Pistachio Island Slipper
My attempt at a holiday gift guide
Next up: Christmas. I’ve done a little round up of items I admire that you can consider for yourself or for others if you are gift giving-inclined.
Bookish Gifts
These tend to skew to the visually interesting more so than the novel-esque. Cookbooks, photobooks, notebooks, etc. All good for inspiration.
Atlas of Remote Islands - One of my favorite all time books full of amazing illustrations of remote islands that you likely will never visit in your lifetime, but the short historical backstory of each makes for some captivating daydreaming.
Somewhere 2017-2023 - I find Sam Youkilis to be one of the most fascintating follows on Instagram for his unique international observations of food, people and landscapes. This is his first book.
Figures of Speech - Virgil Abloh was one of the most multifaceted modern artists whose work transcended design, fashion, music, architecture, and this book is a testament to his global influence.
Alpine Cooking - So much more than just a cookbook or travel guide, this book puts forth a meticulous summary of all the glories to be found in the Alps.
Surf Shacks - Wonderful summaries of interesting coastal characters and their inventive abodes.
Field Notes - Essential for capturing analog inspiration while on the go. The Great Lakes set includes perfect concise overviews of each lake.
Rhodia No 38 Pad - The large format of this particular notepad is wonderful for plotting your next business, novel, or overseas adventure.
Let My People Go Surfing - Yvon Chouinard has created one of the most admired businesses on the planet in Patagonia, and this book reveals some of his philosophies that guide the company.
La Vie de Clare V - American fashion designer, Clare Vivier, has become known for her wonderful mix of preppy and chic, and this colorful book recaps her life journey and inspiration.
FT Weekend Subscription - The weekend edition of the Financial Times offers a luxurious recap of global culture happenings.
Cooking for Good Times - The best part of this book by Chicago chef, Paul Kahan, is its unique construct which offers up some basic actions that you can mix and match to ensure you not only serve up a crowd pleasing meal, but have fun doing it.
Mark Gonzales - Insights into the art, influences, and creativity of one of the greatest skateboarders.
Kerry Talk - A ode to my mother-in-law, Marie, who hails from Kerry, Ireland, and who never fails to offer up a charming and poetic anecdote for any occurance.
Post Truth - The Australian photographer, George Byrne, has a knack for serving up images of urban landscapes that feel like postmodern paintings.
Dolce Vita - This offering from publishing house, Assouline, lets you slip away into the quintessential Italian lifestyle.
Foodie Gifts
One look at this array of foodstuffs probably makes you wonder how I still have any teeth.
Pistachio Spread - Have fun adding this stuff to everything from pizza to ice cream to charcuterie boards.
Orin Swift Eight Years in the Desert California Red - I enjoy the wines and vibe of this Californian winemaker and this particular wine has a deep, velvety character to it.
Ittala Raami Red Wine Glasses - Fancy enough without being too dramatic or delicate.
Maoam Tub - The confectionary wonder from Haribo known as Maoam are larger and chewier than a jelly bean, more robust than a Spree, but not quite as chewy as taffy or gum, and this glorious tub’s worth won’t last long.
Maille Black Truffle Mustard - If you can get your hands on this decadent spread, it will be to the benefit of all your future sandwiches.
San Benedetto Peach Tea 1.5L - The best peach ice tea on the market would make for a good stocking stuffer.
Fritt Grapefruit - This German candy is perfectly fruited with a just right chew.
Jilly’s Jerky - Handcrafted, thin sliced, flavorful jerky served up with a smile.
Firelli Hot Sauce - An Italian hot sauce in a super sexy bottle.
Laguiole colored knives - Fine french knives in fun colors.
Pen-o-Noir Wine Marker - Let your party guests keep track of which wine glass is theirs with this cheeky marker.
Floret mug - A cup of tea makes for a good daily routine, and the light touch of this bone china mug by Irish artist, Orla Kiely, is pretty much perfect.
Lavatools Javelin Probe Thermometer - There might be smarter, fancier meat thermometers that hook up to your phone or whatever, but I find that this good ol’ Javelin works fast, is easy to read, and its built in magnet keeps it close to whatever is getting cooked.
Engine Gin - This wonderful Italian gin is made more wonderful by its unique oil can packaging.
Questionably Fashionable Gifts
Ok, you’re not going to make it on any best dressed lists with these garments, but I happen to share a fondness for each of these.
Jeffrey’s Pullover - The active lifestlye apparel from Vuori is high quality and understated and with this sweatshirt you not only get a chest pocket, but also a discreet side zip pocket.
Cubs Levis Windbreaker Jacket - This collab between the Chicago Cubs and Levis resulted in one of the coolest sports jackets that looks somewhere between and beer vendor and a greenskeeper.
Flylow Tough Guy Gloves - Ski gloves that look like gardeners gloves.
Fjallraven Ovik Rib Sweater - This sweater will last almost forever.
Old Friends Adjustable Closure Bootee - Your lady is going to grimace every time you don these slippers, but the sheepskin interior and velcro closure make for one of the most divine footwear experiences.
Valasca Sparluscia - Who doesn’t like a tassle on their shoe? Ok, most people. But I do, and this all weather boat shoe-inspired footwear walks the line of formal and informal and gives you the option of keeping the fringe on or off.
Transit Tees' Drink Local Socks - The riff on the Old Style sign makes for a good graphic on these socks.
Chicago Cubs Wrigley Scene Wallet - I believe you can find various versions of this needlepoint baseball stadium scene wallet for whatever team you are into, but does it really get more iconic than Wrigley Field?
Nike SB Zoom Blazer Mid - Originally a basketball shoe that was appropriated by skateboarders in the 70s, the Lance Mountain Blazer in light blue is a simple classic.
Criquet Quilted Shacket Chambray - The “shacket” is one of those great inventions that offers flexibility, comfort and the ability to dress it up or down. This quilted chambray version goes with almost anything.
Satin Lions Jacket - This jacket showcases one of the Lions’ best retro graphics which will look good all the way to the playoffs.
80s ski hat - Stumbled upon this hat in a google search and fell in love with it’s obscure 80s style.
Abercrombie & Fitch “Woods” - Haven’t worn this stuff in 30 years, but just discovered that they reissued it so figured it was worth another chance.
Cottage-y gifts
Items to further those personal passion pursuits at your laid back getaway.
Nettie Pickleball Set - Pickleball is here to stay, thanks to the fact that anyone from 6 to 86 can play it, so you might as well get on board.
Jotul GF 305 DV IPI Stove - This stove throws out cozy vibes that you can rally around all weekend long.
Playaboule Glow Lighted Bocce Set - Want to blow your kids minds? Play bocce on a beach with them at night.
Isle Pro SUP-Kayak - A stand up paddleboard can be a life changing tool.
Mark & Graham Leather Domino Set - Dominoes is one of the most underrated beach activities.
Cretan Hunting Knife - They make good knives in the Aegean.
Haley Cargo Bike - Haul beach gear, lead a parade, set up a popsicle stand, or give the kids a neighborhood tour in this great cargo bike.
The Deck of Character - Ignore the life guidance provided by this card set at your own peril.
The CityRadio - Perhaps I’m the only person who would love to tune into Havana’s radio broadcast while sitting on a beach in Union Pier, but this radio will let you do that.
Flip Bin Model 33 Sky Blue - Great tool for showing off the favorite bits of your record collection.
Igloo Tag Along Too Cooler - The size is right for small excursions and the hard shell doubles as an on-the-go table.
Union Pier Print - A modern take on the shoreline view of lake, sky, beach and trees of Union Pier, Michigan. Available as a sticker or a print.
Moke - All electric beach funk.