6 Brands to Add to Your Holiday Wishlist: EnVi Culture Team’s 2025 Gift Guide
The holidays are just around the corner, and if you find yourself scratching your head or scrambling to think of the best gift for your friends or loved ones, look no further than this gift guide! EnVi has compiled six brands deeply rooted in their rich cultural background, offering unique products like Palestinian-made soaps, Chinese board games, Mexican artisan jewelry, and Japanese stationery.
Sitti Soap
Known for their all natural olive oil soaps, Sitti Soap sources their olive oil from ancient olive tree groves in Jordan. This brand works directly with artisans in Jerash Camp, also known as Gaza Camp, a Palestinian refugee camp in Jordan.
Sitty Soap seeks to empower women refugees while creating education and employment opportunities. Sitti sells soaps, wooden kitchen goods, Kuffiyehs, and other accessories handmade from Jerash Camp refugees as well as other women/BIPOC-led sustainable brands. Customizable gift packages are also available for purchase, ranging from a wide selection of handmade products that preserve tradition and sustainability.
Bo & Mei
Founded by Mai Truong, Bo & Mei makes modern games, puzzles, and crafts that “bring culture to life through play.” Truong, who grew up feeling disconnected from her Vietnamese and Chinese heritage, was inspired to make a change for her young daughters. Bo & Mei’s mission is to make cultural learning accessible for everyone, so every child can feel proud and connected to their Asian identity. From Mahjong sets and Vietnamese board games to puzzles and decor making sets for the upcoming Lunar New Year, there’s something for everyone at Bo & Mei.
The Vietnamese Lucky Dice Game
Nena G ModaArtensal
What makes this business so special is that they focus on one-of-a-kind handmade artisan pieces from Mexico, specifically Oaxaca, Chiapas, Tepatitlán, and Tabasco. They aim to highlight Mexican talent and encourage teamwork and mutual support. Among the items they sell are clothes, purses, jewelry, home decor, accessories, and shoes. EnVi’s personal favorite product line is their jewelry, which is made from high-quality materials that emphasize cultural heritage. Each item is unique with striking designs and colorful elegance. They’re more than just accessories; they serve as stories with radiant craftsmanship, too.
Silver Bracelet
Hi Sunday
Hi Sunday is an AAPI and woman-founded shop that sells candles and home fragrances. The brand was founded by Christine Tsang, a content creator who began experimenting with coffees and teas during the pandemic, inspiring the “Home Cafe Series,” which will have your abode smelling like freshly brewed Ube Affogato or Matcha Pandan Latte. Perfect for the upcoming holidays, Hi Sunday has a themed collection of Christmas decor shaped candles in all your favorite winter seasonal scents.
Luce Beauty
CEO Sandra Lavie has a heartfelt story behind her business endeavor. She emigrated from Peru with her two kids, ages 5 and 10 at the time, to start a business at home. Her goal was to succeed without sacrificing too much time away from her kids, so she decided to create an e-commerce website. Lavie’s business provides beauty products such as self-care devices and wellness accessories. What we personally love about this brand is its commitment to sustainability. Since 2020, they have been donating proceeds to charities, with their ongoing partner being One Tree Planted since 2021. They’re also conscious of their packaging, emphasizing that they’re continuously finding new ways to make their products and packaging more environmentally friendly.
Brush + Roller
Niconeko Zakkaya
This cozy stationery store in NYC offers a curated selection of hand-crafted items by Japanese artists, from your classic stationery supplies to handcrafted ceramics to cute knick-knacks. “Zakkaya” comes from the Japanese word “zakka,” which means “encompassing all things that enhance your home, lifestyle, and appearance.” Whether you’re gifting for your writer friend, anyone who loves cat themed items, or a trinket for yourself, you can find it in Niconeko’s original location NYC’s East Village, their newest cafe in Brooklyn, or their online store.
Cat Figure (S)
Need more inspiration for the holidays or just something you want to cop for yourself? Check out EnVi’s gift guides here!
