Though best known for his role as Castiel on the CW’s hit series, Supernatural, Misha Collins is a successful actor and writer with tons of impressive credits to his name. One quick look at his resume and it becomes obvious that this TV star deserves the accolades. Collins has had recurring roles on everything from 24 and ER to Monk, Charmed and Nip/Tuck.
But more than just an actor, this Boston-bred but LA-living Dad is a man with taste. And speaking of — Collins just released a cookbook called The Adventurous Eaters Club which he worked on with his wife, Vicki. Over the course of 288 pages and 100 recipes, the two outline some of their favorite family meals. From chicken nuggets to veggie dishes their kids actually eat, Collin’s cookbook makes mealtime an adventure for the whole family, and one any new parent is sure to appreciate.
So it was because of this, as well as his affinity for smart-looking furniture and woodworking, that we decided to get hold of Collins for a quick run through of his 2019 gifting list. From woodworking chisels and exquisite ceramic mugs to massive, fluffy beanbags and cooking classes, Collins gave us the breakdown of what he’s gifting this year. And after one look, you’ll be adding quite a few of these to your wish list as well. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
1. Fujihiro Mokume Chisels.
“Woodworking grounds me, so I spend a lot of my spare time with one of these in my hands in the shop — often with my 9-year-old at my side, now that he’s getting into woodworking with me” says Collins about his first item, the Fujihiro Mokume chisel. Made by the legendary Japanese blacksmith, Chutaro Imai, this chisel makes a great gift for any master or budding woodworkers in your life. Made from “sword steel,” these chisels are built to last through years and years of woodworking projects. And, if you’re like Collins, the tool becomes yet another activity to bond over with your kids.
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2. Bianca Pulitzer Ceramics
If you’re like us, you can never have too many coffee mugs. And it would seem, in that regard, Collins feels the same. “On a chilly, misty morning, there’s nothing as calming as sitting on my porch with my family, holding one of Bianca’s mugs in my hands and feeling the tea inside slowly radiating out through the ridges and grooves of the ceramic, eager to warm me.” The artisan in question, Bianca Pulitzer, is an LA-based artist who makes truly exquisite pieces to order. And if you (somehow) have enough mugs, she does bowls, plates and even mini skyscrapers as well.
3. Anything From 14feet.
From giant beanbags (pictured here) to slippers, chairs and stools, Collins’ next recommendation is sure to delight fans of interior design. “Pretty much anything from the furniture/lifestyle shop, 14feet. in Cloverdale, CA is a joy,” Collins says. Owned by one of Collins’ first friends when he moved to Los Angeles, 14feet is a one-stop shop for high-quality and handsome-looking wares. “It’s not cheap, but everything she carries is quality and made with care.” Who doesn’t want that for their home?
4. The Adventurous Eaters Club Cookbook
“I hate to spoil the surprise, but I’m getting every family I know The Adventurous Eaters Club,” says Collins who wrote the recipe book with his wife which just hit stands this week. “If you have kids or know anyone who has kids, this is the perfect holiday gift,” he says. It has 100 recipes and beautiful photos of his family. But the best part? 100% of the profits go to charities that bring healthy food to undeserved families.
5. Trellis + Co. Sprouting Kit
“Our kids love growing and eating sprouts!” says Collins about Trellis + Co.’s Sprouting Kit. The kit comes with any number of stainless steel screens and lids, as well as a free guide on how to begin your sprouting adventures! From there, the family fun begins. “It’s a great way to get started with basic gardening, and it feels so good bringing a plant up from a seed into something you can eat. It’s also inexpensive and doesn’t require garden space, so it’s pretty accessible to most circumstances, which I love.” We couldn’t agree more. For a fun snack and interactive project, these sprouting kits check all of our boxes.
6. Hipcooks Cooking Class Gift Certificate
The final item on Collins’ list? A cooking class certificate. If you’re starting to see a trend here, that’s no accident. Nearly all of Collin’s recommendation center around communal activities. And when it comes to family time, it’s tough to do better than cooking. “My friend Moni started a cooking school in my kitchen way back in 2002,” says Collins. “Now she has schools in seven cities on the West Coast. Her classes are measurement-free, footloose, and fun — just the way I like to cook with my family.” The gift cards available can be used for any amount, though most of the Hipcooks classes run for $75. For an excuse to taste great food and enjoy time spent with loved ones, it’s tough to top a good, old-fashioned, cooking class.