Favorite Things: Amy’s Edition
I won’t pretend to hold a candle to Oprah Winfrey (or even a match), but I won’t shy away from a little festive copycatting with my own Favorite Things of 2025.
You won’t find luxury candles or miracle serums here (though you will find a great read), but you will find the everyday, practical, sanity-saving things that get me through the day, the week, and—let’s be honest—the year. I’ve even included links so you can check them out yourself. And don’t worry: if you just Google them instead, I’m not getting paid anyway. This list is powered entirely by holiday goodwill and zero affiliate links.
I travel a lot—between project sites, airports, and coffee shops that somehow all play different versions of the same holiday playlist. Like many of us, I’ve gone fully paperless, which means juggling multiple documents, spreadsheets, and tabs at once. A portable monitor that slides right into my laptop bag has been a total game-changer. My productivity thanks me daily—and so does my neck. Credit goes to a fellow consultant who shared this gem (the ultimate professional stocking stuffer).
Right-Sized HydroFlask
Hydration is critical—especially after all the talking I do all day (sorry, class). But I also don’t want to walk into a meeting with something resembling a milk jug on the table. This size fits in my laptop bag, fits in a cup holder, stays cold all day, and has a nifty straw—because the wide-mouth version and my shirt are not friends. Festive hydration without the spills.
These planners are equal parts functional and beautiful—so beautiful that even the packaging feels like a gift. If I forget a notebook, the pages are big enough to capture meeting notes and keep my day on track. It’s organization but make it chic. Did I mention they’re beautiful? Because they really are.
Thanks to my sister for this one. It takes a little getting used to, but having agendas, notes, and files all in one place is a true holiday miracle. Once it clicks, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Try it—try it—you might like it. Was it the Grinch who said that?
For work travel, I just don’t feel right boarding a plane in sweats—but denim isn’t exactly comfortable either, and business attire is a hard no. Enter the winter-ready maxi dress: comfortable, versatile, polished enough for meetings, and cozy enough for airport delays. Basically, the ugly sweater of professional attire—but in a good way. Extra bonus? Woman owned business.
A Good Read That Makes You Think
I’m linking to Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond, and I’m also a longtime fan of Evicted (same author). In a world of 30-second clips and endless scrolling, carving out time to think deeply about big issues feels like a gift. Bonus points if you read it by a tree with a cup of something warm.
If you have room in your home, or your heart, consider adopting a rescue. Dogs, cats… I hear they even have goats and reptiles if you’re feeling adventurous. We adopted Douglas the Cat, who is helping fill the void left by our beloved rescue Daisy. Douglas starts my day by lying on my keyboard and ends it by physically removing me from email while demanding dinner. Truly the gift that keeps on giving.
There it is … my random, slightly unorganized list of favorite things. Each of these (along with the very important people in my life) helps me navigate long, chaotic days. I hope one of them brings a little ease, or joy, into yours.
Wishing you a warm, restful, and very merry holiday season.