‘Tis the season for celebration, spreading peace, and sharing thanks and appreciation.  While many used Black Friday and Cyber Monday to find the perfect presents for their near and dear, the Mfa team actually began our holiday season in May…with serious planning for print and online gift guide coverage for our clients!

In the months since, we’ve been doing our homework – we’ve talked gifts, seeded gifts, secured gift placements for our clients. We’ve seen everything from custom cruisers to The Rap Yearbook and when it comes to gifting – dare we say it – we’re experts!

Our staff jumped at the chance to share their must-gives and must-haves this season. Fingers crossed we get something on our list!

 

 

The Cotopaxi  Luzon 18L Daypack

Our resident adventure enthusiast Kirsten Anderson (she’s skied the Andes, explored New Zealand, and hiked a 14-er in the Rockies!) is coveting this backpack not only because it’s durable and versatile, it’s also designed by employees in the Phillippines and proceeds help alleviate extreme poverty.  www.cotopaxi.com, $49.95  

 

 

Nike Air Max 90 HYP Premium ID

Consumer Products expert Jasmine Hampton has been scouring gift guides to find the perfect fusion of fashion and fitness, and she’s hoping a custom pink  Air Max 90’s are under her tree this year. www.nike.com, $165

 

 

STEEM Caffeinated Peanut Butter

Peanut butter and caffeine are two staples of our ever-connected social media whiz/travel&food connoisseur Adele McConnell’s day. Thanks to STEEM, she’ll have all the fuel she needs to run a photo shoot, attend an industry event, and spend the evening dining at NYC’s latest hotspot. www.steempb.com, $5.99

 

The Kikkerland Luchador Bottle Opener

Imagine popping open a cold brew with this little guy, and seeing a Mexican wrestler put those pesky bottle caps in a chokehold. This perfect stocking stuffer will put a smile on your lips before you even have the chance to take a sip. (photo courtesy Eater) www.amazon.com, $6.97

The Food 52 Whisk Necklace

Culinary cool kid Amelie Bruzat cannot get enough of the Food 52 store, but this tiny whisk necklace won her heart. Perfect for the aspiring Top Chef or baker extraordinaire, this simple necklace (available in 14k gold or sterling silver) is handmade and makes for the ultimate food accessory.  www.food52.com, $66-$325

 

No Kid Hungry Chef Series Silicone Spatulas

Holiday Gift Guide guru Erin Kelly hasn’t only been pitching these spatulas to editors, she’s been gifting them to family and friends too. The playful designs are too cute, and the fact that 30% goes back to No Kid Hungry make these limited-edition spatulas even sweeter. www.williams-sonoma.com, $12.95

Mast Brothers Chocolate

Our go-to sweet treat, Mast Brothers chocolate is the perfect, made in Brooklyn stocking stuffer for sweet tooths and chocolate lovers. Recommended: The Vanilla bar made with milk chocolate and whole Bourbon vanilla beans.

http://mastbrothers.com/collections/all $5-24

Protection for Africa’s Wildlife

All things considered, Mfa Director of Strategy & Innovation Laura Anderson is over giving ‘stuff.’ Rather, she’ll be gifting experiences, like an opportunity to foster an adorable elephant or rhino through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.  www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

Indego Africa Metallic Peace Basket

Indego Africa is our latest obsession – not only do they have chic, artisanal products for the closet, home and baby, each item they sell has a profound meaning and impact. This Rwandan Peace Basket resembles those crafted by women who wove together Rwanda’s tragic past and fostered a bright future. www.indegoafrica.com, $75

Luckies of London Smartphone Projecter

Since our entire lives seem to be documented on our phones, this gift recommended by products expert Cynthia Patnode can be life changing. From family photos to vacation videos, favorite memories can be shared in a whole new way.            www.luckies.co.uk, $27

Lily Camera Drone

If Go-Pros could fly, this is what they’d do.  Just throw it up in the air and go – it will follow automatically, perfect for documenting all your adventures, from snowboarding to surfing to running. www.lily.camera, $819

Defy Cargo Hold Tote in Rogue Camo

Carry-alls are a dime a dozen in New York City, but Senior Vice President Agatha Capacchione is loving this American-made, camo-printed tote that’ll stand out from the crowd this winter while also holding your supplies for a long-haul flight or around the city. www.defybags.com, $179

Del Toro x Rotten Roach ‘Upgrade Please’ Limited Edition Collaboration Slipper

With an upcoming trip halfway around the world, MFAction member Prerana Swami is wishing for these slippers, which are seriously comfortable and a little tongue-in-cheek (not to mention the nod to artist/illustrator Hugo Guinness’ work on Wes Anderson’s film The Grand Budapest Hotel!) www.deltoroshoes.com, $375

 

Peace on Earth

The MF namesake of Mfa, Missy Farren has a long wish list this year, including more excellent beach days like we had for our summer party, lunch with Bruce and Patti Springsteen and friends at Fred’s, and a coffee date with Papa Francesco. At the top of her – and all of our – lists? After a year filled with social unrest, violence, and disparity, a peaceful 2016 for all.