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Believe it or not, Foreign Policy’s staff knows how to do more than put together a magazine. But most of what we do—even off the clock—has some international flair. This holiday season, our list of gift recommendations features everything from global pantry items to travel gear and wellness essentials. All of the following are sure to provide you or your loved ones with a bit of escapism, wherever you may be.
Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce ($7.34)
Who doesn’t like a little heat? On a recent visit to Jamaica, I fell in love with Scotch bonnet peppers. These tiny chilis—which come in green, red, and yellow—have a delightful, natural tanginess and sweetness, in addition to a sweat-inducing heat rating between 100,000 and 350,000 on the Scoville scale.
A variety of Scotch bonnet pepper sauces are readily available on Amazon, and I’ve found that they add a lovely touch to everything from salads to grilled meats. A little goes a long way. (They are also a geeky way to explore the history of the global pepper trade.) I’m not an expert yet, but I’ve found Melinda’s Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce—which includes some carrots, papayas, salt, and lime—to be my favorite so far.
—Ravi Agrawal, editor in chief
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite ($159.99, currently on sale)
Over the years I’ve worked at FP, certain products have gained a cult-like following among staffers. First it was the Baggu fanny pack, then the Aritzia Super Puff. In 2024, the item my co-workers cajoled me into buying was a bit more intellectual: a Kindle.
Until I ordered my Kindle in April, I was a proud e-reader holdout; I—wrongly—thought there was some kind of superiority to be had in reading physical books. But after paying too many overweight baggage fees to lug around tomes on various trips, I realized that FP’s Kindle zealots might have a point.
Owning a Kindle has been revolutionary. The Paperwhite’s display is the perfect mix of digital and analog; I’m especially fond of the dimming and warming features for reading before bed. Because the Kindle is so lightweight, I pack it wherever I go (it fits in the aforementioned fanny pack) and have found myself reading more as a result. It’s also waterproof, which is convenient for a pool rat like me.
My Kindle has come in handy for work, too: When I’m reading novels for our monthly international fiction column, I can easily highlight and take notes for future reference. Consider me a convert.
—Allison Meakem, associate editor
Lata’s Monthly Discovery Box ($49.99)
One of the best snacks I’ve eaten in the last few years was a tinned fish appetizer at a tapas bar in Denver’s Union Station. Each tin I ordered—mackerel fillets in olive oil and mussels in escabeche, both from Portugal—was perfectly paired with freshly made potato chips, tangy aioli, black salt, and a lemon wedge. Every bite transported me to a beach in Porto—and left me wondering how I could recreate this experience at home.
It can be difficult to get high-quality European tinned fish in the United States. That’s where Lata comes in. Created in 2021 by four Spaniards, Lata offers monthly subscription boxes of gourmet tinned seafood, as well as curated boxes (even a vegan one) and à la carte tins. Most are imported from Spain and Portugal, considered some of the best in the tinned-fish world. I also recommend picking up Anna Hezel’s Tin to Table for ideas on how to pair your new tins.
—Shannon Schweitzer, copy chief
The Barefoot Co. Air-Flex Elite 2.0 ($129, currently on sale)
There is a not-insignificant school of thought that believes regular shoes are bad for your feet. Earlier this year, I finally gave in to it and bought a pair of barefoot shoes. These minimalist sneakers have thinner soles that allow your foot to retain more of its natural shape; although they take some getting used to, I’ve become a fan. (They also no longer look as weird as some early iterations.)
I really felt the shoes’ utility when I went on vacation earlier this year. As someone who frequently takes transcontinental flights, barefoot shoes provided the perfect middle ground between comfort and cleanliness. In other words: I was not wandering around the airplane in my socks.
—Rishi Iyengar, staff writer
Nomatic Travel Pack ($299.99)
For members of the globetrotting FP-reading class who are as skeptical of the concept of checked baggage as, say, a Sputnik headline, there is a now a solution from the aptly named company Nomatic.
Provided that you don’t plan to pack a suit (and who does these days, in the age of hoodie-clad tech tycoons?) the 20-to-30 liter expandable pack allows you to transform the laptop-toting backpack you take to work into something that fits all you need for a three-day trip—maybe even a week if you are a true minimalist. It also comes with a lifetime warranty which, FP can attest, is honored with a replacement pack for mishaps as minor as a broken zipper.
If you’ve been cursed to live on a rainy island in the North Atlantic, you might also consider Western Rise’s new Meta Shell jacket. The jacket is genuinely waterproof, not crinkly, disappears into its own pouch, and—with a bit of kinetic action—will likely be subsumed into one of your Nomatic’s many pockets.
