Today we’re talking about the cookies our kitchen expert gives to everyone in her life — and how she sweetly reuses the cookie tins for memory-keeping. Plus: a great deal on a Baggu crescent bag.
Growing up, my dad was seldom home. Most weeks, he’d be jetting off to a distant country for work, which often meant missing spelling bees, tennis matches, and birthday parties back in South Florida, where we lived. But when work entailed a 14-hour flight to his native home, Japan, his demanding schedule suddenly became more bearable — for me, anyway. Because upon his return, tucked into his suitcase would be a tin box filled with dainty Yoku Moku cookies — a sweet peace offering for the missed milestones. It was one I always graciously accepted. These delicate butter cookies are a truly elevated treat. My favorite was (and still is!) the double chocolat blanc, a crisp butter-vanilla-based cookie stuffed with a thin layer of white chocolate. The cigare — a rolled butter cookie in the shape of a, you guessed it, cigar — is a close second. The flavors are delicate and an exquisite balance between simplicity and opulence. But the treats also meant something more to me. Savoring each cookie was much like savoring the time I spent with my dad. While I could polish off an entire tin in one sitting, unwrapping each one forced me into the present — to slow down, be intentional, and savor the moment with each bite. And therein lies the beauty of giving the gift of a delectable confectionery: My dad discovered them in Japan, then carried them across the globe because he believed I’d enjoy them. Then he did it time and time again, providing me with something delightful to snack on for weeks. Even when he was thousands of miles away, these confections served as a small, comforting reminder of his love. Especially as someone whose world now revolves around food, I believe that edible gifts aren’t just passive presents; they offer your loved one an immersive experience. These gifts have the power to make your recipient truly feel something with every bite. A few more edible gift ideas for you:
This cookie tradition between my dad and me continued throughout my childhood, and I have a collection of tin boxes to show for it. Once the cookie tins were sadly empty, I wouldn’t throw them away. I’d give them new purpose by using them to store all my most important kid things: family photos, travel souvenirs, Y2K relics, Pokémon games, and letters from my late grandmother. This practice is something I later learned is a bit of a ubiquitous experience among many immigrant families who have similarly repurposed cookie tins into sewing kits, or a preserver of all things random for decades. It’s comforting to know I’m not alone in this practice, in seeing something sacred in keeping and reusing these boxes. Opening them now still brings me the same joy I felt as when my dad arrived home from a long trip, with a special sweet, surprise just for me. 14 more gifts we love for foodies→
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I’m looking for gifts to give friends that say “keep in touch,” “come visit,” and “I miss you already,” because I’m moving across the country! I’m currently stuck on airline gift cards and treats from my new home, the Bay Area. — KJ From gifting expert Samantha Schoech: I love the idea that you are the one moving, and you’re giving a gift to the friends staying behind to invite them to visit you. It’s a beautiful gesture. A cute overnight bag could be the perfect enticement, especially if it contained a book of stuff to do in your new home, along with other temptations like this cool map and a candle that smells like Golden Gate Park. For keeping in touch the old-fashioned way, this classic and clean Japanese stationery is just the thing (but you have to write first). If you have a sentimental streak, this keychain is a sweet little reminder of your friendship. There’s also this cheeky candle — same sentiment, snarkier vibe. Of course, you could keep it simple and put a great photo of you together in a lovely frame, delivered with a heartfelt note.
Have someone who’s impossible to shop for? Submit your question here. One last gift (for you): This trendy Baggu bag is durable, machine-washable, and versatile. You can wear it as a cross-body bag or over your shoulder, and it holds its shape well whether it’s nearly empty or jam-packed. Was this email kindly forwarded to you? Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox.
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