The Korean Vegan’s 2025 VEGAN Holiday Gift GUIDE.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links for products I use and love. If you make a purchase after clicking one of those links, I may earn a small affiliate commission, perhaps enough to buy some extra gochujang or gochugaru 🙂
Wow! How is 2025 nearing its conclusion already?!?! It feels like it just got started! Regardless, we can’t say goodbye to 2025 without bringing to you another vegan holiday gift guide. Shopping for holiday gifts can be challenging, no matter what, but particularly so if you or anyone on your holiday shopping list is vegan. So, this guide is designed to help you cut through the indecision by providing you with 12 categories of goodies that have been used, read, worn, eaten or otherwise enjoyed by me, or highly recommended to me by close friends.
Some of these will look familiar, as my preferences for certain things don’t change (I will never not recommend the same running shorts!). But there are plenty of new items to mine through here, so take your time, bookmark, and come back often!
But, heads up–some of these items are selling out as we speak, and may require significant lead time for shipping. So, shop with confidence, yes, but also with speed! Finally, we did our best with prices, but with Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other holiday sales, prices are subject to change. We will do our best to keep things up to date.
Happy Holidays!
-Joanne
Holiday Gift Guide!
2025 was an exciting year for me because I finally published my second cookbook, The Korean Vegan Homemade. And yes, I think it is worthy of the #1 spot on all holiday shopping guides! But, I’ll include a few of my other favorites from 2025 too. These are my most treasured cookbooks from the year and they’ll make BEAUTIFUL gifts for all your friends, vegans and non-vegans alike!
What is it?
NY Times Best-Selling, James Beard Award-winning cookbook, The Korean Vegan.
For whom?
Anyone who loves cooking vegan or Korean food!
Price?
$30.
What is it?
Vegana Italiana by Tara Punzone.
For whom?
Anyone who loves really delicious vegan Italian food!
Price?
$32.
What is it?
plant to plate by Gaz Oakley.
For whom?
Anyone who wants to fall in love with growing, cooking, and eating your own food.
Price?
$18.
You guys know, I love love love baking. In fact, it was my love of baking that started my food journey (even before I went vegan!). I thus have both a collection of staples and even some fancier baking tools that any baker–noobie or veteran–will really love!
What is it?
Set of large mixing bowls with lids (just bought these for Omma)!
For whom?
Anyone who can’t seem to have enough cooking bowls in their life (me)!
Price?
$45.
What is it?
Set of small bowls (I need 10,000 of these).
For whom?
Perfect for spices, salt, pepper, and fruit!
Price?
$20.
What is it?
Beautiful measuring cups and spoons (my husband bought these for me and I love them).
For whom?
For the baker who wants a little luxe in their kitchen.
Price?
$35 to $80.
What is it?
Glass liquid measuring cups (I love the clean sight of these).
For whom?
For the baker who’s been measuring liquid with measuring cups for solids!
Price?
$26.
What is it?
An electronic baking scale (I can’t live without this thing).
For whom?
For avid bakers, particularly those who enjoy making bread and pastries.
Price?
$11.
What is it?
A wonderful, high-powered stand mixer (made my perfect brioche using this baby).
For whom?
For serious bakers who are sick of their stand mixer crapping out on them.
Price?
$799.
What is it?
A proofing box for breads and pizza (I use this all the time!).
For whom?
For the bakers who are obsessed with their breads and pizza dough.
Price?
$249.
As a cookbook writer, I have a lot of cookware at home. These are just some of my favorite things, at the moment!
What is it?
My favorite apron from White Bark Workwear (someone buy this for me?).
For whom?
For cooks who want to look good while they cook good.
Price?
$124.
What is it?
My favorite stainless steel skillet by All-Clad.
For whom?
For cooks who are aiming to level up their skills in the kitchen.
Price?
$120.
What is it?
HexClad’s Roasting Pan (for the BEST roasted potatoes of your life).
For whom?
For those who do a lot of sheet pan cooking.
Price?
$159.
