This has been a year unlike any other. I hesitated to even include a Gift Guide this year but on second thought I figured many small businesses (like mine.. hint hint!) could use the extra love and support this year. And for those who prefer to skip the tangible gifts, I’ve included a couple of ideas for supporting organizations that are serving the people who need it most during 2020 - a food bank helping to fight food insecurity during the pandemic and a local organization supporting fire victims during California’s most destructive wildfire year on record. The new year can’t come soon enough!
*The book links below are from Indie Bound, a website here you can enter your zipcode and find titles for sale at indy bookstores near you.
Kids
The Forest Feast for Kids: Simple and easy recipe ideas that incorporate creative ways to add more vegetables and fruits into your children’s meals.
Ambitious Girl by Meena Harris—an empowering picture book.
The Adventures of Lily Huckleberry in Mexico: The third book in the series of children’s bed time stories with beautiful illustrations by my friend Audrey — another female small business owner and mama. We have all her books and the kids love them.
Cooks
Olive Oil Subscription: This is a great shop in SF’s Noe Valley and they offer several seasonal subscriptions for olive oils and vinegars.
These adorable mugs made in Japan from Umami Mart, my favorite shop in Oakland, run by my friends Kayoko and Yoko.
The Forest Feast Mediterranean: My latest book is a great way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean home (especially during the colder winter months!) when in need of a taste of summer or tapas from Spain!
Pasta Cooking Class with Lucca & Lorenzo (online): I love to give gifts that are experiences and this pasta cooking class looks entertaining and educational at the same time — a virtual trip to Italy from the comforts of you own home.
Edible gifts like baked goods and cheeseballs are always fun to drop off on doorsteps. Watch my recipe video for a cheeseball here...I show how to wrap it, too!
Hygge Life
Beeswax Candles: I can never get enough of toxin-free beeswax candles. They are perfect for dinner parties and/or everyday—these lovely ones are from a local shop in my town.
My favorite watercolor set.
An Online Art Class: This looks like a fun online course package for kids. This one on Skillshare looks fun for adults (the instructor paints from her farm in the Appalachian mountains.) You can gift an annual membership to Skillshare or to Masterclass, which both have virtual cooking and art classes.
The Forest Feast Gatherings: I know many of us miss hosting dinner parties and gatherings with larger groups this year. Make moments at home feel a bit more special with entertaining ideas, pretty spreads, and plan-ahead ideas for intimate gatherings at home.
Giving Back
For those who would prefer a donation to a charitable cause (hint: you have until the end of the year for tax purposes)
Puente: Serving as the only south coast community center, Puente advocates for diverse farming communities in Southern San Mateo County near where I live. They have been a huge supporter for families who were displaced during the wildfires in this part of California. My brother lost his house this year in the fires so this feels especially important to me.
Second Harvest: Many families in Silicon Valley near where I live have been struggling to provide consistent meals to their families this year. Founded in 1974, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley is one of the largest food banks in the nation and a trusted nonprofit leader in ending local hunger. The organization distributes nutritious groceries through a network of more than 300 partners at drive-thru and walk-up sites across Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. I have been baking challah monthly as a fundraiser for them and plan to donate by the end of the year as well.
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Happy Holiday shopping! Please remember to support your local bookstores and shops whenever you can. Also check out Book Passage’s virtual author series! You could gift a book and then email a link to a (free) upcoming talk with that author. I recently had an author conversation hosted by them with cookbook author Andrea Bemis who has a beautiful new book out about eating locally. Sign up and watch past author talks as well, for free.