The 2021 Holiday Gift Guide
“At long last, we present you with our holiday gift guide.”
As another year has come and nearly gone, the season for gift guides is upon us. Last year we put together our first founder’s edition, and as our team has happily grown this year, we’re excited to present you with a guide curated by all three of us—our Founder & Creative Director, Clémence Polès, our Editor, Marina Sulmona, and Social Editor, Eva Berezovsky. In it, you'll find some of our favorite home objects and food products, alongside books to get lost in and places we find meaningful to support. Each item is intended to serve as a gift that radiates the way you care for its recipient, and the variety of ideas we've included are sure to please loved ones spanning your trendy teenage sister to the dad who developed a knack for ornithology.
support
Collectively, we’ve always found it important to start our gift guides with places to support. Donating on a loved one’s behalf can be a really thoughtful approach to gift-giving. We’ve rounded up some initiatives and cultural institutions our community and selves feel deeply about, but selecting a place that your family or friends care about is always fitting.
Also, where possible and feasible, you might consider gifting a recurring donation to sustain these funds well past the holiday season.
Cultural Institutions
A membership to a museum means your art-loving aunt and uncle can repeatedly return as exhibitions come and go. Some of our most beloved spots include The Noguchi Museum (recommended by clémence polès, verena michelitsch, carolina santos-neves, camille bertrand, and shino takeda), The Walker Art Center (recommended by eva berezovsky), and Museum of the Moving Image (recommended by marina sulmona).
An alternative film membership for those in your life who want to dig deeper than the more traditional streaming services like Netflix. Two of our favorites are MUBI, where independent cinema from across the globe finds a home, and Shasha Movies, an independent platform that carefully selects films that spotlight South-West Asian and North African cinema.
Support local radio on behalf of your brother who spends all day listening in the car or coworker who can’t take their headphones off. We all like NTS (also recommended by lynette nylander and marawa ramp), Clémence’s fave for classical music is WQXR, and reliably, there’s NPR (recommended by anita bertolini, lizania cruz, shirin neshat, tina bhojwani, dianna cohen, and nina roth). Or, seek out your own favorite local station.
If you know someone who upped their birdwatching game from a hobby to near-profession over the course of the pandemic, the Cornell Lab’s Joy of Birdwatching course (recommended by clémence polès) has their name all over it.
Funds and Non-Profits
Activation Residency (recommended by annika hansteen-izora) is an artist residency that aims to create safe, generative, and collaborative spaces for Black, brown, trans, and queer artists in the Catskill Mountains. It is led by Black trans individuals.
Breaking Bread (recommended by clémence polès, tara thomas, and marina sulmona) is a non-profit launched by passerby Tara Thomas that serves food “to communities facing oppression, inequality, and food insecurity” in NYC.
Civilla (recommended by clémence polès and marina sulmona) does the often-overlooked work of making public-serving institutions more accessible to more people. They tackle seemingly simple, human-centered projects like redesigning public benefits applications to be more user-friendly.
G.L.I.T.S. (recommended by natassia dreams) supports the health and housing needs of LGBTQIA+ members of our community who experience systemic discrimination based on any number of intersecting oppressions. Their approach centers harm reduction, social justice, and human rights principles.
Heart of Dinner (recommended by marina sulmona) works throughout NYC to lovingly deliver meals to elderly members of the East Asian American community.
Osborne (recommended by clémence polès) is on a mission to transform the criminal justice system and the lives impacted by its injustices by advocating for “policies and practices that promote dignity, justice, and liberation.”
Slow Factory (recommended by clémence polès) approaches liberating people and the planet “by preparing historically marginalized people to become climate leaders through regenerative design, open education, and narrative change.”
The Disability Visibility Project (recommended by marina sulmona) is an initiative created by activist and author Alice Wong to support the online community she’s cultivated as they pave the way to a more accessible future by “amplifying disability media and culture.” Alice's book Disability Visibility was also included in our feature on giftable books.
The Loveland Foundation’s Therapy Fund (recommended by annika hansteen-izora, eva berezovsky, and marina sulmona) partners with therapy initiatives nationwide to provide Black women and girls with access to “high quality, culturally competent” mental health practitioners and services. It was established by activist Rachel Cargle.
The Navajo Water Project (recommended by marina sulmona) transforms the lives of those living in Navajo Nation, where “30% of families live without running water,” by working tirelessly to get those individuals “clean, hot and cold running water.”
The Okra Project (recommended by fariha róisín and marina sulmona) brings “home cooked, healthy, and culturally specific meals and resources to Black Trans People wherever [they] can reach them.”
The Sato Project (recommended by kerrilynn pamer) rescues dogs that have been abused or abandoned in Puerto Rico. The six main programs they run also address the root causes of the local crisis.
The Solutions Project (recommended by clémence polès) is a community-led initiative with an ambitious vision to solve the climate crisis by offering resources like grants and media training to those “working at the frontlines” and carving out ideas to distribute renewable energy across the world.
