“If 2020 has taught us anything, it is to be kinder, giving, and more empathetic.”
I have mixed feelings about holiday gift guides, and this year it can feel particularly frivolous when so many have experienced loss and pain—and many are still in tremendously dire situations. If you can, support, donate, and nurture both community and connection. This can mean volunteering, calling a friend and letting them know you appreciate them, sending a handwritten letter to a family member, or gift-giving—which doesn't have to be monetary (e.g. cook something, make a playlist, etc).
For this year’s holiday gift guide, I want to introduce our first founder's edition. In the spirit of generosity and community, it begins with suggestions and ideas for how and where you can support...followed by some of my favorite independent businesses and brands. All are just giftable things that I love and hope will make you and your loved ones' lives a little more joyful!
support
If you're in a position to, please consider donating to the places that have made you smile or have provided comfort. Here are a handful I have resonated with, but I encourage you to seek out a place that feels right to you.
Film
For the past 10 years, I've been finding solace at Film at Lincoln Center (they are currently digitally hosting the African Film Festival that is not to be missed.). They have a tiered level subscription, or you can just donate here. And I wouldn't know what and where to watch without Screen Slate, a daily aggregate of NYC alternative screening listings accompanied by a short essay about something showing that day. While their film listings are on hiatus, they still have really great film essays (and lots of films available to stream). Donate or subscribe here.
Music
The music industry needs us fans too, and wherever you can, it's best to support small or independent run labels and record stores. My favorites are Soundohmn, In Paradisum Records, Light in the Attic Records, Boomkat, Desastre Records, Air Texture, Paralaxe Editions (from passerby Dania Shihab) and Rvng. For a wide array of music for any mood, buy on Bandcamp to directly support the artists making it.
Funds & Non-Profits
A while back, some of our passerbuys community pulled through with an abundance of funds and non-profits to support. You can view that full list here. Of it, some of the ones that I think would be particularly fruitful to help here in New York this holiday season are the Women's Prison Association that works to redefine the lives of women who face injustice and incarceration, the New York City Rescue Mission, which provides housing and shelter to those experiencing hunger and homelessness, and For Freedoms, an artist-led organization that models and increases creative civic engagement, discourse and direct action. Other causes worth noting that work nationally or internationally include TransLifeline, Together We Rise, and the American Civil Liberties Union.
A couple of causes not on the list that I like include the Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation who tackles a range of issues like relief from Covid-19, racial justice, wage fairness, gender equity, and mental health in the restaurant industry and Rethink, a Brooklyn based non-profit working to create sustainable ways to alleviate food insecurity and provide people with nutritious, dignified meals. And lastly, as we all know, the pandemic is still damaging and taking the lives of so many. Charity Navigator has a comprehensive list of medical, relief, and other Covid-19 related causes to support at this time.
books
Henk Wildschut's Rooted
One look at this year (or even decade, hey), and it's easy to be a misanthrope; it's easy to overlook the unfathomable beauty this world contains. But something about this book just breaks me apart. I find it so grounding and hopeful to see these migrants and immigrants making a home despite the circumstances, no matter how unfavorable they are. Each page of this book brings beauty to the ugly, nature to the unnatural, against all odds.
This gift naturally pairs with a donation to a non-profit that works to materially improve the lives of migrants, immigrants, or refugees. Part of the work that Amnesty International does is to pressure governments to process asylum claims properly, to ensure that migrants are not exploited by employers or human traffickers, and to reunite families. Another option is the International Rescue Committee who works with those fleeing wars, conflicts, and natural disasters and those who must reside in areas that don't typically receive aid.
16 gift-able books from the passerbuys community
While all the books on our most gift-able list are inspiring and captivating in their own regards, I highly recommend Women Who Run With the Wolves. Jungian psychoanalyst and poet, Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés' tales recount how women regain their natural spirit of wild intuition when it gets washed away by a patriarchal society and way of life. This is a great book to pick up for all the women who might not see or need a gentle reminder of how bright they shine.
Moon Lists
As someone who struggles to meditate or journal, this was a great gateway into it. The allure of this book doesn't stop at its design; I love that the words and intentions emit beauty. We've all dealt with some shit this year, and this was surprisingly super helpful in coping with it all. While I love the feel of the physical workbook, the digital version is a superb fit for faraway loved ones.
The Hobonichi Techo 2021
In the spirit of journaling more and being more comfortable with writing (I have a weird phobia of it, which is why you don't hear from me much on here), a friend who runs Why is this interesting? (which I highly recommend subscribing to) put me on to this Japanese planner with a cult following. A fail-proof gift, especially for those wanting to minimize their screen consumption. And if you’re looking to gift an accompanying pen, you’re in luck, we just published The Best Notebooks & Pens According to Writers.
