I don’t like shopping or going on gift-finding missions. I prefer to make gifts—date toffees, delicate anise cookies, handcrafted chocolate bars—or get them when I stumble upon something I know the receiver would appreciate. And I like to give them whenever I find them. I don’t usually wait because it’s about momentum – and also, what if I get a heart attack?

However, since Christmas and Hanukkah are coming up soon—In case you didn’t know, only in America do Jews give presents; where I come from, we only do candles, sufganiyot (donuts), and chocolate coins. Well, I wouldn’t say no to a present, but let’s not turn it into a resentful chore. Though I have to admit that nowadays finding and buying gifts is pretty easy.

I’ve curated a selection of thoughtful gifts for different budgets that keep on giving long after the holidays.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Of course I will start with the kitchen tools. While writing this kitchen tools list I’m singing to myself Mariah Carey’s song “Can’t Live, If Living Is Without You…”

Japanese Chef’s Knife
I own two chef’s knives I love: I bought my Shun knife fifteen years ago and still love it. At some point, I chipped the blade but mailed it to Knife Aid, and it came back like new. The second knife was a gift from Nakano Knives. Buy whichever you can afford, but get one – it makes chopping easier and neat.

Hand Blender
It’s so much easier to stick it directly into soups for pureeing rather than transferring hot liquid to a big blender. Plus, it’s much easier to wash. Make sure to buy one with a metal stick, not plastic. I wouldn’t use a plastic stick in hot soups – plastic and heat don’t seem like a healthy combination.

Food Processor
Another tool that works overtime in our house. I use it to make hummus, to grate carrots for my favorite carrot salad and zucchini for frittatas. I also use it to make pie dough.

Salad Spinner
I abuse my salad spinner. Besides using it to soak and dry leafy greens and herbs , I use it to spin-dry peppers for harissa and adobo sauce, and fish for fish cakes.

Dutch Oven
I have different kinds of Dutch ovens: Le Creuset, Vermicular, and a small one by Kana Goods. They all do the same job, so if you can and want to splurge, be my guest. But if you want an affordable one-pot wonder that will make your sourdough breads crusty and cook your stews perfectly, this heavy-bottomed pot will do it for you.

Jewelry with meaning

Obviously I had to include Lovelee Or, Lihi’s artisanal jewelry, handcrafted in Los Angeles. Not only because they are unique and beautiful, but because I love their mysticism and symbolism.

I’m especially excited about our collaboration – Down to Earth, a delicate collection of symbolic plant designs, a delicate collection of symbolic plant designs—garlic symbolizes protection and healing, artichoke represents letting go and compassion, cabbage leaves symbolize personal growth, spiritual unfolding, and change, lotus root represents renewal and rebirth, and star anise serves as nature’s guiding light).

Gorgeous ceramics

Kroon Creation. Not all ceramics are created equal. Kim’s one-of-a-kind pieces are unusual and quirky, each a unique work of ceramic art.

Feel Ceramics I am obsessed with Sharon’s delicate, simple and earthy ceramics!

Books I Love

Shabbat by Adeena Sussman
More than just a cookbook—it’s a soulful journey into Jewish traditions and modern Israeli cuisine. The traditional recipes and Adeena’s stories would make you want to convert to Judaism.

25 Salad Ballads
My cookbook! A carefully-chosen collection of my favorite salads, the unique ones that my family loves and that make every mundane meal feel like a feast. Available now as an ebook on Amazon and Apple Books. Paper version coming soon.

The Postcard by Anne Berest
I finished this book in five days. Do I need to say more?

Freedom Trom the Known by J. Krishnamurti. If I owned a hotel, I would put this art-of-living bible in all the rooms. I keep this book on my nightstand, and it’s the only book I’ve carried with me through every move across countries.

Nexus or any other book by Yuval Noah Harari. Yuval is a brilliant historian but also a masterful storyteller.

For the Mystic Soul

The Untamed Elemental: A 52-Card Oracle Deck and Guidebook
Tasya, who crafted this beautiful deck, is a well-known artist. I met her here in Los Angeles and fell in love with her cards immediately. When I’m not sure about something or can’t hear my intuition, I open the deck and choose. The cards always have the answer. I swear to the Universe!

For the Lifelong Learner

Subscription to Where Should I begin Podcast with Esther Perel or one of her workshops
Insightful conversations about relationships, identity, and modern life.

Subscription to Daily Creative Podcast with Todd Henry or one of his books
Daily doses of inspiration and practical strategies for creative professionals.

Subscription to the Making Sense podcast with Sam Harris or one of his books. It wasn’t always the case, but now I love listening to Sam’s voice. It’s soothing. But that’s not the only reason I listen to his podcast religiously. I do it because he literally makes sense of complicated situations. He and his guests are fascinating, and I always learn something new.