The Yellowhammer Fund (recommended by marina sulmona) provides people in Alabama and the Deep South with safe, affordable abortion access while advocating for a more empowered, equitable reproductive health landscape.
Women for Women (recommended by clémence polès) does the work of teaching skills and providing material resources to women who have survived war and conflict in 8 post-conflict countries.
books
A Planner for 2022
recommended by the team
Since selecting a planner for someone can be a surprisingly intimate task, we’ve rounded up three of our favorites—which all differ greatly, meaning you’re sure to find one that’s a fit for the pragmatist in your life.
First comes perhaps the most traditional of the bunch: Poketo’s Simple Planner, which contains both “monthly and weekly open-dated layouts,” making it easy to pick up and begin whenever one pleases (recommended by marina sulmona). Greenstory’s A5 GreenBook Agenda, made of thin whiteboard, is the eco-friendly option of the bunch (recommended by eva berezovsky). Finally, a tried and true rec (we like it so much we shouted it out last year) is the Japanese-made Hobonichi Techo 2022 (recommended by clémence polès). Its black leather texture and gridded daily pages are elegant, and as a bonus, it includes animal proverbs and donburi designs.
Home Farm Cooking by Catherine and John Pawson
recommended by clemence poles
Elegant, sustaining, and delightfully approachable recipes crafted with care from the married authors’ home in the English countryside. Foodies and the architecturally inclined alike will find something to bite into.
A Lo Scarabeo tarot deck
recommended by the team
Many might say it's bad luck to buy yourself a tarot deck, making it a perfect gift for a friend. Our personal picks include the Wiener Secession Deck (recommended by clémence polès), Tarot de Luz (recommended by marina sulmona), and Golden Tarot of Klimt (recommended by eva berezovsky), but you can always opt for the crowd-pleasing Golden Universal Tarot Deck for your friend who is just dipping their toes into the tradition. Along with a deck, refer them to our Beginner's Guide to Tarot.
Postcolonial Astrology by Alice Sparkly Kat
recommended by clemence poles
What’s new about Alice Sparkly Kat’s approach to the centuries-old practice of astrology is how they bring a postcolonial framework to it while protecting its magical history. A thoughtful read for those in your life who may not be sold on astrology and want to see a more political angle to it.
Bird: Exploring the Winged World by Phaidon
recommended by marina sulmona
Whoever you got that course on birdwatching for might like this too.
A favorite novel
recommended by the team
A novel hand-selected with your friend’s taste in mind is always heartfelt. Or, sharing one of your own favorite books is sure to spark conversation. Some recent reads we’ve enjoyed and would love to gift include The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm (recommended by clémence polès), Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (recommended by eva berezovsky), and The Secret History by Donna Tartt (recommended by marina sulmona), but check out our Bookshop too, to see everything else we’ve been digging this year.
food
Edward Wohl Handmade Maple cutting board
recommended by clemence poles and marina sulmona
One category of the best type of gift you can give is the optimal version of an object people use every day but might not want to buy for themselves. This beautiful and smoothly finished bird's eye maple cutting board fits that description perfectly for those who take pride in their cooking and kitchens. Crafted by artisan Edward Wohl and his wife in their Wisconsin woodshop, and also sold at the Noguchi Shop.
A complete tea set from Feature Flora
recommended by the team
Tea-lovers and occasional fans alike will appreciate a well-designed teapot and cups. What makes the tea Feature Flora sources so special is that it all comes from Kiroku Tea Garden, where two sisters and their mother have "lovingly tended" their tea for generations.
Hario V60 Drip Kettle
recommended by clemence poles
After using an electric kettle for years, Clémence switched over and bought one of Hario's kettles for all of her girlfriends after discovering them. They're a utilitarian kitchen staple made in Japan with unparalleled design. Her favorite part? "The pouring precision." For any and everyone.
LARQ PureVis water bottle
recommended by clemence poles
A reusable, self-cleaning water bottle is the ultimate in sustainability for the friend who has gotten into working out (or the germ-conscious one). To eliminate over "99% of bio-contaminants" from water, LARQ's bottles use "UV-C LED light."
Westbourne Breakfast Set
recommended by marina sulmona
Another version of the ‘love but wouldn’t buy for yourself’ goes for food. Start your in-laws’ mornings sweet with Westbourne’s Breakfast Set, complete it with Fuyu Persimmon Butter and Poached Pear Butter, and toss in some Moon Pop to cover their late-night cravings.
