Hey Jonathan, thanks for writing in.
First off, don't panic. I usually roll in at the eleventh hour every year and this year is looking and feeling similar – to quote a very close friend, “start slow, finish strong!” It's always worked out. We're actually expediting shipping through tomorrow exactly for guys like us. Second... yes, I have some ideas. I'm honestly better at coming up with things for others – I have most of what I want already – so let's kick it off there:
1. (Hubs) Peanuts peanuts peanuts.... now and forever. I stumbled upon these peanuts a few years back, and I can't get enough. (Chocolate, Sweet Heat, Salted, Honey Kissed... any flavor, any time, but the chocolate is killer.) They're my go-to host or housewarming gift, because they're just a little more charismatic than your standard bottle of wine. There's a running joke around the office that I eat our inventory. Not entirely untrue.
2. I've been into this solid shampoo for almost a year now... like bar soap, but for your head. It's less throwaway plastic than liquid shampoo, which I also dig. A coupla times per week, I'll do an apple cider vinegar rinse with this squeeze bottle. It makes showering feel like playing with a chemistry set. The whole system – bar, rinse, bottle - would make a great gift for... anyone with hair. Who isn't afraid to try new things.
3. If that's too out-there, this soap is one of my favorites. Stocking-stuffer price point. Buy a lot; they're gonna love it.
4. Everyone can use a pocket knife. I love the elegance of the 7cm Laguioles – we've had those since day one – and we just started carrying this more rustic one from Japan, which is dangerously sharp. But my heart is always pulled by the classic, keyring-sized Swiss Army Knife. I have lost probably a dozen to the TSA. We make a few custom ones with our logo or the now-defunct WSID emblem, but I'm also a sucker for color and this yellow is A+.
5. A universally cool tie. It's been fun to see jackets and ties start to return... can't think of a more special tie to give than this bullseye club that we made with our pal, Matt Hranek of WM BROWN, with his magazine's signature bullseye symbol. (A subscription to the magazine should also be on your list.) Now if that's too much style, you can never, ever go wrong with a navy knit tie.
6. Understated (but unique) leather goods. We make a classic cardholder that's pretty low-profile in leather and alligator - which are both fantastic. But the sharkskin version is like nothing else you're going to see out there. It's got this luxurious but still quiet presence.
7. Speaking of, I've also been toting my laptop around in a leather case... sometimes I slot it in my tote bag and sometimes I roll just with it solo. And I think it's good looking enough to keep it on your desk when it's not in use – verrrrrry handsome.
8. Cashmere-filled outerwear. If you're a frequent reader of this column you know what a fan I am of cashmere insulation. (As warm as down, super light and soft, water-friendly, and it's made from recycled fibers, so it's sustainable.) We use it in vests and trenches and puffers and jackets and blankets, which I think Ann might be picking up for a daughter or two. A great gift for anyone who likes to stay warm.
As for my Christmas list... I'm pretty simple. I mean, what do you get the guy who has a store? I mostly want albums and peanuts. (Or the Peanuts album?)
9. Something(s) for my desk. Ann can attest that my desk tends to get a little on the unwieldy side... so I'd love a leather tray for the odds and ends that get buried under all the paper.
10. Another good desk thing is this wooden ITO Puzzle which is like a Rubik's cube but simpler... and a lot easier, for me at least. It'll make a good paperweight, too. Like I said, there's a lot of paper.
11. I carry a bandana in my back pocket every day but I don't have any in Liberty Fabric. Good for 5-pockets, good for suit pockets.
12. Something casual I'm probably not going to wear to the office or the shop - the Teddy cashmere sweater. This yarn is so crazy and cool. You will not believe how fantastically good you will feel when you put it on... no, really! You will have to hide it from people in your orbit, especially your better half.
13. Speaking of, I'm also hoping for a new pair of pajamas, and have my eye on this set in blackwatch tartan – the perfect tartan for nighttime! Same pima poplin as our shirting.
14. Non-navy socks. I go over-the-calf wool dress socks (mostly navy) pretty much every day, but I love these colorful and cozy boot socks for the weekend. They are hand-stitched in small batches by CHUP in Japan and I think I ask for some every year.
Anyway... that's the list, Jonathan. Hope it helps. If not, or if you're looking for a more feminine gift, Ann put together her own list over on You Need This I Promise.
Think this will be the last column for 2021, but I'll be back for more questions in the New Year. In the spirit of how fortunate we are, and how gratetful we are for you, let's make this Christmas mean something this year for everyone! Hope everyone's days are merry, bright, loose but tight. Thank you,