Shopping for a good holiday gift isn’t always easy, which is why every year, we write a holiday gift guide to help our readers along. We’ve been doing these for five years now, which means if you really want some ideas, you ought to search through our “Holiday Gift Guide” tag. It has TONS of suggestions for hassle-free gifts that you can find online (allowing you to avoid the crowds).
This year, along with our usual guide, we decided to open it up. We asked our readers last week to send in submissions – what do you want this holiday season? Entries poured in and we spent the weekend picking through our favorites. From turntables to copper shears to watch straps, here are eleven more ideas for what would make a great holiday gift.
U-Turn Audio’s Orbit Turntable: What I really want for Christmas is an Oris Big Crown ProPilot, but no one’s going to buy me one. So more realistically, I am
hoping for an Orbit turntable from U-Turn Audio, as I have several
hundred LPs that I’d love to listen to again. As a bonus, these
turntables are made in the USA (in fact, about six miles from my house). -Dean from Boston, MA
Deer Polishing Bone: I think of Christmas gifts as things that are useful or fun to have
but I’d never buy for myself. With that in mind, I think the deer
polishing bone from The Hanger Project is a great choice. I’ve got five or
six thrifted pairs of shell cordovan shoes that could use the love, but
I’d never pony $36 out of my own wallet. -Cole from Nashville, TN
Kent Handmade Comb: I bought one in 2012 after PTO suggested it and I’ve been using the
same one ever since. I even bought a second one to keep at the
office. –Jaron from Calgary, Alberta
Worn and Wound Watch Strap: I’d like a new watch strap for Christmas. Worn and Wound’s High Craft leather model is handmade in NYC and will be an excellent
change of pace from my usual Oyster bracelet. It’s easy to covet a
pricey new watch, but changing the strap is a satisfying way to change
your style and transform how your watch speaks to you. The company has a nice video on how they make their straps here. -Andy from Mountain View, CA
Something from Persephone Books: The boutique publisher Persephone Books out of the UK produces painstakingly elegant editions of forgotten
treasures, most by women writers circa 1920s – ’40s. Options include themed
box sets and book-of-the-month subscriptions (see The Guardian’s write-up). For all other book-gift needs, the New York Review of Books’ beautiful, impeccably-curated collections can’t be beat. -Seren from Chicago, IL
A Set of Vintage Buttons: Can be a bit hard to pull off last-minute, but similar to your
vintage cufflink suggestion, places such as eBay are a great source of
vintage buttons. I have several saved searches for college blazer
buttons; if you bide your time, you can give a friend a beautiful brass
or enamel set from his alma mater that will jazz up a blazer in a fairly
discreet, traditional way. Possible recipients: your old roommate,
that guy who’s on all the reunion committees, a colleague who went to a
rival school. -Seren from Chicago, IL
Cotton Pocket Square: As a toddler parent during cold and flu season, having a stylish way to clean up the gallons of green goop that come out of my adorable tot’s nose is a must. –Martin from Baltimore, MD
Anything from Good Liver: This is a “lifestyle shop” in downtown LA that sells all
kinds of well-made home, kitchen, and office goods with interesting
stories from around the world. Everything in the store is beautiful and
special. The Hausierer Aftershave Balsam smells really nice! I could use
a Famos Peeler in my kitchen or Japanese Half Copper Shears in my
studio. –Our illustrator Ryan from Los Angeles, CA
The Kinfolk Home: My brother just bought a new home and this is a great book of interior inspiration for those who like to live minimally, but not coldly. Even if he doesn’t take any of its advice, it’ll still be a nice first addition to his coffee table. -Our shop assistant Dan from Los Angeles, CA
A Shop Apron: Whether used for summer grill sessions or if you have a diehard DIY-er on your shopping list a good, hearty apron made with sturdy canvas or denim is the kind of thing people don’t buy themselves but really could use. Pointer makes some great ones that are either the full bib and skirt or just to tie around your waist. -Our shop assistant Dan from Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Pins: I like these great little stocking stuffers for those you don’t want to spend too much money, but still want to give something interesting and unique. There are plenty of fun ones to pick from, whether pinback or enamel, and eBay/ local flea markets run deep with them. My cousin has recently joined his college’s Young Republicans group and he may or may not be getting an “I Like Ike” pin. -Our shop assistant Dan from Los Angeles, CA