Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Well-designed, game-changing gift ideas for you and yours

Chris Abatzis. Balance project. Death to Stock.

Hello! It’s Kat. Are you feeling into the slow, steady wind-down of 2024?

Never thought I’d write a gift guide. Then last year, my former manager and friend Wes wrote one that was so rigorous, helpful, oddly fascinating, and… her! Pulling it back up last week saved me many hours. Thanks,

Wes Kao

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Hope this list saves you time, that you then spend in a fulfilling way. It’s too long for email; you can click here to view it comfortably.

Read time: 11 mins

P.S. This post is for paid subscribers. If you are a free subscriber, appreciate you and no pressure to go to paid — I have an essay coming out soon. If you want to read the full holiday gift guide, you’re welcome to opt-in to the 30-day free trial (more details here).

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I kind of hate shopping, especially online. So if I own something and love it, it feels worth a mention. Everything on this list has 3+ of these 5 qualities:

• Design-forward and artful: It’s smart and beautiful.

• Game changer: I can feel the Before and After of its presence.

• Makes my heart happy: I love using it, looking at it, holding it.

• Quality: The product aligns with my values: good materials, owning fewer but better objects, and saving time (i.e. I won’t have to replace it soon, in theory)

• Value: Considering alignment with my values, the cost is fair if not a steal.

Curatorial Notes: The categories are: Stuff and Things; Health and Wellness; and Digital Products. I have zero affiliate marketing deals with the following brands. I’ve left out really quirky, colorful items reflecting my personal style, which wouldn’t be as helpful to you. There might be a better deal out there when you read this, so double-check with your favorite LLM/AI assistant. Let’s go!

Stuff and Things

1. Syouryu Suzugami Coasters/Plates

Vince proposed to me on Naoshima Island in Japan. Our celebratory drinks came on these quietly stunning, malleable tin coasters. Skilled Japanese craftsmen have repeatedly rolled and “rhythmically hammered” the tin, ensuring durability and minimizing deterioration. We were delighted we could buy them at the hotel gift shop. Great if you’re looking for a memorable housewarming gift, or just want your soul to feel something when you set a mug down. They get a lot of compliments, and the freer spirits start sculpting them. Makes me so happy.