Gift Ideas for the 40 Year Old Homebody
Alternatively titled, what I actually got for my 42nd birthday. There’s definitely something about celebrating a birthday during this time that can feel a little weird, but to be honest, I had a wonderful day. Perhaps that’s because I’ve never been one for fancy things or extravagance, and I always gravitate towards the simple thoughtful things that can make my everyday life be a little bit better. Additionally, since we have a limited budget, Chris and I don’t like to waste money on things we don’t think will be very useful in the long run. Who needs frivolous things? Not us, that’s for sure. We’re at that point in our relationship where we want practical items, so when it came to my birthday I made him a list of lots of items I would like that I would use frequently, even though they were not legitimate needs. Today I thought I’d take you on a little tour of what I got for my birthday, because maybe it will help you find a gift for someone you care about, or make your own birthday list. (This list includes what Chris and the kids gave me, a few gifts from friends and my inlaws, and what I bought myself with some money from my parents. This list also features affiliate links and I am an Amazon associate and earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. I appreciate your support!)
At Home Yoga Gear
I’ve mentioned it here before, but this summer I’ve really gotten into doing yoga. I prefer to do my practice in the middle of the day because it helps me reset my focus, and gives me a little pick me up. We have a smart TV, so I just watch YouTube on that and love love love Yoga with Adriene. You can find her YouTube channel here.
Yoga Mat: My mat was old and falling apart as it was just a cheaply made one, and since I am practicing regularly now, I really wanted something a little heavier and better quality. Chris and the kids gave me this one in gray and I LOOOOVE it! It’s made such a difference already, and I am so close to being able to do the crow pose which is a goal of mine.
Yoga Blocks: These are really helpful in supporting me when I can’t quite get into a pose because I am not very flexible. I’ve used them at the gym, but didn’t have any at home. These came in a set of two which I needed and had great reviews.
Strap: This strap is great for support during certain poses, and can also help you get a deeper stretch. As a runner, my hamstrings and hips are always very tight, so the strap really helps me stretch my hamstrings from a supine position. Again, this was something I had used at my gym, but didn’t yet own for myself.
Quality Leggings: OK, I have to admit I already own some nice leggings, but I wear them to run, and if I am being honest… I sweat in them a lot and they don’t exactly smell like flowers. I wanted to get a nice pair of leggings that I would specifically set aside for yoga. My in-laws gave me a lululemon gift card and after reading reviews all over the place, I’ve decided on these in the high rise version, because I love a good high rise legging.
Yoga Tank: I have several tanks I use but most are loose and when you enter downward dog, well hello stomach! I am adding this tank to my cart because it’s fitted and will stay in place while I practice.
Home Brew Essentials
I have been a home coffee brewer for years, and love to use my french press. As a girl who drinks my coffee black, I can taste the difference in how it’s brewed and just prefer this method. I use this press which is on sale right now for $25 (and comes in all these crazy new colors! I love the coffee color.) and I boil my water with an electric kettle like this one.
Best Coffee: My parents know how much I love this Schuil French Toast flavored coffee so I was pleasantly surprised to receive it in a birthday package. I’ve been mixing it in with my regular coffee to make it last a little longer. 😉
Confidence Boosting Mug: My sweet friend Tracey surprised me with a beautiful yellow bouquet of flowers which came in this mug, and I love drinking my french toast coffee from it, feeling loved and happy.
Books for the Earthy Homebody
I have been feeling pretty uninspired on the home front lately, and one of my very best friends, Angelique, cured me of that with the books she sent me. They reminded me of what I love and who I am and I can’t wait to dive into a couple of new projects soon, thanks to the inspiration the books gave me. I’m also including in this section our book club book, which Chris and the kids gave me, and a new journal I purchased with birthday money.
Down To Earth: This book is designer Lauren Liess’ latest release, and it is filled with earthy inspiration! The featured homes are beautifully layered and the colors are warm and rich. This one is inspiring me to possibly add more green to my home.
Travel Home: This book features beautifully curated homes and speaks to me as someone who likes to put a home together with special meaningful elements. It’s a good reminder to do that, and take your time. The homes featured are diverse and eclectic, and all globally inspired.
More Myself: More Myself by Alicia Keys is our August book club pick, and it was my suggestion after hearing Keys on Brené Brown’s podcast. She’s so gifted and talented, but also has great perspective and authenticity. I am a quarter of the way through this book and so far really loving it. There are actually lines throughout that I’ve underlined which seem to echo Glennon Doyle’s Untamed. Both books are about undoing the things we’ve learned from society, such as expectations, and instead trusting in ourselves, in our knowing, and really being true to who we are.
Crow Journal: I was looking for a new journal after filling up one gratitude journal and coming close to filling out a second. Lately, I am really into crows and feel like that is my sign from the Universe. (And yes, maybe I sound a little off my rocker here and I am OK with that.) Crows represent personal transformation, mystery of creativity, flexibility/adaptability, audaciousness, and a little mischief, so I would say all of that tracks with where I am in life right now. Anyhow, when I saw this crow journal I knew it was the one.
Bonus Gift:
I’ve got one last thing to share that didn’t fit into one of these categories, and was a lovely surprise, and still perfect for the homebody. Chris and the kids came home from the local garden center with a small fig tree for our front yard, and we planted it on my birthday. He knows how much I loooove fresh figs, and how I dream of creating an herb garden like our old one in our front yard here, and a vegetable garden like our old one in the back yard. We plan to till around it and create an herb garden next spring. The tree already has some little green figs on it, and I know that they’re going to taste amazing when they’re ready. I will savor them for sure.
All in all, I had an amazing birthday and certainly feel loved and full of gratitude. Do you have a birthday coming up? What’s top on your own list?
