A long list of things I’d like to get this Christmas
Or yet another (extremely personal) gift guide, for procrastinators like me
I have been writing things on the internet for a very long time, but I don’t think I’ve ever put a gift guide together. Not in those days where everything was super curated, stylish, all handmade and artisanal, and occasionally sponsored. Not now, where things are hardly ever that way, but still very much sponsored.
This year, I got the gift guide fever. Perhaps because of sheer amounts of them and the discussion they’ve created. We all know that the holidays are the season where capitalism roars in triumph and the landfills weep. We’ve also read those posts about “normalising gifting fruit trees, sourdough starters, handwritten recipes”, and believe me, I truly endorse it. For years now I’ve been gifting little edible presents made by me (not sure really many people cherished them as much as I enjoyed making them). There’s a very old blog post I’ve written about it a decade (A DECADE!) ago with recipes for pomegranate gin, mandarine curd and herby salt. Last year, my liver paté attempt failed (too many giftees estated they’re not a fan of liver. Italians! Shame.)
But it now appears, as this interesting New York Times piece points out that “Complaining about gift guides, however, may be its own time-honored tradition.”
So here’s a list of things I would pretty much like as gifts, at Christmas or any other time. In other words, just a chance for me to write a few words.
If you do feel inspired by some of them and it helps you navigate the dreads of holiday-prep, it’ll be a happy plus. Nothing is more nerve wracking than getting to Christmas stressed and exhausted and still having to figure out what gifts to give people (vouchers! Vouchers are your best friends in these times. Get a lovely card and write something personal that’ll make up for the impersonal — but highly pragmatic — nature of the gift). I don’t link general things that you all know where to find and not one of those that are linked are affiliated. If you need any more information about any others without links feel free to ask.
Before getting on with the list, may I shamelessly promote my own work as a gift you might actually consider? My cookbook, Pomegranates & Artichokes, makes a truly beautiful gift for those who like cooking, for Iran-lovers and Italophiles alike, and for beautiful book lovers in general. Please consider supporting your favorite authors by purchasing their books this holiday season. It really does make a huge difference in our careers to have a surge in sales.
Devices & Gadgets
Noise cancelling headphones: Getting an official ADHD diagnosis last year from a specialized psychiatrist made sense of many things in my life, including what I would wake up to the sound of the TV being turned even when it was on mute — the buzzing would get to me, or why I could decipher every single word of the whispered conversations of my parents while watching the said TV. I’m not on meds, I’m trying to make sense of things which means I need a routine and a dedicated space for work which can never be home, and that I need to find a way to block the voices of everyone around me. At the moment I can tell you the details of jobs and life matters of everyone sitting around me in the co-working space I go to work, and I’ve learned all the songs on the playlist (which infernally is always the same).
I really need a pair of noise cancelling headphones or earpods. If you’ve never tried them, let me tell you they are nothing short of miraculous. You’ll be doused in absolute silence, which is not great so you can add music (pink/white noise for us ADHDs). They’re not cheap, I’ve seen them from €200 to €500. I’ve seen my partner googling them (because I’ve been relentlessly raving about them). Azizam if you’re reading this, please get me the Apple airpods, not the Bose headphones! Merci! (Headphones are bulky and make your head hurt after a while).
Planetarium projector on the wall: this is truly silly and appeared to me among the avalanche of crap that invaded my Instagram feed in that unlimited vast promotion era known as the Black Friday week/month. I have a funny bed, it’s on a loft and curtains enclose it when I sleep at night. The ceiling is low, but honestly I love it. It’s like a den, or a canopy bed. I have a feeling the milky road projected on this ceiling would look dreamy, exactly because it’s low.
A pack of good negatives: I have been using my (not really that) old film camera in the last couple of years and I have adored its imperfection. As a professional photographer, I’ve noticed that film photography is able to bring me back the true joy of snapping moments. The slowness and intentionality of film is liberating, and the result is effortlessly miraculous.
An instant camera: See above. I’d like the Fujifilm instax, the small cute one. I really can’t stomach the plastic, digital Polaroid.
Subscriptions & Gift Vouchers
A Coursera subscription: This year, I’m committed to update my knowledge in general, because I have the big F coming out (turning 40 in April) and I’m terrified of being old and boomer-ish, as in not fitting in in a world that moves fast technology-wise (and otherwise). So I have actually already signed up for Coursera (the only thing I got during Black Friday, the annual subscription was a very sweet deal). In case you’re not familiar with Coursera, it’s a platform of e-courses on anything and everything, offered by professionals and university professors. You can even get a degree or choose to follow all the courses necessary for a new career (limited choices of careers). My first intention is to learn as much as I can about AI. I know it scares us and revolts us occasionally, but in a couple of years AI will be as relevant as the internet itself was in the 2010s and I don’t wanna be the lady in her forties who’s left behind.
