“What to give your loved ones — or yourself — this holiday season”
With another year nearly at its end, the season for gift guides is once again upon us. We had three new members join the passerby team this year, and are excited to present you with a guide curated by all six of us. As ever, we are starting off with a section devoted to support and giving. The past twelve months have seen incredible challenges for humans all around the globe due to war, politics, an ongoing public health crisis, and the continued alarming effects of climate change. We firmly believe that one of the best gifts this season — and always — is to support the causes you believe in and empower conversations and action around topics that affect all of us.
Further down the page, you'll find some of our favorite home objects and food products, alongside books to get lost in, items to nurse your body and support beauty, as well as accessories and fashion pieces we loved this year. We were fortunate to partner with some incredible brands and institutions for the launch of our newest labor of love, passerby club, so we also included gift recommendations from their wonderful respective arsenals plus exclusive discount codes for passerby readers! Each item on this list is meant to embody the care and gratitude you have for its recipient and our selections’ varied nature is sure to have something for even the most exacting tastes. We hope you enjoy scrolling through this guide as much as we enjoyed putting it together, and wish you and your loved ones happy and healthy holidays!
Support
Warrior Women Project
In the spirit of uplifting women and sharing of knowledge — both key to the passerby idea — we want to highlight this archive of oral history that interviews key organizers and activists of the Red Power Movement of the 1970s as well as modern Indigenous struggles. Make a direct donation or shop their merch (US deliveries only) to support.
Black Voters Matter
Instrumental in the fight for political advocacy and representation, this organization from co-founders Cliff Albright and LaTosha Brown builds power from the ground up and supports marginalized, predominantly Black communities. Make sure to view their monthly wrap-up report for concrete examples of measures taken.
Brooklyn Institute for Social Research
Earlier this year, we were fortunate enough to co-host a lecture with this passerby club partner on Simone de Beauvoir’s influential work. Gifting one of their courses like an in-person Introduction to Marx (get 20% off by joining our passerby club) is a great way to encourage accessible critical education and scholarship for the 21st Century.
Center for Human Rights in Iran
The passerby team has a personal investment in this particular fight for freedom, and we have been outspoken about ways to support the “first feminist revolution” since it began earlier this year. The Center for Human Rights in Iran is read around the globe and reports real-time human rights conditions a time of increased censorship and brutality.
The Big C Fund Raffle
Continuing with a cause dear to our hearts, this fundraiser to help Natasha Badiyi cover her breast cancer medical bills is not just one of the most worthwhile ways to spend money, but enters you or a loved one into a lottery full of incredible products and branded bundles.
Fountain House
Fountain House is a national organization that helps those impacted by mental illness improve their health, increase opportunities, and end social and economical isolation. Support to aid efforts ranging from early intervention programming for college-aged students experiencing a mental health crisis to a dignified and thriving community for seniors.
Las Libres
Founded 22 years ago in Mexico by a group of feminists who wanted to help each other get abortions, Las Libres has expanded their efforts to the North and now helps women in Mexico and the US with matters related to safe access — including law, medicine, and society.
The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy works on multiple fronts to fight the effects of climate change and unprecedented biodiversity loss. Their annual calendar with incredible pictures is a wonderful gift in itself, as is preserving our planet’s most beautiful places and species.
fashion & Accessories
Items wallet
The smaller the bag, the harder it is to hide a wallet inside. NYC-based company Items produces sleek cardholders from leather scraps in a factory in Queens that are sure to always be a fit. Email to check on color availability, as pieces are often extremely limited.
Rimowa Classic Cabin S
A starter piece of iconic travel design compared to the company’s larger suitcases. Not only is this cabin model extremely sturdy and incredible easy to wheel, it’s also a once-in-a-lifetime purchase with a guarantee that lasts just as long.
Passerby cap
We purposefully didn’t put this at the top of the fashion section, but can’t hold back any longer. Get our newly launched merch for yourself or a loved one — we promise it’s extremely flattering. Or gift them a passerby club membership (as recommended by NYMag!) and receive it for free as part of the exclusive perks alongside additional content, access to our Discord channel, a bookmark, and archives of all our recs & recipes.
Baserange Ankle Socks
Whether for the plane or lounging at home this holiday season: nothing — truly nothing — will make feet feel warmer or cozier than this pair of textured cotton socks, curated by our go-to source Maimoun (get 10% off at this passerby partner by joining the club for a discount code).
Live The Process Tuxedo cardigan
For everyone who didn’t know they needed a soft, year-round blend of two of our favorite wardrobe stables merged into one. We love the cuffed wrists, and it’s available in multiple colors for all tastes.
Pradegal Alpaca Silk Bouclé Scarf
An ode to neutrals and softness (just like their silk wool tops), this blanket-like scarf will keep warm in the winter and can be used as a fashionable accessory even during colder summer nights. We also love the sustainability & surprise aspect: it’s made of undyed fibres using the alpacas' natural colours, so the exact hue is unique to each individual product.
