This year MOLD writers, artists and editors have come together once again to provide an extended list of the weird and wonderful for your gift-giving needs this holiday season. For those who eat with their hearts we’ve got Manoomin “wild rice” whose proceeds contribute to land recovery efforts on the White Earth Indian Reservation, as well as flavor-packed chocolate snacks from aesthetically complex pies that seek to capture the more fleeting sensations and emotions in life, like, for example, “recognizing your mother’s hands reflected in your own for the first time”. We’ve also got gifts for the food-curious that range from selections sourced from a IYKYK cookbook treasure trove in the East Village, to a conference on koji, to a nude dining experience. From our family to yours, we hope this list will provide you and your loved ones with a little extra nourishment in this season of celebration and reflection.
FOR NOURISHMENT
Rhea Gift Box – $68
My favorite small batch flavor bombs are from Rhea—I always add a dollop of their Liquid Sunshine to salad dressings and The Deep black garlic concentrate to stews and marinades. This season they’ve created a beautiful box set that includes their staples and a seasonal Spiced Quince Butter with a mother of pearl spoon. -LinYee Yuan
Manoomin Wild Rice – $14
Manoomin, also known as “wild rice” used to grow in ample abundance across the Midwest, but the plant’s yields have steadily declined for decades, as a result of lakeshore development, pollution, and climate change. You can help the cultivation of this sacred plant by supporting the Ojibwe tribal members who grow it. I like to order this wild rice from the White Earth Land Recovery Project, which facilitates land recovery of the White Earth Indian Reservation and restores traditional practices of land stewardship, language fluency, and heritage. -Ludwig Hurtado
This spice mix from Yardy World brings vibrant Caribbean flavors to the forefront of whatever meat, veggies, or fish you use it on. Honestly, it’s made me a bit of a lazy cook lately as I’ve defaulted to using just this and nothing else. -Ludwig Hurtado
Sey Coffee Subscription – $24+
A curated selection of freshly roasted coffees from Brooklyn roaster and cafe SEY delivered straight to your doorstep every four weeks. SEY is committed to an ethical and transparent supply chain with a highly selective output of coffee. -Adriana Gallo
Cicerchie from Gustiamo – $10.25
Cicerchia or Lathyrus sativus is an ancient legume that predates grain-based agriculture. It resembles and is cooked like a dried chickpea but with a slightly greener and more distinct flavor. Difficult to source, it’s a great choice for someone with a deep pantry, and even more fun in combination with any other of Gustiamo’s thoughtfully sourced products. -Adriana Gallo
Artist Sarah K. Williams’ project “Aesthetically Complex Pies” makes dynamic, sculptural “snack experiences” for events, and this snack pack gives a special taste of their work. Each of 25 fudgy pieces is unique in flavor and vibrantly colored. -Orla Keating-Beer
For the Kitchen
Exclusive editioned risograph prints of petit fours or ripening fruit printed by Lucky Risograph in Brooklyn. Affordable gift of original and experimental prints that supports artists and a small studio. -Adriana Gallo
A design synthesis of the classic moka pot shape by architect David Chipperfield for Alessi. A highly functional and understated design gift for a design enthusiast or coffee drinker. -Adriana Gallo
Multi-use, hand-made glass cake stand/cheese plate/fruit plate from artist Gayle Forman that seems to hover and glow table-top. Hybrid sculptural and utilitarian objects with a life all their own. The designs are inspired by the search for something Forman refers to as the “wiggle” – instances in which materials, objects, or people no longer have defined limitations and can fluctuate between hard and soft, rigid or flexible. – Adriana Gallo
Moya Birch Bark combines traditional Siberian birch bark crafts with modern design to make playful and modern design home objects. The bark is harvested from the top layer of birch trees once a year in the Siberian taiga, so the trees are not damaged. These tea boxes handcrafted from 100% natural birch bark are antibacterial, insulating, and keep dry goods fresh (plus they feature the unique texture of soft birch bark!). -Madeline Young
Sam Stewart Pepper Mill – $130
I’ve been a fan of Sam Stewart for a long time and I’m really excited to see his recently launched studio shop featuring this really beautiful, translucent resin pepper mill. It may sound basic but black pepper is my favorite spice. I have a few pepper mills and it’s fun to add more novel peppercorns: fermented white pepper (from Burlap and Barrel) or red and green peppercorns as well! – suea
These chicken slippers from Gohar World are kind of ridiculous and now that I’ve seen them, I simply can’t imagine eating wings without them. A whimsical gift for your most fashionable dinner party host. – Ludwig Hurtado
For The Home
Earlier this fall MOLD hosted a community potluck at Cactus Store’s LES location, where we cooked together by (some) candlelight courtesy of these gorgeous MMUNDO NYC candles. Sourced from Oaxaca, Mexico, each of these flowering beeswax candles was carefully crafted by hand by master candlemaker Doña Viviana Alávez at Casa Viviana in Teotitlán del Valle. I’m stocking up on a few different colorways of these and gifting them to friends for a unique way to bring some light and warmth in this holiday season.