What is it?
OXO Vegetable Julienne Prep Peeler.
For whom?
For someone who doesn’t have time to perfectly julienne their veggies with a knife (me).
Price?
$12.
What is it?
Chef’s Press.
For whom?
For someone who likes fancy chef tools.
Price?
$22.
In addition to the items above, my kitchen is stocked with Korean cookware. These are items that you often see in a Korean drama or even in my own videos. These are perfect to pair with a copy of The Korean Vegan Homemade!
What is it?
A ddukbaeggi or earthenware pot for Korean soups and stews.
For whom?
For anyone who likes to cook lots of Korean food.
Price?
$34.
What is it?
My mom’s favorite kimchi container (she just bought me one and I love it).
For whom?
For anyone who likes to make kimchi and wants to perfect their fermentation game with less mess!
Price?
$28.
What is it?
Fancy rice bowls with lids.
For whom?
Anyone who likes to serve rice at their dinner parties!
Price?
$29.
What is it?
Beautiful traditional Korean style utensils (I can’t get enough of these).
For whom?
Anyone serving Korean food–to guests or to themselves!
Price?
$27.
What is it?
A fast-boil ramen pot (my Dad’s been using one for decades).
For whom?
Anyone who loves watching K-dramas. Trust me.
Price?
$18.
This past year, I have really dialed into my productivity, both as both a business owner and as a cookbook author. Here are some of the things that have helped to facilitate that. Remember, productivity doesn’t need to look boring!
What is it?
I crack this baby open every single morning, write down my task list for the day, and enjoy crossing every single one off.
For whom?
Anyone who enjoys the satisfaction of a completed task list, but with elegance.
Price?
$13
What is it?
Recipe Journal (I love having handwritten recipes!).
For whom?
Anyone who likes to develop or document recipes.
Price?
$39.
What is it?
Desktop calendar for appointments (I use this almost daily).
For whom?
Anyone who likes to see their entire month at one glance.
Price?
$36.
What is it?
Mini trash bin for desktops (I want one for every desk in my house).
For whom?
Anyone who likes to keep a tidy and elegant workspace.
Price?
$20.
What is it?
A beautiful ball point pen (this makes me want to write more).
For whom?
Anyone who still likes to take notes the old-fashioned way.
Price?
$18.
What is it?
Pretty post-it notes.
For whom?
Anyone who writes notes to themselves or others.
Price?
$23.
I launched my own vegan Korean beauty brand this year, so of course our two signature products, the best K-Beauty vegan and cruelty-free PETA approved shampoo and cream, are at the top of the list! But, I’m an avid beauty accessory user, so I’ve included some of my favorite non Korean Vegan Beauty products as well.
What is it?
Korean Vegan Beauty
For whom?
Anyone who loves K-beauty, especially PETA approved, 100% vegan and cruelty-free K-beauty!
Price?
$32 to $65.
What is it?
Eco-Friendly Spa Headband
For whom?
Anyone who loves feeing cozy and comfy, while keeping their hair out of their face when administering their skincare routine.
Price?
$7.
What is it?
Reusable facial rounds.
For whom?
Anyone who likes to wash their face without waste!
Price?
$16.
What is it?
Vegan bristle brush.
For whom?
Anyone who appreciates pain-free detangling.
Price?
$24.
What is it?
Large makeup bag.
For whom?
Anyone looking for more space for their makeup!
Price?
$40.
I’ve been running for over a decade and over the years, I’ve identified the fitness gear I simply can’t live without. Here are some of my favs.
What is it?
Phone holding sports bra (I’ve been asked more than once while running where I get these!).
For whom?
Anyone who works out with a sports bra and their phone (or even a skinny water bottle!).
Price?
$24.
What is it?
PopFlex hi-waist running shorts (the comfiest running shorts on the planet with deep pockets).
For whom?
Anyone who hates chafing when they work out!
Price?
$59.
What is it?
Balega’s Hidden Comfort No Show ankle running socks (these are my entire sock drawer).
