A Joyful Gift Guide: 7 Things That Brought Me Joy in 2019

Alrighty, I know I’m not really an authority on fashion or the general tastes of the population, but I wanted to put together a couple little christmas gift guide -esqe post of things that brought me joy during the 2019 year. And yes, yes, I know we shouldn’t derive happiness from objects and blah, blah, blah. But sometimes you find things that make you smile. and that’s ok. This will be a hodge-podge of things that brought ME joy; some of which I use on a daily basis, and others only make an appearance given the occasion, but nonetheless, I love them.

Popsocket

This simple little addition to my phone has saved my screen on countless occasions. The classic gold and tortoiseshell design goes with everything and adds a little class to my phone. Personally, I love not dropping my phone, not having a heart attack everytime i fumble(which is a lot) and not paying exorbitant amounts of money for a new screen.

Atlas Obscura

This is a travel book entirely focused on the idea of the ‘places less travelled’- it features sites in the corners of the world that would not be traditionally on someone’s travel itinerary. Beautiful, and filled with colour photos, it’s become a favourite to flip through with a cup of coffee in hand. This isn’t something to bring with you backpacking, but a wonderful inspirational living room table travel book that will make you consider some of the stranger parts of the world; from the phallological museum in Iceland to a pub built inside a baobab tree in South Africa, sometimes the weirdest experiences are the best.

55-250mm Canon lens

The more I travel, the more I love photography. This year, I invested in a 55-250mm Canon lens, and I’ve loved learning to use it. Prior, I have always just used the kit lens that came with my Rebel SL1, an 18-55mm, and this really opened up the photography oppertunities for me. It’s loud, and the autofocus is pokey at best, but for the price you can’t get much better.

Bullet Journal

I am disorganized on the best day. I wish it wasn’t the case, but I’m simply not good at just remembering everything I need to do. Enter, bullet journalling. A combination of organization, a creative outlet, list making, and just zen time makes it an addictive part of my sundays. I love using watercolours in my spreads, and incorporating washi tape, little doodles, and general creativity. I’m not an artist, and to be able to have an artistic outlet in a private place has been really enjoyable. The ability to do something, not to be good at it, but just for fun, has been a fantastic learning experience.

Wireless Earbuds

These are simply SO convenient. I wasn’t about to spring for the airpods, and I got these Anker Soundcore Liberty air earbuds on amazon prime day sale, so they were 50% off. They have great sound, good battery, and actually were part of Buzzfeed’s best truly wirless earbuds.

Audible subscription

I don’t know who I am when I’m not learning. As a result, I’ve always struggled over breaks and summers with keeping my brain moving. I’ve had an audible subscription for the last two summers, and have maintained it into the new school year. It’s $15 a month, and between the podcasts and the access to the ‘great courses’ lecture series, it’s a fantastic way for me to keep learning despite not having classes,or just introduces me to a topic entirely diffferent from my studies. This year, I’ve listened to :

• Kitchen Confidential (narrated by Anthony Bourdin)
• Good Omens (Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett)
• American Gods (Neil Gaiman)
• The Dark Web podcast (Geoff White and Bernard Achampong)
• The Celtic World (Great Courses)
• The History of the world in 6 Glasses (Tom Standage)
• The Great Tours: England, Scotland, and Wales (Great Courses)
• The Hidden Power of F*cking Up (Try Guys)
• Christmas: What the Fa-la-la? A History of Christmas Traditions (Grace Dent and Paul Kernsa)
• Bedtime Stories for Cynics podcast (Nick Offerman)
• The Real History of Secret Societies (Great Courses)

Given that most of these are $30-60 a piece, the $15 pricetag is a pretty good deal-especially since you get the additonal podcasts for free. I really love listening to them when travelling, working on essays/classwork, bullet journalling, and (especially) when cleaning or having a lazy morning at home. Some non-audible podcasts I’ve enjoyed this year (that are free) include Lore, Noble Blood, Sawbones, Myths and Legends, The Arch and Anth podcast, and Ologies. I go through periods of listening religously and taking breaks, but all are entertaining, educating, and a great way to fill and hour.

Feldur Cape

Sometimes, you have a piece of clothing you simply fall in love with. I discovered this cape last year during a trip to Iceland, and couldn’t justify the pricetag. Fast forward to my birthday, and my mum managed(with the help of a friend) to track the exact cape down in Iceland and surprise me. There is just something about the hood, the colour, the way it fits-just seeing this hung up in my closet makes me smile. Getting to wear it? It’s so comfortable, and brings out my more dramatic side. I’ve always loved capes, but this one has a special place in my heart.

I hope you enjoyed this little gift guide of things that I enjoyed! Keep an eye out for more holiday content on the blog, and let me know in the comments something that brought you joy this year!