Salutations, dear reader! Welcome to our 2023 Christmas Catalog, which I am dubbing the “Relatively Shorter and Sweeter Edition.”

You see, in recent years the scope of this annual holiday gift guide has reached somewhat…extravagant heights. And while it’s always a lot of fun to put together, it’s an extremely time-consuming task for one person to compile, curate, edit, and publish. Unfortunately for yours truly, that kind of time simply hasn’t been there these past few months.

However! I can’t let even a difficult season of life stop me from offering our loyal readers a handy list of great gift ideas. This is one of our most beloved and time-honored traditions, and uphold it I shall, even if I have to simplify the format quite a bit.

With all that said, here are nearly three-dozen fun and useful gifts for 8 different types of people you can click through in the table of contents below.

Find a Gift For…

• Creative/ Types

• ⚙️ Gadget Lovers

• ☕️ Coffee Obsessives

• 🛠️ Handypeople

• 🥘 Home Cooks & Grillmasters

• 🤵‍♂️ The Well-Appointed Gentleman

• 🧶 Homebodies

• 🧠 Clever Kids

For Creative Types:

• Kalimba ($46) — Much like a ukelele and steel tongue drum, picking up a kalimba (aka “thumb piano”) is an easy and fun way to pluck out some soothing tunes whenever the urge strikes, and this one is a beautiful instrument with a glossy flat board made from solid rosewood.
• The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin ($18 hardcover) — If there’s anyone alive whose brain is worth picking about the creative process, it’s Rick Rubin. The legendary and award-winning music “superproducer” released a book this year that takes a bunch of his wisdom and distills it on the page for the rest of us to learn from and be inspired by. You’ll not only learn how to get better at your craft, but also come away feeling more in tune with your own humanity.
• Magnetic putty pebbles ($35) — Sometimes you just need a way to get the creative juices flowing, and the best way is to actually occupy your attention with something else for a while. This so-called “ferrite putty” is super fun and sensory for your hands to play with, freeing your mind to do its work in the background.
• Wooden yarn bowl ($27) — Knitting is another way to occupy your hands (or simply relieve stress), and once you take up this hobby, you quickly realize the importance of keeping the yarn in place while you work. A yarn bowl cleverly takes care of that pesky issue, and makes moving your project around from room to room a bit easier besides.

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⚙️ For Gadget Lovers:

• Retro gaming mechanical keyboard ($100) — Somewhere within the Geek Venn Diagram™ there is a particular spot where the circles of “mechanical keyboards” and “retro gaming” overlap. Every person who lives in that segment should have 8BitDo’s Retro Mechanical Keyboard at their fingertips, featuring two designs inspired by the classic Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Family Computer (Famicom) gaming consoles, respectively.

• Light-up word clock ($29) — Any old clock can give you the time with analog hands or digital numbers, but how many will tell you what time it is in full sentences? That’s right, the Word Clock from Sharper Image is a unique alternative to normal clocks, presenting the time in phrases like “It is five minutes past eleven” or “It is twenty minutes to nine”. It’s a bit like a flip sign board in miniature.

  • Alternative gift idea: The LaMetric TIME Wi-Fi Smart Clock.
• Portable vinyl turntable ($199) — Audio-Technica’s cult classic “Sound Burger” portable record player from 1983 has made a comeback, and it not only brings all the 40-year nostalgia, portability, and unique listening experience of the original model but also features modern aspects like Bluetooth connectivity and USB-C charging.
• Temperature-changing massage gun ($88) — Whether it’s because you sit at a desk all day or you have an intense workout regime, having sore and/or tense muscles is an issue that demands direct attention. We’ve previously recommended a great little massage gun to work out muscle knots, but if you want to go a step further, you can get one with a temperature-controlled head that can be heated or cooled for a more therapeutic experience.

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☕️ For Coffee Obsessives:

• Gaggia Classic Pro espresso machine ($499) — The GCP is often touted as the starter machine for budding espresso enthusiasts, and it’s hard to disagree. Gaggia first introduced the original Classic model in 1991, and over 30 years later, its successor holds up that reputation as a reliable workhorse. Don’t let its beginner-friendly reputation fool you however, because it definitely has the capability of being an “endgame” espresso machine.
• Clear AeroPress ($50) — We’ve written so many words about the AeroPress coffee maker over the years, from brewing recipes to the best attachments and accessories and beyond. So, I won’t repeat what you probably already know about the thing — all I’ll say is that if you’ve never liked the dull gray or brown color of the more recent AeroPress models, you’ll be glad to know there’s finally a crystal clear version available once again! And this time, it’s made of BPA-free shatterproof Tritan plastic.
• Manual coffee grinder for press and pour-over brews ($69) — For any coffee drinkers hoping to obtain a hand grinder this holiday season, the Timemore Chestnut C2 is the “new” hotness that makes our old favorite feel almost like a toy. It grinds faster and more efficiently, the crank handle feels smoother and sturdier to use, and the catch container screws into place rather than being held on with friction, so you don’t have to spend effort holding the pieces together as you grind.
• Kintsugi cups (£29 / ~$37 USD) — Inspired by the old Japanese art of restoration ceramcs, these espresso and tea cups are beautiful and each one is totally unique in pattern. They aren’t true kintsugi since they’re merely decoratively painted with gold rather than being broken pieces joined together, but they do pull off the look well.

