Asian-Owned Holiday gift Guide 2025: Picks for Everyone on Your List
The best holiday gifting picks from Asian-owned brands and businesses.
The holiday season is upon us which means it’s time for our annual Asian-owned holiday gift guide! This year, we’ve rounded up the best gifts in beauty, fashion, food, lifestyle and more, all from Asian-owned and operated brands.
Happy gifting!
asian-owned BEAUTY AND WELLNESS gifts
Heirloom Beauty LED Light Therapy Face Mask, $300
This LED Light Therapy Face Mask from Canadian brand Heirloom Beauty harnesses the power of not one, not two but (wait for it) SEVEN different LED light colours with 162 precision LED lights for your best skin yet. Created by Heirloom Beauty’s founder, Hina Limbada, this FDA and Health Canada-approved silicone mask does everything from promote collagen production, encourage lymphatic drainage and soothe redness.
Tower28 GoGo Cooling Shimmer Eyeshadow Set, $100
These creamy, shimmery eyeshadow sticks are perfect for sensitive skin thanks to their cooling sensation on application. They offer a subtle, yet buildable wash of beautiful shimmer without the irritation you typically get from sparkly eye products.
Sahajan Radiance Ritual Set, $50
This Radiance Ritual Set from Sahajan features three of the brand’s bestselling essentials in mini, travel-friendly form: Radiance Face Serum, Radiance Eye Cream and Nourish Creme Riche. Each of the product formulations contain time-honoured Ayurvedic ingredients like Triphala, Gotu Kola, and Neem for radiant, healthier-looking skin.
VT Reedle Shot Universe Kit, $45.75
K-beauty lovers have likely heard of the viral “Reedle Shot” from VT Cosmetics, an at-home microneedling alternative that uses tiny, naturally-derived spicules to gently create micro-channels in the skin to help boost the absorption of other skincare ingredients and enhance cell turnover. This kit features 9 variants of the VT Reedle Shot in tiny sachets, making it perfect for at-home and on-the-go use.
Lanshin’s The Neck & Jaw Snatch Set, $229
Sandra Lanshin Chiu, L.Ac., is the go-to expert when it comes to everything TCM. She’s a pioneer in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine Dermatology and her innovations in facial Gua Sha and acupuncture facelifting have pushed the boundaries of modern TCM beauty. Basically, anything she’s curating, we’re buying and this Neck & Jaw Snatch Set is no exception. Plus, you’ll get training materials to help you truly bring Lanshin’s clinical method home.
Emboss Beauty Judy’s Lash Essentials, $50
If there are two makeup artists who have perfected makeup for Asian faces, they are Julia Vuong and Judy Lim. So when these two collaborate, you know the resulting product will be magic. Enter Judy’s Lash Essentials from Emboss Beauty: a set of three strip lashes that naturally accentuate eyes while being comfortable and wearable from day to night. With this set, you can create a natural everyday natural cat eye and wispy volume-doll eye look. And with ultra-thin and comfortable clear bands, these lashes can be worn and re-used up to 15 times!
Three Ships OffDuty™ Sea Algae + Bio-Peptide Smoothing Biodegradable Eye Masks, $35
These fully biodegradable eye masks from Three Ships will help visibly smooth and firm the undereye area to lock in moisture and refresh your skin. Perfect for the person in your life who could use some intentional “me-time.”
Happy Naturals Ube Lip With Hyaluronic Acid, $12
This all-natural ube-flavoured lip balm from Happy Naturals makes for the perfect stocking stuffer. Not only will it lock in hydration and nourish lips, but it tastes and smells delicious!
Abacaxi Tropic Of Sheena Eau De Parfum, $55+
From South Asian American-owned brand Abacaxi, this perfume is warm, spicy, sweet, floral and woody, the perfect complex scent for your fragrance-obsessed bestie.
asian-owned FASHION GIFTS
Songmont Mini Drippy Roof Bag, $471
Founded by former Google UX designer Fu Song, Chinese-born brand Somgmont has risen to prominence lately by blending eastern aesthetics, minimalist luxury and functionality in its handbags. This “Drippy Roof” bag draws inspiration from the traditional Chinese architectural roof and strikes the perfect balance between structure and softness.
Uniqlo HeatTech Extra Warm Cashmere Blend Scoop Neck T-Shirt, $34.90
The fashion girlies are loving these Uniqlo HeatTech cashmere blend shirts thanks for their ability to keep you warm during winter months, while still looking chic. With an array of colours to choose from, they make a great base layer or standalone tee.
