The 7 Best Gifts To Give To Your Family Members
Because familia always comes first!
Welcome to the COCINA Holiday's Gift Guides, the ultimate gift inspiration from Latinx artists, chefs, and creators. Discover their must-haves and favorite picks to make your gifting extra special!
This time around, Marilyn López shares her picks for gifting the whole family, even the trickiest ones.
Ah, Christmas—the season of magia pura! Family gatherings, mouth-watering dishes (¡hola pasteles y Coquito!), and, of course, the thrill of finding that perfect gift for everyone you love.
As a Latina entrepreneur who’s balancing it all, I know firsthand that finding a thoughtful, practical, and fun regalo for family can feel like a holiday milagro.
Whether your mama is the jefa de la casa needing a break, your brother is the new stylish stay-at-home dad, your Tía is the chief cocinera of the family, or your nephew in college is all about purpose—here are some gifts to make their Navidad sparkle and remind them just how much they're loved.
1. A SET OF “SAY MY NAME” EARRINGS
Hoop earrings and wearing our name on our jewelry has been a form of style and pride for Latin culture for decades and it’s here to stay. It’s unapologetically Latina and a fashion symbol worth being proud of. As classic as red lipstick or a plain white T-shirt, hoops are in every Latina’s jewelry collection and make a statement like, “I’m a Latina who embraces my culture and the fashion that inspires it.”
I personally love all the options and designs that my friend and designer Seville Michelle offers when it comes to jewelry. Her handmade leather and Vegan hoop earrings are gorgeous staples worn by everyone from JLo to Alicia Keys.
Why It’s perfect: It’s superb quality, stylish, different and personalized and she can wear her name with pride. My hermanita loves to mix her style up which sets her apart sometimes with pieces that pay homage to where we grew up in Brooklyn, New York. This is uniquely perfect for her personality. Plus, she can now stop borrowing my pieces.
2. A LATIN-ISH COOKBOOK
One of the most treasured traditions in Latin Culture is food and gatherings and passing down recipes with a dash of ingredients that our family knows will make us feel like at home. Growing up, my Titi always made her mouth-watering main dishes that were classic Latin recipes with a flair of Latino American style. I treasure the personal recipes she’s given me.
That’s why I love Latin-ish: More Than 100 Recipes Celebrating American Latino Cuisines (August 20, 2024; W.W. Norton). The book is written by James Beard Award judge, and Latina restaurant critic, food writer, and recipe developer Marisel Salazar.
Why it’s perfect: Food is how we show our love and Chef Titi can now further work on her passion for cooking with this book which allows her to explore how diaspora and migration have shaped Latin cuisines. With dishes such as tres leches latte, Mission burritos, cheesesteak quesadillas, and Salazar’s signature guava and cream cheese doughnuts, your traditional family and the younger generation can learn and explore both cultures leaving you with no leftovers.
3. A STYLISH FUNCTIONAL DIAPER BACK-PACK
It’s now the norm for men to be el Papá De La Casa while their wives, like my sister-in-law, are focusing on their careers and providing for the family. That’s why I love The Honest Company's cleverly designed diaper bag backpack that works as both a super chic, spacious bag as well as a multi-functional diaper bag. This stylish diaper bag contains various pockets to provide you with easy access to all your diaper-changing essentials.
I got this bag for a stylish couple that were co-parenting their baby and the champagne color was perfect for both of them who didn’t want a typical black diaper bag or backpack. The structured design is super functional and stylishly chic so I knew it’d be perfect for them.
Why it’s perfect: As a new Papá, this bag brings style and practicality, letting both his and his wife’s looks shine through. The chic design gives al Papá De La Casa that put-together vibe while he's out with his bebé. Whether he’s grabbing keys or other necessities, this backpack has storage for everything he needs—ensuring he never forgets a thing when he's on the go with his angelito.