Olive oil & more, delivered
recommended by marina sulmona
Or, let the picky-eaters in your life pick what they want. Buy a gift card to Farm To People to stock their fridges with a selection of food (and coffee, recommended by shino takeda) for weeks to come (and receive a discount on it using our code passerbuys10). Throw in a little Kiawe Smoked Sea Salt and a bottle of olive oil from Agricola Maraviglia (recommended by maria geyman), and now you’ve covered seasonings too.
objects & home
Love Dose’s candle sticks
recommended by marina sulmona and eva berezovsky
These are the most eye-catching and enchanting candles we’ve seen in quite a while (plus, they smell like heaven). A gift fit for the style-inclined young people in your life, like your cool teenaged sister.
ORMAIE Candle
recommended by clemence poles
A porcelain vessel as a work of art. Scents like ‘Pain Perdu,’ which is reminiscent of “a kitchen after school,” recall life’s most tender moments. Beginning with their raw materials, all of ORMAIE's objects are made up of natural, ethically produced ingredients.
Incausa's incense, soap and pottery
recommended by clemence poles and marina sulmona
A set complete with Breu Resin incense, a stoneware incense holder, and essential oil soap for the bath and scent lovers in your life (or for those who strive to be a little more zen). Or, if snacking is your loved one's preferred mode of relaxation, add in a set of bread plates and flower vase from Incausa, an organization committed to supporting Indigenous artisans through their social entrepreneurship program.
Balance meditation app
recommended by clemence poles, marina sulmona, and sukey novogratz
Balance’s appeal comes from how customized to the individual that’s using it is—meaning that whether your dad is a longtime meditator or trying it for the first time, he’s sure to find it valuable. Giftable across generations to anyone looking for a little peace. (And for more app options, see our guide on the topic).
Patterns by Shizu Design
recommended by clemence poles
An elevated, simplistic object for the home. Made by a mother and daughter team whose work iterates on traditional Japanese basket weaving techniques by combining rattan knots with found stones. For the designers and meditative types.
Pablo Tube Top Table Lamp
recommended by marina sulmona
Funky design meets sleek sensibility. For your dad who’s stuck in the ’80s, or your twenty-something cousin who’s moving into their first apartment.
MEMOR Phone Case
recommended by marina sulmona
MEMOR makes some of the coolest phone cases we’ve seen. Though ready-to-buy options are available, you can also send in personalized items to customize a case for the chicest of your friends.
A gift card to buy plates
recommended by clemence poles
Opting for a gift card can be thoughtful because it shows you know what your selective loved ones are looking for. Hudson Wilder is your best bet for the friend who is always hosting large dinner parties and can use a couple spare sets of dinnerware.
Body
Baina Towels
recommended by clemence poles and marina sulmona
A soft checkerboard makes Baina's hand towels luxurious yet playful, meaning they're perfect for the couple who's just moved into their new home. Better yet, gift them a set that also includes Binu Binu soap.
School of Ritual by 3rd Ritual
recommended by clemence poles, marina sulmona, and Jenn tardif
Kicking off at the beginning of January 2022, passerby Jenn Tardif's 3rd Ritual is offering a “program designed to help us recalibrate and uncover meaning in the otherwise mundane.” Made up of 3 parts, the experience focuses on times of transition and involves “mindful movement, intention-setting, breathwork, aromatherapy, and meditation.” For the moms and aunts who keep telling you that they want to get into mindfulness but don’t know where to start.
Deiji Studios Robe
recommended by clemence poles
A gift for those who take lounging seriously. Deiji’s Studios’ linen robes come in one size and many colors, positioning them well as a versatile pick (across gender and age) for any and all folks in your life.
Merewif’s Estelle earrings and Oyster ring
recommended by marina sulmona
We’d highly recommend buying your best friend jewelry—it can be such a heartfelt, long-lasting memento of your relationship. What we like about Merewif’s ocean-inspired collection is how the textures of her jewelry curve and contour in a nature-like way. Alone or together, the Estelle earrings and Oyster ring.
TooD's Gift Set
recommended by clemence poles and marina sulmona
The best thing about TooD's shimmery makeup is the wicked sparkle it gives—until you learn that it's non-toxic and biodegradable. The brother/sister Color Cream (recommended by clémence polès) is festive and fun for your brother or sister who's the life of the party, and it pairs well with the tiger's eye BioGlitter (recommended by marina sulmona).
Kordal’s Polar Beanie and Basketweave Scarf
recommended by marina sulmona
A quintessential holiday gift at its finest. Brooklyn’s own Kordal sustainably makes the softest beanies and scarves we’ve laid our hands on.
Waffle Loungewear Set by Back Beat Co.
recommended by clemence poles and marina sulmona
If you have friends out there who leaned into the work-from-home fits and never got out, we have a loungewear set in mind that’s just as cozy as it is stylish. Layer them up in waffled organic cotton with Back Beat Co.’s Joggers and Scoop Neck Tee.
Saunders striped merino blanket
recommended by clemence poles
With his collection Saunders, designer Jonathan Saunders turns his eye towards crafting vibrant textiles suited to life at home. His striped merino blanket makes for a gift that will last a lifetime.