Not Not A Holiday Gift Guide
Procrastinating my own holiday shopping to share my favorite things
It seems like everyone is doing gift guides on Substack right now and I’m hopping on the train. The holidays are right around the corner and I still have quite a bit of gift shopping to do. I’ve found a lot of value perusing through other Substacker’s gift guides AND this is the only time of the year where it warrants me to share some of my favorite things.
So here is an assortment of tableware, glassware, self-care, foods, and more that I think would make me and hopefully you and your loved ones thrilled to receive.
Tableware/Kitchen Tools
Cibone for Plateware
Recently I visited the Cibone store in Greenpoint and picked up two new bowls that I am absolutely obsessed with. Great plateware can really make a dish POP.
Gohar World
Tableware brand from Laila and Nadia Gohar. Elegant, creative pieces for your next dinner party
Aarke Carbonator 3 - Sparking Water Maker
Chic as hell and allows you to control your bubble level. Pro tip - make a simple syrup and add to your water for some delicious home made sodas.
Tomato Lamp
So damn cute. Perfect accent light for your kitchen or your nightstand.
Chunky mug + saucer from Gustaf Westman
Gustaf’s stuff is just the best. So fun and contemporary while still somehow feeling timeless.
Chunky Jug from Gustaf Westman
Sardine Tea Towel
For the tinned fish lover in your life
Breville Touch Espresso Machine
This thing changed my life. I am obsessed
Table
My friend Alice’s brand! Fun and vibrant tableware
Tray Plate by Table and Nina Zamzem
beautiful handcrafted snack plate from Nina Zamzem and Table
Snow Peak Takibi
Snow Peak is for the camping/outdoor hypebeast in your life. Extremely high quality stuff that is smartly built. The takibi is super portable and so easy to use. Great for quick grilling at the park, campsite, tailgate or in your backyard.
Microplane
Zest and grate like a pro. I love to freeze soft cheese and grate it or shave almonds or other nuts.
Benriner Mandolin
My favorite mandolin. Had it for years and still share and perfectly functioning. The link above comes with a few different blades which makes it perfect for a variety of shaved
Gestura Spoon
Beautiful spoons for your cheffy home cook.
Global Knife Set
This was the first proper knife I ever recieved. It’s a workhorse and a great value. Perfect for someone interested in getting their first ‘serious’ chef’s knife.
Takamura Santoku Knife
An incredible knife for the price. One of my favorites.
Jono Pandolfi Ceramics
Clean, sturdy ceramics built to last and be washed hundreds of times. Huge portfolio of styles and colors
Under-cabinet LED lights
I love these little things. I have four of them in my kitchen. They are motion-sensor so perfect when I sneak into my kitchen for a late night snack
Glassware
I’ve been slowly trying to develop a glassware collection. Nothing is more elegant on a dining table than beautiful glassware. I think it’s worth investing in pieces you can have forever
Maison Balzac Martini Glass
Elegant glassware with a playful touch
LSA Savoy Martini Glass
I love a nick & nora glass for a martini and LSA makes some incredible ones
Water Carafe with Glass from Maison Balzac
Everyone should have a cup of water by their bed every night. Maison Balzac makes sure it looks elegant
Kokeshi Wine Glass by Ichendorf Milano
Elegant but fun glass from Ichendorf. Love all of their stuff
Glass Et Cetera
It’s easy to strike gold on this curated vintage glassware site. Beautiful one of one pieces
Clothing/Accessories
Verconiik Bow Bag
Perfect travel bag that is small enough to fold into your suitcase and big enough to carry A LOT
Mont-Bell U.L. Mono Pouch
perfect little pouch for when you are commuting. Take it on a bike ride, long walk, or any little adventure
Gurus Slippers
God I love these slippers so damn much. Ordering another pair as I write this. Perfect house shoes.
Front General Store Brushed Shetland Crew Neck Sweater
A staple sweater for me in the colder months. Comes in a variety of colors.
Self-Care
Shakti Mat
An acupressure mat that will do as much for your back as a 1 hour massage session.
Nue Co Defense Drops
I’m a sucker for Erewhon-esque products. These defense drops are great and becoming a staple for me when I travel
Nue Co. Forrest Lungs Fragrance
I’ve been sent a lot of cologne and perfume over the years despite rarely using it. This is a scent that I began using daily after trying. They also make it in a cute travel size that I love
Manukora Manuka Honey
Whenever I am feeling a little sick or worn out I take a spoonful of this. Beyond it’s properties, it is absolutely delicious and perfect in a cup of tea
Malin + Goetz Eye Gel
I’ve dealt with baggy eyes for a few years now and have cycled through quite a few products. I love the eye gel and eye cream from Malin + Goetz. A little goes a long way and this tiny container lasts for months
Pantry
If you are looking for further ideas, take a look at my past post where I dive deeper into pantry staples.
Island Creek x Mariscadora Mussels in Pickled Sauce
Incredible tinned mussels from Island Creek and Mariscadora, an incredible tinned seafood brand from Spain.
Oysters from Island Creek
The best oysters from the best team. Truly some of the nicest people doing really incredible work in Duxbury. I had a chance to visit their farm last year and it was such a memorable trip. Can’t say nicer things about this group and their products.
Panettone from Roy
Worth every penny. Very special panettone. If you haven’t had a panettone before, its unlike any other baked good. Unbelievably airy, yet rich. Crisp yet tender. Roy has perfected this sweet bread and now sells it each holiday season in two flavors, chocolate and cherry/pistachio. You can’t go wrong with either
Preserved Lemons from Moulins Mahjoub
Incredible preserved lemons from Tunisia. Moulins Mahjoub makes some incredible jarred and preserved produce. I highly recommend their products
Ghia Le Fizz and The Pill
A collaboration between some of my favorite people, Coming Soon NY and Ghia. Fantastic N.A. beverage for your holiday season and the chicest way to transport it!
Instant Dashi
Looking for the easiest way to elevate a soup, stew, or broth? Add some instant dashi
Canaan Maftoul
Incredible Palestinian couscous
Canaan Nabali Olive Oil
Delicious light and fruity olive oil from Palestine
Guindilla Peppers
God I love these peppers so much. Perfect snacking pepper. Amazing on a piece of grilled fish, in a salad, or just set out on a cheese board. Pro tip, add them to your martini.
Rancho Meladuco Dates
The BEST dates. Fudgy and addictively sweet.
Really Good Canned Tuna
The Best Potato Chips
The most delicious potato chips from Spain and now apparently one of Oprah’s favorite things.
Books
The Four Horsemen Cookbook by Nick Curtola
Beautiful cookbook that tells the story of one of my favorite restaurants. Filled with delicious recipes, they also dive deep into the importance of ingredients and will help you understand the art of simple food
We Are What We Eat by Alice Waters
Slow-Food and Farm-to-Table pioneer Alice Waters takes a stand against our society’s modern fast food values and presents a manifesto for slow food - a philosophy that has shaped her life.
The Land of Milk and Honey by C Pam Zhang
A dystopian novel where the world is without crops. A chef takes a job with a wealthy colony that seems like the last place where fresh food is abundant. Her senses are reawakened and soon finds herself thrown into an attempt to reshape the world. A highly engaging read.
I never knew that I needed a Tomato Lamp.
I am inspired. Nothing sparks joy for me than sharing favorite culinary finds and delighting in well curated table-scape!