our guide to thoughtful gift-giving this year
The holiday season is here and with it, one of our favorite traditions: our annual gift guide. We begin, as we always do, with suggestions for organizations that could use your contributions. Whether it’s a donation to a charity doing meaningful work or a membership that sustains a valued voice, we sincerely believe that your support is one of the best gifts you can give.
You’ll also find recommendations for fashion, beauty, books, home decor, and food. Each item in this guide was carefully chosen by our team and each represents a gift we’d be delighted to give or receive ourselves. We’re also proud to feature items from some of our passerby partners (passerby club members receive exclusive discounts from our partners).
We hope your holiday season is full of love and joy.
We also asked some of our friends for their gift recommendations — find their picks here.
Note: where items are priced in a currency other than USD, we’ve provided approximate conversions below.
Support
the sameer project
The Sameer Project, led by Palestinians in the diaspora, is a donation-based initiative providing much-needed aid to displaced families in Gaza. Their current initiative is focused on helping those families seeking to return home by supporting infrastructure projects, clearing neighborhoods of rubble and debris, and paying for transportation.
open style lab
Open Style Lab strives to ensure that all people to have access to style, regardless of cognitive and physical ability. They work with designers, engineers and occupational therapists to create clothing that address the needs of and with people with disabilities.
parole prep
Founded by in a group of advocates and attorneys, in collaboration with prison leaders, the Parole Prep project trains community volunteers and partners with incarcerated people to support them as they prepare for parole and their eventual homecoming.
undue medical debt
One in three Americans struggles with medical debt. By purchasing medical debt for pennies on the dollar, then relieving the debt, Undue Medical Debt has been able to erase billions in medical debt for millions of Americans. They also recognize that this provides an intervention into a broken system, not a solution, and so they advocate for structural changes to the U.S. healthcare system.
the brigid alliance
As abortion access becomes increasingly challenging throughout much of the United States, thousands of pregnant people have been forced to travel for care. The Brigid Alliance, a referral-based service, arranges and funds travel, food, lodging, child care and other logistical support for people seeking abortions, helping to close the gap between need and access when it comes to abortion care.
National immigration law center
At a time when immigrants in the United States are facing ongoing and escalating challenges, it feels especially urgent to support the fight for immigrants’ rights and safety. The National Immigration Law Center focuses on advancing and defending the rights of low-income immigrants and their loved ones.
passerby club
passerby is a DIY operation run by a small team that is passionate about pushing back against traditional narratives, free from commercial pressure. Your support enables us to pay writers, editors, translators, photographers, and more. Club members also receive exclusive discounts from more than twenty partners, including MUBI, Laura Lombardi, CAP Beauty, and more.
your favorite substack writer
Supporting your favorite writers directly helps enable them to continue making the work you love. Some of our favorites are passersby Liana Satenstein, Emilia Petrarca, and Celine Nguyen.
fashion & accessories
camille zacky charcol swallow sweater
A cozy, chic sweater that feels festive enough for the holidays but equally wearable all season long. Perfect with silk and sequins for a party and with sweatpants for the quiet week between Christmas and New Year’s.
$450 ($382.50 for passerby club members, who get 15% off at Maimoun)
the hold label metal handbags
Handcrafted using techniques sensitive to qualities of the specific hand that made them, so that each piece is unique, these metal handbags feel like an ancient artifact and a compellingly modern take on the night-out bag (just big enough to fit an iPhone and a few other must-haves).
from $350
kyrgies slippers
These cozy slippers, made from all-natural wool sourced from small, family-run farms in Kyrgyzstan, are handcrafted according to centuries-old Central Asian tradition. They’re designed to minimize environmental impact and maximize comfort.
$94
house of manus scarf
These highly-coveted, quick-to-sell-out scarves are crafted in Barcelona from antique Spanish curtains, providing a sustainable, endlessly-reusable accessory. They can be worn around the waist or the neck, over the head, or even wrapped around the torso as a top come warmer weather.
from $195
conner ives reconstituted shirred football top
These tops by designer Conner Ives — similar to the dress spotted on passerby Veerle — are made from football jerseys sourced from around the U.K., re-stitched with elastic thread to create a shirred effect. A great gift for a sports fan if you can find their team’s colors, but also perfect for someone who’s in it for the fashion, not the football.
