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01. Gift Guide: HANDPICKED IDEAS BY US, FOR YOU. 02. gift Trends: THE INDUSTRY EXPERTS HAVE SPOKEN. 03. Recipe: A HOLIDAY TAKE ON CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES.
The Gift of Holiday Spirit One holiday tradition that never goes out of fashion? A wellstocked (and styled) bar. So this year, we’ve teamed up with BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® — the flavorful, versatile gin that elevates any cocktail — to curate the ultimate cocktail-lover’s gift guide. Use the QR code to shop this chic setup, then prepare to be toasted all season long for your gift-giving acumen.
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Editor’s Note Gift Trends
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Holiday Recipe
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Kitchen Bar
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Office
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Bed & Bath
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Living Room
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Hunker News Newsworthy gifts for the home, hand-picked by Hunker’s editors What makes the perfect gift? Is it that one thing they desperately want, or something they didn’t know they needed? Should it be deeply meaningful — or boldly frivolous? A keepsake they’ll own forever, or a singular moment in time that burns brightly yet briefly (looking at you, KISS farewell tour tickets)? These are serious questions. Getting it wrong — say, going with the USB-powered mini keyboard dustbuster over the nudist a capella sailing lessons — could prove disappointing for everyone involved. At least, that’s how it can feel. Right? We’ve all been there: lingering way too long in that one store, clutching something with utter certainty one moment, only to replace it in a fit of sheepish doubt the next. But here’s the truth: You’re going to get it right. How do I know? Because we don’t buy people presents so they can have more stuff. We buy them presents to say something. What they say can be anything from You mentioned you want to learn to cook to I, too, remember that otherwise disastrous Baja road trip as the experience that made us lifelong friends. It doesn’t really matter which, as long as you’re both in on the story. Because the real message is always the same: I see you. I hear you. I remember. And the real gift? That’s what you give each other all year round. So take a look, browse, and relax in the knowledge that you’re definitely gonna get it right. For all the above reasons. And, also, obviously, because we picked out all this great stuff for you. Love, Eve Epstein, Editor-in-Chief — Thank you to all of our partners for helping to bring the Hunker Newsstand to life. Bombay Sapphire / Brooklinen / Clevr Blends / ettitude / Fly By Jing / Food52 / Haus / IQAir / Le Creuset / Moonshot / nutribullet / Pukka / Rifle Paper Co.
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The Biggest Gift Trends By Katie Maguire
After last year’s bleak holiday season, we’re extremely ready to return to safe family gatherings, honoring tried-and-true traditions, and sharing gifts that aren’t focused on quarantine. In fact, gifting this year will emphasize maximalist hosting — we’re talking neon cutting boards, turquoise Dutch ovens, and treats delivered straight from our favorite waitlist-inducing restaurants. Of course, presents are most often given with a hope of self-care for the recipient, so items to help us unwind after it all remain on top. Here are our predictions for the biggest holiday gift trends of 2021.
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Entertaining Essentials Now that we can gather together indoors, dinner parties are back. In fact, the average party size is up 135% compared to the first half of 2021, according to party decor rental service Social Studies. That means hosting essentials like funky placemats, graphic tea towels, elegant cake stands, and more will be sought-after presents this year.
Edible Treats
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The holidays always have been and will be a time to gorge on delicious food — and gift it to others. If you’re looking to stock your loved one’s pantry with goodies, opt for Jasper Hill Farm’s Cheese Tasting Box, Pineapple Collaborative’s pink salt, or Fly By Jing’s trio of Sichuan sauces.
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2021
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happy h
toa Y R s O t T A
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Now, more than
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ever, people are shopping in-line with their values and making considered choices about the purchases that they make.”
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Now, more than ever, people are shopping in-line with their values, whether that’s sustainability, BIPOC-owned brands, or small business buys. According to Etsy’s Trend Expert, Dayna Isom Johnson, the site has “already seen a 17% increase in searches for eco-friendly gifts — people are increasingly shopping for the holidays with the environment
Mindful Purchases
in mind, all while supporting small businesses.”
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Calming Comforts Even though we’re (hopefully) through the worst of the pandemic, the trauma has lasting effects. Soothing gifts that target mental health, wellness, and overall relaxation are here to stay. Vitruvi, which sells ubersleek essential oil diffusers, has seen 100% growth in sales since March 2020 — sounds like we all could use a little extra tranquility.
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Holi day R eci pe
THE ULTIMATE Holiday Cookie By Kirsten Nunez
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with Cranberries and Walnuts YIELDS: 28 TO 32 COOKIES
INGREDIENTS: 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) 1 cup dark brown sugar ½ cup white sugar 2 large eggs, room temperature 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1 ½ cups chocolate chips 1 ¼ cup dried cranberries 1 ¼ cup chopped walnuts Sea salt, for topping (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
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In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Cook until brown, about 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently. The butter is ready once it smells slightly nutty and toasted. Tip: Use a light-colored skillet so you can see when it’s turning brown.
