Shannon's Favorite Things 2022

Have yourself a Spendy Little Christmas

Dec 13, 2022

Merry Holiday Shopping to one and all, my sweet shoppers!

I have missed you so much since we last came together to celebrate Christmas and Capitalism and chat about the products that I think are (1) the best and (2) would probably end up making pretty good gifts.

As I mentioned last year, I’m slightly pivoting my dysautonomia gift guide approach to now be Shannon’s Favorite Things, ala another famous lady from Chicago who will remain nameless for legal purposes (can’t have any lawsuits around here). Here you’ll find products that were great joys in my life this year, even if they were a little dull or a little utilitarian. Not all of these items will make traditionally good gifts, but I promise you, all of these products or services are GREAT, and might just be what you need in your life!

I know this year’s guide is late this year and I apologize, but I wanted to make sure I was pulling together all of the best items. Also I suffer from ADHD. I apologize.

If, after you perused this phenomenal list you still can’t find something for your loved one (or yourself!), leave a comment or hit me up on my socials, and I’ll personally help you because that’s what the holiday season is all about.

Merry happy and happy giving, friends. I’m so glad you’re here.

My Favorite Things

The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler (40 oz) by Stanley

My favorite things/gift guides aren’t gift guides without a brand new water bottle, OK?

I think the Stanley mugs went viral because of Mommy Bloggers and Influencers in Utah, so when I finally indulged in getting this water bottle and professed my love for it, one of my friends said “now THIS is the most Mormon thing about you.” (Never mind the fact that I spent my childhood in the church.)

But guys, they’re onto something.

It fits in cup holders. It’s 40 OUNCES OF WATER! (Suck it, Hydroflasks!!!) It has a handle!! It comes in cool colors!!!

Stanley, you’re doing great, and even though I already have two of you, I want 10 more.

Vitassium DrinkMix Pink Lemonade

I think I have tried all of the different electrolyte supplements out there. I get really excited with every new one I try, thinking it’s going to change my life and my symptoms and make me a new person, and then I taste it and I’m like— oh, hell no.

I got some free samples of some Vitassium products and over a flare weekend (although at this point, what weekends aren’t flare weekends) tried out the Pink Lemonade and that’s it. I’m sold.

Every electrolyte supplement I’ve tried up until this point has had a really artificial taste and/or has left a really bad aftertaste in my mouth. What I like about the Pink Lemonade Vitassium is that it’s not overly sweet (encouraging me to drink more, more, more) and there’s zero aftertaste.

This is my new rescue drink, and I absolutely love it.

Vitassium, starting at $20 for 12 count serving box

iPad

Last year I bought myself an iPad (9th generation) for Christmas and it is my absolute love. It hasn’t replaced my computer, because I will never detach myself from the traditional computer, but I use my iPad for:

reading e-books
watching videos while traveling
pretending to be an artist, scribbling and making weird “art” with my Apple Pencil in different design programs
streaming shows in my kitchen with the recipe directly next to it—and also looking up necessary cooking info (are you SURE I should be cooking a chicken that long???)
playing games (puzzles, color by number, logic games)
taking extensive and very important notes during the book club I’m in (I am the very dedicated secretary)

I fully believe that the second you are diagnosed with a chronic illness you should be handed the tablet of your choice.

JVN Hair Care Products

I feel it’s important to regularly profess and proclaim my love for Jonathan Van Ness. I will follow him and his perfectly coiffed hair to the ends of the earth, and then maybe farther, because he is a perfect angel who makes me feel like I can achieve anything.

I am very much a lazy girl who desires to have beautiful hair, so I was ecstatic when he introduced his air dry cream. Erin got it for me as a gift, and I’m still using the same tube I got last May.

smells good
good packaging
if I invest just a bit of time, my hair ends up looking great

Bonus, they have a hair quiz online that helps you figure out exactly the right products for your hair, so you don’t have to pay some guessing game, invest a ton of money, and then live in a land of regret. No, JVN has your back.

JVN Hair, shampoos starting at $21

Custom Pet Portrait Ring

Almost two years ago, I saw an amazing promotion on Etsy for custom pet portrait rings. I jumped on the opportunity to get rings made of all of my dogs—my childhood dogs Rudy and Peaches, and my dogs at the time, Duke and Casey.

CaitlynMinimalist, Custom Pet Rings starting at $21 (on sale now!)

Casaluna Heavyweight Linen Blend Duvet Cover & Pillow Sham Set

Previously in my life, I only ever picked out duvet covers based on what they looked like. Because who cares how the duvet feels, right? You have sheets that protect you from it.

Target, $109

Casaluna Ultra Loft Down Alternative Mattress Topper

While we’re on the topic of beds, let’s talk mattress toppers.

Target, $79

Anyday Cookware

I do not like cooking because:

I have to stand while doing it
It’s always so hot in that damn kitchen (can’t stand the heat, gotta get out!)
I always spend like 3x longer cooking than I do eating
It’s unfair
I do not trust myself to not poison myself

ANYWAYS

Anyday Coookware, dishes starting at $30

YouCopia UpSpace 9-Bottle Water Bottle and Travel Mug Cabinet Organizer

You know what you need for all of those water bottles I’ve been telling you to get?

Amazon, $25

Clear Multi-Use Bins

I was strongly and firmly against all ASMR until I discovered

Amazon, $30

Room Essentials Dinnerware

One of the greatest joys in my life is my collection of super adorable melamine dinnerware from Target that is so cute you wouldn’t even believe it—but it’s melamine. You can’t microwave it. I also feel very protective of it (not that it’s fragile) just because it’s so adorable.

Polaroid Printer

I aspire to be one of those girls who creates amazing journals filled with photos and knick knacks from travel whether it’s boarding passes or movie ticket stubs or menus or whatever. I was looking for an easy way to get photos printed and really liked the idea of having an at-home photo printer so I got this Polaroid one. The photos that you print have adhesive backs so you can put them directly into journals, scrapbooks, or onto people’s shirts, whatever it is you’re after (don’t worry about it). It’s fun, easy, and now I don’t have to wait like 2 weeks to get photos printed and mailed to me from online services. It’s the perfect gift for teenagers, and people who aspire to be like teenagers.

Amazon, $124

Metal Wire Basket with Fabric

I’m an adult with ADHD, so I have to create some hacks for myself to keep a clean and aesthetically pleasing home.

Target, $12

Large Convertible Travel Backpack

When I moved away from my friends and family, I don’t think I considered how annoying it would be to have to travel back and forth to see my friends and family.