With the holidays upon us,December is about festivities, reflection, connection, and showing gratitude to those around us. With that in mind, we're exploring the brands, ideas, and communities that share our planet-first mentality. These eight products, books, podcasts, recipes, and organizations remind us of the importance of holidaying mindfully. 

Cozy Up: west~bourne x Upstate Crew Neck

Cozy up guilt-free all winter long with our ethically and sustainably made  west~bourne x Upstate Crew Neck. Made in collaboration with Upstate Founder Kalen Kaminski, this crew neck is ethically made with100% low carbon and pesticide-free cotton,hand-dyed (with marigolds and indigo), and sewn in NYC. Note: all crew necks vary slightly due to the nature of micro-batch dyeing.

Special Sides:Arepitas de Yucca by @sol_ss

From traditions to what goes on the table, we love learning about all of the different ways our community celebrates the holidays. Our friend Sol (@sol_ss), shared her west~bourne take on a special side dish recipe that’s been on her table since she was a little girl. See below:

“Arepitas de Yucca are very easy to make, all you need is grated Yuca (cassava), one egg, a bit of salt (easy on the salt, just a bit), a pinch of sugar, and the special ingredient, anise (plenty). Mix all together and fry them in west~bourne 100% Pure Avocado Oil at medium heat.”

Tip: make a tiny one and taste it just to make sure you have the taste on point. The perfect excuse to start eating.“

For the Host(ess): Apéro Hour Set

Show your gratitude and appreciation for your host with our west~bourne x Casa Velasquez Apéro Hour Set. Curated with longtime w~b friend and collaborator Mariana Velasquez, this bundle includes thoughtfully crafted Casa Velasquez linens, coasters, and our Everyday Avocado Oil Set, to make any gathering dreamy.

Kitchen Must: Tenderheart: A Cookbook About Vegetables and Unbreakable Family Bonds

Tenderheart is the beautiful product of Hetty McKinnon’s appreciation for her heritage, bicultural identity, and deep love of vegetables. Through recipes, this cookbook is a loving homage to her father, a Chinese immigrant in Australia, who taught her the beauty and versatility of vegetables.

Gift Mindfully: Anastasio Home

For months, we’ve been adding everythingAnastasio Home to our wishlists. Based in Litchfield County, Connecticut, and female-founded by Gabriela Anastasio Holloway,  Anastasio Home is the producer and destination for limited-run, upcycled, and heirloom home goods/gifts, with a focus on preserving and expanding the livelihoods of craftspeople around the world.

Listen: At Your Service by Dua Lipa

If you haven’t listened to (or watched) Dua Lipa’s “At Your Service” podcast, you’re in for a treat in season 3. This season, Dua invites listeners to explore the vast landscape of human experiences and celebrates the power in sharing stories and insights into the world around us. Don’t know where to start? We’re v~into her interview with Apple CEO Tim Cook where he touches on Apple’s approach to global challenges, climate change included.

Bingeworthy: The Gilded Age

For shows that make you wish you could travel back in time, The Gilded Age on HBO (now in its 2nd season) provides a historical drama look into the glitz and glam of NYC at the turn of the century. Filled with opulence, romances, drama, stunning costumes, and a whole lot of real estate envy, it’s the perfect watch during quiet(er), cozy days in December.

Give Back: Mad Agriculture

Give the gift of giving in honor of a loved one’s name. As an extension of Giving Tuesday, we’re giving 1% of all sales through December to Mad Agriculture – an organization close to our heart that champions and promotes the shift towards regenerative agriculture.