I already have books, stickers, and slime for my nephews (they can’t get enough slime!), and I’m planning on baking some cookies for my neighbors—if only I can get it done between the last few deadlines of the year. For everyone else, here are some vegetarian gift ideas with notes on pricing as of the time of publishing.
If you’re looking for something luxurious, a box of vegan chocolate caramels (over $18 to $70) from New York’s Lagusta’s Luscious, with a mix of interesting fillings (all delicious).
I really like the hand-printed dishcloths ($13; I especially love the artichoke print!) and reusable bags ($28) from Kei & Molly in Albuquerque, NM, the beautiful block-print linen napkins from Block Shop ($12 to $14), as well as the screen-printed tenugui in a dreamy seaweed pattern by Jessica Li in Los Angeles ($40).
For a serious cook interested in making tofu from scratch, you could get a tofu press ($46.95) with two tension springs that fit easily in the fridge. It can make firm, low-moisture tofu, ideal for deep-frying, as well as softer, silkier tofu. The press is also great for firm, store-bought tofu, if you want to get extra moisture out before frying.
A quality donabe, or Japanese clay pot ($220), makes for a wonderful gift, and I want to emphasize that it’s not just a pretty piece of pottery to display. It is practical for vegetable-filled hot pots, cooks rice beautifully and can be adapted to all kinds of everyday dishes.
If you’re looking to spend a little less, there are some fun vintage cookware deals on Etsy – cast iron waffle presses, wooden spoon collections, and new cookie jars. At the moment I pay attention to vintage Pyrex (prices vary, but pieces start at about $10), especially that ’80s discontinued mushroom pattern.
The mysterious fruit box ($90) from Full Moon Fruits in Los Angeles could be a very special treat for a fruit lover who doesn’t normally have access to things like Thai guavas, sapodilla, sugar cane, or persimmons.
Rebel Cheese in Austin makes some of the most delicious artisan vegan cheeses I’ve tasted, including an ash-dusted chèvre and a Brie-style cheese with a floral crust, veined with truffles. Check out their monthly cheese subscriptions (from $50 per month).
I love this swipe Herbal Collection ($127.99) from Barkha Cardoz, sold through Burlap and Barrel, features essential ingredients like chili powder, garam masala, and asafoetida, along with some more personal blends inspired by chef Floyd Cardoz, Barkha’s late husband.
If you’re looking for a gardener, consider a few packs of different heirloom beans they can grow in 2022 ($2 to $4.50).
For even more gift ideas, head to Wirecutter’s kitchen and dining area, where extensive research has gone into suggestions for bakers, coffee aficionados and more. And below are a few recipes to pass on to whoever gets those tofupers, those beans, that donabe. Thank you so much for reading the Veggie, and see you next week!