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🛠️ For Handypeople:

• Nigh-indestructible tool box ($105) — When a job calls for the toughest, most indestructible tool storage you can get your hands on, Milwaukee’s PACKOUT Large Tool Box is there to endure whatever is thrown its way. It boasts an impact-resistant body with metal-reinforced corners — along with a metal-reinforced carry handle and heavy duty latches — that can hold up to 100 lbs of weight. It also has an IP65-rated weather seal to keep out rain and worksite debris.

  What makes the PACKOUT series of tool boxes even more awesome is that all the various sizes/styles feature integrated locking cleats, so they can be stacked and securely connected together into one modular rolling tool transport system.

• X-Acto knife set ($23) — All craftspeople, handyworkers, and hobbyists should have at least one X-Acto blade in their toolkit, and the X-Acto Basic Knife Set is a great way to collect every variation of it in one go. It comes with three knives — one for precision cutting, one for trimming/cutting medium- to heavy-weight materials, and one just for cutting heavy materials — plus ten more assorted blade styles, all in a conveniently giftable and transportable carry case.

• Revolving-frame caulking gun ($28) — Sometimes it’s the little features that turn an okay tool into a great one, and in the case of the Newborn 250 caulking gun, there are two of them worth noting:

  1. The steel revolving frame makes it easier to maintain a single bead of caulk/sealant around corners or in tight/hard-to-reach spaces. Simply rotate the barrel with your non-trigger hand as you work.
  2. It uses a smooth rod plunger mechanism rather than the old-school ratchet style, giving it an 18:1 thrust ratio instead of a measly 6:1 or 5:1. What this means for you is, it takes way less effort to extrude caulk from the tube, giving you much more control over the smoothness of the bead and helping prevent hand fatigue.
• Multi-tool pens ($25) — Perfect for that DIYer who wouldn’t mind feeling like James Bond or MacGyver now and again, the RAK Multi-Tool Pen Set is a pair of retractable ballpoint pens (both made from robust military-grade aluminum) that each double as a collection of little tools for handling small tasks anywhere, including a bright LED light, bubble levels, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, and more.

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🥘 For Home Cooks & Grillmasters:

• Hand-hammered carbon steel wok ($52) — In the right hands, a well made wok can be the most versatile and awesome piece of cookware in your collection. On a busy weeknight, nothing beats tossing some oil and a bunch of ingredients you have on hand into a blazing hot wok and stir-frying up a flavorful dinner in a half-hour or less. With time and use, it develops a wonderful nonstick patina that only gets better the more it’s cooked on.

• Instant-read cooking thermometer ($15) — At some point you may have learned about the palm “trick” that’s supposed to help you figure out how done your steak is. However, it’s been shown time and time again that this is a wildly inaccurate test and should never be relied on.

  What you want instead is an instant-read thermometer. There’s simply no better or more affordable way to get a fast and easy read on what’s happening in the center of the food you’re cooking, whether it’s steak, chicken, fish, or even bread.

• Cast iron bread oven & loaf pan ($140) — A much more affordable alternative to the much-desired Challenger Bread Pan that works just as well, this generous-sized oblong bread pan is awesome for cranking out bâtards and boules to your heart’s content, with a well-fitted lid to seal in that all-important baking factor: steam.
• Portable induction cooktop ($68) — Perfect for any small space or travel setup, this induction hob heats fast and is easy to customize. To give you an idea of the speed, let’s just say you can forget any notions you have about pre-heating skillets — if you step away for even a minute, you’ll likely come back to a pan that’s too hot to melt butter without browning it. Think of it as microwave-fast.

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🤵‍♂️ For the Well-Appointed Gentleman:

• Safety razor set ($8) — As we’ve said in previous posts on the subject, a man should see the daily act of shaving as a calming and enjoyable ritual, not a chore. And it should never be done with some throwaway plastic razor that will end up in a landfill for literally centuries alongside billions of others.

  Instead, we recommend a good double-edge safety razor like the Baili BD176. On top of providing a very smooth, close shave with minimal risk of nicking (provided you approach the task with care), you (or your gift recipient) will absolutely feel more manly shaving with one of these. Might even make grandpa proud as well.

