Lifestyle Buying Guide: Soap Hub’s Holiday Must-Haves

Soap Hub editors and writers wanted you to be prepared for holiday shopping with a few of our favorite gifts we have given and received over the years. Relax and unwind with a good book, sip some coffee from our favorite coffee machine, or gather the family for a fun board game night. There’s a little something for everyone on this list.

Support us! Soap Hub may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article.

We here at Soap Hub love our fur babies so much! These four-legged family members give us joy, companionship, and unconditional love. It is our honor and pleasure to ensure them their best life possible. Soap Hub Editor-In-Chief Diane’s Amazon Choice is a must-have for those who love their furry family member — The Forever Dog, Surprising New Science to Help Your Canine Companion Live Younger, Healthier, and Longer.

The book focuses on diet and nutrition, exercise, environmental exposures, and stress reduction, highlighting size, age, breeds, and mixes. Rodney Habib and Karen Becker, DVM, with Kristin Loberg, use the knowledge gathered from trips across the globe, expert advice, and inspirational stories to give pet parents an arsenal of information. It offers up recipes, problems/solutions, and tips to empower you with ways to give your fur baby a long, happy, and healthy life.

Soap Hub Managing Editor Ashley’s Amazon Choice is a must-have item for anyone “connected” and on the go: Apple’s Wireless AirPods. A seamless connection between your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple TV, easily shared between two sets of AirPods, with a universal fit that is comfortable enough to wear all day.

The AirPods gives you quick access to Siri and comes with a Qi-certified charger. The charging case delivers more than 24 hours of battery life. It includes an easy setup with all your devices and is designed with an automatic on and connected feature. The attractive carrying case is compact and travels easily wherever you might want to take it.

There is nothing worse than getting lost in an article while editing or writing and taking a sip of coffee only to find it has gone stone cold — and not in a warm fuzzy Stone Cold and The Jackal way (sorry I couldn’t resist, Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson of General Hospital). That’s why Senior Editor Sherrie’s Amazon pick is a Thermal Coffee Travel Mug that you can keep on your desk or pick up your laptop, mug, and go wherever inspiration leads.

The 14oz “Less Work More Soap Operas” Stainless Steel Mug with an easy-grip handle will ensure hot drinks stay hot and cold drinks stay cold so you can stay focused on the job at hand. No more heating up regular mugs in the microwave or stopping to add more ice. And it always makes her smile when she looks at it. Added bonus; it makes a great gift for your fellow soap fans!

One gadget that every coffee aficionado has in their arsenal is a frother. That is why West Coast Editor and Writer Michael recommends the Zulay Handheld Milk Boss Frother. Whether your obsession is with Lattes, Cappuccinos, Frappes, Matchas, or a classic hot chocolate, this mini drink mixer and foam maker is the answer to your prayers!

The battery-operated electric Milk Boss comes in multiple colors and designs. It is lightweight, easy to use, and easy to clean. So compact that you can store it in a kitchen drawer. Can be used as a drink mixer or for smoothies and shakes as well. Take your drink mixing, coffee-making skills to the next level, or gift to your favorite coffee connoisseur.

There are coffee drinkers and then there are coffee sommeliers. For those who believe coffee making is an art form, Soap Hub Editor Laura recommends the Chefman 6-In-1 Powerful Expresso Machine. The 15-bar pump and built-in froth-making mechanism will turn your kitchen into a Coffee Cafe.

The machine can create a cafe-quality single or double-shot espresso, cappuccino, latte, and much more. An internal cleaning system makes clean-up a breeze. A complex professional process made easy for any amateur at home. Throw out the old coffee maker and dazzle your family and friends with barista-like skills.

Assistant Editor and writer Amber is a media junkie. Her Amazon pick is a Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote that brings the world of entertainment to her fingertips or by her command. If you have grown tired of the same old cable TV choices and want to expand your access to all things entertainment then the Fire Stick is for you too.

Enjoy the cinematic experience in 4K Ultra HD with the support of Dolby Vision, HDR, and HDR10+. Stream more than 1 million movies and TV episodes Disney+, Netflix, Peacock, Prime Video, and much more. You can have access to Free and Live TV with subscriptions to SLING TV, YouTube TV, Pluto, IMDb, and others. Feed your inner media junkie and bring the world into your living space with this must-have TV stick.

One thing that Soap Hub can count on is Contributing Writer Garren’s vast knowledge of all things soap opera-related, especially historical. But when he is not plugged into all things serialized, he likes to ditch the TV and flex some good old-fashioned board game muscles with his Amazon pick, Hasbro’s Clue, a detective game, the 1986 Retro Edition.

Hasbro’s Clue has entertained friends and families for decades with its sleuthing games. Each game has a classic mystery to solve with a laugh-out-loud component of fun for all involved. So if you are feeling nostalgic, put on your game hat and find out if Colonel Mustard used a revolver or Miss Peacock did it with a rope and immerse yourself in the joy of a board game experience!

It is that time of year again when the leaves change color and fall to the ground. The breeze becomes colder and stronger and everyone starts to think about Christmas. Contributing Writer Rachel’s Amazon choice reflects that holiday feeling with Godiva Chocolates festive Advent Calendar Gift Box filled with 24 decadent chocolates to bring sweetness to the holiday season.

It is true that once you have experienced Belgian chocolate, there is no going back and Godiva does it best. The Advent Calendar includes a variety of gourmet milk, white, and dark chocolate crafted with all of the classic Belgian fillings. The world-famous chocolatier’s long-standing tradition of quality craftsmanship makes this a memorable gift for the season. Make room in your budget to purchase one for yourself. You deserve it!