What I’d Bring to a Favorite Things Party

I’ve always wanted to go to a Favorite Things Party, but somehow either always miss them or my invite gets lost in the mail…? (Update - since first drafting this post, I have scored an invite for this holiday season!) But there’s something so fun about the idea of seeing what products people love and discovering new things, plus sharing my favorites with people I love! I’m not really one for gift guides, because I feel like they’re just so generic and I never really find anything on them that’s suited for my family or close friends. I’d rather recommend the things I swear by and if it fits the bill, then you know you’re getting something great!

It’s also ideal timing for some online shopping, as most of these items are likely going to be on sale for Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Many brands are launching their sales early, so you may be able to get them on sale now. Keep reading for a list of my faves, some of which might not interest you at all, but – who knows – you may discover something new! Definitely report back if you try and love something.

Saie Glowy Super Gel Illuminator

I had a sample size illuminating gel that I loved using on my face, with just a thin layer of powder on top and then my look was complete. When that ran dry, and I found out it was discontinued, I searched far and wide for a replacement product, and this fit the bill. It’s a little more sparkly than my first one, but it does give you a glowing, dewy look that you can even leave without a powder if you want to. I mix a small dab with a clear moisturizer (more on that below) and put it all over my face almost every time I go out. If you buy the full size and mini, you can keep the mini in your travel bag!

iHeart Macros Sleep Collagen

The holy grail of sleep supplements. I have been using this for years and honestly don’t want to go a night without it, not because I’m dependent on it but because it’s so good and is the perfect little treat at the end of the night! It’s meant to help you fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up energized, all of which I feel like it accomplishes for me, but it is also a collagen, which has a plethora of health benefits beyond just a good night’s sleep. I drink mine about 30-45 minutes before bed. I have a discount code with the brand, so use TORIB at checkout for 10% off your order!

Simple Modern 20oz Stainless Steel Coffee Cup

I have been buying these cups for several years, but this edition is by far the best. When they came with a clear plastic lid, the lid would expand from heat and actually get stuck until it cooled down, which annoyed me because I felt like I couldn’t get the last sip out. That doesn’t happen with this one, it unscrews easily and it’s also the perfect size for a full cup of coffee (I’m a volume over strength coffee drinker). It also keeps it hot for as long as you want! I will bring it all the way to the barn sometimes, then ride my horse for an hour or so, and it’s still as hot when I drink it was it was when I brewed it. Even when I’m staying at home I drink coffee out of this because in a regular mug I’ll drink it too fast when it starts to cool down.

Vuori AllTheFeels Leggings

Everyone has their ride-or-die leggings, and these are mine. I was introduced to them about a year ago and have since bought more pairs, and they just feel so nice to do literally anything in. I work out in them, run errands in them, and lounge around in them and they have not lost their perfect softness. They’re not too thick and they’re super stretchy. These have taken over my Lululemon obsession for sure!

Caroline Chambers’ What To Cook Subscription

I should preface that she also has a cookbook, so that’s a great option here if you want a one-time purchase, but Caroline Chambers’ Substack, titled “What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking,” is amazing, coming from someone who never really feels like cooking. She was a professional recipe developer, so she really knows what she’s doing, but she takes it down a notch in effort while maintaining flavor and the joy of cooking. Every recipe is straightforward, uses minimal pots/pans/bowls, and she sticks to similar ingredients across recipes so you rarely have to buy anything out of the norm. Plus I love her personality, which is infused all over her newsletters and on her Instagram. Gift yourself a subscription so you can join this fun squad of followers! It’s well worth the $5 a month.

Clinique Mini Sets

Most of my makeup is from the drugstore, but I do love a select few Clinique products and think they’re well worth a slightly higher price tag. I especially love shopping their smaller sized products, which they have tons of at Nordstrom Rack if you live near one of those. Ulta has a lot of fun gift packages of several travel-size options, and you can’t really go wrong with any of them if you’re wanting to try some of the products. I especially love the Moisture Surge, and I combine it with the Saie highlighter as my base for makeup. There’s a version of this moisturizer that has SPF but I don’t use that one unless I’m going outside right after; it feels a little oilier than this one. My favorite cleanser is the All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap which you can also find in a mini version. I keep trying new things when I see the mini versions and I have bought full-sized versions of my favorite ones!

Always Pan

This one may blow the budget for the Favorite Things party, but it’s something you could ask for or gift someone close to you this holiday season! I am cooking more lately and am using this pan probably three times a week, if not more. There’s nothing you can’t do in it! I love making pancakes, peanut noodles, pan frying tofu, and for any recipe that requires a pan or skillet, this one will do it. It cleans so nicely, too; I don’t have to deal with leftover blackened metal or any kind of residue. Coming from someone who really doesn’t know much about cooking, this is my favorite kitchen item!

Target Socks

Hear me out… Target has the most adorable and actually good quality socks. They come in big packs like the above (which I own) and they are just beyond fun prints and colors. They’re super soft and just the right size for me. Their no-show socks also have adorable patterns! I have worn holes through some of the ones I wore at horse shows, but at this price point they’re easy to replace, and they just bring so much joy!

Emmy’s Dog Collar

This is probably the item I own that I get the most compliments on. Emmy looks so pretty in it and it was worth every penny! It was a Black Friday purchase last year, so I was able to get 20 or 25% off, which was nice because it’s a little pricier than most dog collars. But it’s held up beautifully and still looks brand new! And everyone who meets her absolutely loves her collar.

Danielle Demers Stationery

This artist has created the most beautiful brand and products and I just love her basic notecards with foil-stamped horses on them. I get so excited when it comes time to send a thank-you note because it means I get to pull out one of these! My favorites are the lavender and green ones (shocking, right) but she has so many different colors, designs, and products. Her website itself is a piece of art!

Even though this list may stray off the recommended budget for a Favorite Things party, they’re definitely all my favorite things, so the purpose was more just to introduce some great products and brands rather than make suggestions for what to bring to the party. Let me know what you try and love! Also send me any recs for what YOU would bring to a Favorite Things Party, because I need lots of Christmas gift ideas.