We can hardly believe it’s almost 2009. It feels like summer was just yesterday, but the holidays have come and gone and we wanted to share what arrived under our tree this year. Here’s a peek at the gifts we unwrapped and why they’re already earning a place in our daily routine.
My parents surprised us with a full 10-piece set of Greenware by Cuisinart, an eco-friendly nonstick cookware collection. Sherry had already tucked an oversized skillet into my November birthday gifts, and we’ve been impressed with the recycled stainless handles and the Ceramica nonstick surface that’s free of petroleum, PTFE and PFOA. It gives us all the convenience of nonstick cooking without the harmful fumes associated with older coatings. Getting the complete set means we’re ready to sauté, simmer and steam through plenty of weeknight dinners and weekend experiments.
Our family does a playful theme for gifts each year, and this time the slogan was “Hey Good Lookin’ Watcha Got Cookin’?” which steered everyone toward kitchen and food-related presents. Sherry joined the theme by picking out a tiered spice rack for me. Lately I’ve been doing more cooking around the house—call me the trainee Rachael Ray—and my spice collection has grown to include coriander, thyme, rosemary and more. The new rack gives me plenty of storage, keeps everything visible and handy, and saves time when I’m pulling together a meal. Practical, tidy and a little bit satisfying for someone who likes shortcuts in the kitchen.
Sherry also gave me a round capiz frame with a photo from our one-year wedding anniversary cupcake feeding celebration. It matches the other capiz frames in our bedroom and the little sentimental touch was a sweet surprise. In exchange, I picked up a clean white cylinder vase from West Elm and made a simple paper garland of twelve flowers to promise a bouquet a month for the coming year. We love bringing fresh blooms into the house—Sherry especially swoons over flowers—so committing to a small monthly bouquet will add color and life without breaking the bank. Trader Joe’s and Sam’s Club make seasonal stems affordable, so a rotating vase should be easy to keep up.
While Sherry added another white capiz frame to our collection, I grabbed a small ceramic squirrel from West Elm to complement her all-white menagerie—she already has a ceramic dog, a porcelain pony and a metal bull. The squirrel was inexpensive but felt like a meaningful little addition; no walking, feeding or grooming required, and it put a big smile on her face. Between the vase, the monthly-flowers plan and the new figurine, the holiday felt warm and personal.
We got some whimsical kitchen items from a cousin who followed the theme: novelty party cups shaped with animal snouts and beaks, plus a “Frozen Smiles” ice tray that makes quirky smile-shaped ice cubes for cold drinks. Those little touches are great for entertaining and always get a laugh from guests.
Another amusing present was a glass measuring cup that doubles as a conversation starter. Beyond cups and ounces it prints odd but fun facts—little bits of trivia about bees, body cells and other tiny wonders. It’s a practical tool for cooking and a clever way to inject curiosity into the kitchen.
From my brother-in-law we received some personalized Burger-themed items—a custom mug, a deck of playing cards and a small white snowflake ornament. He’s a cat person but knows how invested we are in our little animal obsessions, so the gifts felt perfectly chosen and playful.
My godmother sent a festive lime green reindeer pillow and matching throw from Coldwater Creek, which actually blend nicely with the lime green headboard in our guest bedroom. It’s cozy, seasonal and a welcome addition to our holiday décor.
All in all, Santa was very generous this year. We ended up with practical kitchen upgrades, sentimental keepsakes, and a few silly items that make us smile. How about you—did you receive any favorite gifts this season? We’d love to hear what made your holidays special.
P.S. We love the skillet we already had—just wanted to mention it as a favorite kitchen piece in our home.