—Sasha Polakow-Suransky, deputy editor
Bloomsbury BFI Film Classics ($10.04-$16.15)
With the rise of streaming, my favorite movies are more likely to live in my watch list than as a DVD on my shelf.
If you or someone you know is cursed to be a film buff in the Netflix era like me, you might be interested in filling the physical media gap with a British Film Institute (BFI) Film Classics book. With more than 250 film titles to choose from, the book series interprets and celebrates classic films in small editions that could easily fit in a stocking. A worthy substitute for DVD bonus features, they provide insight into a film’s history and importance, while engaging in some thought-provoking critique.
Last year, I got my friend the book about The Godfather (1972), my mom the one on Brazil (1985), and the edition on David Lynch’s Eraserhead (1977) as a treat for myself. There’s something for everyone’s film taste, no DVD player required.
—Claire Schnatterbeck, editorial fellow
Ultra Violette Sunscreen ($34.71-$40.43)
Go to a tourist beach anywhere in the world, and you will always be able to identify the Australians. They are darting furtively from the shade of one tree to another in wide-brimmed hats, chasing after children clad neck-to-knee in Lycra versions of Victorian-era swimwear. And they will always be applying lots of sunscreen.
More than two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. This is not because of the often-cited hole in the ozone layer. (In fact, a depleted ozone had little impact on skin cancer rates—and repairing it has been one of the environmental movement’s biggest success stories.) The reason is that enjoying the outdoors is part of the national lifestyle, but many Australians have the wrong skin type for the environment, and Southern Hemisphere UV levels are 7 percent higher than that of the Northern Hemisphere.
Is it any wonder, then, that an Australian invented SPF? Strict government regulations, as well as insatiable consumer demand, mean the country continues to innovate in the field. That’s why I never travel anywhere without Ultra Violette sunscreen, which is among the most elegant and pleasantly scented formulations available in Australia. The distinctive cobalt blue tubes are now available in 28 other countries—though not in the United States, where the Food and Drug Administration is so behind on approving new ingredients that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez issued a call for better sunscreen options last year.
As we live through what looks to be the warmest year on record, consider this a reminder from an Australian mom that you should be applying a full teaspoon of sunscreen on your face every morning. You might as well make it one that smells of frangipanis.
—Amelia Lester, deputy editor
Il Colle del Gusto Pistacchiosa – Sicilian Pistachio Spread ($16.95)
On a dreary day last year, I popped into the Italian-style bakery around the corner from my apartment for a coffee and walked out with a jar of sweetened Sicilian pistachio spread—perhaps hoping to channel sunnier days spent eating gelato with a dollop on top. Soon, I started putting it on everything as a little treat: buttered toast, wafers, my morning oatmeal. There are plenty of imported brands to try at your own local shop and quite a bit of variety in texture and taste. I’ve remained loyal to this one, which has a deep nutty flavor and isn’t too sweet.
—Audrey Wilson, managing editor
Baggu Packing Cube Set ($36)
I’m a sucker for products that are both durable and adorable, which means that I own an embarrassing number of items from Baggu. I mean, who wouldn’t want a quilted laptop case covered in strawberries or Snoopy-themed nylon pouches? (“You can never have too many bags,” I whisper to myself as I browse its website for the umpteenth time.)
I highly recommended Baggu’s packing cube set, which is sold in two sizes. My friend generously shared her set with me before I went on an international trip this year, and I loved it so much that I bought my own when I returned home. For frequent jet-setters or chronic overpackers like myself, cubes make the entire traveling process—packing, repacking, keeping dirty and clean clothes separate, tracking down clothing items, and squeezing shut an overstuffed suitcase—infinitely easier. Plus, they’re really stinking cute.
A price tag of $36 may seem like a lot to spend on two packing cubes, which is why I would recommend snapping them up on sale—either through Baggu’s Black Friday sale or through another retailer like Urban Outfitters, which frequently carries Baggu products and offers bigger discounts. The packing cubes can easily be repurposed for things other than travel: I use them to store my knitting projects when I’m not on the road.
—Christina Lu, staff writer
Dammann Frères Advent Calendar ($69.99)
On a recent trip to France, I stumbled upon a Dammann Frères shop while on the hunt for a thank-you gift. I’d never heard of the brand before, but the boutique smelled so divine that I couldn’t help but ask the resident tea expert for a recommendation. Hers was the Jardin Bleu, a black tea flavored with rhubarb and strawberry.