• Pocket mustache/beard brush ($17) — ZilberHaar’s pocket-sized beard and mustache brushis a travel-friendly grooming tool that keeps your facial hair in line whether you’re standing in line or jet-setting elsewhere. Each one is made in Germany using sustainably forested pearwood and 100% boar bristles (in your choice of soft or stiff).

  Whichever bristles you go with, they’ll do a fantastic job of untangling beard hairs and reaching through to the skin underneath, both exfoliating the skin and ensuring full distribution of your favorite beard oil to keep everything moisturized and healthy.

• Vertical passport wallet ($79) — Handcrafted with premium full-grain leather in Spain, the Harber London vertical passport cover is a super slim way to carry one or two passports in the main compartment, two to four cards in the back, and a few folded bills or boarding passes in the ‘secret’ front pocket. The leather is nice and soft to the touch and the interior is lined with 100% wool felt, so this thing really feels like quality throughout.

• Japanese nail clipper ($22) — Manufactured in Seki, a city historically reknowned for being the epicenter of Japanese swordmaking and more modernly known as the capital of high-end cutlery and other sharp tools, these nail clippers exude all the craftsmanship and dedication to quality that have made their hometown so famous over the centuries.

  They cleanly cut through even the thickest nails like butter, with far less pressure needed than you’re probably used to with cheap drugstore clippers. They also just look cooler than most nail clippers. It’s not uncommon to hear people say these are the best clippers they’ve ever used.

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🧶 For Homebodies:

• Chunky-knit weighted blanket ($289) — For some people, the comfy hug-like feeling of a weighted blanket can make the difference between a good night’s rest and…not that. However, they can admittedly feel a little stifling for those of us who tend to run hot at night.

  That’s why the Nuzzie weighted blanket exists. Rather than being one solid mass all the way across, the Nuzzie is chunky-knit like a big open-weave sweater, allowing it to be much more breathable and cooling than most blankets this heavy. And even then, you still get that “wrapped in a bear hug” feeling of gentle, soothing pressure every time you wrap yourself in it.

• Touchless soap dispenser ($20) — If you’ve ever found yourself needing to wash hands after handling raw meat or touching something gross, and you’d rather not touch the soap bottle about it, then an automatic soap dispenser will be a game changer.

  A simple wave of your hand (or a sponge) beneath the nozzle tells it to dispense some soap — whether it’s dish soap, hand soap, hand sanitizer, shower gel, shampoo, or a facial cleanser — in one of three amounts that you can switch between by pressing the power button.

• Faux-leather accent armchair ($168) — One way you can instantly level up the refinement of a given room is by introducing a piece of furniture with timeless style and the appearance of luxury materials, even if it’s not the real deal. This “leather” armchair could almost be confused for an antique inherited from a grandparent or something you picked up at an estate sale, thanks to its classic mid-century modern aesthetic.

  It’s also a rather comfy chair to sit in and is made to hold up over time, with pocketed steel coil springs to back up the already-resilient internal foam padding. To round things out, that wide winged back has a certain Drama™ to it that might just make you feel like a diabolical genius every time you sit in it

• Cooling gel memory foam pillows ($40 for set of two) — Similar to much more expensive options, these pillows are filled with shredded memory foam infused with cooling gel for a luxurious-feeling sleep experience. And when I say filled, I mean stuffed to the brim — you’ll notice some complaints from Amazon reviewers that the pillows are too thick and firm, apparently not realizing you can remove any amount of extra fill you like to achieve the desired level of support.

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🧠 For Clever Kids:

• Folding pocket knife for kids ($26) — The Swedish stainless steel blade of this beginner folding knife from Opinel is blunt-tipped so you don’t have to worry about your kid accidentally stabbing themselves, and it has a locking ring to keep it securely open or shut as needed. We also like that there’s a safety whistle built into the wooden handle.

  We recommend pairing this gift with Chris Lubkemann’s  The Little Book of Whittling as a starter reference guide for your young scout/adventurer.

• Rock tumbler kit ($60) — If you know a kid who’s super into collecting rocks and minerals everywhere they go, they’re exactly the right person to have a rock tumbler. It’s a device used to smooth and polish rocks by tossing and rolling them around with water and some abrasive gritty material. Over the course of weeks or months, the inner beauty of those rough rocks comes out and they become beautiful, shiny gemstones that are fun to collect, can be made into jewelry or used for decorative purposes around the home, or whatever else.

• STEM Master building toys ($15) — We love a good toy construction set around here, whether it’s building bricks, snap-together circuits, wooden machines, foam blocks, or kinetic sculptures.

