Nearing the end of 2022 means only one thing: it’s time for Cold Tea Collective’s annual AAPI Holiday Gift Guide for supporting Asian American businesses!
Whether you’re looking at something for your best friend, some new parents, or your mom who claims she never wants anything (but secretly does), we’ve got you covered. Below are eight Asian American holiday gifts that are sure to delight.
The Qi
Meet The Qi—perfect for the mother who claims she never wants a gift, but will probably disown you if she doesn’t receive anything.
Founded by Lisa Li, The Qi aims to provide you with your daily dose of zen, beauty, and nourishment, all while maintaining a fully organic and sustainable supply chain.
Highlighted by their broad selection of floral teas, they also offer ornate hand-crafted pieces like the Bloom Glass Teapot, lending to a tea ritual unlike any other.
Read more: Forgotten fashionistas: Rediscovering my grandmother’s identity through fashion
Omsom
Staying along the theme of gifting to parents, next up is something for Dad. He’s probably never given any indication as to what he wants, but that’s okay.
Coming to the rescue is a returner from last year’s gift guide: Omsom. With their variety packs and flavors spanning across all of Asia, they’re really a no-brainer. To top things off, they’ve even recently rolled out a Limited Edition Salt-Pepper-MSG Shaker Set, and we all know dads love MSG.
Read more: Dear Kiki: How can I show gratitude and appreciation to my parents?
Xiao Chi Jie
This next gift is ideal for those new parents who can’t seem to find the time to whip up a solid, home cooked meal. Or maybe even not for new parents, we won’t judge.
Based in Seattle, Washington, Xiao Chi Jie specializes in frozen, homemade xiao long bao. With a cooking time of just under fifteen minutes, these dumplings are not only easy but also very quick to make.
Everything on their site sounds delicious, right? You can’t go wrong with the Soup Dumpling Experience though, which comes with three signature sauces and a bamboo steamer!
Sundae School x CASETiFY
Maybe you’ve heard of Sundae School; maybe you haven’t. But the recent grad in your life probably has.
Born in Seoul and currently based in Los Angeles, California, Sundae School blurs the lines between activist group and streetwear collective. Perhaps the best company aspect is their giveback program, where 1% of each transaction is donated to a non-profit of the customer’s choice.
Like many brands in the streetwear and sneaker space, it can be hard to keep up with their weekly drops. Luckily, they offer a year-round RE/CASETiFY collection, which features stylish cases made of recycled materials.
Art Prints by Felicia Liang
Don’t be that person who buys their best friend something off of the best sellers list on Amazon. Instead, support local Asian American artists!
Felicia Liang is an incredibly talented artist based in the Bay Area of California. Whether her works are of cultural cuisine, or depictions of different Chinatowns across the U.S., her ability to illustrate the beauty and weirdness intertwined in everyday life is remarkable.
A personal favorite of ours has got to be the Mahjong Flower Arrangement.
Read more: Asian-led initiatives supporting the Vancouver community during COVID-19
Kinn
There are very few jewelry companies whose quality can match that of Kinn’s. If you’re looking to grab something special for your significant other, this might be the place for you.
Explained by Founder Jennie Yoon, Kinn was born out of unfortunate circumstances. Following her parents being robbed, Yoon sought to replace the antique jewelry they had lost. Now, everything from their rings, to bracelets, to necklaces are meant to forever stand the test of time.
There are many beautiful pieces available on the site, but this gender-neutral rope chain certainly caught our eye.
Roy Choi Masterclass
Growing up with a sibling means you always have someone all up in your business. Perhaps even as an adult. Well, what better way to get them out of your hair than with a cooking class? A four-and-a-half hour cooking class led by Roy Choi no less.
A culinary multi-hyphenate, Choi Masterclass walks viewers through his own journey in revolutionizing the food truck scene, while also providing valuable insight into how to infuse your own culture into everything you cook.
Read more: Celebrating BIPOC culinary communities with Roy Choi
Permission to Come Home
Last but not least, let’s remember to get a gift for the most important person here: you! These past couple of years have been a tumultuous time to say the least, so please remember to practice self-care.
Permission to Come Home by Dr. Jenny T. Wang is a resource that frankly all members of the Asian American Diaspora should have. It is less of a book, and more of an empowering experience in reclaiming what mental health means to our community.
No matter where you’re celebrating from this year, we hope that our AAPI Holiday Gift Guide for supporting Asian American businesses helps spark some inspiration.
From the Cold Tea Collective family to yours, Happy Holidays!
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