By Holiday shopping is here! I love giving gifts. I will say, I don’t enjoy buying gifts out of mere obligation. Consumerism can bring a lot of unnecessary pressure and anxiety over the holidays, and I don’t think we should feel like we have to fall for that trap. Sometimes we gift homemade things like cookies, both to save money, and to not buy just for the sake of buying. I DO love when something reminds me of someone, and I think they’d enjoy it. I started my holiday shopping months ago. This year, I thought it would be fun to do a gift guide. Most of these things are items I’ve gifted before.
*For discrepancy, some of the items below have affiliate links. If you shop using the link, I will receive a small commission. Thank you!
*East Fork Pottery Popcorn Bowl $88
It’s no secret I’m an East Fork Pottery fan! What began as a collection of matte pots for me to use in my photography quickly progressed into an obsession. They make beautiful, colorful pieces in Asheville, NC, that are sturdy enough to hold up to our busy lifestyle. Plus they give back to their community regularly, and other communities frequently. We use the Popcorn Bowl almost daily in my house, sometimes multiple times in a day! With an eight cup volume, they are great for salad for two, or big meal salad for one, or a roomy bowl of ramen. If you want to use one for its namesake, pop a 1/3 cup of popcorn on the stove, and this bowl perfectly holds it. (We don’t own a microwave, but I’m told it’s also perfect for a bag of microwave popcorn.) I’ll add that the Popcorn Bowl is Phillie’s favorite East Fork form. They are currently available in twelve colors, so you could choose the glaze that best suits the recipient.
* East Fork Pottery High Timber Candle $32-$68
This is my favorite candle, ever. Picture a small cabin in the snowy forest with a fireplace crackling. Then imagine there’s a Christmas tree in the corner. That’s what this candle smells like. It comes in a reusable vessel, shown in a past glaze below. This year’s High Timber Candle comes in East Fork’s high gloss green glaze called Malachite. What could be better for Christmas?
Good Things Cookbook by Samin Nosrat, $45
Find at your local bookstore! I’m a huge library user, and rarely buy cookbooks for myself, but I do occasionally still like to gift them! This book is beautiful, full of thoughtful recipes that look stunning. The subtitle, “Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love,” says it all.
Goodr Sunglasses, starting at $25
Hear me out. I do not want to spend $100 on sunglasses. I also want sunglasses that are cute, and stay on my head. Goodr comes in fun colors, or classic prints. They are also climate neutral. I own two pairs that I swap out depending on my mood.
Lail Design Tumbler, $42
Lail Design is gorgeous, wheel thrown pottery made in Vermont. These tumblers are sturdy, beautiful, and speckled. They feel so good in your hand. They are perfect for drinking water out of, or even a warm cup of chai. I bought my husband one because they also conviently will hold a12oz beer (and keep it cold!) They have other stunning pieces that would make great gifts.
Ground Up Nut Butters, Prices Vary
Ground up is made in Portland! They are women owned, and also provide jobs and training for women. Their nut butters are made with clean ingredients, that you can feel good about eating (and gifting.) They always have a seasonal offering. Their holiday flavors have not been launched yet, but I’m crossing my fingers for the return of chocolate hazelnut spread. So good!
Stocking Stuffers
*Fishwife Smoked Mackerel $32 for 3
My family can’t be the only one that has always done tinned fish in our stockings. This mackerel is my favorite tinned fish. It’s smoky, very slightly spicy, and melts in your mouth. The tins are also gorgeous, but the fish is shown here on a salad (in a Popcorn Bowl!)
*Stainless Steel Soup Spoon $10
Ramen lovers, rejoice! This is the spoon for the noodle soup lover in your life. It’s beautiful and highly functional for all of the slurping.
We drink a lot of tea! Portal is a small business based in Portland, OR. They have a huge loose leaf selection, as well as some plastic free pyramid tea bags. They will ship for free with a $25 order. Some of our favorites are Immunity, a minty herbal tea with Oregon grape and Calendula, Iron Goddess of Mercy, a light floral oolong that is at once strong and delicate, Bliss (Phillie’s favorite), a chamomile forward herbal perfect for evenings, and Sticky Rice Puer, which is a strong, lightly sweet dark tea. I like it after dinners for a little pick-me-up. With the holidays coming up, I also can’t fail to mention Tra Que Chai, a cinnamon forward chai that reminds me of Christmas. Their product list is extensive, so there is a tea for everyone!
Diaspora Sirārakhong Hāthei Chilli Powder $14
This is for your spice loving friend! Diaspora has a collection of single origin spices. They pay their farmers fair wages. The tins are beautiful.A heat lover myself, I use a lot of different chili powders and flakes in my kitchen, but Sirarakhong Hathei shines. I can’t always make my dishes spicy since I have to share with my family, but this chilli powder works great in recipes, or as a finisher, sprinkled on top. It is smoky, spicy, and a little fruity. Check out Diaspora’s other spices for great gift ideas, too. We have gifted their Hot Cocoa. We also use their Tandoori Masala regularly!
Spinnaker Chocolate, Prices Vary
Spinnaker makes single origin chocolate bars in Seattle. It has been praised by Kenji Lopez Alt. The packaging features a lovely nautical theme, suitable to its home town.
When in Doubt, Shop Local
You cannot go wrong with gift cards from local businesses! Or just browse local shops to see what strikes you for the individual you are shopping for. Independent bookstores, coffee shops, restaurants, nurseries, and donut shops need our support. Find the locally owned businesses near you!
I’m near Portland, OR and here are some of my favorites that sell gift cards.
Down to a Simmer 
Thanks, Erin! Very cool. -chuche
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Thanks, Chuche! This was fun to do!
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