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Carefully remove the skillet from the heat and pour the melted butter into a large heat-safe mixing bowl. Let cool for 20 to 30 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
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Once the butter has cooled, add the brown and white sugars. Beat until creamy and combined.
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Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat until just combined, taking care to avoid overmixing.
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In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients (all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt).
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Add 1/3 of the dry ingredients to the butter-egg mixture, then beat until just combined. Again, be sure to avoid overmixing.
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Repeat with the rest of the dry ingredients, adding 1/3 at a time, beating the dough after each addition.
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Once the dough has formed, fold in the chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and walnuts. Feel free to add more or less of these ingredients, depending on your preference.
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Form the dough into balls, about 1 to 1 ½ inches wide. Place on the baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Press sea salt onto the top of each ball, if you’d like.
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Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy. Remember that every oven is different, so keep a close watch on the cookies as they bake. Let cool slightly before serving.
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Holi day R eci pe
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T he Gi ft Gui d e
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T F I G E
‘Tis the season for giving and receiving — and a lot of overthinking along the way. (Don’t worry, we’re here to help.) If last year was all about puzzles, sweatpants, and escaping reality, this year we’re reclaiming the holidays as we once knew them. We’re getting back to what’s familiar: making meals, sharing spaces, and opening up our homes
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By Ka tie e uir ag M
T GUI D
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to family and friends, showing off our DIYs, remodels, and that paint-by-numbers piece you got framed. So, what’s better than a gift that truly makes the home a better place? Before you spend too much time in the brainstorming phase of gift-giving, consider this your guide to stress-free shopping.
T he Gi ft Gui d e
T he Gi ft Gui d e: K i tchen
Kitchen
Whether your giftee’s style is a full spread and sit-down dinner, or they prefer a healthy serving of charcuterie while standing around the kitchen, the holidays are prime for entertaining both — and that means they’ll need the right tools. We rounded up our favorite food prep gadgets, serving dishes, party snacks, and more that will turn anyone into a pro, no matter the skill level. Arm them with these genius picks and help them master the art of holiday hosting.
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Crackers may seem like a charcuterie afterthought when brie and prosciutto are involved, but they are actually a crucial element — get them wrong and the whole bite is off. These crackers from Moonshot aren’t just delicious (and they are really, really delicious), but they are also the first climate-friendly snack around. This means they are carbon-neutral and organic, and each and every ingredient, from the heirloom wheat to the sunflower oil, is mindfully and sustainably farmed and sourced. So not only can you feel good about gifting them, but they’ll make a great conversation starter, too. Pair the Tomato Basil with tangy goat cheese or the Rosemary Garlic with a sharp cheddar and prepare to swoon.
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The French company has stood the test of time thanks to its wide array of long-lasting products, from honey pots and coffee mugs to “French” ovens. Most recently, the brand got into the pet category, launching treat jars and food bowls that any pet-lover would fawn over.
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When it comes to brands, few are as iconic as Le Creuset. From the quality to the aesthetic, there’s a reason the timeless cookware makes our gift guide year after year — it’s guaranteed to impress.
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When coming up with gift ideas, there’s always a delicate balance to strike. You want to be thoughtful and surprising, tapping into an interest or shared experience. You also want to be practical, giving something the person will actually use or enjoy on a regular basis. Most importantly, though, you just want to give something that they’ll actually like. And you can’t go wrong with a deliciously cozy hot beverage. If they’re a tea fan, Pukka Tea produces award-winning organic and ethically sourced herbal teas in pre-packaged gift sets for different interests, ranging from energizing blends to digestion aids. If they love lattes (or Meghan Markle), Clevr Blends has plant-powered SuperLatte blends, in flavors like Chai and Coffee, that are backed by Markle and Oprah — and now us, too. Throw in a frother for a perfect gift bundle.
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SHOP CLE VR B LE N DS
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“You can’t go wrong with a deliciously cozy hot beverage.”
T he Gi ft Gui d e: K i tchen
T he Gi ft Gui d e: K i tchen
Five Two by Food52 is also dedicated to sustainability and creating more reusable options within the kitchen. The silicone lids, pictured below, come in five different sizes and two color combos, and are perfect for reheating food, keeping dishes and drinks warm, or replacing plastic wrap for food storage. Similarly, the silicone straw sets, pictured right, are a game-changer for anyone who likes to BYO-straw wherever they go.
Food52 is a fan-favorite for good reason: It always delivers stellar product picks, recipes, and insight into home cooking. But with Five Two, the brand’s home line co-created by the Food52 experts using feedback straight from the readers, it has upgraded to cult-favorite status.
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After observing comments and gathering intel from readers, Food52 decided to use its unique vantage point to create a line of well-made products that solve common problems. Think adding oven mitts into the corners of aprons, built-in strainers into saucepans, and measurement markers on rolling pins to make baking a breeze. These gifts are perfect for anyone who loves to work smarter, not harder in the kitchen.
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T he Gi ft Gui d e: K i tchen
T he Gi ft Gui d e: K i tchen
When prepping for a dinner party, there’s nothing better than shortcuts that make something even better — that’s what we call a win-win, people. Fly By Jing is a line of flavorful Sichuan sauces and spices that instantly enhance home-cooked meals to five-star restaurant-level. Whether you need to impress some dinner guests or have a foodie friend who travels with their own hot sauce, a Fly By Jing flavor trio is here to save the day dish.
