecraft (perhaps for your household, it’s both at the same time!) This minecraft backpack even comes with a separate lunch box, pencil kit and a keyring/hand sanitizer dispenser.  Official merchandise and everything!

https://amzn.to/3gK2Ryq

In our household, this fortnite nerf gun is automatically more approved even though the only difference is fortnite is written on it. Why exactly? Your videogame kid can tell you better than I can, but the short of it is fortnite is cool.

https://amzn.to/3AVbrRI

There are some really nice minecraft plushy sets with multiple smaller plushies, and also bigger cuddlier minecraft animals. The set may be a little better for make believe games, whereas the cuddlies are for… well cuddling also. I don’t think you’ll go wrong either way, to be honest.

https://amzn.to/3UiWPCN

There is also a less cuddly, more practical set of official minecraft night lights. Still cute as a button if you ask me, and I think your minecraft kid will agree.

https://amzn.to/3ipaASW

Buy with caution- because chopping pillows with this diamond minecraft sword is addictive, and you don’t want your kids to chop more than pillows.  Set the boundaries before you gift it, and you’ll have a lot less “reeling it back in” work to do. Also comes in purple enchanted version

https://amzn.to/3gI55P5

Kids and projectiles… a match made in purgatory.  At least these ones are soft and shouldn’t hurt or break anything! Also a good excuse to tell them to go outside, if it’s warm enough. Plus they have the lovable Minecraft theme, sure to engage your very online children to do something in the real world for a little bit.

https://amzn.to/3VzW8Gf

Maybe you need to sneak some practical gifts into the stack this year.  Maybe your kid just likes fashion. Either way, this fortnite backpack is a good choice for your little fortnite lover. 8 year old tested, and approved.

https://amzn.to/3GYbY9G

Aphmau is a youtube famous minecraft player, your minecraft lover has most likely watched and loves.  Aphmau plushies were a hot topic for a hot minute in our household- and there were no less than 5 discussed, and at least 2 purchased. These mini plushies have the added appeal of the surprise, that is, you get 4 out of 8 possible designs which means you get a surprise unboxing experience. I personally love surprises, and I know my kids like the surprise toy packs too. If Youtube is any indication, those unboxing videos get a lot of views- it’s a common love.

https://amzn.to/3Vvgocc

https://amzn.to/3XJjWZV

https://amzn.to/3EVtQzo

Alternatively, a nightlight that has moveable and stackable minecraft blocks! All the best ones are here- a forge, a tnt block, some redstone, a jackolantern… Even a diamond mine block.

https://amzn.to/3VgPkgJ

Runes

Let’s talk about runes. It isn’t future telling which is a skill I’m sure you would have to be born with. Instead you ask a question or hold an issue in your mind and let the runes guide you to resolution. For a beginner, a guide book would be helpful. You can include one of the below rune sets as a gift set as well.

https://amzn.to/3igFv3M

https://amzn.to/3F11q89

https://amzn.to/3VyrRrn

I have it on good authority that you can carve runes into just about any material you like- stone, wood and for our spooky, diy witches- bone.  The best runes, however, are typically made from one of these three stone types: Amethyst, Jasper or Hematite.  This is an extremely affordable gift that combines the general love of geology and crystallography with a specific use: pagan divination. 

https://amzn.to/3UbpTvZ

https://amzn.to/3F2znW0

This incense burner has a really cool waterfall effect.  It has gotten some mixed reviews, but we thought it was pretty cool. Be sure to pay close attention to the instructions to maximize the cool effect and your witchy friend’s house will have that extra mystique they always are looking for.

Comes in other colors but I like the red personally.

Crystals

We can’t talk about witches without acknowledging one of the most basic tools of their trade- raw crystal.  They can be imbued with healing power, made into a talisman for luck, used to honor your patron gods or goddesses, guide astral projection, channel or divert streams of energy around you, manifest change, or simply decorate. 

https://amzn.to/3i5en7S

I love Fae everything, and this beautiful artsy tarot deck is no exception. It’s serving cottage core, it’s bringing fae vibes, it’s giving moonlit forest.

https://amzn.to/3GQ3QrK

https://amzn.to/3XCs1zw

Above is a picture and link to my favorite basic tarot set. As you can see it includes quite a bit more than just the cards- it also has a guide, a set of chakra crystals and some lovely bells among other useful and decorative elements. Great for beginners!

