Believe it or not, Foreign Policy’s staff knows how to do more than put together a magazine. But most of what we do—even off the clock—has some international flair. This holiday season, our list of gift recommendations features everything from global pantry items to travel gear and wellness essentials. All of the following are sure to provide you or your loved ones with a bit of escapism, wherever you may be.

Believe it or not, Foreign Policy’s staff knows how to do more than put together a magazine. But most of what we do—even off the clock—has some international flair. This holiday season, our list of gift recommendations features everything from global pantry items to travel gear and wellness essentials. All of the following are sure to provide you or your loved ones with a bit of escapism, wherever you may be.

Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce ($7.34)

Who doesn’t like a little heat? On a recent visit to Jamaica, I fell in love with Scotch bonnet peppers. These tiny chilis—which come in green, red, and yellow—have a delightful, natural tanginess and sweetness, in addition to a sweat-inducing heat rating between 100,000 and 350,000 on the Scoville scale.

A variety of Scotch bonnet pepper sauces are readily available on Amazon, and I’ve found that they add a lovely touch to everything from salads to grilled meats. A little goes a long way. (They are also a geeky way to explore the history of the global pepper trade.) I’m not an expert yet, but I’ve found Melinda’s Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce—which includes some carrots, papayas, salt, and lime—to be my favorite so far.

—Ravi Agrawal, editor in chief

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite ($159.99, currently on sale)

Over the years I’ve worked at FP, certain products have gained a cult-like following among staffers. First it was the Baggu fanny pack, then the Aritzia Super Puff. In 2024, the item my co-workers cajoled me into buying was a bit more intellectual: a Kindle.

Until I ordered my Kindle in April, I was a proud e-reader holdout; I—wrongly—thought there was some kind of superiority to be had in reading physical books. But after paying too many overweight baggage fees to lug around tomes on various trips, I realized that FP’s Kindle zealots might have a point.

Owning a Kindle has been revolutionary. The Paperwhite’s display is the perfect mix of digital and analog; I’m especially fond of the dimming and warming features for reading before bed. Because the Kindle is so lightweight, I pack it wherever I go (it fits in the aforementioned fanny pack) and have found myself reading more as a result. It’s also waterproof, which is convenient for a pool rat like me.

My Kindle has come in handy for work, too: When I’m reading novels for our monthly international fiction column, I can easily highlight and take notes for future reference. Consider me a convert.

—Allison Meakem, associate editor

Lata’s Monthly Discovery Box ($49.99)

One of the best snacks I’ve eaten in the last few years was a tinned fish appetizer at a tapas bar in Denver’s Union Station.