Philo's Gift Guide
A curated list of gifts + all my favorite local spots & small businesses to find the perfect piece.
Gifting is a treasure for me no matter the time of year. There are so many beautiful things out there and finding something that’s perfect for someone is my favorite game to play. Whether it’s a wedding anniversary, a new apartment or anything in between, there’s no better feeling than finding a gift that is hand-selected for someone you love.
Before I share my picks, a few disclaimers. Many of the most special things I have in my collection or have gifted to someone were found in local shops or vintage stores. Finding something that is one of one excites me the most and is the best for our planet. I also love supporting small businesses who are creating beautiful things. In my next guide, I’ll be sharing all my favorite spots to shop in NYC + online small businesses to shop local, so stay tuned for that!
I’ve put everything into ShopMy under “Philo’s 2025 Gift Guide” just to have everything in one place, but all of these picks are truly my own and many are not eligible for commission. Items in this guide range from $6 to $500+ so there’s something for everyone. Most items are currently on sale for BFCM! I’m also a huge fan of the sibling gift - getting one, more premium beautiful thing for parents or grandparents. This guide is broken into four sections:
Food & Beverage (including alcohol)
Homewares
The NA Shop
Other gifts (Fashion, beauty, etc.)
I hope you find something special for the ones you love! Enjoy!
Food & Beverage
Madre Mezcal - Ancestral ($100)
Mezcal has quickly become my favorite spirit in the last 3-4 years and no one does it better than Madre. Receiving a special bottle of something like their Ancestral would be a dream. It’s micro batched, hand crushed, and distilled directly in hand-molded clay pots set upon an open flame. Each bottle comes in a gift box.
Quincy Dirty Martini Box ($40-$70)
For the martini lover… aka everyone, the Dirty Martini Olives & Brine that made me actually love a martini. It’s the perfect ratio and comes in this adorable box. You can either get 2 or 4 jars - the 2-jar box leaves room for you to add other things to the gift. Might I recommend chic olive pics, or linen cocktail napkins!
Raazi Fine Tea Set ($95)
I first came across Raazi at one of the Libi Project’s Culinary Industry Nights, but have since produced events for the brand and become friends with the owner Arjun, who started Raazi by selling at the Fort Greene Farmer’s Market. It’s delicious and will make you never go back to grocery store tea. I drink a Peppermint tea every night before bed. This fine tea set is such a gorgeous and special gift for a tea lover, or someone who loves to create a ritual.
Primi’s Imports Greek Olive Oil + Goodies ($10-$35)
As many of you know, Philo is inspired by “Philoxenia” - the ancient Greek art of hospitality which I learned growing up in my big Greek family. Anytime I can support another Greek business I will, especially when the goods are this good. If it were me, I’d buy a bundle of olive oil, this unique and rich Thyme & Herb Honey, and these Sea Salt Flakes.
Faccia Brutto Aperitivo ($20-$35)
A delightful Aperitivo distilled right in Brooklyn. They infuse 17 fresh and dried organic botanicals for two weeks, including gentian, kola nut, hibiscus, fresh orange peel, and rhubarb root in non-GMO neutral grain spirit which makes for the smoothest, natural tasting Negroni, Spritz, etc.
Vermú Rosé Vermouth ($28)
Vermouth is one of my favorite drinks to sip on over ice or with soda. It’s my go-to pre-dinner drink and one of the many things I adore about Spanish culture. This one is special because it’s handmade in Baltimore where my husband grew up. We love supporting this local business and I’ve never seen (or tasted) anything like their Rosé Vermouth anywhere else!
Nice Cans Sardines in Tomatoes and Peppers ($18 for a 3-pack)
Tinned fish is a favorite gift of mine. I love to get all different brands, fishes and styles and even make a board together with the receiver of the gift. The fun designs make a simple thing feel more elevated. Nice Cans are delicious and one of current favorites.
Homewares
Buckle up!
