The Gift Guide to Survive Holiday Burnout (and Your Family)
A Selfish Gift Guide to Save Your Sanity
Every year, like clockwork, our inboxes are flooded with gift guides—American consumerism and capitalism at their finest. Now, don’t get me wrong—I LOVE a good gift guide. I take immense pride in the thoughtful presents I pick for my friends and family during the holidays. But this year, I’ve noticed a glaring void in the endless sea of gift guide emails.
Before you roll your eyes and think, “Not another one,” let me stop you. This isn’t just another gift guide encouraging you to spend egregious amounts of money on other people. This is a beautifully selfish gift guide—one that’s exclusively for you!! If you’re like me, you swear you go to therapy—but the second you’re around your family, it’s as if you’ve never set foot in a therapist’s office. That’s why I’m encouraging you to fully embrace the right to prioritize yourself during the holiday madness. Join me in setting those boundaries before the family drama starts rolling in!
So, consider this your BURNOUT SURVIVAL GIFT GUIDE. Gift yourself what you need to make it through the mayhem—and come out the other side still standing.
BURNT’S BURNOUT SURVIVAL GIFT GUIDE 2024:
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Why You Need It: To drown out unsolicited advice about your life choices.
Use Case: “Are you dating anyone?” -> Cue your curated playlist titled "Zen."
Madison’s Pick: Apple AirPods Max—their oversized design and incredible noise-canceling capabilities scream, “Don’t bother me.”
A Really Good Eye Mask
Why You Need It: Sleep is sacred when you’re navigating family drama.
Pro Tip: Invest in one that won’t leave lines on your face.
Madison’s Pick: The Drowsy Eye Mask. I switched to this after Ostrich left me with forehead imprints, and it’s been a game changer.
A Candle That Smells Like Serenity
Why You Need It: To replace the smell of too many people in one room and whatever’s been in the oven since 8 a.m.
Pro Tip: Go for scents that calm your nerves, like lavender or cedarwood.
Madison’s Pick: "Vela" by Costa Brazil. It smells like warmth and vacation—Its my favorite scent and makes me feel like I’m on a beach. Its wonderful.
A Subscription to Calm or Chopra
Why You Need It: To breathe through passive-aggressive comments about your life choices.
Pro Tip: Use a guided meditation before AND after dinner.
Madison’s Pick: I’ve been a devout listener of Chopra’s meditation app since 2020. It has everything from Deepak’s personal meditations to binaural beats and themed challenges—highly recommend.
A Book That Screams “Leave Me Alone”
Why You Need It: To subtly (or not-so-subtly) communicate that you’re unavailable.
Madison’s Pick: How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell. Its cover alone will spark questions you don’t have to answer.
A Flask (Because, Obviously)
Why You Need It: Your crazy Uncle’s political rants require something stronger than eggnog.
Pro Tip: Sip discreetly while nodding politely during his monologue about cryptocurrency.
Madison’s Tip: I haven’t had hard alcohol in a decade (for real), but if I did drink and a flask was my go-to, I’d do vintage. There are stunning options on eBay and 1stDibs.
A Weighted Blanket
Why You Need It: To feel hugged without actually having to hug anyone.
Pro Tip: Perfect for post-dinner comas or sneaking away to watch your favorite holiday movie in peace.
Madison’s Pick: The Bearaby Cotton Napper. It’s heavy enough to calm your nerves but breathable so you don’t wake up sweaty.
Crossword Puzzle Book (Printed!)
Why You Need It: To avoid conversations entirely by looking just busy enough.
Pro Tip: Bonus points if you casually pretend to struggle and ask for “help.” Instant distraction.
Madison’s Pick: Of course A24 made a —elevated, timeless, and satisfying crossword puzzle.
“Do Not Disturb” Door Sign
Why You Need It: To keep nosy relatives out of your room (or your business).
Use Case: Perfect for those “I just need a moment to myself” bathroom breaks.
Madison’s Pick: Slim pickings for chic Do Not Disturb signs, but this one from Lucrin Geneva, is the least mediocre and gets the job done. Simple, functional, and to the point.
A Stylish Notebook
Why You Need It: To jot down all the absurd comments and holiday drama you’ll laugh about later.
Pro Tip: Use it as a journal to vent when you need a quiet moment.
Madison’s Pick: I am a Smythson girlie. Always will be. Yes, they are overpriced, but the way your pen slides on the paper is so smooth and sleek. They will also make venting look stylish.
A Cozy Oversized Sweater
Why You Need It: Because nothing says “I’m unavailable” like being wrapped in your own personal cocoon.
Pro Tip: Bonus points if it’s soft enough to double as a blanket when you “accidentally” fall asleep on the couch.
Madison’s Pick: The Sweater collection from Outline in Brooklyn is simply…the best. They also have a fab sale going right now for Black Friday
A Mini Massage Gun
Why You Need It: To release the tension built up from family debates and overachieving holiday tasks.
Pro Tip: Sneak away for five minutes of bliss when no one’s looking.
Madison’s Pick: Theragun Mini. It’s compact, powerful, and fits discreetly in your overnight bag…Its also on sale right now.
Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Because when you step into the new year rested and refreshed, you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever comes next. And if anyone asks, just tell them Madison & BURNT told you so.
The holidays are as much about survival as they are about celebration. Gift yourself wisely—and often.
Thank me later
xx