I returned more than once to sample a few other teas; the Tisane de Noël is a personal favorite. If I had more room in my suitcase, I would have also snapped up an advent calendar or two as a holiday present for the tea drinkers in my life—so I was delighted to discover that it ships worldwide.
—Chloe Hadavas, senior editor
Art+Acre Fulvic Acid Volumizing Dry Shampoo ($26, currently on sale)
Are you a globetrotting diplomat constantly being whisked from one continent to the next, never sure when you’ll have a chance to take a proper shower and fix whatever has become of your hairdo?
Me neither. But sometimes I’m hurrying from a workout class to dinner plans or just running late in the mornings—and that’s when I reach for this product.
For those of us with long hair, dry shampoo can be a time-saver that helps you look presentable in a pinch. But its classic iteration—big cans of probably-toxic white spray that make your hairline look like an ice rink—is, mercifully, no longer the only option available. This year, Art+Acre’s dry shampoo transformed my hair care routine.
Instead of a noxious spume, this product dispenses delightful puffs of powder that absorb oil, add volume, and genuinely transform a bad hair day to a pretty good one. Plus, because it’s not an aerosol, it is a perfectly legal item to bring on board a flight. It’s an indulgent yet practical stocking stuffer for the jet-setters in your life.
—Megan DuBois, assistant editor
Beyond Library Max DIY Book Nook Kit ($64.99, currently on sale)
This year, I discovered the world of do-it-yourself book nook kits, and they quickly became my new favorite hobby. They are miniature dioramas that you assemble out of hundreds of tiny wooden, plastic, and paper parts, following step-by-step illustrated instructions. That may sound tedious or daunting, but I found it to be a fantastic way to tune out the background noise and stress of daily life for an hour; when the diorama is finally done, you end up with a feeling of accomplishment and a fun decoration to display on a bookshelf.
There are a seemingly infinite number of kits available online—and even a few you can usually find at your local big-box craft store. They vary in quality and difficulty level, but I think the Beyond Library Max brand is nicely made, meaning the pieces fit together well and don’t break too easily. For beginners, you might opt for the smaller Beyond Library rather than the Max version, but either would make a great holiday gift.
—Jennifer Williams, deputy editor
Nikon Trailblazer 8×25 ATB Black Binoculars 8218 ($89.95, currently on sale)
Look no further than humble binoculars for the perfect gift for niche hobbyists in your life—whether they’re bird-watchers, stargazers, opera aficionados, doomsday preppers, or just plain nosy. I received this compact pair a few years ago. While it isn’t anything fancy, it has survived several years of hiking and overall clumsiness, and has the distinct advantage of being able fit into the smallest bag I own. But this is a gift that is easily scalable in terms of both size and budget, especially when you consider the secondhand market.
—Syd Kuntz, deputy copy editor
Marcato Atlas Pasta Machine ($89.99, currently on sale)
The Marcato Atlas pasta machine has revolutionized my homemade pasta-making abilities. Prior to owning this simple, hand-cranking pasta maker, the art of fresh pasta was an all-day affair of kneading, rolling, and turning. Now, it still takes a while (if you’ve made fresh pasta, you know), but it turns out perfect every time.
Let’s face it: If you’re setting out to make pasta from scratch, it better be worthwhile. I’ve made everything from fettuccine to ravioli with this little machine. There’s nothing better than fresh, homemade pasta—and this Marcato Atlas is the perfect tool for the job. Plus, it’s Italian. It doesn’t get more authentic than that.
Simple Pasta: Pasta Made Easy. Life Made Better. by Odette Williams ($28.99, currently on sale)
With my fresh pasta in hand, I crack open Odette Williams’s Simple Pasta and take a stab at one of its wonderful seasonal recipes. This year alone, I’ve made nearly every recipe in the spring, summer, and fall chapters. As we head into winter, I can’t wait to try out Williams’s take on a classic like carbonara or something new like her beef short rib pappardelle. It’s so easy to fall into ruts when making pasta, but these recipes manage to make even the most standard noodles show-stopping.
—Rylie Munn, social media editor
Merino 260 Tech Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top ($84.24-$125)
I grew up in California and then spent years covering the Middle East. In both places, a cold day in February meant a breeze and maybe some rain, but rarely the kind of weather that requires a heavy jacket. Then I moved to New York—and the shock of my first winter there turned me into a recluse.
From November through March, leaving the house involved so much bundling, it didn’t seem worth it. I couldn’t run or bike. The acclimation came slowly. In my second winter, I was able to circle the park until Christmas. In my third one—the first full winter of the COVID-19 pandemic—I pledged to run outdoors through the cold season.