The Brooklyn Institute For Social Research
Ok, I know this one isn't actually a book, but technically, books are involved. BIFSSR is an interdisciplinary teaching and research institute that offers critical, community-based education in the humanities and social sciences. It has an incredible range of courses, and you no longer need to live in NYC to attend them. Gift the gift of education to those near and far.
food
Tart Vinegar
So I love exotic, esoteric, and bizarrely flavored vinegar. Tart wins for innovation. Celery was my gateway and I’ve since tried; rose, kombu and coriander. I’m always curious to try whatever Chris Crawford is fermenting up in her Red Hook factory. Pop into Dimes Market to grab a bottle or buy it online here.
Hibachi Grill
This might veer into the territory of being a tad unnecessary, but I've always been obsessed with Japanese-style grilled fish. I can't say I know how to use these charcoal table grills, but I've had this on my wishlist for years now, and I would love to learn.
Togiharu 440 Wa-Gyuto
Every chef I meet swears that having a good knife in your kitchen will change your relationship with cooking. And as someone who doesn't really enjoy cooking, I must say that investing in a high-quality knife has changed the game. For the best of the best, Korin is always your bet. A chef's knife (a gyuto) is a great starting point.
Gift Card to Your Favorite Restaurant
Small businesses and restaurants are still struggling. Consider getting a friend a gift card to your favorite store or ordering a meal for a loved one from a restaurant you love. Sofreh (we profiled their incredible chef and founder Nasim Alikhani) in Brooklyn has always provided comfort for me whenever I've felt homesick, particularly their Khorecht-e Fessendjan, a Persian chicken stew with pomegranate and walnuts.
objects & home
SUBU
SUBU Tokyo makes the ultimate slippers. They are remarkably comfortable and warm, come in unique colors (I got the yellow ones) and their thick, elevated sole makes them durable. It’s tempting to slip outside with them on—the drop in temperature has made me pretty close.
Leila 'Like Weather'
Listening to Leila's 'Like Weather' is a singular experience. The record is massively underrated and was nearly lost to time and technology, after a twenty-year absence from any format, but was recently, carefully remastered by Rashad Becker. Leila is a disruptive force, and one of my favorite Iranian artists—her music is a true gift.
Cristiana Bolt Sylva Candleholders
Thanks to Maimoun, I’m obsessed with Christina Bolt's ceramics. Her handcrafted candleholders are particularly swoon-worthy as their contours drip, and their soft, painterly hues transport us to a fantastical world. While they're a splurge, if I could, I would gift the hell out of these.
Paris Berbère Rugs
A Moroccan rug is a gift that can truly last and be admired for decades to come. Paris Berbère has an impeccable selection of rugs in daring and bold colors, textures, and patterns.
Magniberg Bedding
Magniberg is a luxury bedwear brand from Stockholm that prides itself of its collaborations and craftsmanship, sourcing only the best-quality fabrics. Out of all the bedding brands that I know, but their colors and textures really stand out for me. For additional bedding recommendations, revisit our Where to Buy the Best Bedding feature.
Bailey Hikawa iPhone Case/Stand
Bailey Hikawa's enviably cool iPhone cases are the definition of function meeting form. They might look like sculptures, but they're incredibly ergonomic too. Each case invites touch and is designed in a way that allows your fingers to grip the phone with ease. For anyone who spends their days grasping their phone all day or longs to prop it up while Zooming away.
Vintage Luminarc Green-Stem Wine Glasses
An emerald-stemmed wine class is an irresistible addition to anyone's bar-cart. Vintage Luminarc's are timeless, durable, and affordable (I got a set of 6 for under $30!).
JBL Clip 3
The JBL Clip 3 is really usable. It's portable, waterproof, and the sound quality is remarkably good. I bring mine with me everywhere I go (no, really, even into the shower so I can catch up on podcasts). It's reasonably affordable and ensured to inspire an unending chorus of thank you’s.
Body
Laura Lombardi's Rina Necklace and Serena Earrings
I've been obsessed with Laura Lombardi's timeless jewelry for years now. For those that want to feel like they are in an Antonioni film—elegant and enigmatic.
Rudolph Care Face Gua Sha & Facial Oil Delight
With the cold air sinking in, and our faces securely masked up, I assume all of us could use some extra skincare love this winter. This duo is luxurious, light, nourishing and smells incredible.
This Works’ Sleep Plus Pillow Spray
Once, many moons ago, I stayed over at passerby Beverly Nguyen's place, and she had sprayed my pillows with this magical spray. It was the most peaceful sleep I had had in years. Now, I don't go to sleep without it.
ORMAIE
An all-natural luxury fragrance entirely made in France by a mother & son. All of the ingredients are traceable and include no chemicals, and the impeccably designed bottles are made out of recycled glass. Each scent is distinct and gorgeous, but I keep coming back to Les Brumes “the memory of a morning in a citrus field, the moment when the mist descends on the citrus trees and the surrounding woods.”
3rd Ritual Apothecary Toolkit
Love anything and everything that aromatherapist, meditation teacher (and passerby!) Jenn Tardif puts out in the world. She just launched an apothecary toolkit with a spectrum of scents ranging from herbaceous to earthy. Each aromatherapeutic blend was designed to “enhance and inspire rituals like palm inhalation, self-massage, and the simple but sacred act of putting yourself to bed.”