It’s that time of year again! The past couple years have been difficult but here are some things that will make your loved ones smile – whether you are able to gather for the holidays or show them you are thinking of them while you are apart.
1. Matcha Bloom Katakuchi Bowl
Cold weather always makes me want to curl up with a beautiful, hot cup of matcha. This stunning katakuchi matcha bowl from Matcha Bloom is handcrafted by a Japanese female ceramicist so each one is beautifully unique. It’s a fantastic size and pairs perfectly with a Matcha Bloom bamboo whisk or matcha powder to make an elegant gift set. Matcha Bloom is a Japanese/Asian-American owned small business located in Southern California, with their organic matcha coming from a small family farm in Kagoshima – the same town that the owner’s mother is from.
Use code SW10 for 10% off your order.
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2. Artwork by Ema Kubo
Ema Kubo is a Japanese American painter and art historian located in the Bay Area of California. She creates beautiful pieces using sumi ink and watercolor that display her mixed heritage. From onigiri and sushi themed art to flowers to calligraphy, she has something for everyone. Ema is one of my favorite artists and I am even buying a print for myself for Christmas this year. 😉
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3. Japanese Tableware from Musubi Kiln
While this “item” is vague, Japanese tableware, from plates to tea cups to chopstick rests are always a thoughtful gift. I recently stumbled upon Musubi Kiln, a Japanese tableware company, and not only do I want everything, but I feel like I found a perfect spot to buy gifts for everyone. I got my new favorite tea cup (a kutani pottery one!) from here along with this cat plate set I’ve been eyeing for years. Everything from Musubi Kiln is straight from Japan and often come in nice boxes. They also wrap your order in a beautiful furoshiki which makes for perfect gift giving.
Use code “SW” for a discount on your order.
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4. Takoyaki Set
Want something unique for your holiday parties or your family dinners? Takoyaki (octopus fritters) is a fun communal meal! Grab one of these takoyaki maker sets that comes with everything you need along with an easy takoyaki kit that comes with most of the ingredients you need to make takoyaki – including a recipe. And if you don’t like octopus, you can have fun with putting other things in it (I especially like making “pizza” ones with cheese, basil, and marinara sauce!).
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5. Akashi-Kama Noragi Jacket
Akashi-Kama is a Japanese-American company located in the Bay Area with their high-quality products designed and influenced by their Japanese-American experience. I love their modern and classy take on the traditional Japanese noragi, a jacket that Japanese farmers used to wear for work. They also have a new line of sweaters that use traditional patterns that were popular in the Showa-era (think Demon Slayer patterns).
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6. Et Toi Soap
Et Toi Soap serves some of the most unqiue and beautiful soaps I’ve had the pleasure of using. Run by a half-Japanese half-Pakistani woman in the Bay Area, she uses her heritage and interests to make handcrafted soaps, cards, and bath salts. Some of my favorites are her soaps that are inspired by the astrology signs, ones based on Japanese nostalgia (like her Natsuyasumi soap), ones based on her Desi heritage (like her Haldi Doodh x Mago Lassi soap), and ones that are based on food (like pumpkin pie), because of course. Et Toi soap also donates a proceed of each sale to a nonprofit, that changes every month or two. So not only are you giving a gift to someone you love, you are giving a gift to support others, too!
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7. Our Place Always Pan
Okay, maybe you are sick of seeing the Always Pan everywhere, but I really love mine. I have 3 and have been using them since the company first started and they are working as good as new. They are also just as beautiful and impactful visually in person which is why I always think they make a great gift (I basically gift Our Place pieces to any friends who get married or buy a house now). If you want something different, I also recommend their new Perfect Pot (that I already got people for Christmas presents), their plates, or their bowls (both of which I use daily and am completely in love with). I don’t have the side plates yet but I am ordering them for myself for Christmas, too. So clearly, I am in deep love with all the products. Our Place is also another BIPOC- and woman-owned company which is always a plus!
Use code “SW10” for 10% off your Our Place order
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8. Sakura Mug
This sakura mug always gets a lot of attention on my Instagram stories so I thought it would be perfect to add to this list. I actually got this mug as a gift and it’s way prettier in person than in photos. And the best part? It has a lid to keep your coffee or tea warm and it has a really stylish spoon. This mug comes in a really pretty box as well so it’s ready to gift immediately. Pair some Sakura Latte mix with it to make a really cute gift set!
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9. Sushi Train
This sushi train looks like fun for both kids and adults alike! I don’t actually own this sushi train, but I really really want it so it’s going on this list. Because who doesn’t want to have fun with their food?
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10. Kokoro Cares x Pickled Plum Holiday Care Package
Know someone who loves Japanese food but doesn’t have much access to it? This care package is perfect for them! Kokoro Care Packages, a delicious artisanal Japanese food subscription box company, teamed up with my friend and fellow blogger, Caroline of Pickled Plum, to bring to you a special one-time box full of Caroline’s favorite goodies straight from Japan (and honestly, this box has some of my favorite items, too, like the curry roux and the yuzu kosho). Everything in this box is organic and from small farmers and artisans. This box is also all-vegan but can be used for non-vegans as well (like, the curry roux is vegan, but when I use it, I add meat).
If you want to gift a Kokoro Cares subscription to someone instead of a one-off box, use code Sylvia_10 for 10% off your subscription.
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11. Hast Santoku Kitchen Knife
Santoku knives are the Japanese all-purpose chef’s knife. They are lightweight with a thin, sharp blade and are great for everything from cutting meat to super fine detailing. This Hast Santoku knife is one of my current most-used knives at home. It’s very comfortable in the hand and slightly smaller than most of my other santoku and chef’s knives which I actually really like. And not only is this knife great to use, it’s sleek and beautiful.
Use code “HASTSW20” for 20% off your order
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12. A5 Wagyu
One of my favorite gifts is the gift of an experience – especially food! There is almost nothing more fun and delicious than A5 Wagyu (Japanese beef – A5 is the highest grade of the beef). It’s flavorful, beautifully marbled, and essentially melts in your mouth. Papa Wagyu has some great A5 wagyu options and currently is offering complimentary caviar when spending over a certain amount so you or your loved one can really spend the holiday season eating well. Papa Wagyu is also an Asian-American owned small business and is a huge supporter of the Japanese farming industry.
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13. Porter Terrazzo Mug
These Porter Terrazzo Mugs from Lily & Onyx are my favorite on-the-go tumblers right now (although, I’ve been using mine to drink at my desk since the lid prevents my cats from drinking my tea). They are ceramic mugs with a cute silicone terrazzo-inspired sleeve. I absolutely love the design and they come in 3 colors! Lily & Onyx is an Asian-American and woman-owned small business.
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* Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links. There is no extra cost for you and it allows me to keep creating free content for you (and maybe I can finally get that sushi train). Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season!