$315.95
ZN ali salima shirt in navy
The close-set buttons, wool fabric, and exaggerated collar make this shirt feel equal parts old-world and avant-garde. It’s also highly adaptable — it can be worn with the collar folded down or done all the way up, buttoned fully or only part way, and adjusted to shorter or longer sleeve lengths — which translates to highly gift-able, since it can easily be made the wearer’s own.
$384
comme si pilates socks
We’re guessing that your best friend, co-worker, sister, or someone else in your life got into Pilates in 2025 — so did one of our favorite sock brands. Comme Si’s take come in stylishly saturated colors and work equally well for a socks-and-strappy sandals look (the grippy soles prevent any slipping), should you ever need to go straight from reformer class to cocktails.
$40
bhavya ramesh oblivion earrings
Bhavya Ramesh carries forward traditional jewelry-making techniques, with each of their pieces handcrafted by artisans in Jaipur and meant to be passed down for generations. Rama Duwaji, the very stylish soon-to-be First Lady of New York City, recently wore something from the brand. These beautiful earrings sparkling stars set in traditional kundan settings.
$43
beauty & body
Saunaspace glow infrared therapy light
Like a portable infrared sauna treatment you can use anytime. This single-bulb infrared light can fit on your desk or nightstand and works to support collagen production and regulate your circadian rhythms.
$695
Spazzolificio Piave toothbrush
Some of the best gifts make the functional more fun — like these delightful striped toothbrushes, which have been crafted in Italy for more than 150 years. Would be great paired with a tube of Marvis toothpaste, too.
$12
paula’s choice reusable cotton rounds
These reusable bamboo and cotton rounds can be used to remove makeup or apply toner (like the cult classic Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid). They make for a sustainable upgrade for the skincare obsessive in your life.
$12
erborian cc crème
The sheer tint evens out skin tone instantly, and the soothing formula improves it over time — a win-win.
$32.20
bitter melon botanicals immune support tincture
Give the gift of an easier cold and flu season — based on traditional Chinese medicine, this herbal blend is meant to boost energy and help ward off illness.
$25
shani darden triple acid signature peel
Shani Darden is your favorite starlet’s skincare secret, and this peel is as close as you can get to her pre-red carpet treatments at home.
$125
ricari studios essential compression socks
The Ricari Method treatments available at their studios in NYC and LA are really good — they combine multiple modalities to condition the face and body. Their compression socks, designed in partnership with leading medical garment manufacturers, are great for devotees who want to extend the benefits of treatment, but just as welcome for someone who can’t get in for a treatment. A must-have for long days of holiday travel or simply days spent sitting at a desk.
$68
olive & june poppy
Give the gift of endless perfect at-home manicures. This little tool fits on top of any bottle of nail polish and helps provide easier grip and better control, making it easier to paint your own nails, even with your non-dominant hand.
$16
books & media
tankbooks cigarette book set
Classic works of literature, packaged in classic cigarette style — flip-top cartons with silver foil wrapping. Perfect for someone looking to swap out bad habits, be that a pack-a-day or a phone addiction, for something a little more intellectually stimulating.
$46 (single books available from $8)
Altars by jenna saraco
Passerby Jenna Saraco’s beautiful book, Altars, was inspired by a photo of her father as an altar boy in the 1960s and is influenced by her grandmother’s textiles and personal style. In her interview, Jenna told us that the first camera she ever shot on was her dad’s, which makes this examination of family history through photography feel especially poignant.
$52
transit books subscription
Transit Books is one of our favorite independent publishers — they put out everything from rediscovered classics like Jacqueline Harpman’s I Who Have Never Known Men, to Nobel Prize winners like Jon Fosse, to exciting contemporary voices like Iman Mersal and Noémi Lefebvre. Subscribers receive first editions of their new releases and help support their work.
from $70
parapraxis Magazine
Parapraxis magazine is engaged in the process of thinking through a psychoanalysis for the 21st century. It’s a home for psychoanalytically-oriented radical critique and a venue for beautiful, thoughtful writing. Hannah Zeavin, the magazine’s Founding Editor, guest-edited our monthly recommendations last year — get to know her here. Pairs well with a subscription to the Ordinary Unhappiness podcast for any actual, aspiring, or armchair analysts in your life.
from $40
sonth hand-painted papier mache scrabble board
Sonth, a Kashmir-based design studio founded by a group of artists seeking to showcase the feminist history of Kashmir, custom-makes each of these beautiful Scrabble boards. Each one is a beautiful design piece — and what really makes the gift special is taking the time to play a few rounds with someone you love.
