Welcome to the annual holiday gift guide! If you’re new here, you’re in for a treat. For years, we’ve been curating unique and thoughtful gift ideas to help you navigate the holiday season with ease and inspiration. Forget the generic presents; we’re all about gifts that spark joy, encourage connection, and maybe even a little bit of laughter.
Looking for inspiration from previous years? Check out last year’s Holiday Gift Guide 2023 for even more ideas. And for a touch of DIY, don’t miss our Homemade Game Idea from last year – perfect for adding a personal touch to your gift-giving.
A quick note on shopping: while some links here are affiliate links (specifically for bookshop.org), we encourage you to shop locally whenever possible. Support your local game stores and bookstores – they’re the heart of our communities!
Now, let’s dive into the gift ideas for Holiday 2024 that are sure to impress everyone on your list.
Games for Family Fun and Gatherings
Games are always a fantastic holiday gift, perfect for bringing people together during festive gatherings. We’ve got a couple of exciting new recommendations this year, alongside some timeless classics. For an even wider selection, be sure to explore our extensive list of favorite games here.
Ouisi: A Visually Engaging Card Game for All Ages
Ouisi is a visually stunning photo card game that’s perfect for a wide range of ages, from young children (4+) to grandparents. The game challenges players to “Visually Connect” cards based on shared patterns, shapes, and colors. It’s easy to learn, engaging for all ages, and offers a fun, accessible challenge. If you love visual puzzles like the NYT Connections game, Ouisi is sure to be a hit. It’s an excellent choice for holiday gatherings with mixed-age groups.
Just One: A Cooperative Word Guessing Game
Just One is another fantastic game centered around connections, but this time with words. In this semi-cooperative game, players work together to help one person guess a secret word. The catch? Everyone else gives a one-word clue, but if clues are the same, they are removed! It’s quick to learn (about 5 minutes), highly engaging, and perfect as an after-dinner activity for groups. For another free and fun group game, don’t forget about the classic Fish Bowl!
Books to Cozy Up With This Holiday Season
Books make wonderful and thoughtful holiday gifts. From captivating novels to creative activity books, there’s a perfect book for everyone on your list.
Ed Emberley’s Great Thumbprint Drawing Book: Unleash Creativity in All Ages
Inspired by the charm of thumbprint art, Ed Emberley’s Great Thumbprint Drawing Book is a nostalgic and delightful gift for kids, teens, and even adults. This book, paired with a colorful ink pad, is a surefire way to spark creativity and fun. It’s a gift that encourages hands-on activity and imaginative play, reminding us of the simple joys of childhood.
Time of the Child by Niall Williams: A Heartwarming Novel for Parents
Time of the Child by Niall Williams is a beautifully written, gently holiday-themed novel that makes a wonderful gift, especially for parents. This book is a heartwarming exploration of everyday moments and hidden wonders, reminding us to appreciate the small things in life. If you and your parents enjoyed “This Is Happiness” by the same author, you’ll find “Time of the Child” equally enchanting.
Bel Canto Annotated Giftable Edition: A Treasure for Writers and Bookworms
For the writers or Ann Patchett enthusiasts in your life, the annotated giftable edition of Bel Canto is an exceptional holiday gift. This edition offers a unique glimpse into Ann Patchett’s writing process, filled with her insightful, humorous, and critical notes. It’s a treasure trove for anyone who appreciates the craft of writing and a deeper understanding of a beloved novel. And if they haven’t yet read Bel Canto itself, this is the perfect opportunity to introduce them to a modern classic.
Puzzles and Pastimes for Relaxing Evenings
Jigsaw puzzles are a timeless gift, offering relaxation and a satisfying sense of accomplishment. They’re perfect for cozy holiday evenings spent indoors.
Lounging Cats and Festive Furballs Jigsaw Puzzles: Purrfect for Puzzle Lovers
For puzzle enthusiasts and cat lovers, the 1000-piece lounging cats jigsaw puzzle provides a delightful challenge. If you prefer something a bit quicker, the 500-piece festive furballs jigsaw puzzle from Galison is another excellent choice – known for their quality and beautiful designs. And for a touch of whimsy, consider the big Italian sub puzzle – a fun and quirky option for something different.
Thoughtful and Practical Gifts That Delight
Sometimes the most appreciated gifts are those that combine thoughtfulness with practicality, making everyday life a little bit better.
NanaGram: Cherished Photo Prints Delivered Monthly to Loved Ones
NanaGram is a truly heartwarming and practical gift idea, especially for grandparents or family members who live far away. This service allows you to easily upload photos each month, which are then printed and mailed directly to your recipient. It’s a simple yet incredibly meaningful way to keep loved ones connected with regular photo updates from family, creating a tangible and treasured keepsake.
