Stained-glass Parol by Sacha Carlos-Raps
This one is for my Filipinx diaspora wishing they could be home for Christmas. This is the biggest holiday in the Philippines and Parols are everywhere. Decorations go up at the beginning of September and go down in January. We really love our Christmas (Thanks, Spain!)! In case you’re wondering - no, Sacha and I are not related but we wish we were. Also a big shout out to her sis Soleil Carlos of Mamasun Ceramics! Be sure to check out her beautiful ceramics.

Devil’s Promenade by Lara Shipley & Antone Dolezal
A beautiful and compelling photo book of Lara & Antone’s look into rural life in the Ozarks and the legendary floating light orbs that can be seen from the devil’s promenade. One of the most treasured books in my library.

P.S. Lara and I have an Instagram-based vintage home goods and decor shop Search Party! We’ve got some good stuff so take a look!

Reparations Club
Speaking of books, I just discovered Reparations Club — a Black and woman-owned bookstore in Los Angeles, carrying a curated selection of books & more by POC & LGBTQ+, including Crying in HMart and the new Filipinx cookbook, two of my favorite books from this year. Literally just found them this morning and can’t wait to take a deeper dive!

Grist by Abra Berens
All about beans and grains. Beautifully shot by Emily Berger. I will be cooking from this all winter long!

Mushroom People
A Magazine by Broccoli for your fave
mycophile— me ;-)

Comercio Popular
This shop is a combo of clothing, objects, pop up bar and flower shop in Chicago’s La Villita neighborhood, highlighting work by artists and designers from Mexico and diaspora. It was one of the most inspired and lovely spaces I have visited this year and perhaps in a long time. Unfortunately, they don’t have an online shop but if you find yourself in Chicago, please give them a visit and definitely give them a follow online.

Tusk
A long-time favorite shop of mine in Chicago’s Logan Square/Humboldt Park area carrying clothing and objects from small designers & artists to brands like Issey Miyake. They also carry my favorite sandals in the world. I get asked about them and complimented almost every time I wear them. I have always loved Tusk’s creative, thoughtful, esoteric vibe. It feels like the entire shop is owner Mary Eleanor’s personal art installation and you know what, it is. I always feel energized whenever I visit.

Christin Ripley
All the sewn marbled textile home goods, apparel, and accessories in such pleasing palettes.

Today Clothing
A menswear shop in Ann Arbor that is quite honestly pretty unisex. Love the range and quality of the pieces they carry, some of which are rare and only appear in their shop. A must-visit whenever I’m in the area.

Yunhai
Another one for my homesick diaspora. I just want to fill my pantry with all of their small batch Taiwanese snacks, oils and condiments!
My tried and true faves: Su Chili Crisp, Sze Daddy Chili Oil, Yu Ding Shing soy paste with glutinous rice, Empress Is Hot Pineapple Miso Hot Sauce, Black Sesame Paste, Nyonya hot sauce.
On my wishlist: Knives made from salvaged artillery shells!

BFGF
I want everything BFGF but especially this chair!

Le Puzz
friend and art school classmate Michael Hunter & photographer Alistair Matthews created the coolest puzzle company ever. Released just a couple of months ago, they are already blowing the puzzle and design world the f up. This is probably the most giftable thing on this damn list! Look at the freaking branding! I die!

Other Curated Gifty Shops I Really Like
Dear Golden
Berte
Lolo
Aporta
Slow Down Studio
Jinen

& not a gift list item but if you’re looking
for a nice, wholesome comedy, a balm in this crazy season/year/life, give Joe Pera Talks With You a try.