for the hard-to-shop-for: a 2024 holiday gift guide.

We always have those people on our list who we adore but are always stumped as to what to gift them. They might be someone “who has it all” already, or it could be someone like a boss, a colleague, in-laws, newer friends (whom you don’t know well enough to know what they like), etc, etc.

one: a Magnolia Journal Subscription (or any fav magazine subscription) is such an underrated gift idea — one of my best friends gifted me this magazine subscription for Magnolia Journal as a housewarming gift a few years ago and I loved it so much. My husband has extended this tradition for me, and since it’s a quarterly/seasonal mag, it’s not overwhelming to receive, it’s reasonable, and it’s a gift that gives all year!

two: I personally wanted this gift for myself last year, but I was late to the game and it was sold out everywhere. Who doesn’t love a piece of toast with some butter and jam? This Bonne Maman Jam Advent Calendar contains 12 mini-jars (the best part, tbh) of different jams and spreads, and I just think this is a fun gift for anyone in your life.

three: This might be an odd gift, but I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t maybe think this is a cool gift that they probably would never buy for themselves. Almost every night, my husband and I fill up a jar of water to bring to bed, but on the nights we don’t, it’s inevitable that one of us wakes up parched and wants some water. A bedside water carafe with a tumbler (cup) is a cool, unique and good gift idea for anyone you know with a nightstand LOL.

four: Even the hardest to shop for likely love memories and being able to document moments. I have been a subscriber to chatbooks for over 10 years (wild) and a chatbooks giftcard would be the perfect gift for someone to get some custom photo books made. They have MANY to choose from, different sizes, hardcover, soft cover, etc, the interface is easy-peasy (can upload from insta, fb, camera roll, etc). This is a great gift for kids who love to look at pictures, for newlyweds to document their wedding, for families, or just the well-documented pals in your world.

five: Have you heard of The Giving Keys? They’re a jewelry brand with a mission to inspire and uplift through thoughtful, meaningful gifts. From old, recycled keys, many giving key items are hand-stamped with words (like believe, strength, inspire, joy, etc). The premise of a Giving Key necklace or jewelry piece is that you wear it for as long as you want and if/when you know someone in your life who might need that word, you pass the necklace (or bracelet) on to them. I have had a giving key that I have since passed on to someone else, but I miss mine and I think it’s such a cool gift! Plus, they have a sale going on already (using code BLACKFRIDAY30 at checkout).

six: I feel like wax seals have made a resurgence and I am HERE FOR IT. Taylor and I wax-sealed envelopes for our wedding, and even now, we have a monogram wax seal for any future cards we send out. Nothing says intentional and cool more than receiving a wax-sealed card or letter. This botanics set comes with six separate wax seals, and it’s such a cool gift. (P.S. Be sure to get them some wax sticks to go with it.)

seven: If you’ve come over to our house, you know that we have 5 or 6 of these quote cards on our fridge that I get each time I visit a local store called Due South. I have an ever-growing collection and I also love to gift them in a card or alongside another gift. For the word lover in your life, or to give some encouragement, these Gathered Thought Cards (a set of 50!) is a fun, unique gift choice I guarantee someone hasn’t received before! (it looks like they’re also on amazon if it’s more convenient.

eight: Non-toxic good-smelling candles are all the rage these days. I actually did a pottery class with the owner of The Wax Crescent, and her scents are thoughtfully created, hand-poured, burn clean and make a great gift. Check our her newly launched Winter Collection that ships from Longmont, CO.

nine: Lastly, this custom initials necklace has been a tried and true gift in my rotation. Specifically any of your mom friends (or grandmas!), making a custom necklace with an initial for each child (or grandbaby) is such a thoughtful, meaningful gift. This shop on etsy is reasonable, the quality is nice, and they make them with a good time turnaround.

I hope this makes it a little easier to get a thoughtful gift for the person in your life who might already have it all! 🎁