To the left is my friend’s favorite round tarot deck. This is great for a little more advanced tarot readers too because again, the tilt of the card can change the meaning if you know what to look for.

https://amzn.to/3ifeuho

This might be my all around favorite tarot deck, and it comes with a book. For your modern femme witches, we have the modern goddess… fitting, if I may say so.

If your witch friend hasn’t quite gotten around to starting their own grimoire, you may want to get them some practical spells to work off of. While writing your own spells is technically possible, it flows easier when you have some ingrained sense of magic in the first place.  For those of us who don’t have innate creative writing skills, this deck is a good start.

https://amzn.to/3XxXSSa

Tread carefully when buying clothing items for your friends. But if they are needing a witchy cloak, this is a good quality, if a little pricey one. Practical for cold weather, this woolen cloak comes in multiple colors and lengths.  Your cottage core type witch may like the fawn colored cape, but most of the witches I know would choose black without a second thought.  

https://amzn.to/3F18vpf

Witches have secrets the way haunted houses have secret passages.  Abundant, and close to their hearts.  Of the ways to keep secrets, perhaps this one isn’t the most covert- but it is the 

most dramatic. Maybe only keep the ones you want discovered in this though. 😉

https://amzn.to/3OGh9MY

https://amzn.to/3Vs5LGT

For your selenite witches, sleeping under the moon is ideal, but this will work in a pinch.  Bring a little bit of the moon to them with this moon lamp, with it’s soothing gently-red toned light for all night comfort, blue toned if you want to stay awake instead. Tap to turn it on for magical effect.

Candles may seem like a fairly basic gift, but if your witchy friend doesn’t seem to have a metric boat load lying around already, they may actually want more.  Elaborate candle sources coming soon- for now, this beautiful set is a good start. With varying patterns and scents, from lavendar to lemon to pine- this set is both affordable and expansive.

https://waxandwick.co/?ref=zEZwHWiX

https://amzn.to/3AP1PrI

Wax and wick has some really lovely minimalist, black and white candles with traditionally masculine scents- but really these will do for any of your witchy friends. I love the crackle of the wood wick, and that the candles are vegan.

https://amzn.to/3gBf6gR

For your artsy witch friend. Satan-summoning circle not included.

https://amzn.to/3Fegfod

Witchy parents and guardians need a good caffeine potion every now and then… and a good handheld cauldron to put it in! Caffeine not included… but check out our list of best caffeine sources if you would like to include a good brew.

https://amzn.to/3F5Kuxk

https://amzn.to/3gBf6gR

I love these for just about anyone, because who doesn’t need holographic stickers? But yes, they are specifically occult themed so maybe don’t give them to a christian…

https://amzn.to/3UfjRu1

Even witches need bags- at least they can enchant them to hold a massive volume of things in the void… (Do not try at home lest you invite void monsters into your bag.)

https://amzn.to/3XxvTlB

Cooking is basically alchemy and transmutation, make sure your kitchen witches are covered with this funny steam releaser.  This little friend aids in keeping your stove magically clean.

These are many of my favorite gifts that I either received as a cottage core lover myself, or gave to my (mainly rural) cottage core friends. You will notice one particular trend through all my posts… I never get tired of gifting mugs! But I also like other practical (and some not as much .. haha) gifts such as light sources, cross body bags and messenger totes- there are even some interesting indoor plant growing options! Scroll through to find out more.

There isn’t a drink on earth that won’t taste better to your cottagecore friend, if they are sipping out of one of these. Food tastes better while camping, and tea tastes better this way- trust me on this one.

https://amzn.to/3OFWOaH

I managed to refrain from including nothing but owls in this post- and I’m still not sure it’s a good thing.  This vendor, the Chala brand- has a great selection of quality owl bags varying primarily in size and pricing. Each bag also comes in other colors and designs, including llamas, dolphins, flowers, penguins, pandas, sloths, lady bugs… even some dinosaurs and a unicorn!! I love this brand, I bought a shoulder bag with a mama bear and a baby bear (which may already be sold out- watch for it to come back,) as well as one of their sunflower keychains for my best friend (and infant’s namesake.) They are also made of ethical but quality faux leather which is always a bonus in my opinion.

