2016 holiday gift guide (for the socially conscious foodie!)

Ok, that’s a mouthful! Several weeks ago, I started debating if I wanted to create a gift guide for t&t. I’ve seen so many out there, and I’ve never really found any that I love (and sometimes the items are just totally beyond my budget!). I decided to go for it and to choose items for my guide with the same theme as the holiday gifts that I’m giving this year – “giving back.” I’m not going to get into politics too much here, but the political climate lately has reconfirmed my desire to do so. I am so fortunate enough to live in a safe place and have a home and a bed to call my own, have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and be in a position where I can give gifts to others. So why not spend money on gifts that give back?

So, without further ado, I present you with the my 2016 (and first ever) holiday gift guide:

PS. Apologies in advance to any friends and family members reading this… you may or may not be getting something off this list…

1. Soup for Syria by Barbara Abdeni Massaad. This book. I really have no words to describe how much I love it. I gave it as a gift to several family members last year (and will this year too!). Not only is it packed full of delicious soup recipes from world-renowned chefs (like Yotam Ottolenghi, Mark Bittman, Ana Sortun, Anthony Bourdain, and more), but it also features gorgeous and intimate photographs of Syrians. Profits from the cookbook are donated to the United Nations UNHCR to help fund food relief efforts for Syrian refugees. Being half Syrian, this cause is very near and dear to my heart.

2. How gorgeous are these salad tongs? They’re made in Kenya, following fair trade principles. I just discovered Shopping for a Change when I was putting together this list. Every purchase you make helps to provide fair trade employment to economically disadvantaged artisans in developing countries, funds projects in their communities, and part of the proceeds go to your US-based charity of choice at check-out.

3. This apron is a partnership between FEED + West Elm and comes in several colors (I obviously love the one with the herbs – rosemary – printed on it). The apron is made in MA, and it provides meals to 14 children and families in the US. Check out the site for other good ideas, including bags, jewelry, etc.

4. These gorgeous candles that come in several scents and in a beautiful ceramic vessel that you can re-use. What foodie doesn’t like a candle in their kitchen to light after sauteing garlic and/or onions? The candles are hand-poured by women artisans, mostly refugees, who are living in the US, following fair-trade principles. The candles help to provide a living wage for the women who make them. I originally discovered these candles at Olives and Grace in Boston, so if you’re in the area, you can pick some up there!

5. Who doesn’t love chocolate? Especially chocolates for a good cause. Divine Chocolates is co-owned by the 85,000 farm members of a co-op in Ghana that provides the cocoa for the chocolate bars. They also get a share in the profits and a say in the company.

6. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), or basically a farm share. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Not only will the recipient enjoy a couple months of boxes of the best of the best fresh, local produce, this gift will help support local farmers and agriculture. If you live in the Boston area, a favorite of mine is Siena Farms. If not, you can simply google a CSA/farm share in your area.

7. David’s Tea is one of my go-to spots here in Boston to get tea and accessories. They have a couple other locations, including some in Canada, but lucky for you, you can order online! David’s Tea has partnered with ME to WE, “the global movement empowering people to change the world with their everyday consumer purchases.” Every purchase of the ME to WE items, including this color-changing travel mug for tea (I LOVE mine) and this tea (you can also buy it in sachets), gives back to a community in Kenya. Every purchase of 2 oz of tea gives one month of clean water to a Kenyan child in need.

8. I love local honey, especially this set from Boston Honey Company. You can order some online or go to your local farmers market. Why buy local honey? Well, first local, raw honey is healthier for you. It’s packed full of natural enzymes, vitamins, and other nutrients, and it contains local pollen, which can help with fighting allergies. It also supports your local beekeeper and agriculture – tons of crops rely on bees for pollination.

And, last, but certainly not least, you can make a donation on behalf of your gift recipient. (I personally think these make great stocking stuffers too!) A couple of my favorites include Rosie’s Place, Planned Parenthood, UN World Food Programme, UNICEF, The Edible Schoolyard Project, Project Bread… I could keep going, but you get the gist.

Now, time to get shopping!