What’s the “thing” that people see and it makes them think of you? The thing they send you articles about, funny memes, or (cute) products?
Mine are: Star Wars, cats, otters, t-rex, donuts, tacos, and the color orange.
I was thinking about this because it’s gift buying season, and I do this to other people – associate a thing they like with them and think of them whenever I see it. For example, my bestie Gina is in to unicorns, and unicorns are SUPER on trend right now. I try hard not to send her pictures of/buy her every damned unicorn thing I see, because that gets old… but it’s so tempting! Your brain stores that info “this person likes this thing,” and computes “it makes sense to get them this thing.” BUT it doesn’t mean they want A ZILLION of that thing.
My nail technician was telling me how she mentioned to one person that she likes candles, and all of a sudden, she was receiving candles as gifts all the time. And now she has too many candles. (Apparently. I didn’t know that was a problem. Ha. I kid, I kid.)
So I’m curious – tell me what YOUR thing(s) is(are)!
Ha, it’s funny I’m posting my holiday gift ideas the day after saying my brain is not comprehending Christmas is so near. But guess what? I made this list last year and have had it on a sticky note on my desk since then. Now I can finally recycle that sticky note!
Here is my NON SPONSORED list of gifts I think are cool (in alphabetical order):
Bath & Body Works – in case you know someone in need of a candle, bath fizzy, body wash, or body cream. <— super basic, but I love their stuff. As you all know.
Blue Q – sassy socks, bags, dish towels, and bath & body items
Photo from here. Ha, I love that they used this picture of a cat to promote their “I do as a please” jumbo pouch.
Cape Horn Illustration – beautiful prints of Chicago, home styles, marathon maps, and world maps, or custom work, like this illustration of our home:
MantraBands – inspirational bracelets (and now necklaces and rings) that are stylish (and NOT cheesy) and comfortable to wear
The bottom two are my MantraBands
Modern Map Art – custom map prints, wall maps, and personalized home decor. (I got Bobbi a map of Duluth from here, which I apparently never took a photo of!)
Sarah Marie Design Studio – running inspired lifestyle brand, apparel and accessories
Shitterfly – as you know, I am a fan of the magnets!
Don’t worry, there’s room on the other sides for more!
Oh man, that “thing” thing hits home big time! People’s things are DEFINITELY what I use to guide me in my gift giving if I’m not given a list, and let me tell you, it is TOUGH when you don’t know what someone’s “thing” is. Or if they have an obscure thing. Or if you feel like you ALWAYS get them something related to their thing! It’s my way of trying to get them something heartfelt, and I’ve never felt like it wasn’t appreciated, but I do sometimes wish that everyone had an ongoing gift registry I could just pick something from instead of being like, “Do I think my sister would like or even want ANOTHER giraffe-themed trinket? Is she even into giraffes anymore?!” Haha. That being said, I don’t think I’ve ever been upset to get something bird, penguin (which I suppose counts under the bird umbrella), or running related, so maybe I’m just overthinking things 😛
Yep, you get me! We use wishlists with Steven’s family (and mine, to an extent) and I find that so helpful. Otherwise, I do try to get someone their “thing”, or obviously, something they’re interested in, and am trying to be heartfelt, like you said, but sometimes I feel like it falls flat. Like I am getting them another trinket (which I have felt when I get even more Star Wars stuff, I will admit!!!). Really, the holidays are often a reminder of how much we don’t know each other. And how we don’t need random crap. (Not trying to be Grinchy, just something I often think!) I had a hard time making a list this year (what I want is a garage, ha). What I would love is meaningful conversations with people!!! (people asking ME questions!) Okay, sorry, went a little off track there.
I connect you with Bath and Body Works, Starbucks mugs, running and vegan donuts. 🙂
Super impressed with your magnets – your fridge looks so fun!
You got me right! 🙂 What do people connect with you? Running, knitting, delicious baked goods?! 🙂
Thanks! And they are “free” today so I am off to order some more!
Me thinks that “thing” for me is going to become a post on my blog. PLZKTHNX!
Awesome 🙂
Ooh, my thing! It used to be dachshunds, and it still is, as I have basically claimed my mom’s dog Chip as my surrogate dachshund for right now. 😉 Also, anything having to do with reading and being a bookworm.
My coworker had a dachshund and I am totally guilty of doing that to her!!!!
And yes! What sort of reading related gifts do you get besides books?
Wow! Those magnets! That’s impressive!
Hee hee, thanks. It’s a bit overboard but I like it!
One of my things used to be French bulldogs, but as you can guess, that is not a thing anymore for me. 🙁
I think for me it’s knitting, baking, strength training, and sometimes French things. I guess those map exactly to my hobbies, so no surprise there! I’m not sure people have associated particular brands or stores with me though.
My mom’s BFF is SUPER into cats, and their house is chock-full of cat stuff. It’s quite a sight to behold!
I still think of you when I see that kind of stuff 🙁
I associate Uniqlo with you! 😉 Or more with Harrison.
Ha, I can only imagine!!!!