4. A BEAUTIFUL GIFT BASKET WITH PURPOSE
There's something special about a person who cares about human beings, the planet and one who supports purpose-driven brands. That's my college sobrino: eco-minded, purposeful, and snack-loving. Enter the Packed With Purpose and their Celebrate Elevate Deluxe Gift Basket . It’s the ultimate gift for the family member who’s on the go and conscious about what he eats like my nephew.
Three impact partners in this gift set are Latino-owned and delicious. I received this one from a client and could not stop raving about the food featured in this basket. The Kiwa chips were delicious and the company supports regenerative agriculture, direct-trade, and climate-friendly best practices to produce premium veggie chips sourced from Ecuador, while the Jana Banana promotes girl empowerment through soccer for disadvantaged young girls ages 9-18 through sales of their non-GMO banana-based snacks. It’s women-owned and perfect for him to share with his soccer-loving hermanita.
Why it's perfect: It’s tasty, purposeful, and a mini-lesson in supporting brands that give back. Now he can snack with style while inspiring friends, classmates, and family on how to eat well, and make an impact."
5. LA FAMILIA TOOL SET BY LOISA
Abuelita and mamá aman their kitchen staples! Most of us grew up with a pilón and tostonera, right? Now, you can give the jefa of the kitchen the classic tools she loves—just with a modern twist. Enter Loisa's La Familia Tool Set : a 4-piece set with essentials for Latin cooking tostonera, masher, skimmer, mortar, and pestle. Perfect for making those treasured family recipes shine, from crispy tostones to creamy mangú, with all the sabor and pride that’s been passed down through generations. Use Louisa’s high-quality seasons to complete the dishes you make with this tool set.
Why it’s perfect: It’s like cooking with Mamá and Abuela’s touch but with a new level of quality. The set is crafted to make those cherished family recipes come alive with the same pride and flavor passed down from generation to generation bringing a little bit of heritage into every meal, making it the perfect gift for anyone who treasures the flavors of home. ¡Vamos!
6. A SPA DAY TO ESCAPE FOR THE DAY
Latina moms are true superheroes, caretakers, cooks, keepers of spotless homes, and champions of family traditions—all while putting everyone else’s needs first. No matter how old you are, you’re always su bebé. So this holiday, treat her to the ultimate escape: a spa day at Joanna Vargas' Spa . Get her the Triple Crown Royale facial. Known for her refining, and reshaping facials loved by celebrities, Vargas blends technique, tech, and all-natural ingredients for glowing skin that lasts just like your mother’s love.
Why Is it Perfect: It’s a chance to spoil Mamá, honoring her beauty, her strength, and the graceful journey of aging. She deserves a taste of luxury—just like the superstar she is.
Images: Joanna's Spa Image in NYC Joanna's spa NYC
7. A CAFETERA CANDLE
If there's one thing every casa latina has, it’s una cafetera! The Albisa Cafetera Candle crafted by a Latina-owned brand honoring Latin Heritage pays homage to that iconic cafetera and nostalgic Cuban coffee. Shaped as the classic Italian-style coffee maker adopted across Latin cultures, it’s perfect for my half-Cuban cuñada, who swears by her cafetera for the best coffee. Now, she can claim it makes the best candle, too!
Why Is It Perfect? It’s a unique way to celebrate her heritage—and her love of candles and coffee—all in one.
Final Thoughts: Give Your Family Gifts Of Thoughtfulness
Christmas gifts for your familia, some who may span generations, should touch the heart of who they are. The best gifts remind them of their passions, highlight their beauty, and show how deeply they’re loved—not just as a family, but as individuals with their own dreams and corazón.
Whether it’s something personalized, practical, or a little pampering, let it be a gift that says, “Te quiero y te aprecio” in the most heartfelt way. Family may drive us crazy sometimes, but they’re always there for us, and they deserve nothing less this Christmas.
Ahora, dale! Time to shop and wrap with love!
Editor’s Note: Neither the author nor Cocina receives any commission or compensation from purchases made through these links. These recommendations are solely based on the author’s genuine preferences and personal favorites.