Melanie’s Holiday Gift Guide | AKA: Ten Things I’ve Loved in 2018 that weren’t Books!

meltotheanyAside


Hey, friends! Okay, this post isn’t going to be about books at all! Wait, wait, please don’t leave! You all might like this if you’re looking for last minute holidays gifts, or even if you’d like to treat yourself before the new year starts! I mean, these are all items that this book lover loves! So, today I’m going to talk about ten things that I have fallen in love with during 2018, that I completely recommend with my whole heart! ❤🎁

➽ YnM Weighted Blanket – 60”x80” 17lbs

I get really bad anxiety before bed at least a few nights a week, but this weighted blanket has helped me fight against it and prevent it so very much. This blanket is easily the best item I’ve purchased in 2018, and it really has changed my life so significantly and so much for the better. And I know that it is on the pricey side, but it is honestly the best money I’ve spent all year.

➽ Tena ASMR

 Speaking of anxiety (yikes, I swear I didn’t mean for this post to be this REAL), another thing that really helps me come down from an attack or to even prevent one, is to watch and listen to ASMR. This is something that I found really helpful in 2017, but in 2018 I have really found some of my go-to favorites. And Tena actually is my favorite of all-time. I feel so blessed to have found her channel this year! If you have a personal attention trigger, you will absolutely adore her content.

➽ Yogi Tea Kombucha Green Tea

I drink a lot of coffee. I mean, I drink a lot tea too, but I drink too much coffee! So, this year I’ve been trying to wake up with this Kombucha tea! I am not the best at ignoring my coffee for it, but I love the taste of it and I drink a cup at least once a day! And this has for sure been my favorite tea of 2018!

➽ Aerie’s Bralettes

I have a bigger chest, and I always thought that cute bralettes just weren’t possible for me. Then in 2018, I went into Aerie and the sweetest worker changed my life. (Also, since this is like out of a book, she gave me her number so now I check to see if she’s working each time before I go to the mall and it is honestly the cutest start of a friendship, ever!) But yeah, these are so comfortable and sexy and I am so happy to own so many of these now, especially because they are so affordable! Also, Aerie is a great company that I love supporting!

➽ IBD Nail Lacquer, R U Surreal?

Hello, I will forever be an emo kid. AKA: I pretty much only wear black nail polish! But this year, Vilma Iris introduced me to my favorite grey shade ever! And I actually wear it quite a lot!

➽ SMAGREHO Natural Himalayan Salt Lamp

Oh gosh, I guess we aren’t done with the things that help my anxiety! But there are very few things I loved more in 2018 than reading in my bed, under my weighted blanket, using this as the light source. It’s just so cozy, and has brought me so much peace, that I couldn’t forget to put it on this list!

➽ Drunk Elephant Day (Protini Polypeptide) & Night (Lala Retro Whipped) Creams

I feel like 2018 has really been the year of my skin care journey. I’ve always been very blessed with having a nice complexion, but I desperately want to keep my skin looking and feeling healthy! I’ve bought probably way too many products this year, but these two are my favorite of them all and I recommend them with my whole heart and soul. They are $60 each, both worth every single penny.

➽ Ambient Lighting Bronzer by Hourglass

This is the best contouring product I’ve ever used in my life. I actually received this as a gift last year for Christmas, and I haven’t even made a dent in the pan. There is so much product and it feels like buttery velvet going on. It is so light to wear, but so easy to apply! I never even want to try another bronzing product, because this is a masterpiece.

➽ NYX’s Epic Ink Liner

So, I always used Kat Von D’s Tattoo liner, but she keeps proving that’s she’s an asshole, so I didn’t want to support her anymore in 2018! Therefore, I went to Target and came back with this and my life was changed forever. And it is better than Kat’s in every single way; long lasting, darker black, easier to apply, everything. Plus, it’s a hell of a lot cheaper, too.

➽ Lexington 3-Tier Rolling Cart By Recollections

I mean, I had to throw in something that was kind of bookish, right? Hehe! Okay, this is the craze on bookstagram! I actually found out about this from my dear friend, Amy, and I couldn’t resist buying one! I use the three tiers as a system for books I need to haul, ARCs I need to read, and back-list titles I’d like to read soon! And honestly? It has made my blogging and bookstagramming life so much easier!

➽ Align Pant Full Length 28″ by Lululemon

Okay, I guess you all are getting a bonus eleventh item because it is the night before this goes live and I just thought of something that really impacted my life in 2018! So, earlier this year I bought these leggings because Sam from Thoughts on Tomes raved about them, so I figured I’d give them a try, even though they are on the pricey side! But friends, these are the best gym leggings I’ve ever put on my body, but also the best everyday leggings I’ve ever put on my body.


Okay, friends! I hope you enjoyed this! I always love seeing people’s favorite non-bookish things, too! But I completely understand that you all are friends with me because of my bookish content! But I hope you’re having happy reading and happy holidays! And let me know an item that has changed your life in 2018! 🎁❤

Instagram | Bloglovin’ | Twitter | Tumblr | Goodreads | Twitch | Wishlist | Youtube

 

60 thoughts on “Melanie’s Holiday Gift Guide | AKA: Ten Things I’ve Loved in 2018 that weren’t Books!”