Subscription (or gift voucher) for CBC writing courses: This is the best writing course platform that I have found in years of searching. It’s offered by professional authors, from a very good literary agency in London. One of the silver linings of the pandemic was that many events and courses happening IRL moved to the internet and I’ve seen the courses become more and more interesting in time. There’s a huge emphasis on fiction (and sadly nothing at all on food writing), but there are smaller courses that are great for all writers. They offer gift vouchers as well.
- is a truly gifted and eloquent writer and her writing expands from her successful newsletter to articles to her books. She’s been doing newsletter and food media workshops. She’s very knowledgeable about the industry and very generous with her knowledge. The workshops are reasonably priced and there are discounts for previous attendees and her paid subscribers. I have attended two of them and I’ll surely attend more. I think she offers gift vouchers as well.
Culinary Backstreet vouchers for food tours: As a food writer and photographer and occasional food tour leader in Rome who plans her travels mostly around food, I’m always happy to leave myself in the capable hands of people of CBS for a great food and culture experience in a new city. I think they do gift vouchers as well.
Classes at Latteria Studio: this is where I have been holding all of my Roman cooking classes. My friend, Alice Adams Carosi, cook and food stylists have created this cosy and charming kitchen studio where together Rachel Roddy (and the late Carla Tomasi) they created the popular market to table cooking classes. Alice teaches seasonal cooking and I teach Iranian cooking (among other things). Gift a class from the calendar or get in touch to ask for a gift voucher.
Gift voucher to my classes, workshops and tours. Not a gift for myself obviously, but I’m happy to issue a gift voucher for my events and tours. I’m currently working on a new calendar of events that I’ll put on my website which’ll make it easier to access my events.
Kitchen & tableware
Thermometer kitchen. I hardly ever cook anything that might need one of these but I recently realized that they’re used also in frying to see if the temperature of the oil is right. I think my kitchen needs one.
Le Cresuet cast iron casserole. Because I don’t have one, and it’s an investment a kitchen needs. Plus, Iranian khoresh and stews cook beautifully in cast iron pots. Many prefer the rival Staub, but I’ve cooked in them and I can’t stand the black background. I love this gorgeous milky “meringue” color.
Stainless steel butter dish with a lid: I’m currently obsessed with all the butter dishes; old fashioned glass ones, edgy modern ceramic ones and this stainless steel one that looks retro (but it’s not) is so cool.
A splatter serving dish. They’re always a delight. I would love to head down to Puglia (where the inspiration for these large splatter ceramics originated) and get something from Fasano Ceramics, but I won’t say no to this cute (and less expensive) one either. It’s from H&M home.
Pottery by Gabrielle Schaffner (and any other beautiful artisan ceramics). I have long been a fan of
’s and her gorgeous work. Her new drops usually go sold out immediately and she doesn’t have anything left in the stock, so you need to move fast. I would love something with pomegranates and artichokes.
Food
Homemade jams and curds, like the ones from Saba Jam. I’m a slave for pretty design and packaging and any beautiful jar will win my heart but there’s just match for good quality, artisan products. I usually make these gift jars myself and hopefully before it’s too late I’ll make the late Carla's chocolate and pear jam.
Fancy tinned fish. I admit I love good tinned fish more as an object than food. I have framed a Tricana wrapping and put it on my wall. I don’t have a collection but boy, do they make nice gifts, perfect for a hamper. Portuguese and Spanish ones are best.
Fleur del sel. See above regarding beautiful design. Unperishable and very practical and I think salt brings luck in some cultures, so year!
Tea blends. This is obvious considering the above, also very much Fortnum and Mason, which is not really my vibe. I used to blend my own tea for gifts: (always) Earl grey by Ahmad tea, rose petals, orange blossoms and cardamom. Put in a nice jar, with a lovely handwritten label and some natural ornaments tied with the label.
Dolce & Gabbana panettone. Do I own anything D&G? No. Would I ever wear anything by Dolce & Gabbana? Hell no. Would I go absolutely crazy over one of the many varieties of Dolce & Gabbana panettones? YES! Is it because of the beautiful tin? Of course! It’s only because of the gorgeous, pretty, absolutely stunning tin and the Sicilian inspired designs on it.
