Better than a wish list or another gift list: my “Best Purchases of the year” List, all categories mixed. Things I will buy again. Everything is potentially a good gift idea.
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#23
Matcha. It’s part of my daily Sphere of Silence. A non-negociable. Matcha gives me a strong nervous system, a better focus, and glowing radiant skin.
Starter Kit from my favorite coffee shop in Hamburg, Lowinsky’s, 90€
For my Hamburg people: visit the coffee shop — Lehmweg 36!
Beautiful glass cups. The highlight of my Summer (and a great gift for Iced coffee or Iced matcha or smoothie lovers, but not limited to: suitable for hot + cold drinks).
Within Mood Cold Cup Set of 2 with glass straws, 27€ (it comes in a beautiful box!)
For my Hamburg people: visit the pop-up store — Eppendorf Weg 283 (until 21/12)
#22
A physical planner / diary. It made me stop forgetting things and looking forward to planning exciting things. I bought this one this summer, it’s the size of my hand, soft cover, I bring it with me everywhere (it’s a 2023-24 weekly planner, in red, so that I can ask ‘have you seen my little red notebook? and everyone in my household knows what I’m talking about).
Moleskine Daily Planner 2024, 18€ (enough space for my daily gratitude list?)
also love the Smythson Weekly Diary 2024, 65€ (UK website only: use code GIFT25)
#21
Linen duvet set. We share our bed, but not our duvets! Linen gets softer and softer overtime, keeps you cool in the summer, and warm in the winter. Say no more.
H&M Premium as a good alternative to $$$ Merci: the Single Duvet Set, 99€ (ref. 0188590045), or in Double, 139€ (ref. 0188589060) - many colours available.
A belt. I got one in cream and the same, but in black. Maybe it’s because I wear everything oversized, but I found that having such a ‘rope’ belt makes me feel more put together.
Leather Belt, 29€ (sold out online in black, but maybe check out in stores?)
#17
Birkenstock Clogs. In black, with a soft footbed. I use them as house shoes now, and I think it makes our downstairs’ neighbours happier.
Body Scrub and Body Cleanser. Want to feel reborn? This is what you need. I love the smell, I love how efficient it is. And it leaves your skin so soft.
This book. The Creative Act. Best book of 2023. I keep revisiting it daily (opening a random page), and it looks good — like a coffee table book: gift it to everyone you know. We are all creatives, aren’t we?
This mirror. For my daily Gua Sha ritual (I only trust this cleansing oil): this mirror keeps me accountable for it! It comes with me when I travel as well.
The best serum for hair growth with rosemary, camomile & lavender. The smell is so fresh, the serum lasts a long time (I use it 3 times a week after washing my hair), the brand comes from Germany and it’s super clean.
Elizabeta Zefi Detox Serum, 80€, and we, as a family of 3, have been using the shampoo + conditioner as well (kit Hair Growth XL, 155€). Long hair yogic family.
#12
A good bra. I mean: it changes everything, right? My self-confidence, right here! I discovered this German brand made in Europe: great quality, great price. The return policy is user-friendly. I bought so many of the same because: so good.
Speidel Be Natural Bra, organic cotton, 28€ in ecru and white (this other soft bra is also absolutely amazing, so soft, as if you’re naked but you’re not, get them all).
#11
Trainers. I thought I’d run again in 2023! It didn’t happen, but those New Balance are the most comfortable trainers for our family walks. Easy to clean with such a brush.
New Balance 530, 119€ in bone (yellow butter) (here in white/silver/gold for SS24? or this copper grey ones, maybe?). I like this pair too. Butter yellow is a hot trend for SS24, just saying:
#10
Incense. 0,40€ per stick. Grand Chalet happened to be my favourite, but there are many great options. Can’t live without it. It uplifts my mood instantly!
For my Paris people: visit the shops at 173 rue Saint-Honoré or 16 rue de Tournon!
#10
The only mascara I wear and will ever wear in this lifetime. So good, and this comes from someone who haven’t been wearing any make-up for the past 5 years. You remove it just with warm water on your eyes!!! The only magic I believe in!
Mascara Hourglass Unlocked, 33€ (the mini size is so convenient and only 16€) (get 15% off with FIRST15 or CBWELCOME15). Also makes a very pretty and luxurious gift!
#9
I can imagine you already have a body brush, for dry brushing, right? The game changer for me: a face brush for a natural lifting effect. This routine takes me less than 2 minute daily. Love it.
Also great: this SKALL Edgar Shirt, 135€ in light beige
It’s for you if you don’t want a pure optic white but something a bit softer / warmer (I’m wearing a size 34here and here, oversized fit, boyfriend-inspired). I also have it in this darker-sandy-dusty-beige, and it’s now 50% off if your shipping address is in Germany!!
#7
Vintage Denim. Levi’s 501s. I live in them. Check out “levis 501 vintage” in the preloved apps available in your region. Ask for the exact waistband measurement before buying. I have 501s in 3 different sizes, for different fits, and I usually pay between 35 and 75€. Sometimes, I pay an extra 10€ to have them hemmed by my tailor at the perfect length for me.
For my Paris people: visit the shop “Less is More”, 22 rue des Vinaigriers!
#6
A Curaprox manual toothbrush. The only one that can make my electric toothbrush feel boring. Also available for your children. Give it a try, and thank me later.
This fountain pen. I have 3 of them, the exact same ones, that I use with different LAMY ink colours. There are the best for my Morning Pages and for every day handwriting. At the moment, I love the black, green and purple inks best!
Love people and use things (the opposite never works…)
The best things in life aren’t things, but the people we get to share this human experience with.
🥹
I am so grateful for everyone who crossed my path or walked along with me this year, online or offline. Thank you for being here, and supporting The Light Letter. Consider forwarding this list to a friend!
blessed - Eā is turning 3 on Dec. 9th 💙
Your turn:
What are some of the Best Things your bought in 2023?
Loved this thoughtful look into your favorite things of the year. I know I can trust your recommendations! <3
This is soo loveable and I was do curious to find out! Perfect inspiration and many parallels already. Love Seidel since I was a teen. 🤩