2024 Holiday Season Gift Guide

1. Sapid Scents 

Fragrances hold memories. In fact, Harvard Medicine Magazine claims that “smell can instantly trigger an emotional response along with a memory.” This unique property about olfactory senses makes perfumes, candles, incense, and colognes the perfect gifts for your loved ones, as these fresh woody, floral, and amber scents can transport individuals back to distant memories. For example, scents enlarging the citrusy notes in a rose extract may take you on a walk down an orchard, while an emphasis on the spicy undertones of cloves may take you to a warm family gathering. Allowing buyers to tailor the feelings a scent evokes for their recipient, fragrances are a must-have gift.

2. Nourishing Novels 

Debbie Macomber, a New York Times bestselling author, recently released her novel, A Christmas Duet, exploring the magic and potential romantic opportunities during the holiday season. This novel’s protagonist embarks on a journey filled with moments of self-discovery that evolves into an excursion imbued with romance. Yet, the central plot line of this story does not fully rely on love—Macomber touches on the significance of friendships, societal expectations on young women, and the balance of passion, reality, and everything in between. All in all, A Christmas Duet helps its readers lean into the holiday spirit and embrace their childhood dreams. 

3. Morningstar Mud Mugs 

Morningstar Muds are porcelain mugs featuring journal entries and fleeting reminders. The designs on the mug are created to mimic intimate texts scribbled onto wrinkled lined paper. From questions demanding reflection like— what does your heart wall look like?— to 3:00 AM thoughts like You just have to go into the storm, Morningstar Muds are handmade and sentimental. In addition, the handwritten scrabbles are a reminder of the invaluable, genuine human connections, adding a personalized touch to this store-bought gift. Indeed, what’s better than sitting quietly and just reflecting while holding a steaming drink on a blustery day?  

4. Snug-as-a-bug Sweaters

With the sudden drop in temperature, a soft, fuzzy sweater is essential for the upcoming holiday season. From American Eagle’s Oversized Grinch sweater to their So Soft Snoopy Dog sweater—a gift embodying warmth and chaotic humor can never go wrong! Thoughtful clothing presents are a reminder to your loved ones that you care about their physical wellness and treasure the fun and enjoyable times you have had together. Besides…who wouldn’t love an additional item in their closet?

5. Jolly Jellycat

Jellycats are soft and cuddly companions that embody joy and comfort. Items like Merrick the Moose, Amuseables Hot Chocolate, and Ruby the Jolly Gingerbread are all loveable stuffed animals to embrace your inner child. By giving your friends and family a tiny and calming best-mate, you are reminding them of your presence even when you are physically separated. Indeed, even when you are spending Christmas an ocean apart from each other, jellycats are perfect stocking stuffers to bridge your divide: when you are unable to offer your loved ones a pat on the back, a shoulder squeeze, or a reassuring bear hug, perhaps let Bartholomew Bear take your place and spread some warmth! I promise that he won’t disappoint.