A holiday gift guide of things that look like other things

Monday reading #20

Monday Reading is my weekly recommendation of something I’ve found thought-provoking or fascinating. Sometimes it is about something I have read. Sometimes it is about television or food or music or projects I care about supporting. Sometimes I do not send it on Monday. Please share with anyone who might like the vibes!!

Today I’m sharing a very specific holiday gift guide that features things that look like other things. This is my favorite kind of consumer item (though I’m fairly picky about which ones I consider successful). Here are five perfect examples.

Mushroom night light, $8 (on sale)

Fish-shaped soy sauce bottles, $5.84

I learned about shoyu-tai ("soy-sauce snappers") from friend of this newsletter Helen Rosner's New Yorker gift guide. Thank you, Helen!

Bean mints, $10

These are so stupid and I love them so much.

Toucan kitchen shears, $12

These also have a magnet on them so you can stick them to the refrigerator.

Hedgehog table brush, $18

Cabbage umbrella, $20

There, I’ve done all of your shopping for you! See you next week!