I made a little gift guide of delightful things I’ve either treated myself to, given as gifts, or put on my wishlist this year. Most of them come from amazing women-owned small businesses, and I’ve included the Superstitchous throw blankets that people most often send as gifts. Happy gifting! ❤️ Samira
Pomegranate throw blanket from Superstitchous - Bold and ornate. Rich with cultural significance for people of Iranian, Armenian, Greek, and Jewish heritage. Symbolizes life, abundance, and fertility.
Mango Charm Stud Earrings from Surmeyi [Palo Alto, CA] - This is a beautiful brand steeped in storytelling, created by my friend, Manasvi. She designs things that empower people to feel at home in their own skin and evoke and embrace their unique sense of belonging. I just ordered the mango stud and can’t wait to wear them.
Ceramic Fig Dish - Yasmin Falahat [London, UK] - I’ve been admiring this London-based artist and ceramisist’s Fig and Pomegranate dishes, but they quickly sell out whenever she has a drop, but her work is too cute not to share.
Chaos Lattice Planter from Not Work Related [Brooklyn, NY] - Architect turned ceramicist Sarah Hussaini makes playful vessels, and I’ve been eyeing a couple of them. This is another person whose work gets sold out immediately.
Forest throw blanket from Superstitchous - Whimsical and fun. In parts of Europe, ladybugs, acorns, and mushrooms are considered symbols of good luck and protection.
Toast Cutting & Serving Board from Studio Inko [Mill Valley,CA] - Rose was introduced to woodworking at an early age by her father and makes playful pieces from locally sourced wood out of her backyard woodshop.
Magic Forest Ladybug from Centinelle [San Francisco, CA] - This is a fun scarf and accessories brand with hand-drawn designs inspired by the founder Christina's childhood in Mexico City. Several of their scarves and clips are on my wishlist.
Seasonal Jams from Saba Jams - [San Francisco, CA] - Saba Parsa is an award-winning Bay Area jam maker and fellow fruit obsessed Iranian-American immigrant. She makes jams from locally sourced fruit all year long and releases small batches each season. Her jams are divine.
Mini Mushroom Charm from Satomi Studio [Santa Cruz, CA] - I found this sweet little charm by Kristina Kada at a local shop among several other adorable options, like a strawberry, peach, and scissors.
Essential Apron from Hedley & Bennett [Los Angeles] - Ellen is an entrepreneurial inspiration. I devoured her audiobook “Dream First, Details Later” and have admired the incredibly successful brand she’s built from scratch. This apron has been on my wishlist for a while, but I’m waiting until I can find more time to cook.
Nazar Eye throw blanket from Superstitchous [Berkeley, CA] - Geometric stunner. Cultures around the world celebrate the Nazar Eye as a symbol for good luck and protection.
Ampersand Tee from Jessica Hische & Friends [Oakland, CA] - Jessica Hische is a lettering legend and overall awesome person. I took her lettering workshop almost a decade ago and have since watched her reinvent herself as a children’s book author and most recently an owner of 2 brick-and-mortar stores. I’d highly recommend a visit to her Oakland stores if you’re in the area.
Hot Cacao from Diaspora Co. [San Francisco, CA] - Sana Javeri Kadri is a force of nature. In her early 20’s she created an industry-changing spice company with consciously sourced and sustainably grown spices.
Persian confessions from Kandu Pastry [Washington D.C.] - This mother-daughter duo make the most delightful Persian pastries. I ordered some for the Persian New Year and they were incredible. Each pastry box is made to order and is as much a feast for the eyes as the mouth.