  1. Wow… Lovely things… I don’t wear makeup only once a year or so … I like the eye liner… I think it is available on amazon in my country.
    Are the leggings cotton based, I can wear only cotton, my skin breaks into wheals if wear any other textile.
    The three tier cart is great. I realized that I something like this but use it for vegetables hehehe… I live in a tropical country..
    I wear red nail polish when I wear them… I love the red
    I wonder what I should buy for myself this Christmas 🤶

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I don’t think the leggings are cotton based, I would totally guess they are spandex of some sort! I’m sorry, love! And oh my word, using the cart for vegetables is totally something i would do! Hahahaha! But thank you for these kind words, love. I hope you’re having happy holidays! 💖xx

      Like

      Reply

  3. I’m reading your post as I sit here in my Align pants! Hahaha I never talk about it but I have a MASSIVE lululemon collection and I basically live in their align pants. 😂 And so much yes to the cart, Drunk Elephant, Hourglass, and Yogi tea! Twins forever ❤️❤️ also I’m totally adding that lamp and blanket to my Xmas list. And that bra? It’s like you’re speaking to my soul because I have the worst luck with bralettes! But I’m gonna buy one RIGHT NOW! 💓💓 Love you and happy christmas, Melanie!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

      1. I just don’t know where I’d really put it, haha! But I’d like to have one anyways.
        Merry Christmas! Hope you have a wonderful holiday! ❤️❤️

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Awh, this warms my heart! It seriously changed my life for the better more than anything else this year! I know they are pricey, but they are so worth it! I hope you’re having happy reading and happy holidays, love! 💖xx

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  9. Pingback: January TBR: Devour Your TBR & Late-a-Thon! - Becca Leighanne

    1. This makes my heart so happy! Not everyone has ASMR, so you are special and ahhhhh, makes me so happy! I love ASMR Latte and ASMR Gibi too, if you’re looking for some more tingles! Hehehe! Happy reading and holidays, love! 💗xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. RIGHT? Aerie doing the LORD’S work, I swear to god. And all the people that work at their store in the mall I always go to in Vegas? All diverse too. It’s a really good company, I think! Now come to Vegas and let’s go shopping. Kthanksbye! 💗xx

      Like

      Reply

  12. I love yogi tea! I am mildly obsessed with their Choco flavoured one and recently been drinking a lot of their Christmas tea. Soooo good. I haven’t tried the Kombucha one yet though, thanks for bringing it to my attention, I will definitely check it out.

    And I am a Lululemon fan as well. The best leggings for both lounging around the house as well as for working out. I’m so with you there.

    I am a keen rock climber and have finally bought in 2018 the best climbing shoes for my feet. Seriously, I know they are just shoes, but they make me so happy… 😂😂

    What a lovely post, I really enjoyed reading it. ❤️❤️❤️

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. I HAVE NEVER TRIED THE CHOCO DEVOURED ONE BUT I AM BUYING RIGHT NOW! OH MY WORD!

      And awhhh, I love hearing about rock climbing. My good friend is really into it, and I’m always living through his IG stories! Haha!

      But thank you, sweetheart! You should totally do a post like this! I would love to know what other items have made your year better!

      But happy reading and happy holidays, Vera! 💗xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  13. I actually put a weighted blanket on my christmas wishlist!! My sister has one, I’ve used it a couple times and it is sooo nice. If someone doesn’t get it for me, I’m definitely getting it for myself. I also love watching ASMR videos before bed, they get me so relaxed. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  20. Ahh what a wonderful list! I’ve been looking into getting a weighted blanket too because I get super bad anxiety the night before an exam during the school year, so I think this will help a lot! I love Aerie’s products, but I haven’t tried their bralettes before, so I’ll look into those as well ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Awh, thank you so much for these sweet words, Tiffany! You are going to love the blanket so much. It was changed my life… so much for the better! So my heart is happy for you to get one!! And… those bralettes are such a blessing, too! Haha! Happy holidays and happy reading, love! 💖xx

      Like

      Reply

  21. Oh man, I love my salt lamp, too! It’s usually way too hot in Atlanta for me to use my weighted blanket, but it always helps when I do get to use it. The Epic Ink liner is my favorite liquid liner of the moment! It also replaced the KVD liner for me, and I honestly don’t miss it at all. GOOD RIDDANCE. Okay, I’m about to go order seven hundred Aerie bralettes because I had given up hope of finding bralettes/comfortable bras that will actually fit me and THIS IS VERY EXCITING

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. LMAO! I love you so much! I am like… that person who lives in the desert but has their air at 70 constantly and then I complain that I’m always cold? So like… my brand. Holy shit, yes to Aerie! If you ever do come to Vegas we will go to the mall (which Vegas malls are an experience all on their own, which we will for sure need weighted blankets and salt lamps after… so like… we will do this whole list! Lmaoo!) 💖xx

      Like

      Reply

  22. Ooh, that weighted blankie! I’ve been looking at them for a while now, but couldn’t make up my mind yet. Might get one like yours next year ❤

    Those bralettes are awesome! I really prefer them over normal bras.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Awh, my heart, Norrie! That blanket legit has done me more good than anything else in 2018, I swear! And I am seriously converting over to bralettes over bras too, and I can’t believe it! Haha! I hope you’re having the happiest of holidays, love! 💞xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  23. Pingback: Warming Your Winter | 2018 Friendships – Red Rocket Panda

    1. Seriously, it was the best purchase I’ve made all year! Haha! I hope you love yours (if you get one), Kaleena! The only downside is that it makes it a little harder to get out of bed in the mornings! Hehe! 💗xx

      Like

      Reply

  26. What a great list! 🙂 I just got a weighted blanket for Christmas and I can totally see what you mean about them. I put it to use for the first time earlier this evening and it really seemed to do the trick.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  27. All of these are amazing! The weighted blanket seems so lovely and wonderful and I REALLY want one now, so I think I may treat myself to one. 😂 Also, that Aerie worker sounds so wonderful- it truly does seem like a book! Happy holidays and new year! ❤❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  28. Pingback: My 2018 Reading Year in Review – meltotheany
  29. Pingback: Favorite Non-Book Things | 2022 – meltotheany

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

Gravatar
WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s