Paris Jewellers 8” Mariner Bracelet in Sterling Silver, $299
This sterling silver bracelet is an effortless, everyday piece he’ll actually wear, thanks to its clean lines, solid weight and subtle shine that feels elevated without trying too hard. A timeless upgrade for any wrist!
Lunchbox D&D (Dimsum & Durian) Boxer Briefs + Socks Bundle, $35.88
For the guy who prefers Dimsum & Durian over Dungeons and Dragons (or maybe both, who knows!), this fun boxer briefs and socks bundle will bring a feeling of nostalgia and pride to his Asian heritage.
AMAMI Gold Filigree Jewelry Sampaguita Minimalist Pendant Necklace, $156
Inspired by the Sampaguita, Philippine’s national flower, this sterling silver dipped in 18-karat gold necklace captures the essence of Filipino grace. It’s handcrafted by a Nanay and Tatay artisan team in Benguet, Philippines using the rare pre-Hispanic art of gold filigree where Filipino plateros melt, hammer and weave precious metals into delicate kalado or lace-like patterns inspired by nature.
Asian American Girl Club Baseball Cap, $45
Started by actor Ally Maki, Asian American Girl Club has all of us proudly repping out Asianness. This LA Dodgers-inspired baseball cap is a cute way to show off your membership to the Asian American Girl Club.
asian-owned foodie gifts
Cabbages Ikura Recycling Bag, $28
Show off your love of sushi with this graphic (and useful) grocery bag from New York-based food creators Cabbages.
Kopi Thyme Bun Bo Hue Soup Base, $15
Have a Viet food fanatic in your life? Get them their BBH fill at home with this soup base. Just add broth, soy sauce and fish sauce and enjoy restaurant-quality bun bo hue faster than take-out.
Whisk Matcha Premium Organic Uji Matcha, $32
Make every morning special with this matcha from Kyoto. Vancouver-based Whisk Matcha sources all their products from family-owned tea farms in Japan for the highest quality.
Kasama Rum, $36
This small-batch rum is aged for seven years in the Philippines in American bourbon barrels, leaving behind a smooth and light flavour reminiscent of vanilla and pineapple.
Souperwell Immunity Booster Soup Kit, $16
Give the gift of wellness with this delicious and healthy Traditional Chinese Medicine-inspired soup kit from Souperwell that comes with everything you need to make an immunity-boosting soup.
Stephanie Chang Dim Sum Tea Towel, $25
Touch the heart of your friends and family with this adorable dim sum tea towel. Put it on display to show off your love of these little dishes.
Kessho Salted Plum 59% Dark Chocolate Bar– Single Origin, $12
From Austin, Kessho makes delicious chocolate bars with Asian flavours. This salted plum bar mixes 59% single-origin dark chocolate with a satisfying tangy flavour.
ASIAN-OWNED LIFESTYLE GIFTS
Artket Goods Great Fountain Fast Food Candle Combo Set, $55
Made in collaboration with Scarborough, Ont.’s iconic Great Fountain restaurant, this candle set from Artket Goods smells like a Hong Kong food court with iced lemon tea, veggie pork chop rice and a scratch-and-sniff rice boy sticker.
Shop ARL Black Denim Night Sky Retractable Pencil Case, $51
Organization queen Amanda Rach Lee’s pencil cases are next-level efficient: this top-loading one allows you to quickly get into your stationary to make any last minute changes to your bullet journals.
BoutiqueDeMai Hanging Boba Air Freshener, $9.45
Calling all passenger princesses! Thank your favourite chauffeur with a delicious smelling air freshener with scents reminiscent of your favourite boba—brown sugar, lychee, mango green tea, matcha green tea and Thai milk tea.
JW Pei Sushi Phone Case, $55
Get your friend with the highest screentime this gorgeous bedazzled phone case from Los Angeles-based brand JW Pei. The cute sushi design might be enough to get them to put their phone down for a little.
Bargis: A Hand-Embroidered Board Game, $158
Bargis is a two-player game that’s been loved in the Middle East for generations. This hand-embroidered version of the game from Palestinian brand Nol Collective is beautifully made in al-Khalil and includes wooden playing pieces and six cowrie shells from Nablus via Damascus in lieu of dice.
Chunks Bobby Pin Tin in Kitty, $20
For the cat-lovers in your life, this adorable tin of bobby pins also come with dangling kitties for an extra fun detail in an otherwise purely-for-function hair pin.
