This Needs Hot Sauce 2023 Gift Guide

Gifts for your nearest and dearest

Hi friends,

It’s time (sung in the key of Mariah Carey)!! Gift guide season has taken on new meaning this year working in PR. Seeing the behind the scenes of how holiday products and gift guides come together is fascinating—it starts even earlier than I imagined and so much hard work and planning goes into it. 2023 marks my fourth year writing this gift guide, full of products that I believe in, that you can use year round. This is your space to find gifts for your loved ones and for yourself for all sorts of occasions, traditional or not. A few reminders worth repeating: you should not go into debt to buy gifts, secondhand and homemade gifts are wonderful though hard to link, and a sincere note makes every gift better. Shopping does not fix everything, but it’s very satisfying to gift a well chosen token of your love.

How it works:

All of the products here are ones I have personally purchased, been gifted, or gifted to someone. I don’t recommend anything sight unseen. That is very important to me and will always be the case. Make sure to click “View Entire Message” to see the whole thing or open in your browser.

This Needs Hot Sauce is a reader-supported publication. To receive more recommendations all year and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Next week, I’m sharing an “All Stars” Gift Guide with paid subscribers featuring items from past gift guides that I repurchase and gift the most. I’m really excited about it.

None of these are affiliate links, I’ve disclosed if anyone is a client, and prices are accurate at the time of publication. Lots of these items will probably go on sale at some point. If you find the guide helpful, share it with a friend or on social media! It helps a lot. Happy gifting!

Now, let’s dive in.

Food Gifts:

Sfoglini Pasta x The Sporkful Collection Variety Park ($35.99): If you’re anything like me, you eat pasta several times a week. Usually, I use Wegman’s store brand pasta but the shapes from the Sporkful and Sfoglini are so fun, especially the cascatelli, which goes very well with vodka sauce. Pair with a bottle of red wine or cookbook of your choice. This is a great housewarming gift or a gift for someone who doesn’t like to have a lot of stuff—in my house, we never want to run out of pasta but you know it will get used.

L’Isolina Spaghetti Dust ($8): Spaghetti aglio e olio is always a hit and this spaghetti dust from L’Isolina makes it even easier to make. The cute canister contains dried pepperoncino, garlic, and parsley that you add to cooked pasta (they also make excellent pasta) with your favorite olive oil (I also add parm). You can also add it to olive oil for bread dipping. It makes for very easy dinner that you can easily jazz up, order a few to have on hand for gifts.

SOMOS Salsa Macha ($25): SOMOS is a client and their salsa macha, a Mexican chili crisp if you will, is so good. I’ve gifted it to several friends and it’s good on just about everything—eggs, roasted vegetables, avocado toast, pizza, rice and beans, random leftovers you’re eating for lunch, etc. It comes in two flavors and I like the one with seeds best. You can order it online or grab it at Whole Foods.

Onyx Coffee/local coffee (Starts at $18.50): I’ve brought coffee home from multiple trips this year, from Zeke’s in DC and Precipice in Maine, which is solar powered. It’s a great souvenir and of course, pairs well with a mug (keep reading for that rec). Locally roasted coffee makes for a great story and another gift that will get used! I really like Onyx coffee, which I first tried at a trade show—it’s so delicious and very carefully sourced (they pay higher than fair trade prices and roast everything to order), plus it comes in a beautiful box, no wrapping needed.

Wegmans Ginger Sparkling Water ($3.99): My love for this seltzer is loud and I’ve gotten so many DMs about it since I wrote about how I sip it in moments of anxiety or tummy troubles. The holidays can bring about a lot of both so send your pal a case of seltzer. Wegmans delivers via Instacart (tip your shoppers big) and this is the perfect pick me up for someone’s who’s going through it. Throw in another favorite snack or a bouquet of flowers and you’re going to make someone’s day (Leah did this for me after the story came out and it was the best gift).

