Gifts for recovering from 2020
yes we're still working on that
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Dear Cosmos Community,
2021 — “a year that feels as though it does and does not exist, a hangover from the depths of terror in 2020 that provides a significant improvement and yet remains vacuous and unstable.” - The New Yorker, The Year in Vibes
I’m still grieving 2020 and it looks ugly! Crying on Sunday afternoons for seemingly no reason, escaping for hours into Super Mario Odyssey (“it’s Mario!” will always make me smile), running from the gaping emptiness that comes for me when I lie awake at night. I’m still processing that these feelings may be “the new normal”, like no matter how many weighted blankets are wrapped around my body, I will still feel vulnerable, exposed, uncertain.
And so I made this gift guide with comfort in mind — the luxurious and lazy and indulgent kind. This is for days when you need to be horizontal on the couch, doing nothing, surrounded by a temple candle from Emme, nomming on daan tat in a perfect daan tat shaped bowl from Chutbi, readying yourself for a hot shower with a soothing botanical soap from WATO.
I hope this Care Package has brought you some comfort this year!! I know that’s a tall order for something that shows up in your inbox, but sending you care is my motivation to keep writing. For even more comfort, you can become a paid subscriber of The Care Package for $50/year or $5/month. Every subscription directly contributes to The Cosmos Care Fund, a creative aid fund for Asian women in America to tell their stories!
AYRUS HOMEADE | Mini Macrame Wall Hanging in Sky Blue ($32)
Surya uses macrame, a textile produced via different knotting techniques, to create beautiful wall hangers, plant hangars, keychains, and so much more! Surya is a 1st generation Khmer-American whose work is inspired by her heritage and love for nature. I love her attention to detail, the colors she uses, and the emotions that her work inspires like tranquility. She created a Yoni (the Sanskrit word for vagina) macrame keychain, celebrating femininity, power, and strength. - Mai P.
CHUTBI CERAMICS | Egg Tart Handmade Dish ($20)
I am obsessed with these ceramic handmade dishes that resemble mini versions of Hong Kong egg tarts (daan tat). Daan tat always make me feel soft and fluffy! Sadly they are sold out, but you can subscribe to their newsletter for updates on restocks!
EMME | Temple Candle ($33)
The smell of incense (“smoky and meditative”) reminds me of my mom praying to our ancestors in the morning and little ole me leaving oranges at the shrines around our home. If you’re not into temple, Emme also has candles that smell like asian comfort: boba and matcha and golden pear!!
GOPI SHAH CERAMICS | Boob Tabletop Planter ($40, on sale!)
Why yes, my plants should live in boob planters!!!!!!!!!!! Gopi Shah also makes mugs, tumblers, and dinnerware (boob design optional) by hand with lead-free and food safe glazes :)
JIA | Bunny White Candle ($30)
A WHITE BUNNY CANDLE?????????? A must since I can no longer devour an entire bag of White Bunny Candles in a day! Here are a few fan favorites from the community:
I love eating at restaurants and the Tea Talk reminds me of going to dine at a Dim Sum restaurant, while the Sticky Mango reminds me of what I always order for dessert at the Thai Temple when they serve food! - Michelle T.
I love the Royal or Remedy candle scent! - Emily K.
KAYA ESSENTIALS | Honey & Coconut Body Balm ($15.60, on sale!)
It’s that time of year where my skin looks like a desert. This balm feels like an oasis from that dry biting winter air, AND IT’S ON SALE!
Thank you to Danielle C. for the recommendation: They uplift the work of Indigenous Filipino artisans AND their coconut skincare is really, really good!
KAROLYN WONG | Unlock Your True Desires +Trust Your Intuition in 2022 Session ($97, limited time offer with code COSMOS)
My name is Karolyn Wong, and I am a life transformation coach + intuitive energy healing guide for Asian womxn who want to trust your truth and live more authentically you! I would love to share with you what I’ve learned from years of healing through intergenerational trauma, setting healthy boundaries with my mom and family, and reconnecting to the wisdom of my ancestors through healing unprocessed grief in my body as an Asian Womxn.
These sessions are typically valued at $222 and up, but I am happy to gift these sessions to the Cosmos community for only $97 (60% off) if you book by Sunday 12/12!! Limited spots available. Book here and use Use Code "COSMOS": https://apiwomxnheal.com/new-year-new-you
As a bonus, I will include an intuitive tarot card reading identifying the chakra or energy center in your body that you may need to focus on in the new year to activate your power of manifestation in 2022!
LEXA LUNA STUDIO | The Future Ancestor Tarot Deck ($65)
I think this is the cutest tarot deck I have ever seen. That’s the description.
SACH GOODS | Hồng Candle ($22)
Smells like Black Pepper, Lavender, Coconut, Magnolia
I am crying: “This candle is named after Kevin’s mom and is inspired by her love of purple flowers and the island of Phú Quốc where her family currently lives. Aside from the beautiful beaches, you can find black pepper farms scattered throughout the island and coconuts ripe for picking in her mom’s backyard.”
THREE GEMS TEA | 6 Oolong Tea Sampler ($35)
Three Gems makes me feel calm, colorful, and loved, and their teas are aromatic and packaged like a gift from a dear friend. I’ve been drinking their teas since their launch on Kickstarter, and I am like a proud mom watching them grow :)
WATO | Omiyage Set ($64)
When I turned 30, I discovered baths, which is to say my body now creaks if I sit on the couch for too long (you know, playing video games, napping, re-watching The Holiday)…and I need to sit in a tub. Each of WATO’s sets comes with 2 naturally dyed soaps, 2 bath teas, and 1 buttery lip balm — all inspired by Japanese healing remedies.
CREDITS
Thank you for joining us for A WEEK OF COSMOS GIFT GUIDES and for supporting Asian women-owned small businesses!!!!!!!!
DESIGNER: LINH-YEN HOANG
EDITOR: KAREN MOK
CURATORS: YOU