Gift Guide 2020: Give Where You Live & Love
Every year, we publish a gift guide. Let’s call it a tradition. And every year previous to this one, it’s felt pretty awesome to think about all the shiny — and extremely well designed — new things we planned to give or hoped to get. But this year is different. To say that 2020 has been tough is a wild understatement. The global pandemic. The fight for racial justice. The economic recession. The political unrest.
This is not a year for our traditional gift guide.
That’s why this year, we’re only suggesting gifts that support where we live (local, small businesses or individual makers) and where we love (the causes or charities that have a place in our hearts). From local bookshops to efficient cookware for busy parents to supporting our own colleagues’ side hustles — this year, we’re just looking to give better.
So, here we go. Here are the top gift suggestions from the Huge team around the world. Enjoy with our best wishes to you and yours this holiday season.
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Darien LaBeach
Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy
Brooklyn
Ethel’s Club Membership
“Ethel’s Club was created by Naj Austin as a physical social and safe space for people of color to engage, learn, and heal. After lockdown, they quickly pivoted into a virtual community providing workshops, therapy, and meditation to their incredible network. Membership is $17/mo and gives access to amazing networking opportunities, content, and programming for BIPOC around the world.”
Alyssa Townsend
Office Manager
Oakland
Foolish Fetish
“Foolish Fetish is a collection of rock n’ roll inspired accessories and laser-cut jewelry designed and handcrafted out of Oakland, CA. My earrings make a perfect holiday gift and with designs ranging from coffins and spiderwebs, to barbwire hoops, cowboy boots, and simple geometric shapes, there is something for everyone. What better way to showcase your 2020 mood, than with mini guillotines dangling off your ears?”
Matt Hexemer
Executive Creative Director
Toronto
Finex Cast Iron Double Burner Griddle
“We’ve been having more big meals for my family over the past year and stove top real estate is sparse. I’ll be gifting the Finex double griddle to a lucky family member. It’s an heirloom product that covers two stove burners with cnc’d cast iron. I also met Mike the founder once, he’s as awesome as the city of Portland where these beauties are made.”
TJ Fix
Events Director
Brooklyn
The Queer Fix
“Art has always been an inspirational outlet during challenging times, and provides a voice to underrepresented people and movements. This year, it’s so important to shop local and support local queer artists within your community. Aware of my responsibility as an artist, I created an ongoing Activist Icon Project featuring Marsha P. Johnson and James Baldwin. All proceeds from these pieces will be donated to The BTFA Collective (Black Trans Femmes in the Arts).”
Mick Champayne
Visual Design Lead
Chicago
2021 Shitting Dogs Calendar
“Everyone loves dogs! Here’s a scenic calendar with a twist. Local Chicago artist Ryan Duggan has given us the gift that keeps on giving all year round. AND it does double duty because we ALL need something to cross off the days in quarantine.”
Jacque Jordan
VP, Research
Brooklyn
Caritas of Austin, Home for the Holidays
“This holiday season is going to be especially difficult for many more people than last year. This year has thrown so much at us, and for those of us who are able, let’s consider giving back to those in need. Caritas of Austin spreads holiday cheer through gift packages filled with essential items. From welcome home baskets with household supplies to winter clothing to rent assistance, Caritas provides needy families with the bare necessities many of us take for granted. There are a lot of ways to get involved. The important thing is to get involved!”
Dan Hou
President, Huge South East
Washington, D.C.
Solo Stove
“Many of us will have limited options to escape our homes this winter because of COVID. What better way to get some fresh air during colder months than to sit around a firepit? I love the South Lake, Texas-based Solo Stove because it’s beautifully designed and burns super clean. Pro tip: Pick up the optional stand to avoid scorching your deck or balcony.”
Santiago Camargo
Sr. UX Designer
Bogota
Dicken’s Coat by Whitman
“Whitman is a local brand from Bogotá that sources responsible materials and brings them to life as beautiful clothes that can brighten any guy’s wardrobe. This particular coat is magnificent, not only because it looks sharp, but it also helps people from Bogotá withstand the treacherous weather we get all year round.”
Judith Hoogenbloom
Chief Strategy Officer
Brooklyn
Fisherman’s Daughter
“Fisherman’s Daughter is my local Chatham, MA, pick. The business was started in 2004 by Taylor Brown, a real fisherwoman who grew up on Cape Cod as the daughter of a Commercial Fisherman. She designs and makes great ocean-themed t-shirts, hoodies, masks and other casual wear for men, women, and kids that you won’t find anywhere else. Everything is handmade and eco-friendly. Five percent of profits are donated to local charities. Taylor and her company are committed to educating the public and helping sustain local fisheries while preserving the ocean with conscious design.”
Irina Lee
Group Creative Director
Brooklyn
A good book from The Strand
“A thoughtfully chosen book can be a perfect gift to provide a spark of creativity, much needed laugh, a meal to remember, reading with the kids or an escape into a different world. If you’re in NYC, check out The Strand Bookstore (Broadway/12th or Columbus/82nd), one of my favorite neighborhood gems. You can also order online to support this iconic 93-year-old institution from financial ruin.”
Apryl Gordy
Senior Quality Analyst
Detroit
The Aware Brand
“The Aware Brand is all about consciousness and awakening the greatness in you. It is a wearable reminder that a higher version of you exists and answering that calling is imperative. As their mission states, ‘Promoting self-awareness, self-love, and the power of manifesting your dreams!’”
Nurul Fadhilah Zulkiflee
Office Manager
Singapore
Epigram Book Shop
“Uncertainty is the new normal, and even though we can’t travel anywhere soon, I hope books can take someone on an adventure without moving their feet.”
Catalina Henao
Visual Designer
Bogota
Molecular blends, BOlab Blends
“If you’re looking for a different culinary experience, It’s now within your reach. BOlab Blends is a Colombian brand that combines local and world flavors to prepare extraordinary molecular blends, delicate pearls with a liquid center, and a soft exterior texture similar to caviar. This product will allow you to easily experiment recipes with haute cuisine techniques from the comfort of your home.”
Chang Baek
Associate Experience Director
Toronto
Little Pebbles
“All freshly baked-in-house delicious Japanese style desserts are perfectly designed to make you or your loved ones happy, whether it’s your friend’s birthday or just for an afternoon tea.”
Kris Louie
Design Lead, Brand Strategy
Brooklyn
BACKMATTER
“BACKMATTER is an independent project that seeks to reclaim meaning in Asian symbolism with apparel as a medium. Founded in 2017, BM’s pieces are designed, screen printed, and embroidered with love and a little extra spice for empowering the wearer. The perfect gift for you or anyone you know who wants to send a signal with style. All proceeds are donated to a Black or Indigenous non-profit organization of the purchaser’s choice.”
Michael Fortunato
Office Manager, Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Grizzly
“2020 has been a shit show of a year and most of us have taken solace in our homes and spaces. Lighting up a perfectly scented candle and kicking back and relaxing is as adventurous as it gets for some folks these days. But as we all know, not all candles are created equally. Neither are noses, for that matter. So why are you still burning the same uncreative candles every day? If 2020 has taught us anything it’s about adapting and trying something new. Cool and obscure, trendy and weird, Grizzly has an array of curated fun scents to fit every picky and strange craving you may have. We create fragrances that celebrate individuality and self-expression, all the while poking fun at the ridiculousness that is our quintessential American culture. Join the party. Get Grizzly.”