BOOKS BY ASIAN AUTHORS
Ocean Vuong’s “The Emperor of Gladness”
One night in Connecticut, 19-year-old Hai is about to jump from a bridge when he’s interrupted by Grazina, an elderly widow slipping into dementia. Their encounter leads Hai to become her caretaker, leading the pair to build a life-changing relationship that forces him to reexamine his past and family. Sweeping through cycles of memory and history, “The Emperor of Gladness” examines the forces — love, work, loneliness — that shape American life.
Arundhati Roy’s “Mother Mary Comes to Me”
In Arundhati Roy’s “Mother Mary Comes to Me,” the renowned author returns finally with a moving memoir that traces her complicated relationship with her late mother, who shaped her life and career. Roy’s lyricism meets devastating emotional clarity, creating a story that pulses with humanity and love.
RF Kuang’s “Katabasis”
R.F. Kuang’s “Katabasis” follows two magicians and doctoral candidates who have to adventure to hell to save their thesis advisor in order to get letters of recommendation. It’s just as funny as it sounds. But also transforming, as the story descends into a literal and psychological underworld built on exploitation, obsession and buried secrets. Kuang marries myth with modern ambition, delivering a razor-sharp, darkly funny takedown of intellectual power structures. Suffice to say, “Yellowface” this is not.
Banu Mushtaq’s “Heart Lamp”
Spanning thirty years of work, “Heart Lamp: Selected Stories” brings together twelve of Banu Mushtaq’s stories in Deepa Bhasthi’s graceful English translation. The collection centres the everyday experiences of Muslim women in southern India, weaving together themes of inequality, belief and cultural expectation with subtle wit and emotional resonance.
Souvankham Thammavongsa’s “Pick A Colour”
From Giller Prize and O. Henry Award–winning author Souvankham Thammavongsa comes a piercing novel about isolation, longing, work, and class. It follows a nail salon owner whose days are spent catering to affluent clients who never bother to learn who she really is.
Ann Y.K. Choi’s “All Things Under the Moon”
A vivid, transporting novel set in 1920s Korea about an unassuming village woman living under Japanese rule who reshapes her future, emerging as a powerful champion for women’s literacy and social transformation. Choi crafts an epic, with great tenderness and texture.
Katie Kitamura’s “Audition”
Katie Kitamura’s “Audition” follows a New York City-based actress in rehearsals for a play, who one day encounters a man claiming to be her son. The plot may sound relatively simple, but Audition is far more complex in the way it unravels how we perform our roles day in and day out, and who is able to see what is truly under the mask.
Megha Majumdar’s “A Guardian and a Thief”
In Megha Majumdar’s “A Guardian and a Thief,” set in Kolkata, a woman, her daughter and her elderly father are days away from relocating to Michigan. After procuring long-awaited visas, they pack their bags for the flight. But in the morning, they discover their treasured immigration documents have been stolen. What follows are two moving retellings: one of the family, and one of the thief, who is trying to support his own family through a series of crimes. Majumdar brings velocity and political acuity to a story as gripping as it is incisive.
Susan Choi’s “Flashlight”
“Flashlight” kicks off in 1978, when a Korean man seemingly washes out to sea whilst spending time at the beach with his daughter, who is later found cold, wet and having no memory of what happened. From there, Susan Choi sketches out the family’s history over four generations. Choi’s structural boldness transforms the novel into a thrilling inquiry into storytelling itself.
Katie Yee’s Maggie; Or, a Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar
In Katie Yee’s Maggie; Or, a Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar, a woman discovers she has cancer just after learning her husband is having an affair, her life spiralling into a chaotic, funny and heartfelt examination of grief and independence. Yee’s blend of wit, vulnerability and metafictional playfulness makes Maggie feel instantly familiar and even comforting.
ASIAN-OWNED GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK
Ten Thousand Villages: Modita Hand-Painted Watering Can, $30
Add a splash of colour to someone’s garden with this hand-painted watering can. Crafted from powder-coated iron and hand-decorated in bright hues, it’s both a functional tool and a decorative piece. It’s made by artisans affiliated with Noah's Ark International Exports, a fair-trade group based in Moradabad, India. Noah’s Ark helps provide education, medical care and economic support for artisan families.
Sasha Fair Trade: Red Kantha Stitched Stole, $34
This hand-crafted silk stole features a rich red base woven with multicoloured thread-work using the traditional Kantha embroidery technique. Kantha embroidery traces its roots back to rural communities in Bengal, where women would repurpose old saris and cloth into quilts, wraps and garments, using a simple running stitch to build something new and meaningful. The result isn’t just a piece of fabric, but a wearable tradition — each stitch carries history, resilience and care. Sasha Fair Trade works with disadvantaged women and marginalized artisans from rural and semi-urban pockets of North-East India, West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar and other states.
