Holiday Recommendations: Brenda's Favorite Things

By Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady

Brenda's Favorite Things

This week, I'm taking a detour from my usual blog articles full of valuable insights on layoffs, job transitions, and career resilience. Instead, I'm going to channel my inner Oprah and share some of my favorite things with you. Some of these may be holiday gift ideas, and others might be items you pick up for yourself. These are all products I purchased for myself, have used, and would definitely recommend to others. 

 Dry Erase Index Cards and Fine Tipped Markers

I love notecards. When brainstorming ideas or figuring out how to organize content, I often write down each idea on a notecard and then move the cards around to optimize content flow.

A while back, I stumbled across these amazing dry-erase index cards. Not only can I write things on them and use them to organize content, but they wipe off, and I can use them again! This pack includes 45 double-sided laminated cards. They are also great if you want to make flashcards for yourself or your family to help memorize important content. 

In addition, I bought this excellent set of dry-erase markers. I love these because they include a variety of colors and also come with six black markers. Each marker also has a magnet and a built in eraser on top. 

StrengthsFinder 2.0: Discover Your Strengths Book

If you've read much of what I've written here or posted on LinkedIn, you may know that I'm a HUGE proponent of CliftonStrengths. In short, many of us lack the awareness to understand what we are uniquely good at. In addition, we lack the language to describe how we naturally interact with the world as compared to what other people do. 

While you can go directly to Gallup's website and purchase access to the CliftonStrengths Top 5 report, instead, you can buy the StrengthsFinder 2.0: Discover Your Strengths Book, which includes a code to access the online assessment. It also makes a nice gift. I gave these to my immediate family last year for Christmas, and it was a fun activity. We each got to learn about ourselves and then had a chance to talk about our talents and strengths. 

StrengthsFinder 2.0 Book

Wobble Board 

I have an adjustable desk at work, which I love because I can stand up for at least part of the day. A coworker of mine talked about wanting an under-desk treadmill, then later had found one of these fun wobble boards for under her desk. In short, it's a curved board that she can stand on that "wobbles." It's a great way to keep moving, stretch, productively fidget, and increase your daily steps. 

I actually bought one for work and for home. I use the one I have at home in the living room. After I sit for what feels too long, I stand on  for a while, and may even watch TV or lift a few weights. 

This is one of those items that has a whole bunch of possible names. The one I bought for myself has this crazily long descriptive title on Amazon: Anti Fatigue Mat Balance Board Standing Desk Mat Balance Boards Sit Stand Desk Mat Accessory Ergonomic Design Non-Slip Bottom Wobble Balance Board Black.

Wobble Board

Learn More

• Dry Erase Index Cards: 45 Pack
• Dry Erase Markers: 20 Pack
• StrengthsFinder 2.0: Discover Your Strengths Book
• Wobble Board: Anti Fatigue Mat Balance Board​
• ​The Layoff Lady's Ultimate Guide To Answering The Question, "I Just Got Laid Off--Now What Do I Do?"​
• The Layoff Lady Book: Seven Lessons From Seven Layoffs: A Guide​