Cooking Classes with Julia Turshen ($25-40) or at Home Cooking NY ($50-$100): You requested gifts for people who have everything and classes are really perfect for this (or anything consumable that’s a little nicer than something you would buy yourself: olive oil, chocolate, fancy granola, jam etc.) Cookbook author Julia Turshen teaches inclusive cooking classes most Sundays and offers gift cards—she offers modifications for different recipes and regularly does sliding scale and donation based classes. I have all of her cookbooks and also love her newsletter

Keep Calm & Cook On

. If you’re in New York, I was really impressed with Home Cooking when I went recently. They have a number of classes focused on cooking techniques or specific cuisines and they also offer virtual classes.

Travel Gifts:

Pill organizer ($8.95): My one Amazon rec on this guide is worth it. Hillary brought this pill organizer on a trip to the Jersey Shore and by the end of the weekend all of us had ordered them. It works as a jewelry organizer too and fits so much stuff in such a small case. I’ve also brought it to the office when I want to have advil handy. I have my travel routine pretty down and this has been a great addition (last year’s guide has more essentials). It comes in different colors and has held up for almost two years now.

The Maker Fragrance Library Discovery Set ($35) : Perfume feels like a fun thing to get into in my 30s and I’m apparently a perfume commitmentphobe. I stick to samples and love the idea of gifting a set. I first tried the Maker’s fragrances when I visited their hotel in Hudson last fall (highly recommend if you’re in the area). They have a cocktail menu where each drink pairs with a fragrance and it was such a fun way to discover them. Libertine and Wild are my two favorites and when you buy this set, you get a $35 credit towards a full size bottle.

Custom Tote ($48): I have a lot of very random tote bags, but a custom, high quality, tote bag that fits a ton of stuff is hard to come by. Abbode is a sweet store in Nolita that offers custom embroidery on lots of things, including totes and beanies, and they ship. Oset got me a custom tote that says This Needs Hot Sauce and I’ve used it a ton (and felt so seen when I got it). Orders take 2 weeks to customize so plan accordingly and they have a great font selection. You can also go the LL Bean route—we got my mom a bag that says “Schlep” and it is iconic.

Kitchen/Home:

Five Two The Little Wonder Bamboo Cutting Board ($30): I got this in a gift bag and it’s become a staple in my kitchen. It’s a great size for a kitchen with limited counter space and it has a slot for your phone if you’re reading a recipe on there. It’s also reversible so you can use it as a serving tray or cheese board without the phone slot showing. The bamboo is easy to clean as well.

Fredericks & Mae Small Multi Cutting Board ($40): This is the it housewarming gift! I’ve gifted this mini board to three friends (and counting) and it’s just so much fun. These boards are so festive and there’s a color for every aesthetic, they also have a handle for easy hanging . The brand also makes very cute cheese knives. Pro tip: these are often sold out, I’ve had good luck finding them at Big Night, a great source for gifts, and Ssense and the brand recently opened a store in Manhattan that looks really cute.

East Fork Pottery The Mug ($40): This mug is a rec from my mom who recently visited East Fork’s shop in Asheville. It retains heat really well, is dishwasher safe and microwave safe and it feels very good in your hand. It’s a great gift because many people wouldn’t spend this much on a mug for themselves. The co-founder is a great-grandson of Matisse (they currently have a special Matisse red) and the company treats employees well. Note that shipping charges are high so maybe get a few to gift.

Le Creuset Mini Round Cocotte (32): I got a tiny Le Creuset many years ago at an event (not going to lie, they said we would all get a Le Creuset pot in the invitation and I was hoping for a Dutch oven). This is technically a pot but I’ve never heated it—instead it’s become a vessel for my flakey salt. I keep it on the table, ready to sprinkle on just about anything. The hardest part will be choosing the color, there are so many good options, and it’s in that gift category of thing you wouldn’t necessarily buy yourself.