Earth Heir Collective: Angelfish Earrings, $162
Each pair of these delicate Angelfish Earrings is hand-stitched by refugee women in Malaysia using stainless steel bases with gold finishing. This design draws on motifs inspired by Middle Eastern art and architecture as a tribute to the heritage of refugees from Afghanistan, Palestine, Syria and Iran. The choice of “angelfish” is symbolic: angelfish are known for their loyalty and monogamy; the earrings represent devotion. Earth Heir collaborates directly with marginalized and displaced artisans offering healthy working conditions and a stable source of income.
TaiBaan: Horn Cord Necklace, $17
This horn-shaped pendant is crafted from recycled aluminum by villagers from Ban Na Pia in Xieng Khouang Province, Laos. The aluminum once formed part of unexploded ordnance leftover from U.S. aerial bombings during the Second Indochina War. Seeonchan, a villager from Ban Na Pia, shares, “It was very difficult after the war and we had to use any resources we could, even bombs. But maybe that’s starting to change. Maybe my children will be the last generation that have to work with the bombs.” By making art like this, these villagers are able to support their families. Their work is made available by TaiBaan Crafts, which works with village artisans to help them preserve traditional craft skills and build sustainable futures. As TaiBaan notes, “Where conflict ends, creativity begins – wear the legacy of Lao resilience.”
Didi Bahini: Thaili Drawstring Pouch, $7
This colourful, patterned drawstring bag is handmade in Nepal with 100 per cent cotton dyed using eco-friendly pigments. It’s a multipurpose pouch perfect for storing cosmetics, small essentials, or everyday treasures. It’s also a traditional Nepali pouch, made by women in Pokhara, Nepal where trekkers often make a pit stop after completing the Annapurna mountain trek. The pouch comes from Didi Bahini, whose name means “sisters” in Nepali; the organization’s belief is they are connected to the North American “sisters” who enjoy their work. Through fair-trade partnerships, Didi Bahini connects women artisans across Nepal with buyers around the world.
Shop Likha: Giraffe Planter, $92
Add a playful and meaningful touch to a home or office with this giraffe-shaped planter from Likha. Each planter is handcrafted from natural coco-coir — a sustainable, eco-friendly fibre. Beyond its whimsical design, this planter represents much more: Likha is a social enterprise in the Philippines that partners with artisan communities to transform traditional handmade crafts into modern eco-friendly home goods. Their mission is to empower Filipino families to overcome poverty. In fact, they reinvest a majority of profits to achieve this mission.
Social Gifting & Bishan Home: Stainless Steel Cutlery Set, $17
An eco-conscious gift that also uplifts differently-abled workers, this compact stainless steel cutlery set includes a spoon, fork, a pair of chopsticks, a carrying case and a drawstring pouch — all neatly sized for everyday lunches or on-the-go meals. What makes this set especially meaningful is that it’s packed by individuals at Bishan Home, a Singapore-based organization that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By partnering with Social Gifting, the company is able to provide weekly crafting sessions to keep them engaged, help improve their fine motor skills and allow them to age with dignity.
Ark Fair Trade Toque, $28
Keep a loved one warm this winter with this cozy knit beanie, available in a variety of colours, from Ark Fair Trade. Crafted from 100 per cent New Zealand wool and fleece-lined for softness and insulation, this toque features a ribbed knit with a fold-up cuff that provides extra warmth around the ears. Ark Fair Trade — founded by a Canadian — works with knitters in Nepal (over 70 per cent of whom are women) under fair-wage, ethical working conditions. The organization also founded the Ark Nepal Relief Fund, which provides financial aid to various community projects. It also sponsors children and programs at the Swostishree Gurukula school in Nepal. Finally, Ark Fair Trade is also committed to planting trees in Canada each year in partnership with the national greening program at Tree Canada.
Asian-Owned Pet Gifts
Shop Walto Doggy Dim Sum Blind Box Series (By Woof2 HK), from $18
Doggy dim sum blind boxes? Sign us up! This blind box collection sold by Shop Walto features 6 possible pulls (with 1 secret, of course), including BBQ Pork Bun, Shrimp Har Gow, Goji Siu Mai, Sticky Rice Roll, Custard Bun and Tofu Pudding!
Dandylion The Holiday Carry On | Complete Travel Set, $46
This set from Dandylion is the ultimate travel companion for jet-setting dogs. With a Mini Clean Paws, Mini Fresh Coat Spray, Mini Shampoo + Conditioner and cute tote bag, your fur baby will be clean and fresh wherever the holidays take you.
