Whether it be eating, ingesting, growing or wearing, we here at Ensemble are big fans of fungi. Aside from being an incredibly cute motif and the most adorable of emojis, ‘shrooms are both delicious (if you don’t believe us try the Mushroom Magic at Satya Chai Lounge, or the Mush Mash sando at Swings in Kitchener St, Auckland) and incredibly, fundamentally good for you.
That makes for a win-win in the gifting department too! The latest in our niche Christmas gift guides, some of our faves, for your trippy loved one.
How to Change Your Mind: The New Science of Psychedelics by Michael Pollan, $28
Increasing research is being done on the psychological benefits of psilocybin and those interested in exploring it further will love the knowledge imparted in this book. To be clear, this isn’t about tripping on ‘shrooms socially (although we love that for you too). But the benefits of psilocybin for those suffering severe anxiety and depression (including for those with terminal illness) are thankfully becoming increasingly mainstream. This book will help you understand why that’s important.
Rodarte bomber jacket with mushroom embroidery, US$1495
The most lush of mushroom motifs, this is the ultimate gift for fevered fans of fungi i.e me. Please buy me this for Christmas.
Mushroom socks, $10, from Amazon Surf
Accessibly priced mushroom merch with the added bonus of some fungi humour! Holy shitake! Wear under your gumboots while foraging for fungi.
Karen Walker mushroom necklace, from $289
A subtle ‘shroom, and a good way to sneak your fungi fetish onto unassuming relatives.
Mothermade AM powder: Morning Mushroom supplements, $80
I’m a huge fan of adaptogens and functional mushroom powders, and incorporate them into my smoothie every morning (along with oat milk, cacao powder and honey from my garden). This blend from NZ brand Mother Made contains Chaga, Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps for increased brain function and energy. The ultimate gift in this modern world, quite frankly.
Fungi glass tumbler, $17, from Iko Iko
Cute ‘shrooms on a glass.
Other Nature Focus Elementals, $80 for 60 capsules
If powders aren’t your thing, another local brand milking mushrooms, Other Nature, have formulated these mushroom-based nootropics to help with mental clarity and resistance to stress. Lion’s Mane is the hero ingredient amongst other goodies like L-theanine and Rhodiola.
Cavallini 1000 piece mushroom puzzle, $60, from Iko Iko
By now you’ve obviously bought, enjoyed and completed our beautiful Ensemble puzzle and now have a taste for the joy puzzling can bring. Now, buy one of our puzzles for your friend, but create your own magical puzzle bundle by including this educational fungi puzzle featuring a variety of mushroom types with their scientific names.
Turkey Tail growing kit, $40, from MycoLogic
MycoLogic offer a great range of both edible and medicinal mushrooms to grow at home along with all the equipment, support and bits and bobs you’ll need. Turkey Tail is one of those amazing medicinal mushrooms that’s been shown to have immune boosting properties as well as potentially supporting gut health. This grow-your-own-kit contains everything you need to grow the ‘shrooms and extract the good bits. Perfect for the scientist and/or herbalist in your life.