Levenger Five Year Journal ($55): Leah got me this for my birthday and I’m really enjoying filling it up. Each date has a page and you add a small entry every year—there’s not much space per day but you get to look at the years over years. I’m looking forward to seeing my notes from past years as I update it and the lack of space makes it manageable to write every day. This is perfect for a milestone birthday or Saturn return—when it doubt, write it out!

Now, for the candle section! I love candles and I also do an annual candle swap with friends. If you’re a regular candle user, a wick trimmer really takes things to the next level (mine is from Boy Smells). If you’re ordering a gift, throw one in to make it extra special.

Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Candle ($38 ): At last year’s candle exchange, Julia got me this candle, which I had seen

Grace Atwood

recommend for years (she always stocks up during the Sephora sale). It smells so good. Every time I have it burning, someone asks what it is. The label is very discrete, which is chic and mysterious, the smell is worth it and the price is right. It’s woodsy with vetiver, sandalwood, and amber wood and I’m definitely going to order another one before winter is over.

Ballston Candle Company in Evergreen ($16): For Julianne’s bachelorette party, we wanted favors that people would use (no single use t-shirts). Kathryn’s friend owns Ballston Candle Company and she created custom candles for our group. The candle has great throw—we did a woodsy scent similar to the one I linked. The biggest endorsement of this candle comes from the TSA agent at the Burlington airport who inspected my luggage (candles are allowed in carry ons but have to be inspected) and took extra time to compliment the scent and look at the brand. Contact Karylle for custom order if you’re planning something!

Terminal B Candles in LAX ($44): Dale brought this tabac and smoked leather candle home in the LAX scent, which is 100 times more pleasant than actually visiting LAX. It’s a double wick candle in an attractive black vessel and it’s run by a couple who used to travel a lot for work. I love a travel inspired scent and the packaging is really luxe.

Red Clay Candle in Southern Pine ($25): There’s usually something from Red Clay Hot Sauce on my gift guides and this candle is so good. It’s a seasonal item with limited stock, so get it soon. It really smells like you’re in a Hallmark movie where a big city girl will learn the meaning of true love, without being too sweet. It’s a great price point and has a good throw.

Personal Care:

Charlotte Tilbury Mini Filmstar Bronze & Glow Contour Duo ($29): I can’t keep track of all the makeup products I see on Tiktok but a lot of them involve contouring. That’s above my skill level, but I do love this powder blush/bronzer combo set—and I’ve applied it to a few friends on group trips. It’s pretty foolproof and lasts a long time, plus powder makeup is great for traveling with a carryon.

Mejuri Duet Mixed Huggie Hoops ($98): I love hoop earrings and my friends got me this very cute pair for my birthday. They’re mixed metal so you can wear them with anything and very comfy and lightweight. Hoop earrings are an instant mood lifter and I’ve thrown on earrings for countless Zoom calls. It really makes you feel more put together.

Rowan Ear Piercing and Jewelry (starts at $35): When I was eight years old, my grandma took me to Claire’s to get my ears pierced. It’s a core memory. I’ve gotten other piercings since then at all kinds of places, but the one I recommend is Rowan, where all piercings are done by nurses (they have locations around the country). They are super careful about placement, don’t rush you, and offer reasonably priced jewelry. They’re super calm with kids (as I saw on my visit) and it’s such a positive experience whether it’s your first piercing or your um, seventh.

Fancy Socks ($18-$24): In the words of Claire and Erica, fancy socks are regrettably worth it. I find myself adjusting my laundry schedule to have Alo socks ($24) clean and I always pick up a few pairs during their big sales. These socks are so comfortable and cute—they make even athleisure feel more put together. If you’re looking for a fancy winter sock, I gave Oset these Grandpa Blend Cashmere Socks ($18) for her birthday and have heard rave reviews (the website I ordered them is my hidden gem of gifting—it’s a small shop in Minnesota and they have a fantastic selection).

Giving:

A gift in someone’s name is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give—it’s also incredibly personal. My recommendation is to make it personal. Recent examples: my grandpa, who passed away last December, was a devoted literacy tutor at his local library, working with English learners. Donations to that program meant so much after he passed away. My family has volunteered with Immigrant Families Together, which does fantastic and necessary work. There are no shortage of organizations that need your support and Q4 is a crucial time for fundraising.

