The Quality Makers Gift Guide: Gifts From Ani & Ayan of Kolkata Chai Co.

Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the web’s best products. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. Our editorial team is independent and only endorses products we believe in.

Last year, The Quality Edit launched its Quality Makers category, focusing on the ins and outs of the inspiring individuals behind the many brands we’ve covered. The talented founders have shared their background stories with our TQE community – from when they first planted their seeds to the tall branches their trees have now grown. They’ve been kind enough to provide inside looks into the DTC world and hand out valuable life lessons on how to build a business.

This year, we’re lucky enough to once again check in with some of our favorite founders, before the busy holiday season begins. The Quality Makers gift guide is back, this time featuring brothers Ani & Ayan’s carefully selected holiday picks! Keep reading for some original recommendations from your favorite founders on how to start off your holiday season right.

The family owned chai company Kolkata Chai Co. is a cafe in NYC and an online marketplace founded by brothers Ani and Ayan Sanyal. Born outside of Boston, these first-generation Americans grew up straddling two cultures. As the sons of two beautiful Bengali people who came to the U.S. in 1987 from India, their concept of home was forever-shifting. Thus, they created the coziest spot in NYC for traditional, housemade masala chai and cold brew variations. The company was founded to extend the authenticity, respect and tradition behind a cup of masala chai to NYC. And now you won’t find a better cup of chai anywhere else.

Enjoy Ani & Ayan’s special holiday picks below:

We like

We don't like

LARQ

LARQ Bottle PureVis™

$99
$99
Code:
Copy Icon

AS: “As someone who’s always on the go, I always need to be hydrating. Plastic bottles are the most wasteful thing imaginable, so this Larq bottle has come in clutch for me. It purifies water and cleans itself through a UV light. Get yourself a self-cleaning water bottle.”

We like

We don't like

Bellroy

Tech Kit Compact

$55
$55
Code:
Copy Icon

AS: “I hate untangling wires every time I sit down to work or when I’m on the move. This tech kit keeps everything organized and fits easily into my tote or backpack. Organization is the key to elevation!”

We like

We don't like

Immi

Variety Pack

$39
$39
Code:
Copy Icon

AS: “Healthy ramen? You better believe it. Our homies at Immi make a delicious plant-based, healthy ramen and it’s the perfect companion for late nights at the office. A must try!”

We like

We don't like

Sanzo

Mango (Alphonso) Sparkling Water

$29.99
$29.99
Code:
Copy Icon

AS: “You can’t have any street cred in the South Asian community unless you know your Alphonso mangoes. This sparkling water from Sanzo hits the spot every time. Enjoy!”

We like

We don't like

ONS

Deon Terry Crew Sweatshirt

$98
$98
Code:
Copy Icon

AS: “One of the best things about working for yourself is that you get to wear what you want every day. ONS makes quality products with high attention to detail and durability. Comfort > everything.”

We like

We don't like

Dagne Dover

Landon Carryall Bag

$215
$215
Code:
Copy Icon

AS: “Quick international trips are an essential to rebalancing and clearing your mind, so this weekender bag from Dagne Dover gets the job done brilliantly. Thoughtfully designed with ALL the pockets, because we all love a good extra pocket.”

We like

We don't like

Rastah

Block Printed Puffer Jacket

$600
$600
Code:
Copy Icon

AS: “From those nights that you need to show out a little bit, Rastah makes incredibly detailed, unique South Asian garments that you won’t find anywhere else. Handmade in Pakistan and built by some incredibly passionate founders.”

We like

We don't like

Nguyen Coffee

Cold Brew: Classic Black Can

$32
$32
Code:
Copy Icon

AS: “Our friends at Nguyen make an incredibly bold canned black coffee that you can’t go wrong with. With a focus on the robusta bean, this sustainably sourced Vietnamese coffee is our favorite non-chai choice :)”

We like

We don't like

Confusion Snacks

Chili Chaat Popcorn

$9.50
$9.50
Code:
Copy Icon

AS: “We love seeing other bold South Asian brands making their mark and this chili popcorn from Confusion Snacks is elite. You won’t go back to regular popcorn after this one, believe that!”

We like

We don't like

Coupon:
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Bellroy
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Immi
Coupon:
Coupon:
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Dagne Dover
Coupon:
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Nguyen Coffee
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Confusion Snacks
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.

Share these one of a kind picks with your family & friends by gifting them one of Ani and Ayan’s favorite recs. Chai has been repeatedly appropriated in the Western world, so these talented brothers have made it their mission to make sure their culture and traditions are represented accurately and honestly. With this mentality in mind, their recs are as original as ever.

Pass on the ‘get rich or chai tryin’ lifestyle onto your loved ones by showering them with recommendations from Ani & Ayan’s Quality Makers Gift Guide.

Shop The Edit

Coupon:
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Bellroy
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Immi
Coupon:
Coupon:
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Dagne Dover
Coupon:
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Nguyen Coffee
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Confusion Snacks

Additional Reading

No items found.