Obakki gift guide:
ethical gifts too beautiful to pass up
Our Holiday Gift Guide makes it easy to choose sustainable, ethical presents that will feel just as good giving as they do getting.
More than ever, people are discovering the joy in giving gifts that give back. Obakki’s Gift Guide makes it easy for you to find the perfect holiday gifts for your nearest and dearest while also supporting global artisans and their traditions.
Our exclusive line of carefully curated products are ethical, sustainable and environmentally friendly. Plus, they honour the heritage and traditions of the artisans around the world who create them. These handmade gifts are thoughtful, stylish, and most beautiful of all, made with integrity—what more could you want in a Christmas gift?
Mouth Blown Italian Glassware
Everyone in your life will love our collection of mouth blown Italian glassware. Our holiday gifts are designed to counteract today’s throwaway culture and stand the test of time.
Each piece of glassware is crafted from Borosilicate glass, known for its pure and resistant quality, shaped with traditional mouth blowing technique; the innovation of design comes from modern shapes inspired by aesthetics of rationalist and modernist architecture whilst respecting its functionality. The result gives each item a simple elegance. Every piece of glassware is unique and has been selected with the greatest care; made entirely by artisan hands in Italy by R+D.LAB.
Upcycled Brass Jewelry from Kenya
/collections/jewelry-from-nairobiForged in the heart of Nairobi by our artisan partner, Sylvester, our collection of jewelry has been made from 100% upcycled brass—discarded taps, padlocks and old coins that would have otherwise ended up in the junkyard—and then plated in 18k gold and silver.
Sustainability is always our priority at Obakki, so we love the concept of taking something forgotten and turning it into something beautiful and new.
Handmade Japanese Candles
Traditional Japanese candles are an excellent present for the person who has everything. These candles have been created by the same family using ancestral techniques since 1892 and each one carries a distinct aesthetic that will appeal to the most refined tastes.
Handmade by a family run business in Ishikawa, Japan, who have been creating traditional Japanese candles in the same way since 1892.
These sumac candles are made from wax that is harvested from the fruit of the Japanese Haze tree, and their unique hollow wicks allow them to produce a bright, tall flame.
Handwoven Wall Art From Mexico
Minimal and elegant, our handwoven wall pieces add a modern, global look to any room, making them the perfect gift for those interested in sustainable materials and artisan traditions.
Created using raw cotton and fiber from the sansevieria plant, these wall hangings are sure to impress with their textural, minimal flare.
Handmade by weavers in Querétaro, Mexico, this collective of female artisans began with a mission to preserve knowledge about ancient textile techniques while caring for and respecting the environment.
Exotic Redwood Bowls & Flatware From Mali
If you’re looking to impress with the perfect holiday gift, our African Redwood bowls and flatware from Mali will exceed expectations. Every piece is carved and finished entirely by hand, making each one a unique and functional work of art.
In northern Mali, Amadou has been refining his craft since he was eight years old. Using techniques passed down through generations, from father to son, Amadou has mastered the art of hand carving traditional wooden bowls. No complex machines. No fancy gadgets. No unnecessary complications. Just generations of knowledge and reverence for the wood itself passing through his hands. Taking up to four days to complete, these bowls represent everything we love about slow design.
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DESIGNER INTERVIEW SERIES:Â Andrea Rodman
These days, I am definitely inspired by Japanese design more and more; the simplicity and warmth behind their design approach often capture my admiration and inspire me with their approach to joinery and craftsmanship. I am also a big fan of Japandi design, which blends Japanese design influences with Scandinavian design, two of my favourite aesthetics.
DESIGNER INTERVIEW SERIES: Christine Lin
Back in 2014, I made a solo pilgrimage to Naoshima, an island west of Osaka, known for its art. It has amazing museums designed by Tadao Ando, a favorite architect of mine, and there’s various art installations and art houses scattered around the island.