{DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT A SPONSORED POST. THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES I’M PROMOTING HAPPEN TO BE OWNED BY EXCELLENT PEOPLE THAT I KNOW AND TRUST.}
Have you spent the last year shopping online?
I know. I know. Some people chose to spend quarantine days baking sourdough bread. Me? Not so much. I’ve spent my days shopping online. A lot. (Don’t judge.)
And because I love you, I’m sharing the places where I’ve spent money this year and where I’ve already started doing my NocheBuena/Christmas shopping.
The beauty of this is that I can easily and happily support the many Cuban Cubiches who have their small businesses mostly online. I was delighted to add so many new ones this year for my 14 Years in the Blogosphere Celebration. I ran giveaways for the entire month of October and in case you missed them, I’ll be sharing those vendors on this list again.
That’s how I compile My Big Fat Cuban Christmas Gift Guide every year. 1) I find Cuban businesses that I love and buy from myself and I give them love. 2) I share the love with you. It’s a simple formula. And it works.
Here’s My Big Fat Cuban Christmas Gift Guide 2020 in no particular order. Pa’lante y con fe.
MARTHA OF MIAMI
Of course, everyone knows Martha of Miami is the home of the Cuban Bred. In case you didn’t, get yourself right over to her site and appreciate her Christmas merchandise as well as her classics.
This was indeed a MarthaPalooza!
Martha of Miami Instagram: @marthaofmiami_shop
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GUAVETTE’S WONDERLAND
I was so delighted to discover Guavette last year. I want you to love her as much as I do. She is the instigator of the infamous Cafecito Club. Please appreciate.
Guavette’s Wonderland Shop Instagram: @guavettes_wonderland
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HAVANA 78 ARTISAN SOAP CO.
Havana 78 Artisan Soap Co. has every fragrance you want to evoke your Cubanity. From the Violetas Soap to the ViVaPoRu Candle. She’s managed to capture my entire Cuban childhood in a series of inspired smells.
Havana 78 Soaps Instagram: havana78soaps
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PALM + PINE
When I found the Palm + Pine site, I felt like I had discovered FIRE! People, you must appreciate her cleverly inscribed Cuban door mats. I love mine so hard and so does everyone who comes to my door.
Palm + Pine Instagram: _ofpalmandpine
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HAVANABAMA CAFE
Another favorite online shop is HAVANAbama. She made me some personalized tacitas that say #BeLikeMarta and My Big Fat Cuban Family and OH! The Cubanity! and this adorable Cubanity apron. Exactly everything I didn’t know I always wanted. She is talented and the turnaround is quick. I’m so glad I was able to add HAVANAbama to my list of cubiches this year.
HavanaBama Instagram: havanabamacafe
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ALBISA CANDLES
I would personally like to take credit for putting Albisa Candles on the Cuban map, but honestly, she did that herself with her GENIUS Candle concoctions. Hers is, of course, The Home of The Cuban Bread Candle. She’s recently added Cafe con Leche that is now my new favorite. Go give her some well-deserved Cuban love.
AlbisaCandles Instagram: albisacandles
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CASSAVA BATH AND BODY
I was so happy to find yet another Cuban soap maker. This time out of New Jersey. Cassava has soaps and scents also inspired by her Cuban roots. Guava Mojito Body Scrub, anyone?
Cassava Bath and Body Instagram: cassava_bath_and_body
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CAFE LA LLAVE
Any list I make would be incomplete without my favorite Cuban coffee. Also, Cafe La Llave is a great friend and sponsor of My Big Fat Cuban Family. We love every iteration of coffee they have. I’m not kidding when I say it’s the best I’ve ever tasted and I’m proud to recommend them.
Cafe La Llave Instagram: @cafelallave
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HABANA BRAND CLOTHING
My friends at Habana Brand Clothing have been turning out gorgeous, high-quality t-shirts, hats and collared shirts and have been dressing all of us on the Cuban Heritage Committee and we’ve been cheering on the LA Dodgers for years. Take a look at their great collection of clothing and hats. No better way to show off your Cubanity. You can thank me later.
