We Want to Buy Everything on Architect Frederick Tang’s Go-To Gift List
From an achingly cool fanny pack to an indispensable Sichuan chili sauce, these ideas simply don’t miss.
From an achingly cool fanny pack to an indispensable Sichuan chili sauce, these ideas simply don’t miss.
It’s no surprise that architect Frederick Tang—founder of the eponymous architecture and interior design firm based in Brooklyn and known for creating crisp, elevated spaces—is a man of refined taste. His holiday gift suggestions embody his sensibilities for form, materiality, and functionality. The challenge will be not keeping all of these purchases for ourselves.
Looking for something else? Check out the rest of our holiday gift guides here.
Frederick Tang, director of design and principal architect at Frederick Tang Architecture.
Photo by Gieves Anderson
"One of the best wedding presents we received was a heavy Coyuchi blanket. They make simple bedding out of organic materials. This small knit blanket has become my go-to present for any family with a new baby."
Coyuchi Arroyo Organic Knit Baby Blanket
Our Arroyo Baby Blanket is now softer and lighter weight while still maintaining the chunky texture that babies love to touch. Marled yarns add a heathered look to the textural mix of reverse jersey and seed stitch. Links stitching along the edges keep the rolled edges from curling in, while the ends are trimmed with a wider rib. Pair it with our Arroyo Organic Knit Snuggle Sack to build your own one-of-a-kind organic baby gift bundle.
"You can never have enough wooden spoons, and these are the prettiest. Perfect as a stocking stuffer or a Secret Santa present, they’re so thoughtfully designed, they even have a special version for left-handed people!"
Food52 Five Two Wooden Spoons
Made by us, made with you. When we decided to give classic wooden spoons the Five Two treatment, we asked thousands of you: What do you love about your favorite spoon? You told us about how it does everything, lasts for generations, and has a place in your most treasured kitchen memories. We listened, learned…then, with our signature design expertise, we elevated your go-to tool. Your trustiest single kitchen tool is now five, each made by hand, with its own area of expertise: 1) The Mix Master: A classic spoon for muffin-batter stirring, risotto creaminess-enhancing, you name it. We made ours a little deeper for serving, too. 2) The 2-in-1: A multi-talented spoon with one side for mixing and stirring, plus a mini for taste-tasting and impromptu measuring (it doles out a tablespoon-ish). 3) The Big Dipper: A slotted design for everything from hard-boiling eggs to air-lifting olives out of their brine. 4) The Corner-Getter: A flat-edged helper that gets every last bit of jam from the jar (or pasta from the pot). 5) The Flip & Scrape: A turner-meets-scraper for pan deglazing (corners, handled) and delicate flipping (tender fish filets, still intact). They all share the same well-thought-out details. Each one is artisan-crafted in teak—a lightweight yet sturdy wood that’s also one of the most water-resistant (it’s used on boats for just this reason). We designed smooth, tapered handles with extra length for better reach across stovetops. Each spoon has handy scraping edges, so it can get into every nook and cranny of your pots—and loosen up all those brown bits while you’re deglazing pans. And we incorporated vintage details, like the pattern on our slotted spoon and the subtle engravings on each handle, so it'll feel like you've been together forever.
"I got my first fanny pack (as an adult) a couple of years ago, and even though they’re everywhere these days, I am fully converted. I love this Raf Simons collaboration with Eastpak."
Raf Simons Black Eastpak Edition Loop Waist Bag
Canvas pouch in black. Webbing carry handle at top. Adjustable padded belt-style strap. Zippered pocket and textile logo patch at face. Logo patch at side. Zip closure at main compartment. Zippered pocket at interior. Fully lined. Black and white hardware. Approx. 10" length x 7.5" height x 1.5" width.
"I'm the opposite of a coffee snob; I’ll drink pretty much anything as long as it’s hot, convenient, and caffeinated. For sheer simplicity, you can’t beat a solid French press. The proportions of this one are so cute—low and chubby."
Yama French Press
Press for success and enjoy a rich, full-bodied brew with this classic 6-cup French Press.
"Everyone I know discovered this spicy, sweet, crunchy condiment at the same time, and everyone I know is equally obsessed. I go through a jar a month now, and it’s become a pantry essential. It’s perfect for all types of Asian food and even great on quesadillas."
Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp Sauce, 7.41 Fl Oz
Add a spicy twist to your meals with the Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp Sauce. Commonly served in Sichuan cold sauces, this classic ingredient is a flavor-rich condiment that has a high ratio of flakes to oil. The Lao Gan Ma spicy chili crisp features the deep bold flavor of crispy onions and chilies combined with Sichuan pepper bits to provide a flash of heat that coats meals with a tasty Asian-inspired twist. Use it with some of your favorite recipes. This Lao Gan Ma chili crisp sauce comes in an easy-to-use 7.41 fl oz jar, so you can twist the top on to keep it fresh between servings.
"This lightweight folding stool is tiny but just enough for a perch in the park, or to set a drink on at the beach. For something so utilitarian, its design is surprisingly sophisticated with the gold frame and dark blue canvas."
A&F Adirondack Micro Chair - Dark Blue
Lightweight, compact, and portable, this sporty and durable folding chair will be the perfect companion to all your outdoor adventures. The Adirondack Micro Chair has a lightweight aluminum frame weighing approximately 500 grams—the gold version weighs about the same as a magazine! Pack this convenient chair in a bag or in your car to have it with you when you go camping, fishing, or to a music festival.
"For the longest time I resisted getting a leather jacket despite always secretly wanting one. When I finally did, it instantly became a part of me. Channel your inner Village Person with a classic motorcycle jacket."
Allsaints Milo Leather Biker Jacket
The Milo Biker. Made from soft lamb leather. With biker jacket details. A ticket pocket. And hem loops. Just add the motorbike.
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