Accessories & Lifestyle
Vivaia shoes. Another triumph for Instagram ad campaigns. You’ve definitely seen the ads. I bought a pair of these, red closed toe sandals and they’re honestly good for wide (and huge) feet. They look elegant while not being torturous. I love these low wedges, not quite heels but not quite flats either. Fancy patterns are fun too.
A crazy, fancy headwear. I’m turning 40 this year and I want to throw a party where I put on something extravagant and glittery and goddamnit, I want a gorgeous, bejeweled headwear to go with it. They also look nice with my hair.
Anchovy ring from Ta-Daan. I have lost my heart to this ring, and it’s apparently handmade in Italy. And it’s an anchovy!
Naturally made scented candles. Too obvious? Perhaps. There are way more candles and incense that I hate than love, so when I love some, I’d like to stock them. I adored the candles from Cera Una Bolla (once upon a time there was a bubble/wax), naturally made of soy. I was addicted to their number 08, Ebanonero (warm wood notes). The beautiful couple behind the brand is currently on a year-long travel, but I do hope they come back to make us more beautiful candles.
Fancy matches like these. There’s something about them that gently whispers “well-being”, kindling a moment of peace, lighting the candles above. Plus point, make great collectables and they look very pretty.
Manicurist nail set. I am not a manicure person. The only thing I detest more than the electric nail file that drills away polish is the dentist’s drill. These see-through polishes look nice, subtle and are removed easily.
CBD + CBN oil for sleeping/relaxation. Are you fortunate enough to fall asleep soon and stay asleep all night? I am not. I really don’t like the idea of taking medication for sleep. When I’m reasonably (but not too) tired and not much stressed, I sleep fairly well, but not for long. Melatonin makes me way too groggy for many hours, but CBD oils for sleep and relaxation? They have been amazing. I like the ones containing CBN but with no Melatonin. The bliss of good sleep, there’s just no better gift.
A sleeping eye mask. I have been sleeping with an eye mask (and ear plugs) since I was 14. I can’t sleep without one. (see above) I need to find small scarves or a pair of panties to put on my eyes if I forget to pack one when travelling. A lovely, 100% cotton eye mask is a cherished and very well used gift.
A nice illustrated poster about food and conviviality, like this Vino amici e tarallala one that I’ve had my eyes on for a long time.
Books and Stationary
Martyr! A novel by Kaveh Akbar. Came upon this through the New York Times’ best books of the year and was immediately intrigued as I recognized the author’s name to be Iranian. “A newly sober, orphaned son of Iranian immigrants, guided by the voices of artists, poets, and kings, embarks on a remarkable search for a family secret that leads him to a terminally ill painter living out her final days in the Brooklyn Museum.” Sounds worth the read.
Eating and Being: A History of Ideas About Our Food and Ourselves by Steven Shapin. I found this fascinating sounding book through Nicola Perullo, the rector at the University of Gastronomic Sciences of Pollenzo (founded by Slow Food). “Throughout this rich history, Shapin evokes what it felt like to eat during another historical period and he invites us to reflect on what it means to feel about food as we now do.”
Cookbooks. No explanation needed why I would love cookbooks as presents, any time of the year. I am very lucky to get a few of them, and not always do I have to go through them. I’ve been eyeing
’s Table for Two for a while and I can’t wait until ’s Pakistan comes out in Spring.Anything from The School of Life. I’m an avid consumer of their youtube channel, I have learned a lot from them and I’m happy to support their philosophy of spreading therapy into the masses. They have beautiful books, journals and card games for friends and couples that make great gifts.
Moleskine notebooks, no agendas. This is an obvious one, isn’t it. I’m a stationery addict and I adore notebooks. The strict discipline I exercise upon myself doesn’t always hold. The only part that I’ve managed to stick to, is that I no longer buy planners. I don’t use them, time goes by, days run out and suddenly they look like my grandma’s late phone book; from 6 years ago and half empty. But don’t you love Moleskine notebooks? Give me the simple ones, in black, or red. The large ones (13x21cm) or the XL ones (19x25cm). I like the XL ones with a soft cover (I wrote all of the recipes of Pomegranates & Artichokes in one of these and I’m very attached to it). I might get an expanded version of the large version.
Anything Saypaper. Remember when I said above “no more planners”? Well, discard that. I want all the planners from Saypaper, especially the undated ones.
While you’re at it add nice pens from Saypepers (or anywhere else) as well, like this one.
Thank you for reading until the end. Good luck and remember to breath. It’ll be over in just over a week. Enjoy the festive season.
Saghar
What a classy classy gift guide!! Truly an honor for "Pakistan" to be included here.
ack that anchovy ring also has my heart!!