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“When prepping for a dinner party, there’s nothing better than shortcuts that make something even better.” You may be familiar with nutribullet’s original countertop blender, but did you know the brand has since expanded into a full line of time-saving, hassle-free kitchen gadgets that make meal prep and hosting a breeze? The latest launch, a pod and carafe-hybrid coffee maker, is a genius item to add to any kitchen thanks to its dual-brew capabilities. It easily switches between filter and pod brewing methods to help fulfill all coffee needs at any given moment (and just think of how much coffee they’ll owe you if you get them this).
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T he Gi ft Gui d e: bar
Bar
Cheers, salud, kanpai, prost — however you say it, clinked glasses are the universal greeting of the holiday season. Dust off the bar cart and grab a cocktail shaker. Celebrations are long overdue.
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If you’ve opened up Instagram in the last two years or so, you’ve likely seen Haus popping up as the unofficial liquor on any cool bar setup. The sleek, simple bottles look like hard liquor with a makeover — and the ingredients inside are no different. The all-natural apéritifs are crafted with real fruits and botanicals rather than artificial flavors. In other words, they are perfect for sipping throughout the evening on the rocks, in a spritz, or with simple mixers like soda and tonic. Simple but timeless, goblet-shaped glasses work well for everything from wine to cocktails and, therefore, make the perfect addition to a drink-lover’s collection. Throw in a classic cocktail
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shaker and jigger for an effortlessly thoughtful gift.
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T he Gi ft Gui d e: Offi ce
Office Working from home this past year was a practice in patience for everyone. To celebrate a job well done, or simply congratulate them for making it this far, gift them a desk accessory that will guarantee a smile.
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“The world outside is unpredictable and scary; there’s no need for our desks to be, too.” Rifle Paper Co.’s goal is to “fill the world with quality products that bring beauty to the everyday.” Its line of desk decor includes floral notebooks, inspirational calendars, pencils that delight, and more fun items to make WFH a little more beautiful. Because, let’s be real, the world outside is unpredictable and scary; there’s no need for our desks to be, too.
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T he Gi ft Gui d e: Bed & Bat h
Bed
Often, the best kinds of gifts are the ones that promote a little bit of selfcare for the recipient. Whether they recharge with a nightly bath or a great night of sleep, something that helps promote their mental health is always a good idea. Focus on luxurious sateen sheets, a silk eye mask, or deliciously scented candles for a zen they’ll appreciate more than you’ll ever know.
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Flamingo Estate is a line of bath, body, and
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home essentials with a mission to ignite your
& Bath
senses and inspire your palate with Earthminded luxury essentials. From dreamy hand soap to Roma heirloom tomato-scented candles, there’s something for everyone on your list. Plus, it’s hand-crafted in California and created with the notion of not only reducing harm to the Earth, but also benefiting it, too.
T he Gi ft Gui d e: Bed & Bat h
T he Gi ft Gui d e: Bed & Bat h
If sustainability and sleeping go hand in hand for you or a person on your list, ettitude is a no-brainer. Based in Australia, the brand uses 100% organic bamboo in all of its sheets, comforters, bathrobes, and more. The lovely Sage hue, pictured above, is the latest launch and a timeless shade that works all year long. The waffle bathrobe is an especially popular pick for us this year — the gorgeous green is neutral for all and a robe is always a good idea. Plus, the all-natural bamboo is inherently temperature-regulating, so it can help keep your body cooler or warmer no matter what the weather app reports.
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For a different, but equally luxurious, sleeping experience, look to Brooklinen’s line of silky sheets, eye masks, and scrunchies. The 100%-pure Mulberry silk is stunning and versatile — it’s naturally cool to the touch while staying breathable and cozy, it’s known to be especially great for the skin and hair, and it’s machine-washable. Gift it to the person who prioritizes quality beauty sleep (pun very much intended) above all else.
“(For) the person who prioritizes quality beauty sleep above all else.” T he Gi ft Gui d e: Bed & Bat h
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T he Gi ft Gui d e: Li vi ng Room
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When it comes to the focal point of the home, the living
We love the idea of gifts that serve helpful purposes and
room beats out the kitchen by a fraction. These days,
also enhance our space: A sleek air purifier from IQAir
it’s not just a place to binge-watch the latest streaming
that can give peace of mind as we enter cold and flu
sensation; it’s also where we take conference calls,
season; Laylo pet beds and Le Creuset treat containers
follow along with at-home yoga classes, try our hand
that we don’t need to hide away when guests come over;
at TikTok dances, and gather with friends and family. In
and Rifle Paper Co. floral accouterments that remind us
other words, we need it to be functional and comfortable.
that a new season is always on the horizon.
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SHOP IQAIR
Living Room
T he Gi ft Gui d e: Li vi ng Room
SHOP L AYLO
Inspiration for the space around you H U N K E R .C O M