Reading Material/Culture:

Let’s Eat: 101 Recipes to Fill Your Heart & Home by Dan Pelosi ($30): You’ve likely heard me talk about Dan Pelosi’s vodka sauce so let me tell you about his first cookbook, which is a delight. It’s a really personal book with lots of family photos, cleaning tips from his mom and Italian American recipes that I can’t wait to make—I just made his fall salad for an office potluck and have my eye on the pasta primavera bake. Dan’s mom is gluten free and he also provides lots of vegetarian recipes and subs.

For the Culture: Phenomenal Black Women and Femmes in Food: Interviews, Inspiration, and Recipes by Klancy Miller ($40): Klancy put together an essential book about Black women and femmes in food—it’s full of interviews and recipes from luminaries like Jessica B. Harris and Toni Tipton-Martin as well as up and coming voices. The participants give tactical career advice for working in food (which is so expansive) and share memories. The layout is gorgeous, with illustrations of each person featured.

Young and Restless: The Girls Who Sparked America's Revolutions by Mattie Kahn ($29): I was very moved by this book, about the history of girls in protest movements, well known and not. It seems more relevant than ever and is a great book for teens and people of all ages. Mattie starts with girls working in factories in Lowell, Massachusetts and interrogates the role of girls and how they’re treated when they break the mold or (even more scandalously) grow up. It made me incredibly grateful for the autonomy I’ve had in my life.

Home Cooking: A Writer in the Kitchen: A Memoir and Cookbook by Laurie Colwin ($15.95) : Get this for the friend who’s already read Ruth Reichl and Nora Ephron. Laurie’s voice is so powerful and she writes about dinner parties, cooking in a tiny apartment in the East Village, making cooking mistakes, and more with humor and very wry observations (and strong opinions). She died very young and this book makes that loss more acute.

All This Could be Different by Sarah Thankam Matthews ($18): Natalie got me this book last year and it is a novel that really stuck me. It’s about a woman struggling after college, mutual aid, letting people see the messy version of yourself, being lonely in your twenties and lots more.

Tenderheart: A Cookbook about Vegetables and Unbreakable Family Bonds by Hetty Lui McKinnon ($40) : I gave Natalie a copy of this for her birthday and it’s high on my personal wish list (I’ve read it cover to cover and need to cook from it). It’s a hefty vegetarian cookbook divided by vegetable and it’s gorgeous—Hetty did the photography as well as the recipes (she also contributes to NYT Cooking and her recipes work). The book really celebrates vegetables and Hetty’s father, who was a grocer and died when she was a teenager. My parents have made a few of the recipes already and had rave reviews.

The Address Book: What Street Addresses Reveal about Identity, Race, Wealth, and Power by Deirdre Mask ($17.99): Hillary recommended this book to me and after reading it, my mom, grandma read it too—it’s something you’ll want to pass along and discuss. It’s about the history of addresses and how they were set up, often during moments of pandemic or crisis—we have epidemiologists to thank for many street names. One of the most interesting chapters is about changing offensive street names and she also addresses what it means to live without a formal address.

No Meat Required: The Cultural History and Culinary Future of Plant-Based Eating by Alicia Kennedy ($26.95): I’m a longtime reader of

Alicia Kennedy

‘s work and was thrilled to get her first book, which is about the history of meatless eating and it’s very exciting future. It covers many movements and trends and also examines the role meat has in American life and how that can evolve. I especially loved the chapters on alt milks and vegan cheeses.

Hello, Molly!: A Memoir by Molly Shannon ($19.99) : Celebrity memoirs are such a fun gift (I haven’t read Britney’s yet but it’s on my list). The book will make you laugh and cry and it’s got some hard won lessons about forgiveness. It’s also got great behind the scenes stories about SNL (Romantic Comedy is for you if you want SNL fiction), making it in Hollywood, and being an NYU student at the same time as Adam Sandler.

