Caster’s Favorite Things 2024
It’s a very special time of year for those of us in the PR industry. No, not the holidays or the return of the McRib: “Best of” list season.
The Caster crew loves this time of year in part because we’re good at our jobs, and that pays dividends on these annual lists. We see our clients on top-tier annual retrospectives, like the Time Best Inventions of 2024 list, PC World’s Best Smart Home Products of 2024, or Fast Company’s Next Big Thing in Tech list. We’re celebrating our founder and president, Kimberly Lancaster, as she’s honored among the ranks of the Parks Associates 2024 Top Leaders in Technology. But seeing our crew and clients’ names up in lights isn’t the only reason to love “Best of” list season. Every year, Caster also celebrates with a list of our very own: our annual Favorite Things gift exchange.
Caster’s Favorite Things was originally the brainchild of Account Manager Olivia Sellke. She envisioned a less toxic version of a white elephant party: a gift exchange where everyone brought something that had changed their lives for the better over the past year. We work within a price cap that is manageable for our multi-level, multigenerational team. Without knowing the intended recipient, we each present our offerings, explaining how they sparked joy for us.
Caster’s Favorite Things has become a treasured tradition for this remote team. It’s not just that we all leave with a surprising, actually good gift; it’s the concentrated bonding. In hearing about each other’s Favorite Things each year, we learn a lot about each other’s lives – what we struggled with, what made us happy, made us laugh, helped us get through hard times, or made a good time great. My home office includes several items from previous Favorite Things hauls, so my bicoastal team is present with me in Virginia day-to-day. Plus, we’re PR pros—meaning we’re all seasoned travelers and trendspotters with superb taste.
So, without further ado, here are Caster’s Favorite Things from 2024: a perfect list of treats to start 2025 off right.
Travel Essentials
Pro on the go Olivia Sellke prepped a kit of electronic essentials including a portable charger with fast-charging blocks.
Our newest addition, Lee Abraham, brought a capacious L.L. Bean hunter’s tote that works in any context.
Beauty Buys
Lexie Gardiner brought a game-changing dry shampoo that measures up to her exacting standards.
Rachel Bradshaw (c’est moi!) chose to combat the very concept of “dry” with Kiehl’s Hand Salve, La Rouche lip mask, and a Drunk Elephant exfoliator bar.
Alex Crabb offered up these award-winning DRMTLGY brightening eye masks, which just so happen to be on sale currently.
Kitchen Upgrades
Our newly minted Senior Vice President Pete Girard brought the right tool for a flawless omelet: a mini Caraway nonstick pan.
The Ikago Mug Warmer presented by Sarah Hales will make sure your coffee stays the perfect temperature while you coddle your eggs.
Or you can prepare to host friends with Jen Ferency’s handy electric wine opener, which she paired with the classic party game Jenga.
Cozy and Chic
Kim Lancaster gave the gift of style and comfort with this supersoft travel blanket/scarf that enveloped her on trips to Vegas and Paris alike this year.
Meghan Glickman went full cozy-core with a reversible Ugg blanket.
Our picks are a little window into who we are: we travel efficiently, work hard, enjoy the finer comforts of home, and look good doing it. Here’s to 2025, and a world of new favorites to discover!