For whom?
Anyone who takes socks really seriously.
Price?
$16.
What is it?
Owala FreeSip water bottle (my favorite of all the water bottles I’ve tried and I’ve tried at least 30).
For whom?
Anyone who needs to keep hydrated.
Price?
$30.
What is it?
Gift card to Fleet Feet Sports.
For whom?
Anyone who needs to re-up their fitness gear.
Price?
$10 to $250.
These are somewhat random items I’ve purchased this past year for around the house that have come in quite useful!
What is it?
Bug catcher that doesn’t kill bugs.
For whom?
Anyone who wants to safely and compassionately remove uninvited pests.
Price?
$13.
What is it?
Alpine throw rug from Pottery Barn (I’ve had this for over a decade and I love it).
For whom?
Anyone who likes to snuggle while watching Netflix.
Price?
$199.
What is it?
Fancy MOKA pot (Anthony and I just started using a MOKA pot for our morning coffee and we love it).
For whom?
Anyone who enjoys the best Italian coffee.
Price?
$140.
What is it?
PopFlex’s Cocoon Jacket (you will never walk into my house and NOT see at least one of these).
For whom?
Anyone who enjoys being not-cold and totally comfortable.
Price?
$96.
What is it?
Embroidery kit for beginners (I just started getting into this and it’s so fun!!).
For whom?
Anyone who likes creating beautiful things by hand!
Price?
$36.
What is it?
Swinging egg chair (both my parents and mother-in-law LOVE this thing).
For whom?
Anyone who loves comfy patio furniture.
Price?
$400.
Every year at about this time, I’m looking for small, thoughtful ways of letting people know I’m thinking of them, even if I can’t see them in person. These gifts are perfect for clients, colleagues, or even friends!
What is it?
Trio of Chili Oils by HotGirlSauce.
For whom?
Anyone who likes to bring the heat!
Price?
$36.
What is it?
Rebel Cheese’s box of 4 vegan cheeses (these are so so SO good!!).
For whom?
Anyone who loves gourmet vegan cheese.
Price?
$90.
What is it?
Bite Society’s Vegan Pantry gift basket (I mean my GOD).
For whom?
Anyone who loves to pick over new or hard-to-find vegan foods.
Price?
$189.
What is it?
zChocolat’s vegan truffles (my friends rave about these chocolates whenever I gift them–they are from France and they are amazing!).
For whom?
Anyone who loves to pick over new or hard-to-find vegan foods.
Price?
$53.
If you subscribe to my newsletter, you’ll likely have seen most of these before. But, here’s a friendly reminder, a wonderful collection of some of my favorite non-cookbook reads this past year, all in one place (note: these are books I read this year, not books published this year).
What is it?
The Covenant of Water.
For whom?
Anyone who enjoys a sprawling family story told over generations.
Price?
$13.
What is it?
Minor Feelings.
For whom?
Anyone who likes extremely well written essays regarding the Asian American diaspora.
Price?
$13.
What is it?
A Little Life.
For whom?
Anyone who likes tear jerkers.
Price?
$21.
What is it?
The Dublin Murder Squad Series.
For whom?
Anyone who enjoys detective novels, but with excellent prose.
Price?
$35.
I’m quite choosey about my subscriptions, especially if I have to pay money for them, but here are some that I’ve kept for years.
What is it?
A 12-month subscription to Audible, Amazon’s “books on tape” catalogue.
For whom?
Anyone who likes to consume their literature while driving, running, folding laundry, emptying the dishwasher.
Price?
$150.
What is it?
A 12-month subscription to the digital version of The Atlantic.
For whom?
Anyone who likes to read their news and thought pieces on their tablets or phones!
Price?
$80.
What is it?
One year subscription to the Games section of the New York Times (I play these every single day).
For whom?
Anyone who wants/needs to sharpen their cognitive skills on the daily!
Price?
$50.
Here are a handful of non-profit organizations that I proudly support that you can turn into gift donations. After all, ’tis the season of giving!
