Running the risk my loved ones might find out, I’m sharing with you what I’ll be getting them for the holidays. I’m ready to take my chances. These gifts that I’ve gathered so far have definitely put me in the holiday spirit. My hope is that these five on the list will inspire and get you in the holiday spirit too.

 

ASTIG VEGAN HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

 

1. PERSONALIZED GIFTS

 

In high hopes that my mom is not reading this (she checks only Facebook and emails I think!), I am disclosing what I’ll be giving her for Christmas. My mom is a very talented cook. She was well-trained in one of the best places you can learn to cook Filipino food, in her kitchen feeding her family. I’ve learned the tricks of the trade and was given my foundation in Filipino cuisine through her.

Despite all the countless delicious food she has made in her kitchen -from the Philippines to the US, I don’t think she has ever had a top-quality cutting board. She would usually settle for plastic or bamboo. The most ideal cutting board should be made from maple, walnut, and other soft wood because they won’t dull the knife. I did remember once my mom was admiring my MAC cutting board. So for the holidays, I’m getting my mom the best quality cutting board for her cooking. Not only that, I’m putting her name and initials on it.

I got mine done straight from a dedicated craftsman, Bart at MAC cutting board. I’ve had the privilege to meet Bart and tour his workstation when I interviewed him for the best ways to care for cutting boards. I could see his deep passion and enthusiasm for his craft. Witnessing Bart talk about cutting boards is like seeing a kid talk about his favorite Christmas gift. If only everyone was  in love with their work that way, the world would be a big happy place.

All MAC cutting boards are made from unused, upcycled materials – very economical and environmentally friendly. With beautiful woodwork and a great craftsman behind it, I couldn’t wait to see my mom’s reaction when she opens her gift.

 

 

2. HOMEMADE BAKED GOODS 

 

I don’t really know what the rest of my extended family would like for the holidays. And I bet even if I do, racking up their wish list could get expensive. One practical way to give them something they will appreciate without breaking the bank is to bake them bibingka and buko pies.

There’s something special about handmade and homemade that shows you took the time and you thought of person receiving it. My philosophy is that cash could be considered insincere because the recipient will never know whether it’s just a convenient way to skip finding and making a gift for him or her.

Handmade however, is the most sincere and thoughtful present -as long as the handmade gift is actually relevant to the recipient. For example, don’t give homemade dog treats to someone who doesn’t have dogs!

I’m giving one pie per family so that also solves the problem of having to buy a gift per member in their family (I have big clan). Baking them vegan baked goods also introduces them to vegan food and how varied and diverse it could be. Plus, who doesn’t love pies and baked goods? I plan to make a whole bunch, store them in the freezer, and bake them the day of the party.

 

3. ARTISANAL FOOD PRODUCTS 

 

For my friends (I know some of you are reading this, please skip this part!), I’d love to give them a package of delightful artisanal products they could cook with and experiment in the kitchen. I got my eye on the Eighth Wonder Heirloom Rice Sampler (from the Banaue rice terraces), Munkijo Coconut Nectar (which I think tastes better than maple syrup), and raw pili nuts from Divine Organics.

If you want products already curated yet everything has to be vegan and of good quality, you could try Vegan Cuts.  They’re having a big sale this weekend -up to 81% off! Unlike other monthly box subscriptions, Vegan Cuts has a marketplace option where you could make one-time purchases. I’m specifically eyeing the “Vegan Chocolate Box“.

I had the pleasure of trying these products in the past and I would love for my friends to try them as well.

 

4. NATURAL SKINCARE

For my sisters (and if you’re one of them and reading this, spoiler alert!), I’ll be getting them my favorite vegan body skin care, Ellovi body butter and lip balm. I’ve tried many kinds of vegan lip balms and I thought they were all the same. It wasn’t until I’ve tried Ellovi lip balm that I fell in love with a lip balm! I gave one to my sister a long time ago and I remember her raving about it -duly noted!

I love Ellovi body butters too. The texture is rich and creamy, which is great here in dry and chilly California.

Ellovi have sent me samples of their products but I will still take advantage of their big sale this weekend. Buy one get one free! Offer is good only this weekend until Monday. I suggest taking advantage of this huge sale as well.

 

 

If your loved ones are handbag fanatics (like some of mine), you could take advantage of the gorgeous vegan hand bags on sale this weekend at Gunas. The Black Friday sale is up to 85% off. Usually a well-made, high-quality handbag is pricey for good reason. I am thrilled that this weekend, the big sale will help ease my budget. I’m specifically eyeing the “Sweetheart”, so cute!

Vegan Black Friday deals:

Astig Vegan Tee– preorder at $17 (regular $20)
Ellovi Skincare – Buy one get one free
Vegan Cuts – up to 81% off discounted prices
Gunas Handbags – up to 85% off discounted prices
Devita Skincare and Makeup– 30% off entire order
Nyl Skincare – 25% off entire order and free shipping with coupon code: THANKS25
Beauty Without Cruelty Beauty and Personal Care – 15% off everything with coupon code: bwcbunny
LVX Nail polish – 25% off entire order with coupon code: BLACKFRIDAY
Aromi Cosmetics – 20% off entire order, use coupon code: small
Mychelle (99% vegan, few options have yogurt and honey) – Buy one get one free