Guardian staff pick 13 overseas gifts for holiday shoppers
Editors and writers who have lived in many countries name everyday items from abroad that make thoughtful presents.
Key points
- The Guardian asked staff who have lived in several countries to name gifts they associate with home.
- Picks include German paring knives, Maldon salt, Australian linen sheets and El Dorado rum from Guyana.
- Some items, such as posters from Denmark's Louisiana Museum, are chosen mainly for their design.
- The list is framed as a way to bring foreign favourites home without buying a plane ticket.
The Guardian has published a holiday gift guide built around items that its staff value from life abroad. According to the newspaper, the editors and writers have lived in places ranging from Abu Dhabi to Toronto and São Paulo. When asked to name beloved gifts from outside the United States, their answers varied as widely as their home towns.
The guide is aimed at American readers, but the items can be found by shoppers elsewhere too. The newspaper frames the list as a set of discoveries that do not require long-haul travel. It describes the picks as things that staff regularly carry home in their luggage and give to friends.
Kitchen and household picks
Several entries focus on cooking. One is a set of German paring knives, which the guide calls a workhorse. Another is a bright red tortilla press that makes homemade masa easier to prepare.
The list also includes a 3lb tub of Maldon salt. The writers describe it as whimsical yet practical. A set of Australian linen sheets is another option, and the guide notes that the sheets become softer with each wash.
Drinks, décor and other favourites
Some choices are tied closely to personal memories. El Dorado rum from Guyana is described as a little piece of home for those who grew up with it. The guide presents it as a gift that carries a sense of place.
Other picks are chosen mainly for appearance. The guide highlights posters from the Louisiana Museum in Denmark as simply beautiful. The museum is a well-known art institution, and its posters suit people who want something decorative.
Why the list matters for shoppers
The guide sits within a wider Guardian series called the Filter. That series encourages readers to buy fewer, better things. Read this way, the gift ideas are less about volume and more about choosing items with a clear origin and purpose.
The guide also points to related content. Readers are directed to features on Advent calendars and personalised gifts, as well as a review of a self-heating ceramic mug. The newspaper presents these as suggestions for further reading rather than as part of the main list.
Overall, the Guardian suggests that holiday shopping can include items from many countries without leaving home. The list covers food, drink, bedding, kitchenware and art. Its reach is intentionally broad, reflecting the varied experiences of the staff who compiled it.
Frequently asked questions
Who compiled the Guardian gift guide?
According to the Guardian, the list was compiled from the favourites of its editors and writers. Many of them have lived in other countries, including Abu Dhabi, Toronto and São Paulo.
Which items are included in the guide?
The guide includes German paring knives, a tortilla press, Maldon salt, Australian linen sheets, El Dorado rum from Guyana and posters from Denmarku0026#039;s Louisiana Museum. It lists 13 gifts in total.
What is the Filter?
The Filter is the Guardianu0026#039;s guide to buying fewer, better things. The gift list is presented as part of that series.
Sources
- The Guardian: German knives, English socks: 13 gifts beloved globally that Americans are missing out on
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