The culture that makes you say culture is for you (priceless): These days, we all love subscriptions and they make great gifts. Get your pop culture obsessed friend a subscription to

Hung Up

, get your podcast buddy a Patreon membership to Celebrity Book Club, get your group chat tickets to see Las Culturistas live. Niche obsessions make great gifts and it feels great to support the people who bring you joy every week.

Guest Recs:

I asked some of my friends with excellent taste to share their gift picks with all of us. They never disappoint. Makes sure to give these folks a follow and support their work, they’re all wonderful!

Abena Anim-Somuah, Host, Cherry Bombe's The Future of Food is You & Writer

Your Friend in Food

: The seasonal harvest box from Flamingo Estate is my go-to gift for friends who are celebrating big life events. Richard Christensen, founder of the lifestyle company, is a visionary and I appreciate how much care he puts into the products behind the brand. I use Flamingo Estate products throughout my home and it’s special getting messages from friends who get to use products throughout the year! If you have friends in LA, would also highly recommend getting the Regenerative CSA box.

Lissette Calveiro, Content Creator, Speaker and Founder of Influence With Impact: Good sleep is a luxury and the Somo Sleep Fitness Mask is product that I've personally used and truly has shaped my sleep for the better. It's completely adjustable to the individuals' needs and "cups" the eyes to create advanced light blocking. I also love that it has "acupressure" features to help relax someone into a better state of calm and sleep. If your loved one is looking to prioritize wellbeing, this is a great, thoughtful gift! Bonus: if they're a frequent traveler like me, I love keeping this in my personal item to use on flights for light blocking and a nap at 10,000 feet.

Cristina Suarez Krumsick, Founder of Isetta, mom of two: These Chefanie Black Floral Painted Tapers are so special and would make any dinner feel fancy and celebratory. My daughter actually loves lighting candlesticks for random weeknight dinners even if we're having take out or leftovers. Dinner lighting makes everything slow down and feel more memorable so I love the idea switching out candlesticks seasonally just like you would flowers.

Irina Groushevaia, Social Video Producer and Food & Culture Writer: This year I'm getting everyone with a dog a matching human and pup hoodie combo. Like are you kidding me? We all need a little joy this year and these adorable, stylish and cozy hoodies will brighten up your day and everyone else's at the dog park.

Chrissy Hennessey, writer of novels and the newsletter

So Relatable

, snacker extraordinaire: I dislike winter, but a few years ago I decided to stop fighting the inevitable and find ways to enjoy the coldest, darkest months. Enter: jigsaw puzzles. As it turns out, the best way to spend a frigid evening is with a cup of tea or glass of wine, your favorite album playing in the background, and 500 or so beautifully patterned pieces spread out before you. Who cares if it’s 17 degrees and pitch black at 5pm? You’ve got a puzzle to solve! My favorite is Sunny Side Up, a collaboration between Whiled (founded by Alisha Ramos of

Downtime by Alisha Ramos

) and artist Lan Truong, a bold and bright homage to the best meal of the day (breakfast, obviously) and beautiful to boot. Serve it up to someone you love and say goodbye to the winter blues.

Celisia Stanton, Host of Truer Crime Podcast + The Vanishing Point Podcast, Lead Photographer at Celisia Stanton Photography, Writer of

Sincerely, Celisia

: I'm always looking for the kind of gift that's a homerun on all fronts and for me, that means it has to be: affordable, without hassle, and *actually* useful. Allie's Banana Bread earns a perfect score in every category! All the loaves are $25 or less and they ship directly to the front door of whoever you're gifting. This is a gift I can promise won't be collecting dust in a hall closet! Make sure to follow her Instagram so you don't miss when orders open for the holidays

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If you made it this far, you’re a champ! Thank you for reading this year’s gift guide! Happy shopping and remember to share this with a friend and tell me what you’re buying on Instagram.

xo, Abigail