My Favourite Things 2025 List

If Oprah can do this every year, why can’t I? Sure, we are in completely different snack brackets. But my list also doesn’t earn me a cent and doesn’t include those billionaire-making online shopping portals. Here are five of my favourite things to consider as gifts or just for yourself. Just because.

Six N Stone, London, ON.

I’ve purchased necklaces and bracelets from Six N Stone over the years. Derek also bought a couple for me. In fact, I’m wearing one in my newish headshots.

Owner/designer Shannon has a terrific eye for detail and for setting her pieces apart. And a wonderful bonus is that with any purchase, she donates a meal to Breakfast Club of Canada. They’re all reasonably priced and pretty. And note that I’m not a “power of stones” type of person but that doesn’t matter. I love her stuff. Visit here: Six N Stone.

Plant You – Carleigh Bodrug

I wrote about Carleigh last year when her latest cookbook came out. It was an instant New York Times best seller. If you want to eat more plants, I highly recommend joining the millions who follow her on social media. I don’t belong to her paid community and I still get loads of ideas and wonderful, new recipes totally free. Check out my hasselback butternut squash. It was the foundation of several meals and I can’t wait to make it again.

Carleigh and her husband had their first child this year, a son named Wes. It’s been fun following that adventure! But it’s her recipes that make her a fave. Visit here: Plant You.

Intrinsic Beauty – Designed with Intention

I’m not a big make-up wearer but I have my favourites. A new brand started by a dear friend’s sister has captured my attention partly for its intention and ethics. Intrinsic Beauty has four pretty eye shadows dedicated to wildlife. And the colours aren’t just wild in name, but 10% of all profits go to wildlife conservation. Owner Adele, in the GTA, has a sale on right now with free shipping for orders over $45. I bought a couple shades for a make-up loving relative and she agrees, they’re beautiful and high quality. Visit here: Intrinsic Beauty.

Lake and London, St. Thomas, ON

Owner Cassandra used to have a beautiful retail store in our village. When the store closed she got into the corporate world but didn’t enjoy it. She opened Lake and London and her love for her online decor shop really shows through. I only make a purchase once in a while – I am out of room! – but I love to browse through her stuff.

That’s Louie, a purchase from Lake and London, above our guest room mirror. At this moment, holiday decor is 20% off and she ships across Canada. There are great ideas for host’s gifts, too. Visit here: Lake and London.

Forever Festive, Port Stanley, ON

I love all of our merchants in Port Stanley. Forever Festive is a newer one. If you know the village, it’s in the former bank where Revibe used to be. Across from the Firehall Market in the centre of town.

They have a huge selection of festive decor but they also have more. Drinkware, some jewellery, pre-loved books, new T-shirts – there’s a lot to see. And what I appreciate most of all is the pricing. You know how sometimes you walk through a store and you think, good luck getting someone to pay THAT! I’ve never thought that at Forever Festive. It’s not cheap stuff. It’s stuff, cheap. They’re super nice folks and it’s a fun store to browse. If a visit to Port Stanley is in your plans, don’t pass them by. Visit them on Facebook: Forever Festive Decor & Gifts.

I limited this list to five so I would have to think really hard before choosing my faves. I love a lot of places and selecting one doesn’t mean I don’t love a competitor, too. Port Stanley is especially lucky to have so many wonderful merchants. Whatever you’re celebrating this season, let’s keep it local and/or Canadian. Feel free to share a fave in the comments. Elbows up!