Small Things NY Spiral Olive Dish ($65)
What else is there to say besides this is a perfect gift. Supporting a small business? Check. Unique? Check. Olives? Check. Don’t wait on this one, because they are all hand-made to order, the last day to order for holiday arrival is December 1st!
Sophie Lou Jacobson
Miss Lou Jacobson is getting her own mini section because if I could buy literally everything on the site…. I would. For time & length sake, I am choosing my top 3 right now!!
This and a set of lovely candles would make my day.
Trumpet Aperitif Glass Set ($135 for set of 4)
The perfect glass for a pre-dinner drink - delicate & lovely.
Spiral Coaster Set ($75 for set of 4 coasters)
These coasters are the perfect example of making something most people don’t think about into a beautiful design moment. Forget those old cork circles!
Big Night x Far West Striped Napkins ($16)
Red is having an (extended) moment, and stripes are my current obsession. These napkins do it all!
Sabre Pearly Bistrot Serving Set ($96 from Big Night)
An elevated serving set is the perfect gift because it’s something people will rarely spend the money on for themselves. Sabre doesn’t miss and comes in tons of colors.
Nicky Kehoe
Another mini moment for Nicky Kehoe, one of my favorite design shops. They have such a range of objects from bedding to kitchenwares to fine art. They are definitely on the pricier side, but are all one of kind and handmade in Los Angeles by a family owned & operated workshop.
Pewter Nesting Trays ($350-$650)
Just imagine bringing over a round of cocktails for a dinner party on these… or even storing little objects on a coffee table! J’adore.
A handmade Italian Heirloom for someone who appreciates history & craftsmanship.
Italian Pewter Footed Bowl ($290)
Yes, there’s a theme here. This bowl is gorgeous and so versatile.
Traitor Bowl ($28-$58)
Perfect for jewelry or soap or keys.
East Fork Glass Twist Napkin Rings ($30 for a set of 4)
East Fork is obviously most known for their hand crafted pottery, but I also love their other homewares. I have these napkin rings in both colors. Pair these with some nice napkins (see below!) and you have a darling set. I also highly recommend anything in their Amaro collection, like this serving bowl!
Flamingo Estate Climbing Tuscan Rosemary Candle (Priceless… JK currently on sale for $51!)
My friend who works at Chandelier (the creative agency started by Flamingo Estate’s Founder) brought me this candle and when I lit it, I cried. It made me think of my honeymoon in Southern France and the Basque region of Spain. It smells simply incredible, and I now burn it at every Philo event. I would pair this candle with the (very hearty) and luxurious Rosemary Green Leaf Parsley Soap Brick for a gift bundle.
Porta
One of the best to do it - Porta is a local homewares store in Brooklyn whose curation of goods looks like my Philo moodboard.
la gallina matta Flavia Napkin ($220 for set of 6)
Nice napkins are another thing people rarely buy for themselves. Porta can do no wrong, and I love these ones from them.
Jules Pepper Mill & Salt Shaker ($318 for the set)
I’m sorry but these are perfect. So cute and special, these salt & pepper shakers will instantly start a conversation at the table.
I’ve recommended these before. Pair with a tin of Caviar from Pearl Street Caviar in Red Hook and you’re good to go.
Lazy Jamie
Unique items of whimsy from a female designer. I love how you can engrave most of their items to make it an even more personalized gift!
Picky Bits Cheese Knife Set ($38-$46 with/without engraving)
Scribble Candle Holder ($77)
Mix & Match the tall & short.
Portland Apron Co. Pinafore Apron ($130)
I love the cross-back design and big roomy pockets. I use this apron every time I cook and is one of the things that creates ritual for me during cooking - putting my apron on, putting a rag in the pocket, it gets me in a meditative state.
Madre Sobremesa Medium Napkins ($92 for a set of 4)
Another Madre I love! Madre’s whole ethos resonates with me deeply, especially their Sobremesa collection - Sobremesa is a Spanish word that literally means “over the table.”
Culturally, it refers to the time spent lingering at the table after a meal, talking, relaxing, and enjoying each other’s company. It’s not about eating, but about connection — a leisurely pause when conversation flows and no one rushes off.
