This blog is, for the most part, a labor of love. You get a bunch of words, some links, some pictures, and a handful of typos for FREE. I’m happy to rough-draft some ideas and chat with friends without the need to hustle for subscriptions. So, Free works for me. 

Today’s Gift Guide is an effortless way to give back. You need to buy something on Amazon? Get there via one of the links on this page (any one works), and I get a small kickback from Jeff Bezos, who doesn’t need anymore money. 

Tangent: Have you seen pictures of Bezos and his girlfriend lately? With the help of steroids and plastic surgery, they are starting to morph into Super Villains. Whew! 

In the past, I’ve done a pile of gift guides in December. This year, it’s one and done. If you are new to this, I only link to items that I have or really want. I organize the list by things are important in my life at this time; I can’t recommend good baby gifts at the moment, so I’m not going to try. In general, I’m opposed to meaningless consumption, but everybody needs some stuff. I try to keep things useful. 

There’s a bunch of sales going on at Amazon this week, so you might as as well getting that shopping done now! 

Cooking:

• Steve’s folks bought him an Ooni Pizza oven this fall, and it’s become a smash hit for Friday night drinks/pizza parties with friends. The Ooni paddle, aka peel, is necessary. 
• Our top used appliances are: the Zojirushi rice maker, the Ninja Air Fryer, the cheap Amazon electric tea kettle, and the coffee pot, of course. 
• I’m deeply devoted to my Cuisinart cookware set, but I’m starting to ogle other brands. I really like the Stanley Tucci set; Amazon has something similar. I want nonstick pans but without the Teflon brain lesions .

Technology: 

• I’ve been having fun making TikTok videos, so I just got an Auto Face Tracking Phone Holder. 
• We are Apple people. This year, I’m getting a new computer. Mine’s six years old and is ready for the computer retirement home. I have 40,000 pictures on my computer and that is gumming up the older system. 
• Our TV broke, so that’s getting upgraded tomorrow, too. A Samsung 65 inches. We actually tried to get it fixed, and the repairman laughed at us. 
• We need a smart doorbell. 
• The Alexa keeps me company when I’m cooking, even though it’s probably eavesdropping on our conversations. 

Books: 

• Steve’s book recommendations are: As I Lay Dying, The Penguin Book of Italian Short Stories, The Stories of John Cheever, The Memoirs of Baron De Marbot, and Annals of The Former World. 
• My book wants are: The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, The Art Thief, and The Berry Pickers.

Fashion: 

• Get rid of your skinny jeans, and get a new pair of Levi’s. Or a pair of hippy pants. 
• Lillusory is my favorite cheapie Amazon sweater. It’s perfect for working at home or running to the supermarket. This is my second one. It’s long enough to throw over my running tights after a run. 
• My running gear du jour: Goodr sunglasses, wrist weights, headphones, a water bottle, iPhone armband, iPhone, Fitbit, and Brooks running shoes. 
• My holiday party outfit this year is going to be a sequin skirt, a black t-shirt, and loafers. 
• I need a cute new jacket. Maybe Levis’ Faux Leather Motorcross Racer Jacket. 

Home: 

• I redid my closet this fall and now all my summer stuff is stored in these handy baskets. 
• We plan to do some major traveling next year, so I need to upgrade our gear with better compression cubes and a set of hardshell suitcases. A new carry-on bag would be good, too. 
• We also redid our bathroom this year. (We were busy.) Gadgets for the bathroom include a great hair dryer. 

Check out old gift guides for more ideas. Thank you!