Munchiecat Catnip Nigiri & Maki Sushi Set in Bamboo-Print Bento Style Box, $60
If your cat covets your sushi, get them their own catnip-stuffed sushi toys to distract them while you finish your own (real) fish!
Indaba Riley Embroidered Dog Collar, $60
Handmade in India by the family-owned and women-run Indaba, this colourful dog collar is made with durable leather and an embroidered cotton design, with a range of sizes, keeping your pooch looking bougie.
Heads Up For Tails’ Jolly Jumper Sweater, $19
Because everyone deserves an “ugly” Christmas sweater – even your pets.
Colours by Emma Herringbone Bandana, $23
Your pup will look like a sophisticated gentleman/gentlewoman with this adorable bandana from Colours by Emma. The best part? It features snap buttons for easy wear.
EDITORS’ PICKS
The Lion Rock Press Noodle Bowl Ornament, $30
It is a well-known fact among my friends and family that I am a noodle girl through and through, so naturally I, along with my fellow noodle lovers, need this ornament for our trees. — Madelyn Chung
Chop Suey Club 'In the Mood for Love' 35mm Theater Reel Film Strip, $401
Is this a high-ticket item? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely yes. Chop Suey Club is selling three different strips of a projection reel from Wong Kar Wai 王家衛’s In the Mood for Love. The strips are cut from a salvaged old reel once used in theater, enclosed in a black floating case. My personal fave is this one featuring Maggie Kang. — M.C.
“My Best Friend Is Gluten-Free” by Jannell Lo, $37.50
As an Asian person with plenty of food sensitivities, this book from Jannell Lo is a saviour! Inspired by her gluten-free husband, Lo’s recipes offer gluten-free solutions to Asian classics (you’d be surprised how much gluten is in Asian staples!) as well as plant-based, dairy-free, vegetarian and pescatarian options. — M.C.
Chop Suey Club Jelly Purple Tile Chinese Mahjong Set, $351
One of my goals for 2026 is to properly learn mahjong and to play it regularly. This jelly purple set is incentive enough! — M.C.
Nette Gallica Rose Scented Candle, $107
I’m picky when it comes to rose-scented things, but this hand-poured coconut and soy wax candle offers a scent that’s not too overpowering thanks to the addition of lily of the valley and green leaves. Bonus: the handmade ceramic vessel is food-safe, microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe and can be used as a mug when the candle is done. — M.C.
Joeydolls Cultural Mini Doll, $35
Joeydolls, the makers of diverse plush dolls that celebrate Asian heritage, have now come out with mini versions of their best-selling, soft and huggable dolls. Perfect for the kiddos in your life (or your inner child!). — M.C.
Poppy Finch Contrast Pearl Strand Bracelet, $295
From Chinese Canadian jewelry maker Amanda He, Vancouver-based Poppy Finch specializes in beautiful yet playful and wearable everyday fine jewelry. This cute pearl bracelet is made by mixing different sizes of pearls for a more whimsical take on the classic pearl piece. — Rebecca Gao
“Make it Plant-Based! Filipino” by Ria Elciario-McKeown, $33
I love this cookbook by Toronto-based writer and recipe developer Ria Elciario-McKeown. I’m not vegan, but I loved how Elciario-McKeown’s recipes were easy-to-follow and fun to read. Bonus: support your local bookstore and buy it there! — R.G.
Nol Collective Daria Hand-Woven Bag, $268
From Palestinian brand Nol Collective, this pink and green woven tote bag is made from 100 per cent wool and is hand-woven by master weavers in Um Salem using bedouin, a form of weaving that’s passed down from mother to daughter. — R.G.
Motherland’s "Shukriya" Thank You Tote Bag, $28
Created by the children of Pakistani immigrant parents, the Motherland brand is like a curio factory for those in the diaspora hoping to keep their heritage alive, but with a wink. Naturally, since I bought this tote, I’ve been wearing it daily, proudly branded in a little goofy Urdu. — Sadaf Ahsan
Kotn X Nemat Incense Sticks, $20
For a sustainable and luxurious scent (that, for me, calls to mind the smell of my mom’s luggage freshly transported from “back home”), available in Egyptian musk (my particular favourite), sandalwood and jasmine. — S.A.
Olio Stories’ Mango Ear Cuff, $76
Never have I loved a jewellery brand more than the woman-run India-based Olio Stories. From their hand chains to their statement earrings to their lockets, I am agog. This particular ear cuff, available in small and large and for either ear, is on my wishlist. (Hint hint, admirers!!!) — S.A.