Yes, Another Gift Guide

But it's mine! And it supports many people and companies I love and admire.

We’re deep into gifting season, and yes: you’ve been saturated with guides to what to buy for the (insert every metric) in your life. I’ve pushed through my personal fatigue about these guides to create one of my own, realizing that what they are more than anything else is a reflection of the person writing them. It takes a certain amount of hubris to recommend that other people spend money on things you love, but I’m diving in.

Many of the items here are things you’ve seen on my Instagram and asked about. Others reflect my love and support for the embattled country I’ve called home for the past decade. And some are just darned fun. So if you’re looking to get the foodie in your life something they will truly love and use, here are a few of my absolute musts.

BUDGET FRIENDLY BUT CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

This microplane is truly top of line and doesn’t break the bank. I use it everyday for grating parm, zesting lemons, and adding a dash of fresh cardamom to my recipes.

In a weak moment of Tiktok influenced shopping I bought this lemon squeezer for a video where I was reviewing different ways ectract juice from a lemons. I wanted to see if it was worth the hype, and it is now my most-used handheld citrus juicer (see the Zaksenberg juicer below for next-level juicing.)

You’ll never catch me without one of these net bags in the shuk, ideal for stashing produce and other goods. They expand to hold an almost obscene amount of shopping, and they’re great for the farmers’ market devotee, or tote bag collector in your life.

FOR THE COFFEE LOVER

As many of you likely know, I make my own almond milk, and my go to nut milk bag for the process is this one. It’s also fabulous for making large batches of cold brew!

A great gift is always to elevate something they might already have by getting them the “luxury” version. For a coffee lover, a great thing to gift is a beautiful Moka Pot or French press.

FOR THE APPETITE

If you’re looking for a gift for the baker in your life, I would recommend getting them a selection of the following to up their baking game: Top notch vanilla bean paste from Neilsen-Massey, delicious date syrup from the Date Lady, and the best non-dairy, top-quality chocolate chips from California Gourmet. Pair the ingredients with this USA Ware half sheet pan I get asked about all the time to make it a complete gift set.

I was honored to curate a gift box with Kaiten featuring products from Adama La Adam, a nonprofit helping reduce food waste and support Israeli farmers. The package includes jelly, relish, hot sauce, and a bottle of top-quality Israeli olive oil from Rish Lakish.

In my opinion Tahini is always the answer to any culinary question. Both Soom and Seed and Mill are readily available in the US and perfect for gifting.

Nooish Matzo Ball Soup is a fun new instant matzo ball soup that was developed by my friend Sarah Nathan. It’s kosher, dairy-free, and a fun gift for your favorite college student (easy to make in their dorm room!) or anyone in need of instant Jewish Penicillin.

SPLURGES THAT LAST A LIFETIME

There is no better juicer for citrus than the Zaksenberg. Made on Kibbutz Holit in Northern Israel, this investment piece makes quick and gorgeous work of squeezing every last drop of juice from oranges, lemons, limes and, yes, pomegranates! Great colors to choose from, and worldwide shipping.

On a recent trip to Copenhagen I purchased these wooden Jesper Salt and Pepper mills. In addition to sleek Scandinavian design, they grind like a dream and look gorgeous on my counter.

Every kitchen needs at least one Staub Dutch oven. These enamel-coated cast-iron pots are heavy for a reason; they conduct heat efficiently, making your cooking more efficient. Perfect for boiling water, cooking stews, baking briskets. They come in so many gorgeous colors, too!

Zahava Heirlooms is an LA-based boutique jewelry brand with subtle nods to founder Jessica Hendricks Yee’s Jewish heritage and love of Israel. Her olive branch or pomegranate vine pendants are beautiful, timeless pieces any recipient will love forever.

The sleekest way to make soda at home is the Aarke Soda Maker. I have had one for a few years now and it not only looks great on my counter but is also perfect for whipping up a Gazoz at any moment.

SUPPORT ISRAELI ARTISTS

Ya’ara Ceramics, made in Southern Israel, are gorgeous, minimalist, cream-colored, and stand up to daily use.

My dear friend Shaily Lipa’s Kitchen Spray is perfect for the host/ess in your life, or for your friend that loves perfume and candles. They’re the first scents designated for the kitchen, but can be diffused into any room in the home. Scents: Lemon Pie and Cinnamon Roll, with more to come.

Tel Aviv-based Nurit Kariv, my beloved cookbook stylist, is considered one of Israel’s top tastemakers. In the past few years, in addition to working on photo shoots for books and fashion/lifestyle campaigns, she has begun collaborating with Israeli artisans to produce Nu, an ever-evolving and eclectic assemblage of the most gorgeous (and, yes, pricy, but timeless and oh-so-chic) homewares, from tablecloths and vases to ceramics and handbags. Check out her collection via Instagram. Though she does not have a Website yet (coming!), you can message her directly on Instagram to order. Worldwide shipping.

We all have a friend with a sourdough starter they treat like a family member—not to mention the one who pickles anything and everything they can get into a jar. Gazoz, the book I wrote with Benny Briga from Cafe Levinsky 41 in Tel Aviv, is a great gift for said people. It contains everything they need to know to craft gorgeous glasses of fizzy, fruit-filled, gut-friendly, mildly probiotic drinks. Once you make them at home, you’ll be hooked - and save yourself a pretty penny.

Makers of Israel connects Israeli makers with international customers who want to support unique Israeli craftsmanship and small businesses during these challenging times. There are gorgeous candles, ceramics, food items, and virtual cooking classes to choose from.

DONATE TO GREAT CAUSES

If you are looking for somewhere to donate this season, my husband, Jay works for the Society for the Preservation of Nature in Israel. Since 1953 they’ve been at the forefront of nature protection in Israel, ensuring the care of endangered species; creating and maintaining Israel’s trail maps and field schools; leading Israel’s vibrant birding sites; and protecting Israel’s oceans and forests. Since October 7th they’ve provided programming for hundreds of thousands of young people in Israel, taking them on outings that use nature as as a springboard for processing and healing the catastrophic events of that day. Your end-of-year gift will help ensure that Israel stays beautiful and green forever—and net you one of their famous nature calendars.

This year, the Hostage Family Forum has created special candle holders to raise awareness for the 100 hostages still being held in Gaza. The set includes eight yellow candles, symbolizing hope for every night of Chanukah.