$102
Far-near Vol. 6 — heat special edition set with sauna towel
Far-Near is an artist-run cross-cultural media organization that broadens perspectives of Asia, working to unlearn dominative narratives. Vol. 6 of their in-house publication features passions, rituals, ruminations and works of art on the theme of heat, and features a heat-reactive cover and work by our very own Clémence Polès. This special-edition set also comes with a sauna towel designed in collaboration with artist Christina Yuna Ko. For even more Far-Near, subscribe to their book club.
from $55
scratch-off lottery cards
Great as a stocking stuffer, a Secret Santa gift, or accompanied by a thoughtful card — after all, who couldn’t use a little luck?
Note: Please be mindful with your gifting. The National Problem Gambling Helpline can be reached at 800-522-4700.
from $1
shop here for new york
art2theextreme rainbow crayon sticks
Beautiful to look at and fun to use, these marbled crayon sticks are made from recycled crayons. They make a lovely gift for any children in your life (or anyone looking to get back in touch with their inner child). If you’d prefer not to shop, these are also an easy DIY gift.
$22.83
home & decor
NYPL 50 Year calendar paperweight
This nifty gadget keeps track of the passing of the days from 2003 to 2052. Just set the dial at the top to the current month and year and it will display the matching monthly calendar at the bottom.
$20 ($18 for NYPL members)
juslin & Maunula floor pouf
Made from high-quality discarded textiles by a Helsinki-based design house, these cushions maximize floor space and make a minimal yet striking statement.
$439.63
dou so amo tumbler
The unexpected color combinations on these mouth-blown glasses, handmade in Turkey, make them an especially joyful addition to your table or nightstand. Perfect in a mismatched set or as a standalone item.
$60
antique islamic ceramics
Islamic pottery is a rich tradition with a fascinating history (the Met has a free-to-download catalogue on the subject if you want to learn more). Beautiful examples are available on eBay and would make a wonderful addition to a coffee table or countertop.
price varies
lifesavers incense holder
Inspired by wallet-sized survival tools, this incense holder starts as a flat metal card and can be assembled with no additional tools. Perfect for preppers with a spiritual bent or anyone who appreciates playful design.
$15
Underwater WEaving Studio throw basket weaving kit
An invitation to slow down and make something with your hands — and, afterwards, a beautiful and practical basket perfect for home organization.
$142
kajidonya lemon squeezer
Single-use kitchen tools make a good gift — the kind of thing that seems too impractical to buy for yourself but is actually really nice to have. This one, with its sweet and sleek bird shape, more than earns its space on the counter.
$30
Paper moon lamp
An alternative to the ubiquitous Noguchi lamp options (or a supplement to an existing Noguchi collection), this shapely lamp designed by Shigeru Uchida elevates any room with its warm glow and natural lines.
$140
food
rocky’s matcha essential tea kit
This set includes everything you need to start or upgrade a morning matcha ritual: a traditional matcha whisk, white ceramic whisk stand, tea sifter, measuring spoon, and a tin of rocky’s Osada Ceremonial Blend Matcha.
$82 ($65.60 for passerby club members who get 20% off at rocky’s matcha)
mizudashi cold brew coffee maker
This foolproof method for making cold brew at home is a must-have for anyone who drinks iced coffee year-round. Pair it with a bag of your favorite coffee beans.
$25
pearson ranch 5-pound citrus box
An orange in the toe of a Christmas stocking is a time-honored tradition. Update it with citrus fresh from a family-run farm in California. The taste of sunshine is a surefire way to beat the winter blues.
$26.50
earlywood the newlywood set
Useful and aesthetically-pleasing, this set of wooden kitchen utensils is a great gift for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen set-up and whoever you know that’s been worrying about their microplastic consumption.
$45
sweedeedee six cups herbal tea collection
These thoughtful blends from beloved Portland, OR restaurant Sweedeedee show off herbal tea’s full potential, from earthy and rich to soft and citrusy. Divide up the flavors among five friends who could use a calming cup or give all five to a true tea lover.
$100
Cake zine vol. 7: forbidden fruit
Indie literary magazine Cake Zine explores art, history, and pop culture through the lens of food, and their latest issue, Forbidden Fruit, explores fruit as a vector for transgression and temptation. Featuring essays, recipes, art, and fiction, it’s a must-read for bakers, snackers, and everyone in between.
$24.98
Classiky enamelled soup spoon
Designed in collaboration with artists and artisans from all over Japan, these spoons are exactly what’s needed for soup season.
$12