Wish List for a Fabulous 30th Birthday

My twenties have been incredible — I finished my undergraduate degree, moved to Chicago, got my first job, married a beautiful guy, relocated to North Carolina, finished my master’s degree, started a great career at Elon, bought a house, and acquired a rescue pup.

That’s a lot to accomplish in ten years. I can’t believe I’ll be leaving my twenties behind, but I’m excited to see what the next decade has in store for me. I love Rachel Rosenbloom’s advice on turning 30 — it doesn’t seem that horrible after all.

I’m excited to celebrate my 30th birthday with family and friends in Chicago. Delicious cocktails will be served, gluten-free birthday cake will be consumed, and I may or may not be able to open a present or two.

Here are some of the items on my birthday wish list.

•  Messy Box
• Canon Selphy Printer
• Kate Spade Saturday Freeform Small Satchel
• Washi Tape and Notecards Carte Blanche
• Coco Draws Custom Marc by Marc Jacobs Sophisticato Halfsies Camera Cross Body Illustration for “What’s in My Bag?”
• Hoffman, Mara Brown Motif Jaguar Espadrilles 7 Flats

• ‘Haylee’ Stone Ring by Kendra Scott

I adore the scrapbooks that Elsie from A Beautiful Mess creates. I’ve been meaning to construct my picture books with iPhone photos, but I haven’t had time to print them, which is why I’m requesting a Canon Selphy wireless printer. Of course, I love bags, and the Kate Spade Saturday satchel (on sale!) and Marc Jacobs cross-body bag (also on sale!) top my list. It’s also no surprise that I’ve wished for a personalized “What’s in my Bag” graphic. That would be a lot of fun hanging above my desk. I love those colorful espadrilles for spring with a beautiful Kendra Scott gemstone ring.

Some items to add to your wishlist :

• An artsy watch: If you like watches and art, you should try getting something new and funky for your birthday!

• Apparel for your favorite team: Show your support for your team by purchasing a new shirt, jersey, or anything else with their emblem on it. With stuff for the NFL, NCAA, MLB, NBA, NHL, and more, Fanatics has clothing for almost every die-hard sports enthusiast (we’re looking at you, Buckeyes).

• A nice camera: There’s never a wrong time to pick up a hobby! Photographers know that the Sony a7R II is an excellent piece of equipment, whether you’re a professional or just starting. The full-frame mirrorless camera produces gorgeous images worthy of not only your Instagram feed but also the pages of National Geographic. The camera is priced at $1,320.50. (not including the lens).

• An Apple Watch: With an Apple Watch, you can effortlessly access smartphone capabilities on your wrist. You can manage your music, send and receive SMS, track your health, and do many other things. The red Apple Watch Series 6 is currently discounted by $50 to $349.

• A delicious-smelling candle: Candles are a timeless present that you can request at any moment (and will almost certainly receive if you don’t specify what you want). There is nothing like too many candles, in our opinion. Every year, add some wonderful Yankee Candle scents to your birthday wish list.

• A cast-iron skillet: A cast-iron skillet is about as grownup as you can get. You undoubtedly want it, but you don’t want to spend the money on it. Depending on what you wish to cook, Lodge offers a variety of sizes. A 10.25-inch skillet is normally $26.07, but it is presently sold for $22.90.

The nicest gift will be seeing my family and friends in Chicago, but preparing a birthday wish list is always enjoyable.