Habana Brand Clothing Instagram: @habanabrandclothing
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SANTAYANA JEWELERS
What is more classic than a Cuban woman and gold jewelry? Santayana Jewelers is the place you want to get your Cuban jewelry from. Not only do they have classic pieces, but they have lots of contemporary joyeria too. Go see what they’ve got. And be prepared to fall in love.
Santayana Jewelers Instagram: @santayanajwlrs
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PIN PAN PUN + CO.
Take any Cuban “dicho” and Pin Pan Pun has illustrated it in the most delightful way and published a couple of books and a coloring book that will be treasured forever. Seriously. Go. Bookmark her page. Better yet, do what I did and order some books for your fam. *waits impatiently for the mail*
Pin Pan Pun + Co Instagram: @pinpanpunco
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THE ART ROOM
Last year, I posted my recipe for Crema de Vie like I usually do before Christmas and a few days later I received a beautifully hand-painted Cuban cafetera with the recipe on it. I was blown away by how amazing it was and I may or may not have shed a tear. I’m still super grateful to Mariela Jane and I’m so happy and proud to be able to share the beautiful artwork of The Art Room with you.
The Artroom by Mariela Jane Instagram: @theartroomandcrafts
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PERO LET ME TELL YOU
What can I say about these guys? I should start with the fact that I now consider DJ & Ish part of My Extended Big Fat Cuban Family.
We regularly text and share our lives on a personal level, but lucky you! You can catch their funny and thought provoking podcast on the following podcast platforms.
Google Play:
Sound Cloud:
ITunes:
Stitcher:
But today, I couldn’t be more excited to share their merch with you. Look at us out here in So Cal living the Lechon Life. Ya tu sabes.
Pero Let Me Tell You Instagram: @peroletmetellyou
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PORK CHOP PRINTS
Let me introduce you to Porkchop Prints. She’s a designer from Miami who has some luscious download-able prints that just scream “Cubanity!” Especially if you’re doing last minute shopping for the favorite Cuban in your life. Just pay, click, and print. I know you’ll thank me later.
Pork Chop Prints Instagram: @porkchop_prints
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BECA LETTERS
Rebecca, the owner of this shop, recently reached out to me and sent me some of her adorable artwork including a NocheBuena Countdown Calendar. I am so delighted to be able to share her work today. She’s totally in my head as my own motivation sounds like this: “Ponte las pilas!” and “Dale que tu puedes!” Go give her some love and tell her Marta sent you.
Beca Letters Instagram: @becaletters
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JENNY LORENZO MERCH
I met Jenny a few years ago and it was love at first sight. My son, Jon and I have had the privilege of being background people in some of her videos and we’ve loved being part of her crazy. I love all her characters, but, but of course, my favorite is Abuela. Jenny has the cutest online shop. Please visit and appreciate how creative she truly is. Oh, and please remember: PONTE UN SUETER!
Jenny Lorenzo Merch Instagram: @jennizzle
Please enjoy the incomperable Jenny and see if you can find me and Jon trying to look cool in the background.
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LOVE LOVE GOOSE
Frankly, I could write an entire post about the awesomeness of Silvia Maria’s artwork. I know you will recognize her style. I secretly wish I could illustrate like she does. Because wow, she’s amazing! Please visit and patronize her shop. She’s the real deal.
Love Love Goose Instagram: @lovelovegoose
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MARTA DARBY DESIGNS
Hey! That’s me! You know, of course, that I have an online shop and that I sell posters that are suitable for framing and hanging in your kitchen. Or where ever you like seeing a list of your favorite foods.
I’d like to say that mine is The Home of the Cuban Food Poster, or maybe I should call it The Home of the Cubanity, because that’s sooo me. Right?
I also have food posters from all over. People write to me and I create. Asi se hace! I’ve also gotten an amazing education in Latin Foods, and Italian, and Jewish Deli, and Scottish. Seriously. Please appreciate.
Also, I recently added hand-made, personalized cutting boards to my shop – made by my super talented bro-in-law. They come in 2 sizes.
9×12 Customizable Cutting Board
12×18 Customizable Cutting Board
And finally, here is my Cafecito Poster.
Marta Darby Designs Instagram: @mybigfatcubanfamily
I thought it appropriate to end with a cafecito, porque aqui tienen su casa.
This is great! Thanks loads!!!!
LOOOOOOOVE! Bookmarking! 🇨🇺❤️🇺🇸