By then, I’d discovered merino wool. As a base layer, it’s a game-changer. Wool is not a friendly fabric. It scratches the skin, and it’s finicky in the wash. It’s also expensive. But one thick layer, followed by a fleece and then a windbreaker, is enough to get me out the door even in freezing temperatures. Wool wicks sweat off the skin and, bewilderingly, it doesn’t absorb body odor even after multiple runs (until it suddenly does, and then: whew). I recommend this heavy gauge for the coldest weeks of the year.
—Dan Ephron, executive editor
WoodWick Crackle Candle ($20.99, currently on sale)
For those seeking a bit of escapism during their workday, the WoodWick crackle candle is my top choice. Let the soothing sound of a tiny fire lull you into a world far less stressful than reality. I personally enjoy the lavender and cedar scent, but all of WoodWick’s options provide the same warm, cozy feeling.
Amateur relaxers should probably stop there, but if you’re looking for something a bit stronger, press play on this Lord of the Rings Shire ambience and add your favorite piping hot beverage to the mix. But be warned: Too much relaxation can lead to drowsiness, and not all managers are amenable to accidental naps.
—Alexandra Sharp, newsletter writer
Uncommon Goods Crossbody Water Bottle Bag ($59)
As a person who is consistently carrying around their water bottle when out and about, I’m a big fan of these water bottle bags. Not only can you stay hydrated, warm, or boozy while on the go (no judgment!) but you can also carry your everyday essentials. This bag has room for credit cards, emergency cash, IDs, a phone, and a 32-ounce bottle of your drink of choice. Plus, the main compartment is waterproof.
—Usha Sookai, multimedia intern
Yuba Kombi Bike ($999.99, currently on sale)
Let’s start by getting the obvious point out of the way: Yes, Yuba Kombi is a somewhat silly name for a bike. I don’t love it. But I’m not recommending the name, I’m recommending the bike.
If you have kids, the real question is: Why don’t you have this bike already? It’s great in all the ways that you would expect a longtail cargo bike to be. Two kids can fit comfortably in the back, their gear fits comfortably in the basket up front, it handles more or less the same way a normal bike does, and it remains stable in pretty much every imaginable weather condition.
But it’s also great in less predictable ways. The Kombi version of the Yuba cargo bike is somehow big enough to serve as an ersatz minivan, but also small enough to fit in standard elevators and not earn (too many) dirty looks from other passengers on public transportation. And it looks cool. It will get you compliments from total strangers.
Finally, it’s not so heavy that it’s impossible for a middle-aged father to carry it up or down a flight or two of stairs in a pinch. Try doing that with a minivan.
—Cameron Abadi, deputy editor
Verdant Tea Meet the Farmers Tasting Kit ($5)
I’m a big tea drinker. A few years ago, a friend gave me the best gift: a sampling of teas from Verdant Tea, a Minnesota-based company that sources its teas from small sustainable farms in China. Tea from a bag can feel utilitarian, but these teas are transportive. Each one comes with information on the Chinese farmer that harvests the tea and the town where it’s grown.
Loose leaf tea can be intimidating for newbies, but Verdant’s website has a great guide to the best brewing method for each tea. My personal favorites are floral oolongs, but there’s something for everyone—from funky pu’ers to clean greens. You can also choose a sample set or monthly tea subscription to explore new flavors. My wish for 2025 is that we can end the era of coffee hegemony and make “let’s get tea” happen.
—Lili Pike, staff writer
Orchestra gift certificate, such as for the Kennedy Center (any amount) or Berlin Philharmonic (any amount, min. $10)
The Berlin Philharmonic on June 22.Fabian Sommer/Reuters
In the spirit of valuing experiences over things, I’ve been gifting tickets. So how about putting your local philharmonic, opera, or art museum into a stocking this year? You can even join the lucky recipient in the fun.
—Stefan Theil, deputy editor
An FP Insider Subscription ($149.99)
The best gift of all for the independent thinker in your life is one year of Foreign Policy. This week only, save $100 on an annual FP Insider gift subscription, which includes ad-free reading and bonus articles from FP’s stable of geopolitical experts. Simply apply the promo code BFCM2024 at checkout.
If you’re a current FP Insider, reach out to FP support to activate your complimentary six-month gift subscription for the person of your choosing.
Products are independently selected by FP staff. FP earns an affiliate commission on anything purchased through links to Amazon.com on this page.