The Transience Yoga bag
This bag isn’t just good for yoga: it’s an amazing all-round gym bad and can be fully zipped open for easy inside access. The material is sturdy and straps are extremely comfy. That said, if yoga is what you’re craving, passerby club partner Sky Ting is offering one month off a yearlong membership with the member-exclusive discount code.
Voons Charm Bracelet
Each of these unique pieces is handmade from 925 Silver Hardware and charms curated by founder Vanessa Campana. The Toronto-based company focuses on experimental design by incorporating unconventional mediums and techniques that relate to themes like childhood experiences and femininity.
Beauty & Body
Saie Cheek Dewo
If you’re buying this breezy, versatile cheek dew for yourself — wonderful! If not, upload an image of the intended recipient to Saie’s ‘Try On’ feature and make sure to get the correct shade for their complexion. It’s travel size, gluten- and cruelty-free, vegan… and application is incredibly easy!
F. Miller Essential Face Duo
More travel-friendly beauty: a true powerhouse combination for dry skin, this duo of F. Miller’s active botanical face oil and moisture-boosting toning mist wakes up skin after a plane ride, but is just as potent in any other context. Snag a 15% discount at this passerby partner with a member-exclusive discount code.
Maude libido
This all-natural daily gummy doesn’t just look good on the outside, but delivers just what the doctor ordered on the inside. It increases blood flow, alleviates stress, and boosts testosterone for increased female pleasure. Join passerby club for 10% off this purchase with an exclusive discount code.
Mirror Water Smooth Body Oil
Especially in the cold and dry winter months, this body oil will work wonders: derived from 99.65% natural ingredients, it combines three different oils to suit all skin types and produce a non-greasy formula that is easy to apply and dries quickly.
Bare Hands Dry Gloss Manicure kit
Packed in a vegan leather case reminiscent of an expensive sunglass treasure trove, this nail kit consists of a glass polisher that shines your nails and cuticle oil that will ensure hands stay hydrated even when they’re covered in gloves. What’s more: you can select a cuticle oil scent!
Mater Soap intro set
We all either know a bar soap expert or are one. This ‘intro set’, complete with soap dish and luffa scrubber, can be used to convert a friend who may not yet be familiar with the hallowed tradition, or put a smile on someone’s face who already appreciates it. Once again, passerby club members get 10% off at this partner with a member-exclusive discount code.
Activist Mãnuka Immune Elixir
Activist took the antioxidant essence of its 850+MGO Manuka honey and turned it into this immune-supporting supplement that’s safe for the entire family (with the exception of infants under 12 months). The taste will convince even the younger age ranges and help fight off colds and other illness year-round. Shop at passerby partner CAP Beauty for 10% off with a member-exclusive discount code.
Gossamer Happy Hour Pre-Rolls
We’re big fans of everything Gossamer (including the brand’s Co-Founder Verena von Pfetten). With .3 grams of CBG White, these perfectly rolled mini joints create a relaxing body buzz that helps unwind during any part of a particularly stressful day.
Books
Cyberfeminism Index by Mindy Seu
If you’re looking for a gift that is equal parts tech deep-dive and feminist manifesto, Mindy Seu’s exhaustive index may just be it. The book includes more than 700 entries of radical techno-critical activism in a variety of media, including excerpts from academic articles and texts, descriptions of hackerspaces, digital rights activist groups, bio-hacktivism, and depictions of feminist net art.
The Feminist City by Leslie Kern
Just in case your feminist friend is more of an urbanist than a hobby hacker, Kern’s investigation delves into the interlocking inequalities and systems of oppression that take concrete shape in cities, using an intersectional feminist approach to explore the gendered aspects of our built environment. Passerby partner Verso offers 40% off this book and others with a club member-exclusive discount code.
Under a White Sky by Elizabeth Kolbert
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author takes readers on a journey into the future: one that, right now, looks bleak given the collective effect humans have had on the planet. But Kolbert explains that there’s hope and details how the very sorts of interventions that have imperiled our planet may just be the only hope for its salvation.
How to Live with Objects by Monica Khemsurov & Jill Singer
From the editors of Sight Unseen (read out interview with Jill Singer here) comes an educational anti-decorating book that champions a refreshing approach to interiors: surrounding yourself with things you actually enjoy. Highlighting meaning over adherence to style, this is a thoughtful gift for the design lover in your life.
Lux Magazine
Lux is a socialist feminist magazine covering politics and culture. Their name is an ode to visionary thinker and organizer Rosa Luxemburg, as well as a nod to abundance, beauty, and pleasure for all. Check out their exclusive passerby book curation at this link and gift a subscription to their three annual print issues below.
The Cook You Want to Be by Andy Baraghani
In his first and long-awaited cookbook, the ex-Chez Panisse chef and mastermind behind many of Bon Appetit's most viral recipes shares over 100 delicious creations. Despite the title, they are as suited to beginner chefs as they are to your gourmand friend looking for their next umami fix.
Who is Wellness For? by Fariha Róisín
Since we interviewed Fariha a few years ago on the challenges of freelance writing, she has published not one, but four books in total. This latest explores the appropriation of wellness through the lens of social justice and asks important questions for anyone involved in the industry or wanting to critically investigate our collective approach to well-being.
