A Cup of Ambition 2024 Gift Guide
Need a break from depressing news headlines? You’ve come to the right place, since this week I’m publishing my 2024 gift guide! Just like in past years, these are items that I either own or plan on buying. They are not affiliate links and I’m not paid to advertise them. I just truly have a lot of fun putting this together every year, and want to keep doing it.
In case you’re interested, you can also check out my 2023 guide and 2022 guide, both filled with tried and true Wilen family favorites.
Cat and Mouth: This is my go-to birthday party gift, because both of my kids love it so much. Imagine a flinging version of pinball—it’s always a blast to play. (Note that it contains several small balls, so if you have a younger kiddo who’s still in the “put-everything-in-their-mouth” phase, you may want to hold off).
Quarterback training bean bag toss game: I may come to regret this when my wall is filled with dents 😅, but I gave my mom the green light to purchase this for my sports-obsessed son this year.
Karaoke machine: My mom bought the kids a karaoke machine last Christmas and it remains a tried-and-true favorite a year later. If you have a Swiftie, like me, consider pairing it with one of these blinged-out tees.
Me: A Compendium: I bought this super-cute journal/about-me-book for my 6 -year-old and I think she’ll love it.
KiwiCo Crate: My kids *love* KiwiCo Crates. My daughter already did the ice skating rink (seen here) and my 9-year-old loves the marble roller coaster. I’m also ordering both of them the DIY menorah kit.
The Fuzzies game: I’ve heard great things about this Jenga-like game, and Grandma and Grandpa said they would buy it for my kids this year.
Barefoot Dreams Pajamas: I bought these during the Nordstrom Semi-Annual sale and they are *the best*. They are so soft and cozy, without being too hot. Everyone in my family wants to snuggle up to me when I wear them!
Compact softcover notebook: I literally laughed out loud when I saw this notebook. A must-have for every mom! 😂
Watercolor book: I just bought myself this cute watercolor book because I realized I needed a break from doomscrolling and thought that painting—paired with some Christmas music—was just what I needed to chill the f*ck out.
Weighted heating pad: Ok, I know this one is weird, but I seriously use mine all the time. I spend most of my work day at the computer, and no matter how much I try to be mindful of my posture, I constantly have sore shoulders. This weighted heating pad is a godsend.
Veronica Beard shearling lined sneakers: These are a splurge, but they are divine! My feet are always cold in winter and the shearling lining is so cozy and soft. Plus, there was no breaking in time—they were comfortable the first time I put them on.
Furbish Studio pillow: Enough said 😉
NBA team graffiti basketball: I actually bought this for my son, but it would work equally well for a basketball-obsessed partner.
Cognitive Surplus DNA water bottle: This is my favorite website for science-themed gifts (which I buy a lot of for my husband). I think I’ll add this DNA-themed water bottle to our collection (which already includes the infectious disease version). There’s something for everyone in a STEM-related field.
Pong golf: What do you get when you cross golf with cornhole and beer pong? The ultimate party game.
New York brunch: My husband’s love language is a really delicious bagel, and Russ & Daughters is his all-time favorite. Perfect for Christmas or Hanukkah brunch.
A Year of Dates: Stuck in a date night rut? This cute box has lots of ideas to shake things up.
Cork globe: My husband and I *love* to travel, so this globe is the perfect way to keep track of where we’ve been and where we want to go.
Custom message shortbread cookies: Holiday cookies, but make them memorable! This is such a versatile gift, as you can add your own personalized message (something heartfelt for mom and dad, an inside joke for your BFF, etc.) This would also make a great client gift!
Desk yoga deck: This deck full of chair yoga poses would be a perfect gift for direct reports or a boss. Maybe pick up one for yourself, too!
Grandparent pen pal set: This is the cutest kit for kids and grandparents. Filled with fun prompts, lists, and other engaging activities, it’s the perfect multigenerational gift.
Chocolate covered strawberries: Is there anything better than a chocolate covered strawberry? The answer, dear reader, is a resounding “no”. It might seem weird to buy fresh food from Amazon, but I’ve had these and they were great! Plus, it beats an Edible Arrangement (with their one dinky chocolate covered strawberry) any day.
Pickleball paddle snack tray: Are grandma and grandpa huge pickleball players? This adorable serving tray is the perfect gift for them!
Scalloped lacquer mini tray: This makes for a very cute hostess gift!
Joke decoder cards: I’m always looking for fun activities to entertain my kids on the go, and my 6-year-old loved doing these decoder cards on plane trips last year. Each card has tic-tac-toe boards on the back for extra fun!
Golden snitch fidget: My 9-year-old has been obsessed with Harry Potter for a few years now, so it’s no surprise that this is his favorite fidget spinner of all times.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza: Both of my kids love this fast-paced card game, and it’s the perfect size to take while traveling.
WeeFarers: Adorable baby and toddler sunglasses 😎
On the Go Game Pad: Another fun activity pad to throw in your purse to entertain kids during restaurant waits, travel, etc. It includes hangman, dots, fortune tellers, and more.
Le Pen set: Yes, I am an adult woman who still gets excited by pretty colored pens 😍 The Le Pen brand is my absolute favorite.
Great ideas, Jessica. Thank you!