Gift Guide: A Very Basque Christmas
I wanted to pull together one last gift guide before Christmas—a list of Basque-made items that would make a fantastic gift for anyone on your list, especially those semi-obsessed with San Sebastián and Basque Country.
This list was not sponsored in any way—the Basque food, drink and goods on it had to fulfill two criteria:
I had to love it
It has to be available to ship to the United States
I hope this inspires you to shop Basque and support a little corner of the world that, like everyone else, is hurting economically this year. Just about all of the items on this list are made by small producers, and most of them have an incredibly laborious, handmade process behind them. But most of all, they are all gorgeous and delicious, and will make anyone’s Christmas (or birthday, or any day) very, very special.
Gifts from Basque Country
Piquillo Peppers
These are some of the best conserves ANYWHERE. I love these piquillo peppers, and this brand also makes some mean white asparagus.
Conservas El Navarrico, Navarra, www.tienda.com
Txakoli
Gift a bottle of Getariako Txakolina to any wine aficionado and you’ll look good.
Lasalde Txakoliña, Getaria, gsfinewines.com
Boina
This Basque beret is a must have, and one of the oldest makers is Elosegui. They come in loads of colors, though black is the original.
Elosegui Boina, Basque Country, spanishoponline.com
CLOTHES
Bihotz Paris makes everybody’s favorite Basque graphic tees and sweatshirts.
Bihotz Paris, Paris, France, bihotzparis.com
Basque Art
Ok, so I absolutely love this rug with one of Eduardo Chillida’s drawings on it, but if it is not in your price range, there is a whole load of amazing stuff for sale on the museum’s site!
Chillida Leku, Hernani, Spain, museochillidaleku.com
Basque Table linens
The traditional pattern of the Basque table speaks to my heart. A bonus is it comes in lovely Christmas-y colors so it can double as holiday decor!
Nonbait, Vitoria, Spain, nonbait.com
Basque Cider
For those who want something funkier than wine, gift a Basque cider.
Barrika Basque Cider, made in Gipuzkoa, astorwines.com
Basque clothing brand
Hemen is another very cool brand, based out of Biarritz, that makes men’s fashion and undergarments.
Hemen, Biarritz, France hemen-biarritz.com
Beauty products
One of the prettier made-in-Basque-Country cosmetic brands.
Lavandula Cosmetica Natural, Otxandio, Bizkaia, lavandulacosmetica.com
Basque reads
This hip guide/magazine is like a Kinfolk for Basque Country.
Papier, Pays Basque, France, editionspapier
Basque leather goods
These handmade bags are so beautiful, and on the shoulder of all the donostiarras in the know.
Pohorylle, Basque Country, Spain, pohorylle.com
Basque Anchovies
It can be hard to get your hands on Basque anchovies in the States, but Donostia Foods ships them out all year round.
Anchovies, donostiafoods.com
I hope you enjoyed this gift guide!
If so, share it, buy from it, and follow me here at the blog and on Instagram.