The 2024 Em Dash Gift Guide 🎁

For the traveler, book lover, crafter, resident witch, and more in your life

Nov 23, 2024

Two years ago, I was in a hospital undergoing my first surgery of many in my cancer journey.

One year ago, I took in the most glorious sunset at the top of Sacré-Cœur before dining at the Moulin Rouge in Paris.

Today? I woke up too early and watched one of the first snow falls of the season as I put together this gift guide for you.

Talk about major contrasts and a whole lotta feels!

It probably goes without saying that the past few weeks (months?) have been…intense. I haven’t yet really found the words to come back to this space authentically and helpfully, especially post-election, but I love that this creative community is here whenever I’m ready.

Any time I’m in a bit of a creative slump, I follow the spark—whatever feels fun and interesting to pursue, even (and especially if) it isn’t connected to my larger creative goals. Often, that shows up as a sewing project or an apartment purge-and-re-decorate frenzy. This time, it manifested in too many open tabs and a fun Canva collage for us.

With the state of the world, it feels both trivial and comforting to make wish lists and indulge in holiday shopping, but I am really excited to share this guide with you as it’s full of things I own and genuinely love or am adding to my own wish list this year—most of which are coming from handmade or small businesses.

May this list spark something in you, whether you’re adding it to your own wish list or you discover that just-right gift for someone you love.

For the Traveler

I’ve mentioned the Lo & Sons Rowledge Laptop Backpack before and for good reason. I’ve taken this stylish-but-functional workhorse with me on countless flights and coffee shop work sessions and it still looks just as good as the day I unboxed it! I feel really secure about bringing my tech with me thanks to the hidden laptop compartment and I love that the inner organizer can be removed for bigger items as needed. It would make an incredible gift for both travel and commuting.

This rechargeable makeup mirror is a must-have for travel. There are rarely enough conveniently-placed mirrors for everyone getting ready at the same time, so having this compact mirror around makes it so much easier to style your hair or do your makeup. I used it every single day during my trip to London and Italy last year!

I invested in Beis luggage last year and wanted a durable-but-cute luggage tag that would stand out in baggage claim. I love this Rifle Paper Co. Bon Voyage luggage tag that celebrates my wanderlust, but there are also some other really pretty prints.

Travel pillows: I’ve tried so many kinds and hate them all. I’m giving this kind that attaches to the headrest with a built-in eyemask a try next as I think it might be the only one that keeps my head up and secure. I’ve seen two rave reviews from people I follow on Instagram that this is the only kind that’s allowed them to get any real sleep, so it’s worth a try!

I’ve tried a number of different cosmetic bags for travel and so far, this one has been a winner. The Medium Traveller bag by Parallelle helps you keep your products standing up and organized while still accessing them easily with sides that fold down. I actually keep my daily makeup in this bag, as I don’t really have a vanity space in my apartment, and it works great!

For the Book Lover

Shhh…don’t tell anyone, but I got someone special this incredible custom tapestry throw blanket from Pittsburgh Etsy seller ByTheNook for Christmas this year and I absolutely cannot WAIT to gift it to them! You can personalize it with up to 12 book titles, a quote, and their name.

If you have a fandom lover in your life, you may want to consider getting them a set of beautifully designed book jackets for their favorite series, like this Crescent City set by Juniper Books. From classics to niche series, there’s something for everyone.

I’ve given this sweet book charm necklace, available in silver or gold, from MathewandMarieCo on Etsy as a gift to a few of my bookworm and writer friends and I just love it. Plus, you can customize the chain or opt for the charm only.

Everyone has their favorite romance trope. Wear yours proudly with one of these 831 Stories embroidered Trope Hats. I’m hoping they add Slow Burn in the future because *fans herself,* but Enemies to Lovers is a classic and Second Chance Romance is always a winner in my book.

For the Crafter

A punch needle kit makes an excellent gift for someone who loves to craft (or wants to get into more crafts) but gets bored easily with more tedious tasks (hi, it me). It has the satisfying payoff of embroidery but goes a lot quicker. I’m a big fan of TheUrbanAcres and their small kits are perfect for beginners.

The sewist, knitter, or crocheter in your life would be thrilled to add a cheeky label to their creation and there are so many fantastic options out there for stocking stuffers! I love these Future Heirloom labels from Core Fabrics and these Made for Me labels from Sarah Hearts. If you want to gift a variety pack, opt for this Kylie and the Machine assorted label bauble.

Closet Core Patterns recently launched these super fun and colorful Sewcialism and Couturière ball caps in their holiday shop—the perfect accessory for me-made outfits.

Did you know there are SO many cute Paint-by-Numbers kits for adults now? I am considering throwing a party to do them with friends! This retro ski mini kit from LetsPaintAnywhere on Etsy is perfect for cozy winter crafting.

For the Family or Friend Group

I played Just One with friends recently and it was a hit! It’s in my cart now for Thanksgiving and Christmas games with my family. I love a cooperative game that requires little-to-no set up and has just enough stakes to be interesting and funny and this one fits the bill.

For the Resident Witch

I both own and gave this Custom Human Design Affirmation Deck as a gift and it’s perfect for the Generator, Manifesting Generator, Projector, Reflector, or Manifestor in your life. You’ll need to know the recipient’s profile, including their Profile, Authority, and Defined/Undefined Centers, but it’s worth getting nebby because the cards are perfectly tailored for them!

A new year is around the corner and your witchy friend will be thrilled to have their 2025 Astro Planner by Chani ready to capture the magic and wisdom of the year ahead.

For You (or Your Bestie)

The hype is real: the Wonderskin Lip Stain Masques really do work and LAST! I tried a few shades last weekend and am hooked.

Finally, a matching pajama set that lets you pick different sizes for top and bottom and still receive a discount when purchased together! I bought the Harper Wilde Pima Cotton T-Shirt and Pants Set recently and they are super comfortable. Plus the pants are extra long so they’ll make it through the inevitable high-water shrinkage that always happens to PJ pants.

As someone who hates wearing things on my wrists and doesn’t want to see that data in my face constantly but still wants to keep tabs on my health and fitness, I opted for an Oura Ring and I have been wearing it for over two years now! It’s really kept me informed and motivated to move, improve my sleep, and make healthier choices. Plus the charge lasts a long time, which I really appreciate! Keep in mind there is an additional monthly membership fee to use the app, but I find it to be worth it. I’m really impressed with the updates they’ve made, so if you’ve been considering it, now is a great time to get one!

We’re seeing a shift from all technology all the time to more analog experiences sprinkled in. Bring back some of that teenage nostalgia with this (Un)Disposable Camera that not only allows you to take photos, but it also develops your film and returns digital scans, physical prints, or both! And, they’ll repair, refurbish, and recycle the camera.

Speaking of more analog experiences, I’ve added the Brick device to my wish list this year to help me disrupt my phone addiction and encourage me to seek out other forms of entertainment and connection while still keeping the necessary apps open (which you get to choose!). I like that this requires physically scanning the device in order to regain access, as that seems to be what really makes it successful compared to just setting app limits.