From small things, to medium things, and even big (!!) things, we keep our eyes open all year for our favorite things! And even better, many of these are sourced from our most adored woman-owned and/or local small businesses! We hope this list inspires you and helps you delight somebody on your list.
MacKenzie-Child’s Black and White Striped Taper Candles
A chic stocking-shaped surprise! These tapers add a fun twist any time of year, and adding just one or two to a display of several plain candles adds the perfect pop!
I didn’t know I could love a little piece of plastic so much. My father-in-law gave each of us one of these brilliant little gadgets as a stocking stuffer last year, and it’s quickly become one of our favorite things!! We keep one in our living room and one in the car—it cleans glasses and sunglasses better than *anything* you’ve ever tried!
If you know, you know. These tart, flavorful cherries add a delicious punch to holiday Manhattans and so many other drinks! Also try them on cheeseboards or even festive sundaes!
An all natural product to protect your beloved cast iron pans and build up that non-stick seasoning!
This looks like just a veggie peeler, but until you’ve peeled with it, you simply can’t understand the magic. Just trust us on this one and toss it in a few stockings!
Ichendorf Milano Fantasia Cupcake Tumblers
I’m a sucker for glassware and these are too cute to pass up! As you might imagine, we love the little cupcakes, but you’ll also find a menagerie of creatures, and cactus too!
Kate Spade Patisserie Statement Ring
This bejeweled Kate Spade ring is the perfect bauble for any baker in your life! (There’s also a “fruit salad” option for anybody without a sweet tooth—though we can’t imagine)
★Small Biz & Woman-Owned★
This beautiful book was created by San Francisco-based Ukrainian Anna Voloshyna, one of our adored FOOD LA LA COOKING CLUB guests in 2022. It’s brimming with recipes, inspiriation, and stories from her family and beloved homeland. If you buy on Amazon, leave her a well-deserved review! And if you can swing by a local bookstore, that’s even better!
Cocoacentric Minar Gold Star Studs & Ear Cuffs
★Small Biz & Woman-Owned★
LaToya is a local San Francisco small business owner and jewelry sensation! She’s made some of my favorite pieces. I love these festive star earrings (there’s a very cute matching necklace too), and her ear cuffs (shoutout to anybody without pierced ears, too!!)
FOOD LA LA DIY FRENCH MACARON KIT
★Small Biz & Woman-Owned★
Well it turns out we aren’t the only ones who adore this kit! After a whirlwind of gift guides, we’re so proud to have been featured in Forbes, NBC, The Knot, Reader’s Digest, and Woman’s Day! The kit comes with the ingredients and tools you need to make 2 dozen French macarons at home (including my favorite part: year-long access to our virtual masterclass. Fast-forward it, pause it, rewind it, or watch it on repeat. Baking along with us “live” will be the key to your success!)
★Small Biz & Woman-Owned★
Gift some style with goods designed by Colombian stylist and cookbook author (and fan-favorite FOOD LA LA COOKING CLUB special guest) Mariana Velasquez! From tablecloths, to placemats, and aprons that will make you feel like a runway model, Mariana’s Casa Velasquez hostingware makes a beautiful, thoughtful, and sophisticated gift. We are big fans of her aprons that keep you chic while cooking!
Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Replacement & Bare Zero Proof Gin Replacement
Our squad recently went to Portland Cocktail Week to learn all about the latest cocktailing trends, and were fascinated by all the zero-proof (non-alcoholic) options. I’d previous tried a few and didn’t love them, but Ritual’s tequila and Bare’s gin, we loved! Though I do drink alcohol, I’m already excited to work these into my rotation!
RizeUp Chef’s Choice Bread Subscription
★Small Biz & Local Bay Area★
For just $16 per delivery (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly) San Francisco sourdough sensation, Azikiwee, or “Z” of RizeUp bakery will send one of his unique loaves right to your gift recipient’s door step! This subscription includes free local delivery within certain Bay Area cities (but local pickup and domestic shipping are options for those outside these areas)
The Ooni Gas Powered Pizza Oven
If you splurge on this, be sure to include a “gifter’s tax” (in this case, homemade wood fired pizzas!!) The oven heats to over 900 degrees in 20 minutes, and cooks perfectly crisp-on-the-outside-chewy-on-the-inside crusts in 60 seconds!
This has nothing to do with food or entertaining, but is a tool I’ve loved this year! I dread drying my hair, but this dryer makes the process quick and my hair frizz-free :) I have yet to master the curling iron tool, but love the other brush attachments that give volume while you dry!