Merce Cunningham: Common Time by the Walker Art Center
A photographic record of the Walker’s exhibition on the life and work of Merce Cunningham. The American choreographer and dancer was known for interweaving his own artistic output with that of other leading figures’ such as Frank Stella or Jasper Johns, who created costumes, lighting, films, music, and décor. A luscious evergreen for dance and art lovers alike.
food
Small Town Cultures Raw Fermented Probiotics
For fans of kraut like Fiorella Valdesolo, or friends with grand plans of a new diet in 2023, these beautifully packaged probiotics are delicious and healthy. Get a variety as a gift bundle at your nearest retailer or stick to one flavor you love — we’re partial to the Spicy Radish.
Friday Box
We’re all familiar with the concept of beauty, fashion, and jewelry boxes — but this edible delivery of dips by the team behind @lev.nyc might just be our new favorite. Great as a surprise for the hummus lover in your life, the made-to-order spread of six dips and bread easily feeds a group of four to six.
West~bourne Pistachio Dukkah
west~bourne embodies California lifestyle with a minimalist, zero-waste approach to food. Passerby club members are familiar with their punchy flavors, and for all who aren’t, their Dukkah spice is a great introduction to the brand as it elevates any dish. Get 15% off with a passerby club member-exclusive discount code.
Masha Tea Herbal set
If you or a loved one are looking to decrease your caffeine intake in 2023, weaning off the enticing bean with this trio may just do the trick. Made in New York, the set comes with a cute note (and online brewing instructions) and can kick off a sensual tea culture that’s good for mind and body — passerby club members get an exclusive discount code for 10% off.
Dripkit Variety Drip and Sip
Ten easy pour over pouches for those who don’t want to invest in elaborate machinery for their everyday caffeine dose. Roasted and packed locally in Brooklyn from small, family-owned producers around the world. Pouring over hot water is all that’s needed for a delicious cup!
Agni Women’s Health box
Another box, this time packed with 24 ingredients to help fight female hormone imbalance symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and irregular cycles. They come in the form of cookies, seasonings (the Sesame Nori one is especially delicious on popcorn), and tea for a tasty routine that is recommended every four weeks.
Nasrin Original Iranian Baklava
NYC-based Iranian chef Nasrin Rejali’s baklava are the perfect gift for the sweet tooth in your family or friendship circle. And if one isn’t enough, check out her membership plans for more delicious family recipes delivered directly to your door.
CAP Beauty The Matcha tin + whisk
An organic, ceremonial grade matcha to uplift and energize. Passerby partner CAP Beauty honors the traditional Japanese brew by sourcing directly from Shizuoka — and passerby club members get an exclusive discount code for 10% off the tin and whisk.
home & decor
HaYom Hanukkiah by Maya Yadid
Bridging the gap between contemporary art and Judaica, this HaYom piece embodies the artist’s personal practice and background for a personal twist on a thoughtful gift charged with spiritual, symbolic and artistic value.
Koala Eco gift box
This Australian brand produces household cleaning and body products, all from natural ingredients that are much safer to use than their chemical counterparts — benefiting all members of the family and the environment. Gift boxes come in varying sizes and are sure to delight the clean freak in your circle.
D.S. & Durga Portable X-MAS Tree Candle
D.S. & Durga has come up with a way of capturing that essential Christmas tree smell in a candle. Filled with needly notes of pine and fir, topped off with clove and amber, this piece is a great gift for anyone who doesn’t have the time, patience, or helping hands to erect the real thing at home.
JK. Adams Tech Classic 2.0 Maple Kitchen Prep Board
This cutting board has one crucial advantage to many of the other beautiful wooden options out there: a cutout slot to rest your smartphone or tablet for easy reference while chopping! At 1 inch, it’s thick enough to be sturdy but not too heavy and made from 100% sustainably harvested maple.
Gardenheir Sneeboer x Piet Oudolf Trowel + Hoe gift set
Gardenheir was founded by two Floridian-born artists and devoted amateur gardeners. Made in collaboration with the plantsman responsible for NYC’s Highline and Chicago’s Lurie Garden, this adorable set of tools with accompanying cotton bag will make even the most reluctant gardener want to develop a green thumb.
Hudson Wilder Aita Tall Handblown Glass set
We are fans of glassware of all sorts and shapes, but this tall, green-based pair from Hudson Wilder is one of our timeless favorites. Each item is individually handblown and resistant to thermal shock, so it can easily be used for both warm and cold liquids without risk of shattering. Once again, join passerby club for 10% off with an exclusive discount code.
Merci Washed linen tablecloth
If you’ve never visited Merci’s brick-and-mortar store in Paris, let us tell you that it’s definitely worth a trip next time you’re in town. We love this table cloth for its rustic cottage-core look, natural materials, and easy care.
Klay pillow cases
We finish off with more cottage-core: striped pillow cases by New Zealand-based company Klay — made from 100% cotton, they are colourful accent pieces for any sleeping or resting landscape and ensure the health of their users by bedding them on natural, breathable fibres.