Aozora loves to support the businesses in our community. As you prepare gifts for your loved ones, we hope this list will help you!
If you own a small business and would like to be added to our guide, please email avery@aozoracommunity.org
Trad Room
Trad Room, an Izakaya Restaurant, is located at 266 Malcolm X Blvd, Brooklyn, NY. Known for its clean, minimalist decor and a menu that blends classic Japanese flavors with a contemporary twist, the seasonal dishes are crafted with fresh ingredients, focusing on simplicity and balance. The ambiance is warm and intimate—ideal for a thoughtful, refined dining experience.
Trad Room has gift cards available for purchase as well as Japanese staples food focused on delivery! Open 7 days a week!
M.M.LaFleur
M.M.LaFleur is a fashion brand celebrating women through thoughtfully designed clothing, personal styling, and a community of 100,000+ purposeful women. M.M.’s thoughtful design touches, superior fabrics, and customer service make it easier for women to get ready every morning, so they can focus on the work that matters to them.
For the holidays this year, M.M.LaFleur is offering 15% off full-price styles* using the code AOZORA15, in stores and online at mmlafleur.com. This code is live from 11/1-12/31, so don't wait!
M.M.LaFleur stores are located in Bryant Park (130 West 42nd Street, Fl 13) and the Upper West Side (182A Columbus Avenue).
*Cannot be combined with any other offer.
Jade Chi
Jade Chi is a clothing line that embraces African American and Japanese Culture. We specialize in making hats, sweatshirts, hoodies, and t-shirts. All designs are curated and made by the designer Jade herself.
Use the code HOLIDAY10 for a 10% off discount on the entire website.
Dogality
After years in NYC’s grooming industry, research, and a cross-country move, the creators of Dogality combined their expertise to create this incredible brand—a premium, human-grade dog soap line made from botanicals, essential oils, and sustainable butters. Their deep understanding of dog coat care and collaboration with a skilled lab team have resulted in an elevated approach to dog-care.
For this guide, Dogality has offered a 30% discount on all products!
ISSHO
Handbags for Dog Moms & Dog Dads.
ISSHO’s vision is based on BALANCE & HARMONY, between design and functionality, between classic and trend, and between understated and fun.
The quality and aesthetics of our lines are the result of a united team that works together to create Made in New York City product. ISSHO values to be a Direct-To-Consumer brand to be able to offer high end quality handbags for an equitable price.
Blluemade
Blluemade is a New York-based unisex line founded by Alex Robins and Lilly Lampe. An emphasis on the highest quality natural fabrics and skilled local NYC production are at the heart of every Blluemade design.
Blluemade’s linen hats may make a great gift for a close friend or loved one!
TANGRAM FARM
TANGRAM FARM is a colorful, hands-on educational game that uses Art and Design to motivate STEM learning. Players take turns matching, building, and solving colorful farm-inspired tangram puzzles to help nurture creative cognitive development. TANGRAM FARM offers an endless variety of barnyard fun for players of all abilities, with multiple modes of play and a wide range of puzzle difficulty levels. No batteries or electricity required!
Tangram Farm is available at 30% off for Aozora Community members with the special code: AozoraGiftGuide2024
Kuwano Home
Kuwano Home is a brand of a 3rd generation Hanten (half coat) factory from Kurome, Japan. Originally invented as a builders' outer jacket, Hanten can be your fall/winter house coat or a natural alternative to a synthetic padded jacket. What a wonderful gift for a friend or loved one!
Use code AOZORA15 for a discount!
ICHIRAN
Locations: 374 Johnson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206; 132 W. 31st Street New York, NY 10001; 152 W. 49th Street New York, NY 10019
Ichiran Ramen is a Japanese ramen food-service business specializing in Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen from Fukuoka. Ichiran has generously offered the following for our gift guide this holiday season:
Buy 1 Tonkotsu Ramen Kit, get 1 pair of limited edition ICHIRAN chopsticks as a gift (promotion exclusive to restaurants)
Live Nov. 23 - Dec. 2, 2024Buy 1 Tonkotsu Ramen Kit, get 1 limited edition ICHIRAN renge soup spoon (promotion exclusive to restaurants)
Live Dec. 16 - Dec. 25, 2024
Taisan's art book, Taisan's postcards, and Taisan’s moji face
Taisan Tanaka is a Painter, Illustrator and Calligraphy Master and Artist based in New York City.
As one of our After-School Teachers, Taisan-sensei teaches the little ones Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy) and participates in many of our events.
This holiday season, he is selling his Art Book and Post-cards (set of 8), and Moji Face Calligraphy Art products which all make wonderful gifts for family or friends!
Kiino Brooklyn
Kiino Brooklyn, which opened in June this year in Brooklyn, offers not only curry but also baked goods by Ayane (Mikiyo) of kiino brooklyn have become just as popular as our curries. For the holiday season, Kiino is excited to introduce a new addition: the gluten-free and vegan-friendly Ube Whisper Cookie, beautifully packaged for gifting and now available for pre-order.
The Ube Whisper Cookie is a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treat with a gentle sweetness and a light, crumbly texture. Made with traditional Filipino ube (purple yam), this special cookie is both vegan and gluten-free, crafted for those who seek a balanced, understated flavor. The subtle crunch and soft finish bring a calm and comforting taste experience, while the vibrant purple hue adds a visual delight to each bite.
For special occasions, Taisan will handwrite a personalized message on the packaging. Messages can include options such as “Happy Holidays,” “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Hanukkah,” “Happy Kwanzaa,” “Happy Birthday,” or even a custom name.
The price is $54 for 18 cookies (plus tax).
To place an order, please email kiinobrooklyn@gmail.com by December 5th with the following details:
1. Quantity
2. Desired message (e.g., “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Birthday, [Name]”)
3. Pickup location (indicate which Aozora campus)
Venmo details will be provided for payment upon confirmation. Pickup will be on December 17th.