Writing a gifting guide in such a time feels strange, even out of step. Still, gifting is an act of care that brings people together. If you’re buying presents this year, I’d love to direct your consideration to the small businesses whose work and values deserve to be celebrated.
The guide is only 9 items—it’s intentionally small. Just as you wouldn’t come to a recipe developer for automotive advice, I’m sticking to what I know. Every item on this list is something I have personally used and gifted to the people I love. A wider list of my general recommendations is linked here.
I value transparency and aim to treat my readers the way I hope to be treated, so any affiliate links are disclosed with an asterisk (*). If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
$27 | Get It Here | Slotted Version Here
Who’s It For: the practical cook, your nephew who’s a line cook
What Is It: This spoon is made by Gabe Rudolph of Gestura, designed with several details that make it a joy to use. The pointed tip allows for precise pouring and the lip is perfect for scooping out squash or scraping along the corners of containers.
Why Get It: I find myself turning to this as the go-to gift for my friends who love to cook or those that work in the industry. It falls in that category of things that are practical, high-quality, a nicer version of something they might buy for themselves. A cook can never have too many spoons.
$22 | Get It Here
Who’s It For: the home cook
What Is It: Sarah designed these to be both beautiful and durable, perfect for adding a bit of whimsy to the kitchen. She offers a variety of hand-painted designs and colors in addition to the classic yellow ravioli (I’m partial to the tomato).
Why Get It: You could rest your spoons on a plate or in a bain-marie, but I love that the compact profile of this spoon rest is fit for any home. I recommend ordering a few to bundle shipping and using them as stocking stuffers or housewarming gifts. Bonus points if you gift this spoon rest with a Gestura spoon.
Note: Sarah is based in Thailand and products ship by Thailand post. Give yourself plenty of buffer and plan to order 2+ weeks in advance.
$51 | Get It Here*
Who’s It For: those on the go, folks who like fancy snacks
What Is It: I call it nature’s gummy candy—dangerously snackable and packed with flavor. Yun Hai works directly with farmers and farmer-owned co-ops in Taiwan to source the fruit and preserve it at its peak.
Why Get It: This selection of dried Taiwanese fruits brings some fun new varieties people likely have not tried (looking at you, wax apple and guava). It keeps well without refrigeration yet feels unique and exciting. Equally apt for the frequent traveler or someone who wants to slow down at home. Buy one for yourself to try while you’re at it, this is hands down the best dried fruit I’ve ever tried.
$18 | Get It Here
Who’s It For: the good soul who stumps you
What Is It: His family’s olive grove in Aqraba, Palestine, has trees that have been producing this lush, spicy olive oil for over a hundred years. Bilal, the founder of Huwa, is one of those people with contagious enthusiasm I feel lucky to count as a friend. Each bottle comes wrapped in a comic with stickers to decorate the squeeze bottle inside. Functional can be fun!
Why Get It: Anyone who cooks or eat can use this. A nice bottle of olive oil feels more intentional and specific than a bottle of wine, since it’s adding purpose every time you cook. I can guarantee this will get stolen during white elephant.
Note: The 2025 olive harvest has been pressed and is en route to the US, estimated to start shipping out as soon as December 15th (in time for Christmas).
$50 $45 with affiliate link | Get it here*
Who’s It For: the tinned fish curious
What Is It: A monthly selection of 4 different varieties of canned seafood, delivered to their doorstep. Nacho from Lata takes curating seriously, they’re trying dozens of tins each month and traveling the world to visit the makers behind them. You won’t get any repeat tins through the year and you’re getting top of the line tins from some of the best producers in the world.
Why Get It: There’s no better way to explore than to throw someone into the deep end. A discovery box, whether one month or the whole year, puts discovery and adventure at the core of the mission. It takes the guesswork out of predicting what seafood someone might like and puts it in the hands of the experts.
Who’s It For: the tinned fish curious (but allergic to shellfish or vegan)
What Is It: Hand poured soy candles set inside a sardine can, complete with a peel-back lid and fishies inside. Each candle is created by Dasha in her Atlanta studio, from the custom molds to the packaging itself.
Why Get It: Move over Le Labo and Diptyque! Not only are the scents gorgeous, there’s an undeniable sense of excitement from the sensory experience of popping open that lid and getting a whiff of what’s inside. I promise none of these smell like fish, I’m actually quite partial to the oakmoass and amber or tomato leaf scents.
$60 discounted to $45 with code “HH25” until 12/2 | Get It Here*
Who’s It For: the host with the most
What Is It: A hand blown glass carafe and wood lid that’s the perfect size to serve water at the table, tuck in the fridge door, or to sit on a nightstand. I love that it pours without dripping and it’s easy to clean in the dishwasher.
Why Get It: Holcomb’s design nails it between function and form, beautiful to use and beautiful to behold. It’s a timeless piece people won’t be afraid to display in their home or leave out on the nightstand.
Varies | Check it out here
Who’s It For: there’s something for everyone
What Is It: Shop for prints, clothing, dining experiences, books, and classes from a collective of Vietnamese creatives and makers.
Why Shop or Donate: Proceeds go towards supporting Central Vietnamese communities affected by flood. Affected people are currently seeking emergency resources for clean water, shelter, and medical supplies.
BONUS: Not a small business, but one of my favorite gifts | $80 | Get It Here (but you should really get it at the park)
Who’s It For: the outdoor lover
What Is It: A single pass that covers entrance fees and day-use fees at Federal recreational sites like national parks. The closest you can get to giving the gift of nature.
Why Get It: I highly recommend purchasing a pass at a park you wish to support because approximately 80% of the revenue is used by the park where you purchase the pass. Annual passes are unassigned and can be gifted, the recipient only needs to sign their name on the back. Even if the pass never gets used, the funding supports the ongoing preservation of our parks and natural resources (the NPS lost an estimated $41m in entrance fees during the government shutdown).
As you think about the people who matter most in your life, I hope this little list inspires you to support the makers and small businesses I love. If you’re looking for specific recommendations, I’m happy to respond in the comments.
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.