Rancho Gordo Vegan Gift Box: Gourmet Goodness for Food Lovers
For the food enthusiast in your life, especially those who appreciate quality ingredients, the Rancho Gordo Vegan Gift Box is a standout choice. Filled with an assortment of Rancho Gordo’s exceptional beans – known for their tender texture and rich flavor – this gift box elevates everyday cooking into a gourmet experience. It’s a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves to cook and appreciates high-quality, delicious pantry staples.
The Fishwife Ultimate Tinned Fish Gift Pack: Decadent Delights for the Adventurous Palate
For a truly decadent and unique food gift, consider The Fishwife Ultimate Tinned Fish Gift Pack. This isn’t your average tinned fish; Fishwife offers extraordinarily high-quality, firm, and flavorful tinned seafood with beautiful packaging. It’s a luxurious treat for adventurous foodies and those who appreciate gourmet pantry items.
Mama Teav’s Hot Garlic: Stocking Stuffer for Spice Lovers
A perfect stocking stuffer for anyone who loves a kick of flavor, Mama Teav’s Hot Garlic is a game-changer. This chili crisp-style condiment is packed with garlic and spice, making it an addictive addition to almost any dish. It’s a small but impactful gift that will elevate everyday meals.
Self-Care and Home Comforts for Cozy Holidays
Gifts that promote self-care and home comfort are always appreciated, especially during the busy holiday season.
MALIN+GOETZ Rum Hand and Body Wash: Luxurious Everyday Indulgence
MALIN+GOETZ Rum Hand and Body Wash is a luxurious yet practical gift for anyone who appreciates quality body care products. With its unique rum scent and gentle formula, it turns an everyday routine into a small indulgence. It’s a sophisticated gift for teens and adults alike.
Janie Stick Stain Remover: Practical Magic for Wardrobe Care
The Janie Stick is a surprisingly useful and charmingly old-fashioned stocking stuffer. This dry stain remover, essentially chalk with a brush, effectively tackles greasy stains on clothing. It’s a practical and appreciated gift for anyone who wants to keep their wardrobe looking its best.
Nest Grapefruit Candle: Uplifting Aromatherapy for Home
The Nest Grapefruit Candle is a delightful gift to brighten any home. Known for its strong and delicious grapefruit scent, even the smaller votive candle fills a room with an uplifting and invigorating fragrance. It’s a perfect gift for creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere during the holidays.
Fun and Quirky Stocking Stuffers to Delight
Stocking stuffers are all about small, fun, and delightful surprises. These quirky and creative options are sure to bring smiles.
Pipsticks Sticker the Rainbow Stickers: Colorful Fun for Sticker Fans
Sticker the Rainbow stickers by Pipsticks are vibrant and joyful stocking stuffers. Pipsticks, a woman-owned business, offers a wide range of truly lovely and high-quality stickers, perfect for kids and adults who love to decorate and personalize.
Redbubble: Personalized Gifts for Niche Interests
Redbubble is your go-to for finding incredibly personalized gifts that cater to even the most niche interests. From stickers and t-shirts to hats and mousepads, you can find items featuring “All of a Kind Family,” nutritional yeast, or just about anything you can imagine. It’s a fantastic place to find unique and personal stocking stuffers.
Experience Gifts for Lasting Memories
For those who value experiences over material gifts, consider these memorable options.
Tickets to Alicia Keys’s Broadway Musical Hell’s Kitchen: An Unforgettable Show
For a truly spectacular experience gift, tickets to Alicia Keys’s Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen are an exceptional choice. Described as “unbelievably good” and “one of the very best things ever seen in any genre,” this musical promises an unforgettable night out. Even listening to the soundtrack beforehand will give a taste of the incredible music and energy of this show.
Julia Rothman Custom Diner Guest Check Print: Personalized Art with a Unique Touch
For a truly special and personalized gift, consider a custom diner guest check print from illustrator Julia Rothman. Known for her beautiful illustrations in “Nature Anatomy” and “How We Got By,” Julia Rothman will customize a diner guest check print with your favorite breakfast order, a poem, or any message you choose. This limited-run, personalized artwork is a unique and thoughtful gift that will be treasured.
A Gift of Self-Care for Menopausal Crones
And finally, a slightly unconventional but incredibly impactful gift suggestion…
Vaginal Estrogen: A Game-Changing Gift of Self-Care
For menopausal women, consider giving the gift of vaginal estrogen. While it requires a prescription, the benefits are truly life-changing, improving vaginal health and overall well-being. It’s a gift of comfort, health, and renewed vitality.
Happy Holidays!
Wishing you a joyful and stress-free holiday season filled with thoughtful gift-giving and warm connections.