https://amzn.to/3Ey3Utg

https://amzn.to/3EEkUOx

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After your cottagecore friend wrote all those love letters and missives to friends, they realized they needed a way to ensure the envelopes weren’t tampered with before they sent them off via carrier pigeon (USPS in a pinch.)  And what better way than to provide them with some lovely wax seal stampers?

https://amzn.to/3u06P9f

A wooden fox journal may be just the thing your cottagecore friend needs to best chronicle their adventures. I love that the material is biodegradable, and the abstract yet cute fox design. I would pair this gift with some other writing related gifts, such as this fountain/quill pen set. If you’ve never tried a fountain pen- please do. They are smooth, fun and are sure to add that spot of whimsy to your cottage core friend’s letter writing.

https://amzn.to/3VwDm2B

https://amzn.to/3VpWsqX

I got these tiny silver bird earrings for christmas from my mother in law, and I absolutely adore them.  They were a wink at my chosen name, Ren (which of course sounds like Wren) but I also just love the cottage core style and the delicacy of them. They would make either a high end stocking stuffer, or a really affordable gift.  Highly recommend either way!

https://amzn.to/3F4168w

https://amzn.to/3VqtSpf

Is it a cherry blossom lamp? Is it a fairies-disguised-as-cherry-blossoms lamp? You decide.  Either way, this lamp will grace your cottagecore friend’s bedside table, desk or book nook with warm inviting light.

Let’s not leave leafy greens out of your cottagecore friend’s potential home grown garden.  This mini indoor hydroponics kit with a full spectrum lamp will have their indoor herb garden thriving. This seems like high tech, higher end gift, yet it has a seriously affordable price tag.

https://amzn.to/3XAJ1Gv

Your cottagecore friend didn’t know they needed succulent themed measuring spoons in their own measuring cup flower pot, so it’s a good thing you were looking out for them. Really though, how could anyone resist? I already have a set, and I’m always scheming for whom I could give a set to. I especially love these for smaller kitchens, where your cooking utensils are usually out and should therefore double as decor. Bonus points if your friend actually likes to cook of course…

Baking, gardening, frolicking through dew drop beladen woods… all activities your cottagecore friend may need an apron for.  We’re reclaiming home making, and aprons along with it. We might as well look good while we are doing it, with this beautiful cyan hydrangea piece. 

https://amzn.to/3OHVZ15

https://amzn.to/3UdiOea

In the same indoor garden vein- we have this lovely mushroom growing kit. Maybe your cottage core friend is not quite ready for foraging- that’s ok! They can safely grow edible mushrooms with this outside-the-box mushroom growing kit. Who knows, maybe they will even cook some for you. Getting all 3 varieties will cost you a little more, at around 75. This is a higher end gift for sure.

https://amzn.to/3igBqwu

How cute is this kitty cat mug? Must I say more? Hot drinks are mandatory especially during the cold months, and contrary to popular belief your cottage core friend will need a lot of different potential containers to hold them.

One more mug and then I’ll stop… For now. >:) The best mugs have the right shape, volume and heft- all while being cute and uplifting.  Plus this watercolor hummingbird evokes a sense of energy- something your cottagecore friend needs every now and then when forced to contend with the industrialized world.

https://amzn.to/3Vt07nR

If your cottage core friend’s walls aren’t bedecked in bees, how will they be able to see? You probably want more than one strand as each isn’t very long. They work in or out of doors.

Ok, hear me out.  Have you ever used a stuffy like this as a pillow? They are actually unrivaled. If you didn’t know seals and selkies were cottagecore, now you do.

https://amzn.to/3GPSWCk

No cottagecore list would be complete without a fuzzy blanket- my favorite is this mushroom patterned flannel, but there is a fox one and even a moth one (if you’re into that sort of thing.)

https://amzn.to/3U3oMyk

https://amzn.to/3ED0llD

https://amzn.to/3u3dMGM

Who said your yard couldn’t look cute while we are saving the bees?  Not us, that’s for sure.  This artsy bee and insect home will help preserve the ecosystem while looking sweet and somewhat formidable- things your cottagecore friend definitely aspires to be. BEWARE: this item is definitely not for those with trypophobia.

https://amzn.to/3ExzirS

These cottage core stickers (vintage flowers and mushrooms) would make a great stocking stuffer this holiday, because who doesn’t want stickers to put on their water bottle, their laptop, in their scrapbook, on their notebook…. The possibilities are endless!

Words of Affirmation

Physical Touch

Acts of Service

Quality Time

Gift Giving