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What We Give Reflects Who We Are—or Who We Wish to Be

Great gifts are sustainable, good for the earth, nourishing for the soul, and useful in life. Superior gifts are the ones we want for ourselves.

At least, that’s how I roll.

FOR THE BAG LOVERS (Ahem)

From: PUEBCO ONLINE MARKET 

Most products come with a story (reminds me of Kate Sekules’s WONDERFUL Refashioner—RIP. But stay tuned, she’s on the list!)

From: BAGGU

I have a bit of a Baggu addiction. I search on Etsy, Poshmark and Mercari for vintage Baggus. It’s an issue. I’m working on it. Baggu bags are reusable bags. There’s a standard size people use and a Baby Baggu that so few people know about. THESE ARE THE ONES I LOVE. This one constellates.

My friend Katie Merz made this bag for WNYC and I am OBSESSED WITH IT. You can get it by giving a monthly pledge to WNYC. 

For the Craft Lovers

My friend Kate Sekules is a master mender; she even wrote a book about it!

Sashiko is a Japanese stitch that I love using. These stick-ons make the often tricky stitch pattern fool-proof (hi, I’m the fool. I have these).

I learned about Marion Deuchars from the brilliant artist Edwina White (also a beloved friend)

For the full experience, upgrade to paid

For the Photography Lovers

Richard Sandler and I used to romp around the East Village in the 90s. He’s a pre-eminent street photographer and documentarian (I was in one of his films for 5 minutes, but for the life of me can’t remember what it was called). He’s been chronicling the city for longer than I’ve known him.

You can buy prints on his website.

For The Sweet Lovers

Guys. I’m not joking. If you love black licorice and you love chocolate, well—you’re going to love me.

My sister-in-law is South African, and she brings these back. I CANNOT STAND HOW GOOD THESE ARE (discover and order them after the jump).

This gift guide is teeming with amazing gems: a book I can’t stop thinking about, the French chapstick I’ve been wearing since I was a kid, a magical scent—a treehouse made from roses, and natural cooking spices from Maine. It’s everything I want! Upgrade to shop the stocking

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