Wonderful list! And so true that as the primary gift giver, it's often a "hope for the best" situation when and if a thoughtful gift is received, so better to pick up something to make yourself smile :-) I'm off to check out your chai muffin recipe
Well those spoons and cup are lovely Ellen. Two things I often buy as souvenirs in my travels. I have single hand made cups from all over the world. I put the matching sets in storage and just use these single ones. I get a design choice each cuppa time.
It's so nice to start the day having coffee from a handmade cup that has character and a past, isn't it? Those little bone spoons are antique early American- probably for salt.
We are definitely in one accord on this Ellen. I think the gift of beautiful hand made cups is a gift that returns so much joy, it’s hard to go past it. As for spoons, don’t start me on spoons, we will be here all day.
Agree, Bette ! Perusing the website is like being a kid visiting the candy jars in an old-fashioned five and dime – There are so many choices. It’s hard to make one.. I’m fond of the jasmine pearl and peppermint, but will put in for the gunpowder green on my next order. Wishing you a healthy new year and holiday celebration.filled with joy. And thank you for connecting here on Substack!
Thank you for all the truly clever suggestions. Candles from Katz's Deli! Who knew? My thoughts are with you and your Brown student. A horrible tragedy.
Ethnic markets are a great places to put together gift baskets. I make frequent trips to Watertown to replenish my supplies of Lebanese olive oil, olives, mana'aish, herbs and spices. Fastachi is wonderful and reminds me of my younger days in the Middle East. That stretch of Watertown is a perfect example of the how the Armenian Diaspora works. The owners' families arrived here through different countries and each has specialties from those countries. Iran, Turkey, Lebanon and Egypt are all represented.
We are fortunate to live not far...so many fresh spices, fresh labne, baked goods made with care. Your giftees will be fortunate to receive many of these to make the holiday relaxing with family even more special. And this time of year is ideal to bridge cultures and faiths through food.
That is the aim. The nicest things about food related gifts are that they can bridge cultures, educate, bring pleasure, revive memories and usually don't stick around too long although I still have a jar of three fruit marmalade someone gave me several years ago.
Wonderful list! And so true that as the primary gift giver, it's often a "hope for the best" situation when and if a thoughtful gift is received, so better to pick up something to make yourself smile :-) I'm off to check out your chai muffin recipe
To be honest, I’ve earned my reputation for hard to please 😬
Well those spoons and cup are lovely Ellen. Two things I often buy as souvenirs in my travels. I have single hand made cups from all over the world. I put the matching sets in storage and just use these single ones. I get a design choice each cuppa time.
It's so nice to start the day having coffee from a handmade cup that has character and a past, isn't it? Those little bone spoons are antique early American- probably for salt.
We are definitely in one accord on this Ellen. I think the gift of beautiful hand made cups is a gift that returns so much joy, it’s hard to go past it. As for spoons, don’t start me on spoons, we will be here all day.
Such a fun and thoughtful guide to holiday gifts—perfect inspiration for starting the year feeling healthier and a little bit spoiled!!!!
So, I hope you find something here to treat yourself to...the silicone storage ziptop are great!
Wonderful gift ideas -- I'm esp pleased to see you mention Harney and Sons teas. Their Gunpowder Green tea is my absolutely favorite!
Agree, Bette ! Perusing the website is like being a kid visiting the candy jars in an old-fashioned five and dime – There are so many choices. It’s hard to make one.. I’m fond of the jasmine pearl and peppermint, but will put in for the gunpowder green on my next order. Wishing you a healthy new year and holiday celebration.filled with joy. And thank you for connecting here on Substack!
And I will try the Jasmine Pearl next! Thank you!
I should mention, I only recommend the loose tea. The sachets are made of plastic mesh and should be avoided.
Truly gifts worth having and giving! All are staples in our home and are an essential part in contributing to many fine memories….
True! There are a lot of gifts here that are part of family connection and memories of warmth in our little bit healthier home
Thank you for all the truly clever suggestions. Candles from Katz's Deli! Who knew? My thoughts are with you and your Brown student. A horrible tragedy.
Thank you, Vicki. Here’s hoping the world becomes a better place in the year ahead. Wishing you a happy new year full of creativity.
Ethnic markets are a great places to put together gift baskets. I make frequent trips to Watertown to replenish my supplies of Lebanese olive oil, olives, mana'aish, herbs and spices. Fastachi is wonderful and reminds me of my younger days in the Middle East. That stretch of Watertown is a perfect example of the how the Armenian Diaspora works. The owners' families arrived here through different countries and each has specialties from those countries. Iran, Turkey, Lebanon and Egypt are all represented.
We are fortunate to live not far...so many fresh spices, fresh labne, baked goods made with care. Your giftees will be fortunate to receive many of these to make the holiday relaxing with family even more special. And this time of year is ideal to bridge cultures and faiths through food.
That is the aim. The nicest things about food related gifts are that they can bridge cultures, educate, bring pleasure, revive memories and usually don't stick around too long although I still have a jar of three fruit marmalade someone gave me several years ago.
Agreed! The sweetness and smoke notes that happen when fire kisses vegetables is incomparable- very much worth the effort- and traditional!