Hey Ben, thanks for writing. I feel you. There’s a lot of noise out there at this time of year. I’m usually at the eleventh hour, but this is a full 10 days earlier than last year’s Christmas list post, so technically I’m at the… first hour? Plenty of time to procrastinate, but I already know what I like, so let’s get into it.
Teddy Crewneck Sweater: You just have to touch it… trust me. It’s one of the best-feeling things we’ve ever made. I mean… look at the name. I put it on my list last year, but this year, we’ve got a navy one, which might be even better. It looks super rustic and woolly, but then you touch it and your knees break. Just… wow.
Washed Off-Gauge Crewneck Sweater in Peach Rustic Wool: Way on the other end of the spectrum… this one actually feels rustic, too. Woolly, but not scratchy. And the creamsicle color of this one is killing me softly. I don’t have anything quite like it.
1972 FIDE Commemorative Travel Chess Set: You might not have pegged me as a chess guy, but I like just about any game with winners and losers. This set is so crazy and cool. At this price point, it might be the whole Christmas, but it’s a special piece. Cy Endfield is an interesting cat. Worth the deep dive.
Hubs Peanuts: Not just for the holidays… a year-round treat. I don’t even wanna know how many cans of these we go through. One of my favorite host gifts.
Card Holder in Chocolate Matte Alligator: A great go-out case ‘cause it can fit in your front pocket. I don’t like to have a huge billfold on me, and this one holds just enough. Another thing I recommend every year.
CPO Shirt in Orange/Green/Yellow Plaid Brushed Twill: Might be one of my favorite shirts of the season. The colors in this are beautiful, the hand is great… a perfect winter shirt, overshirt, whatever.
More flannel shirts in general: My Sunday uniform when the weather dips below 50ish. I kinda want every single one we have on the floor right now. This plaid is extra cool and sort of old-timey with the colors. The hand make means it’s an extra special gift – might need to just get that one on my own.
CHUP socks: A mashup of Scandinavian and Southwest and the holidays rolled up into one design. Well, many designs. I always ask for a few colors… great cold-weather boot socks. They’re hand-stitched in Japan in small batches and very special. The ‘slow food’ of socks.
Owl Bottle Opener in Cast Iron: I am slightly obsessed with owls. This thing is made of cast iron, so it’s got some weight to it… another special hand-craft-ish item that hails from Japan.
Cashmere Gauze Scarf: I loooove a garza weave. The weight and texture is so fantastic, even in warmer climates. It’s the kind of thing you can wear in a place like Houston, which you can’t say for every scarf.
Pajama Pants in Blackwatch Tartan Poplin: If you’re gonna lounge… make the fabric nice.
Button-Front Boxer Short in Red Tartan Poplin: And if you’re gonna lounge in your underwear… definitely make the fabric nice.
Enjoy the holiday season, Ben, and hope you feel a little less overwhelmed. (But not underwhelmed.) Sending you and yours all the best. Peace.