-Isabel Ling
Montbell Lightweight Trail Chair 26 – $45
Give those popping knees a break with Montbell’s super compact, ultra lightweight chair. This foldable chair has become an essential for all my varied outdoor activities, from grilling by the campfire to loitering at the park. -Khoi B. Pham
Greta Thunberg Door Wedge – $25.39
Giving someone a wedgie really takes it to a whole other level here with Greta Thunberg. This is the perfect gift for the climate denier in your orbit, forcing them to literally crack the door when things get too hot with Greta’s help. -Helen Hollyman
Bonsai Starter Tree – $10.99
The Jonsteen Company grows these cute little trees from seed in their nursery on California’s Redwood Coast. Putting this teensy giant in your apartment and you’ll reap the benefits of cleaning the air around you. Plus, you can channel your inner Edward Scissorhands and trim it into your favorite shape. If you really want to get carried away, buy a couple of them and start your own bonsai forest to see if the trees exhibit a bit of crown shyness whenever a breeze flows through the room. -Helen Hollyman
Wish Cards – £5.99-£12.99
Ephemeral and poetic, each card has a single match to light a small candle to make a wish on. I love that an act as simple as blowing out a candle can be imbued with so much hope. Perfect to send to loved ones who are far away. -Lily Consuelo Saporta Tagiuri
We just launched our little bedding collection at DAE and I’m obsessed with our two blankets. I’ve been using both at home for years to be honest, and they are perfectly multifunctional and cozy. I use them to cover my white couch, on my bed, or as a cozy throw as i’m watching a movie. They’re made with 100% Korean cotton and the ivory colorway has two different sides to it. -suea
Of over 3,000 native bee species in the US, most live life solo, but all are threatened by habitat loss and chemical use. This concrete pot, which “uses up to 70% waste material from the Cornish China clay industry”, offers a safe nesting site for bees whose solitary lifestyle means they don’t have honey to protect, so they’re safe around pets and children. UK-based Green & Blue also makes a smaller pot, bricks, and even larger towers, so there’s a fit for every stoop and garden. -Giguel Maybach
For the Mind
1804 Books – $20-30
1804 Books is a community bookstore & space, and publishes accessible texts for political education, organizing, and movement building. From coloring books, posters, tote bags, to in-depth analysis of Palestine, 1804 Books is a one stop shop for holiday gifts for everyone! -Jamie Tyberg
Books from Bonnie Slotnick – A range of prices
The if-you-know-you-know cookbook and food book shop in New York owned and operated by Bonnie Slotnick since 1997. She takes email or phone orders (no online store and there likely never will be one) and sells gift cards. Send her a message or stop by the shop for an incredible recommendation or send a loved one a gift card for the next time they’re in the East Village. -Adriana Gallo
Kojicon 2024 – Tickets start at $60
Kojicon is a two-week interactive conference in which participants gather virtually with experts in the field centered thematically around the edible mold koji. Last year the conference delved into fermentation as an essential tool of food production throughout history. The next edition is scheduled for February of 2024 (keep an eye out for tickets and their annual t-shirt) and content from past editions is available for purchase for the real heads. -Adriana Gallo
Holiday Nostalgia Ride – Free
For every transportation buff or public infrastructure nerd, here’s a chance to experience a historic subway ride on a vintage 1930’s R1/9S train car. The train cars ran from 1932-1977 and have an Art Deco aesthetic featuring rattan seats, paddle ceiling fans, incandescent lights, roll signs, and period advertisements. The New York Transit Museum is doing their annual Holiday Nostalgia Ride every Saturday in December. -LinYee Yuan
Another Day in the Dome subscription – $88/year
“Another Day in the Dome,” is a transmission about circling back to truly move forward. Laurel Schwulst shares notes and thoughts from her personal archive every 8 days, circling back through dreams and musings. It’s always a soft pleasure to receive her newsletter and be reminded of the quiet reflections we should always return to. -Madeleine Young
Beijing Silvermine archive, started by French collector and artist Thomas Sauvin, is a goldmine of salvaged negatives that are sourced from a recycling plant on the edge of Beijing. “Until Death Do Us Part” highlights some of these found treasures, featuring imagery of a custom at Chinese weddings, where the bride lights a cigarette for every male in invited. This mini hardcover publication comes in a cigarette box. -Kristi Huynh
Bliss Journal – $50
BLISS is an international journal exploring the realms of art, culture, and consciousness. We present ideas for the creative community to find their own bliss and strive towards inner peace. It is an oasis of artistic liberation from the mental noise of consumer culture. A magazine to share space and cultural creative expression. Published by House of Gul. -Ali Godil
Catskills Weaving School – $350/ 2-Day Workshop
This October I took textiles artist Samantha Bittman’s Introduction to Weaving workshop in East Williamsburg. Across two days and twelve hours, Samantha walks you through how to set up a loom, how to distinguish warp from weft, and several different types of weaving techniques. A beautiful meditation in material, this is a great gift for those looking to learn something new and work with their hands. – Isabel Ling
For the Body
The Fude Experience – $150
I believe in the power of a meal as a revelatory experience. I recently had the pleasure of attending a Fude Experience in Los Angeles, from plant-based chef Charlie Ann Max. The challenge of baring it all—both literally and figuratively—turned out to be an incredibly healing experience. We started off with a breathwork session and followed by a luminous discussion about how to nourish our bodies, minds, and souls. All are welcome, but guests are vetted extensively to keep the space safe for all. -Ludwig Hurtado
I’m obsessed with all the things that are happening over at Mad Agriculture: They’re busy redesigning an optimistic, regenerative farming system by financing regenerative farmers, supporting them in marketplace solutions, and bringing larger collective awareness to regenerative practices through their journal. I’d really love for Santa to leave me an Anchovy Hat under the Christmas tree this year from their hat series, which celebrates and highlights the ecological beings that we have historically decimated in destructive farming practices, such as wild anchovies, which are are often ground up for fishmeal and transformed into animal feed, fertilizer, and other agriculture products. -Helen Hollyman
