Kat Lieu's Big Holiday Gift Guide 2025

dear friend,

The moment fall hits, the only thing on my mind (okay, one of many things) is making a list of everyone I’ll be gifting to during the holidays.

From there, I start curating gift ideas tailored to those folks, and some of them are pretty picky. I’m talking about the people who live by Marie Kondo’s “keep only what sparks joy” mantra, the ones who insist they only want consumables or gift cards, and the folks who are impossible to shop for because they already seem to have everything.

At the same time, I’m trying to find gifts that are actually useful, fun, and meaningful, ideally something that feels personal and supports a small business. My biggest hope, of course, is that this list will help make your gift-giving a little easier this year.

Here’s how I’ve organized this guide to make your holiday shopping easier (and way more fun):

Gosh, is this person hard to shop for! They will likely appreciate a consumable or edible gift, a sentimental and custom-made one, or something exclusive or one-of-a-kind.

I asked small business owners to hype up their products and brands, so if you’d like to support small and check out something custom, be sure to visit this incredible and big Thread chain for ideas. For example, you can’t go wrong with customized jewelry from an artist like Seattle-based MikineMakes, who gifted me the prettiest earrings ever, based on the cookie recipes in my latest cookbook, 108 Asian Cookies! You can see me wearing macaron ones here:

If the person who has everything is a chocolate lover, consider getting them a box of delicious truffles, such as the beautiful ones by my friends at Socola Chocolatier. A box of four bespoke truffles starts at $18, and Socola ships nationwide. The flavors are Asian-inspired, and if you’re a fan of durian (the polarizing king of all fruits), definitely grab a box of the durian truffles. Socola also makes chocolate bars, and if you’re unsure where to start, choose the Little Saigon Box, as it has a bit of everything.

Continuing on the sweet trend, another fun gift that I really enjoyed receiving last year was the goat milk caramels from Big Picture Farm. On this farm are about forty free-roaming, happy goats. The founders transform the goat milk into ridiculously smooth, gently sweet caramels that feel like a hug for your taste buds. My son, Philip, loves these delicious caramels. We had boxes of them under our Christmas tree, and before Christmas was even here, the boxes were empty and filled with wrappers! Philip also enjoyed reading about all the goats and their big personalities.

If you’re looking for a spicy stocking stuffer for this person who has everything, check out my Pink Chili Crisp. Made by World Spice in Seattle, this chili crisp mix comes in a pretty pink tin. This unique concoction promises not just a spicy kick but a complex layering of flavors that’ll light your “peach on fire.” Oh, and if you’re visiting Seattle, you must visit the store in person. It’s right by Pike Place, and there, you can try different tea blends and add spices to popcorn.

Here I have to plug my newest cookbook, 108 Asian Cookies, because honestly, this little not-too-sweet cookie baby is something special. It’s the first cookbook to really center Asian flavors in cookies, on purpose and with pride, and readers have been baking from it nonstop since pub day, telling me they finally feel seen in a dessert book. We got a Booklist starred review (my first!), became a Seattle Library Peak Pick, and somehow turned into a colorful cookie cult without a single national morning show spotlight! Be sure to shop small and support indie. For signed copies, check out Ominivore Books, Yu and Me Books, World Spice in Seattle, TalkshopLive, Powell’s, Kitchen Arts and Letters, and these other links.

Along with my cookbook, consider putting together a fun basket of goodies for the baker in your life. I got this idea from a community member on Threads, who asked for ideas on what to fill a basket with for the baker in his life. I thought about all the tools and equipment I use every time I bake, including a digital scale, rubber spatulas, mixing bowls, a stand mixer, and silicone mats.

A wonderful artist named Katherine Julie designed a print based on the cookies in my book, 108 Asian Cookies, and allowed me to sell merchandise with the print design! All net proceeds will be donated to charity.

We have beautiful tea towels, tote bags, and aprons available! Check them out!

These Miffy mixing bowls also double as containers, and I’ve used them for two years now, happily!

For bakers looking to incorporate new flavors into their cookies and cakes, check out the amazing black sesame butter and Asian-inspired spreads from my friends at Rooted Fare. I love making black sesame white chocolate cookies using the crunchy black sesame butter. It also goes great over toast for brekky.

Another lovely gift idea is this Color & Cook book by Elle D’Rae. “This educational coloring cookbook combines all of the culinary classics. Perfect for young kids who want to help in the kitchen and busy parents who want quick, simple, and healthy meals for their family!” Bonus points! Each purchase supports this Black- and woman-owned small business.

One of the best gifts my small family has received over the years is a good board game, and you can’t go wrong with classics such as Qwirkle and Catan. Over five years ago, our neighbors gifted us with Qwirkle, and our competitive family has spent hours playing this game. And after all these years, we’re still appreciative of the neighbor who gifted us the set. (Thanks, Chiquita!)

Qwirkle, by the way, came out with a color-blind friendly set, and I love this inclusivity!

You also can’t go wrong with a gift that couples can enjoy together. During my trips in Japan, I often sought out delicious green teas and matcha. I highly enjoy this tea set from Ippodo. Ippodo’s seasonal holiday offerings this year include:

• Holiday Bliss Set ($45): A comforting duo designed for winter wind-downs. Includes one can each of Hojicha and Obukucha, packaged in a ready-to-gift box.

• Holiday Reserve Set ($67): For the green tea purist. This elegant gift set features two of Ippodo’s most classic blends, Hosen Sencha and Obukucha.

• Seasonal Good Fortune Genmaicha: A once-a-year release, available in a 100g bag ($16) or a set of 9 teapot-size bags ($20).

  

Well, my dear friend, I hope this guide helps make your holiday gifting smoother and sweeter. Wishing you a season full of warmth, good food, gifts that spark joy, and thoughtful moments shared with the people you love.

xoxoxo,

Kat Lieu