8x8 newsletter #36: the 2025 golden gift guide is here
a special edition for aanhpi heritage month!
golden guide is on a mission to connect aanhpi communities to opportunities and share the knowledge we’re building with all of you.
🔍 find your spaces, places + communities
like, save + share our event roundups (every third post on our grid!)
🎁 NOW LIVE: 2025 golden gift guide: aanhpi heritage month edition!
our gift guide is now live! (thanks for your patience)
we got a little delayed with the inaugural golden makers market which saw over 675+ people over the course of 2-days and had a market, artist alley, group art show, and workshops, but in case you couldn’t make it (or are already missing it) we’re bringing it to the digital device of your choosing!
explore small businesses and makers who could use your support this may (and all year round!) and follow, share, and (if you’re able to) buy their stuff!
a lot of you asked us if you could buy some physical printed guides we usually have at our popups. the short answer is we are shook you would want to buy them (they aren’t optimized for print if you look closely) but we understand the idea of having cute, collectible coffee table style books and appreciating the designs each of the artists we commission create for our guides so…we’re thinking about it but are not yet convinced there’s that much interest…(but we could be persuaded…)
about the cover
the cover design draws inspiration from the symmetrical patterns commonly found in everyday asian items such as calendars, medicinal packaging, and balms. elements like flowers, fruits, and desserts—often exchanged as gifts across various aanhpi cultures—were intentionally woven into the artwork.
at the heart of the design is a vibrant scene celebrating the joy of gift-giving and meaningful connection. set on a bright spring day, the illustration captures characters happily sharing conversation and treats, brought to life through warm tones and gold accents.
about the artist
kathy hoang’s playful approach to design and illustration is influenced by her upbringing in diverse, low-income immigrant neighborhoods around los angeles.
her work celebrates the type of popular culture that resonates with and connects those of differing communities. her mission is to spread positivity and also to encourage those from immigrant families to pursue their creative passions. kathy’s love for art began like any other millennial watching copious amounts of cartoons with her 6 older siblings. she was influenced by the many hobbies and interests that were gathered under one small rooftop. it was natural for her to immerse herself in all things art, music, crafts, games, and the like— but it was hard to find her own voice amongst all of her siblings and generational pressures.
although her story isn’t uncommon, she found herself pursuing pre-pharmacy, but eventually switched to ux/ui design where she found her calling to work for causes that directly affected the communities she grew up in. once she realized she could do this through illustration as well, it became imperative for her to work on projects that uplifted and brought light to aanhpi communities and underserved creative youth.
most recently, she worked at buzzfeed as a graphic designer creating fun and compelling designs for a diverse audience. she is now a freelancer for various clients utilizing her skills in illustration, motion graphics, ui design, and traditional mediums. in her spare time, you can find her working on passion projects like the good feelin’, being a foodie, gardening, and watching dogs 101 on youtube.
kathy hoang / designer
kathyhoang.com
@kathycreatesthings
inside this guide:
accessories
apparel
beauty & wellness
food & drink
home goods
kids
small gifts