The NA Shop
In the last few years my husband Cam has reduced his alcohol consumption to almost nothing. Last year for his Christmas present, I decided to entirely “re-do” our bar with all the new NA favorites I had been discovering through trial and my CPG community through Philo. These are the ones that are tried and true.
JONI Verjus Rouge & Blanc ($80 for a mixed 12-pack)
I have so many good things to say about JONI; it’s made from upcycled ingredients that are natural and taste delicious, it’s caffeine-free so it’s perfect for a nighttime drink that won’t keep you up, and the founder Claire is such a delight. 10/10!
Society De La Rassi Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Rosé ($59)
I recently met the founder Wesley of Society De La Rassi and loved everything she’s doing with the brand (their branding is a DREAM). I will be having the sparking Rose on my Thanksgiving and Christmas tables this year!
De Soi Variety Pack ($60 for a mixed 12-pack)
Something Katy Perry is doing is working. My favorite is the Golden Hour Spritz, but you can’t go wrong!
OOSO Sparkling Tea ($35 for a mixed 8-pack)
OOSO is a great day-drinking option - it’s light and refreshing and reminds me a bit of a natural wine (vs. a cocktail).
Roots Divino Aperitif Rosso Red Vermouth ($27)
For when I still want a Vermouth, but NA version. Roots Divino’s Aperitif Rosso is a bitter, herbal non-alcoholic aperitif with Orange, rosemary, and Greek herbs on the palate. So good on it’s own over ice or with a splash of soda water.
Wilfred’s Bittersweet Non-Alcoholic Aperitif ($19)
My favorite NA Aperitivo that’s similar to an Aperol or a Campari. So light and refreshing and no chemical-y taste you can sometimes get with NAs.
Curious Elixirs ($108 for 24 cocktails)
A tried-and-true NA drink. They’ve given me a special code - PHILO20 for 20% off! My favorite flavors are:
Ghia Spritz Bundle ($80 for 16 mixed cans)
Ghia has truly nailed the canned spritz. The new Blood Orange Le Spritz is technically my fav, but I think a mix is good for a gift so your giftee can decide for themselves!
Other Gifts (Fashion, Beauty, Puzzles)
I do not claim to be a fashion or beauty expert so this section will be short and sweet!
Alpaca Wool Tie Balabonnet ($110)
An elevated beanie for the ages. I love this and already ordered it - I can’t wait for it to arrive! Hyer Goods also makes bags made from recycled luxury fabrics and they are stunning. Dana the owner is a delight - she recently had to leave her NYC storefront after a huge rent increase so go support her digital store!
Hulken Bag ($110 for the medium, $125 for the large)
I would be remiss to not include my ride-or-die bag for schlepping around the city daily. These bags are DURABLE AF and make my life so much easier. I also use them in my personal life for groceries, etc. I would recommend the medium for most every-day uses and the large for big projects like moving, etc.
Après-Ski Pieceworks Puzzle ($32-$40 for a 1000 piece puzzle)
Pieceworks makes beautiful puzzles with the best designs. You may not know this about me, but I’m a complete puzzle connoisseur. These pieces stand up to the job. Currently loving this Après-Ski one for the holidays!
Oak Essentials Skin Routine (On major sale for $161 vs. $289 right now!)
I love everything Oak Essentials does - but this skincare essentials bundle is the best bang for your buck. I listened to their COO speak on a panel and was blown away by their transparency, standards, and focus on clean, powerful ingredients. (Side note, this would be a pretty rude gift, but I also love their deodorant - I find it to be one of the only natural deodorants that actually works!)
Custom Notecard Set - Classic Border ($66 for 50 cards)
Custom notecards are one of my very favorite gifts to give all year round. Personalizing something that allows them to write handwritten notes? Win-win. I love Papier, but you can also use Canva or Vistaprint!
You made it!! Thank you for reading about all of my very favorite gifts. Have the best holiday season!
With warmth, Philo
Thank you so much for the shoutout!
Thanks for all the NA/zero alcohol recommendations!