A few people have approached me in the past with the request that they needed to buy a gift (usually for a guy) but had no idea what to get. Commonly, people end up buying what they know – cologne, shirts, maybe simple jewelry. All that stuff is well and good and needed, there’s only so much of it anyone can use. So here’s a few (okay, a variety of) ideas for gifts this year. It’s a compilation of things I’ve ran across on the internet in the past year that have remained relevant in my mind. Take it for what you will – and even if you don’t decide on one of my picks, I hope you are successful in your Christmas shopping. I know it’s cliche but spending time with friends and family should be the greatest gift of all…and it’s the thought that counts.
Stanley Limited Edition Bottle 1.1 Quart
I’ve been using a thermos recently for water and while a lot of my friends think it’s stupid, it works well for me. If you fill the thermos with ice cubes and water, you’ll have a drink that stays colder much longer. It also isn’t another plastic bottle in the landfill because it’s refillable, and unlike Nalgene and other water bottles, it can hold tea or coffee just as well. There’s also regular versions of the Stanley thermos and they all come with lifetime warranties. Available from Blackbird.
Hand Blown Oil, Vinegar and Dressing Bottles
Most oil & vinegar and salt & pepper shaker combos are either a little too playful or way too expensive for my tastes. These bottles range from $24 to $28 and look good to be sitting out at all times. Available from Abodeon.
TI$A x Starter Hats
Show your love for your favorite teams come playoff time with this collaborative hat between Starter and Taz Arnold’s brand TI$A. They’ll cost you more than a New Era, but you won’t see anyone else wearing one of these at the game. The Spurs and Lakers are some of the best – yellow corduroy?!? Email TI$A (tisavisiononline@gmAil.com) and check out the rest of the hats here.
Bell & Ross BR03-92 Phantom
If you were waiting for the big guns to be pulled here, here it is. “All black everything” on a watch made by Bell & Ross. Simple and devoid of extras, it’s functional and still stunning. This particular one is limited to less than 200 pieces, and carries a fitting price tag of nearly $6,000 on eBay.
Help I Need Help Kits
This was a concept that had blogs on fire towards the middle of the year. Great for stocker stuffers and much better looking than Tylenol or Advil containers. If you’ve got a lot of problems you can also pick up all six for only $28. Available direct from here.
Rock Pillows
Such a cool concept – soft cushions that actually look like rocks. The largest is 13” x 25” x 25”, and you’ll need a few in each size to create the illusion of rocks, but it’ll be fun for all. Not sure on pricing but you can contact the manufacturer Ronel Jordaan.
Kiehl’s x Kaws x RxART Creme de Corps
One of my favorite artists, Kaws, teamed up with RxArt and Kiehl’s to create this limited edition label. Inside is Kiehl’s famous Creme de Corps lotion and 100% of the net profits are going to RxArt which is, “a nonprofit national organization committed to fostering artistic expression and awareness through the challenging yet rewarding task of engaging young patients through contemporary art in pediatric hospitals.” Do some good this Christmas season. Available in three sizes from Nordstrom.
Filson Pullman Bag
If you aren’t going to go with a luxury bag, stick with a quality and go with the Filson Pullman. Measuring 22” x 15” x 9” this will more than cover you for a weekend. And the best part of all, this bag will get better with age which means that receiving a well-used Filson from a relative may be even better than getting a new one – But you’ve got to start somewhere. Available from Blackbird.
BMW M3 GTS
Hey, I can dream, can’t I? 450 bhp, carbon fiber roof, 7-speed M-DCT tranny, and out of reach for most at $170 grand.
(from front to back: yellow Safari mechanical pencil, matte charcoal Safari fountain pen, orange Safari fountain pen)
Lhamo Folk (my next pair)
The Safari line all feature the iconic brass clip, are made from ABS plastic and have been in production since 1980. I received my Lamy Safari mechanical pencil last week and I couldn’t be happier. It’s a bit pricey (I got mine for about $23 shipped) but the German engineering and quality is evident. It is more comfortable and just “feels” right. I do agree with most reviews I’ve read, however, that the eraser isn’t anything spectacular.