  Now we’ve added STEM Master building toys to the list. They make use of a variety of piece shapes that allow you to engineer all sorts of buildings, vehicles, creatures, geometric shapes, and more. It’s one of those things where your imagination is the only real limit, and it comes with a guide for making 42 designs, from easy to advanced in difficulty.

• 3D maze game ($35) — If you have a kid whose first instinct is to reach for a screen or video game whenever they’re bored, try handing them Spin Master’s Perplexus 3D marble maze and watch as it consumes their whole attention and gets their problem-solving skills going. The game makers managed to fit this 22-foot-long maze into a small clear globe, which the user must spin and flip in order to move a weighted metal ball along the numbered track, with 100 different obstacles to overcome along the way.

  Honestly, this isn’t just a kid’s game. There’s plenty enough challenge to keep us grown-ups entertained as well, and there are even three different starting points so you’re not running the same exact path over and over once you’ve solved it.

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Welcome to the 2022 Tools & Toys Christmas Catalog!

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Bienvenue, everyone. It’s that time once again to proudly share with you our favorite and most gift-worthy items of the past year, hand-selected for your holiday shopping and personal wishlist needs. We’ve been doing this every year for nearly a decade now, and it’s still something we get a lot of joy from putting together.

As usual, this is a pretty extensive catalog to browse all at once, so for your convenience, we’ve grouped the items into categories and have a handy  Table of Contents  that lets you click around to any section you like and back again.

Moreover, we are continuing our tradition of highlighting two of our favorite non-profits.Here at Tools & Toys we have always given away 11 percent of our gross income to charity, and during the months of November and December, we’ll be donating 11% of our gross specifically to these two non-profits: Operation Christmas Child and St. Jude.

As we say every year, thank you so much, dear reader, for your attention and your patronage. Tools & Toys continues to be predominately supported by readers like you who purchase something on Amazon through one of our links. You — yes you! — make our work possible, and we only hope that in return you’ve found some truly awesome stuff to have in your life.

Thank you, and happy holidays!

— The Tools & Toys Staff

Table of Contents

 Apple

• Magnetic stand for iPad and iPad Pro
• Solid walnut MagSafe charging stations for iPhone, Apple Watch, and/or AirPods
• Premium calf leather iPad case
• Rugged yet comfortable Apple Watch strap with magnetic buckle
• iPhone gaming controller with PlayStation-like design
• DSLR-style iPhone shutter grip + wireless power bank

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CharJenPro “MagFlött” magnetic stand for iPad and iPad Pro. ($119 for 12.9″ size, $109 for 11″/10.9″ size)

CharJenPro “MagFlött” Magnetic Stand for iPad & iPad Pro »

With its premium, almost Apple-like solid aluminum base and adjustable magnetic back panel that creates a “floating” effect, the MagFlött iPad stand by CharJenPro would make a sweet addition to any iPad owner’s workspace. Comes in two sizes to be compatible with a bunch of different iPad sizes from the past few years.

Studio Neat’s new Material Dock MagSafe charging stations. ($54 or $85, depending on model)

Studio Neat “Material Dock” MagSafe Charging Stations for iPhone, Apple Watch, and/or AirPods »

Just in time for the holiday season, our friends at Studio Neat have launched two new versions of their Material Dock, both of which are designed with MagSafe-compatible iPhones in mind.

1. The Material Dock “Trio” ($85) offers 3-in-1 for charging your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods.
2. Meanwhile, the Material Dock “Upright Duo” ($54) is for charging your iPhone and AirPods together (or two iPhones).

As with previous editions, the new Material Docks are milled from solid walnut wood and given a matte finish, with a molded cork backing piece for the Apple Watch to wrap around while charging. Underneath is a microsuction pad to keep it securely in place wherever it lives.

(Note: No MagSafe connector is included; the user must bring their own.)

DODOcase Noblessa leather case for iPad. ($155, $175, or $195 depending on iPad size/model)

DODOcase Noblessa Leather iPad Case »

In a happy marriage of modern technology and ancient tradition, DODOcase’s Noblessa leather iPad case is handcrafted from premium calf leather using age-old bookbinding techniques. The leather has characteristics of high durability and resistance to water, along with a naturally occurring embossed grain print unique to every item.

The case interior is lined with a soft suede leather, while the exterior features a magnetic Smart Cover to activate the iPad’s sleep/wake functions when opening or closing it. When open, the iPad can be angled in one of two viewing positions while it’s set on a desk or table, or the case can simply be opened all the way around to the back for comfortable handheld reading.

DSPTCH “Fidlock” strap for Apple Watch. ($36)

DSPTCH Fidlock Apple Watch Strap »

Made from a soft herringbone nylon webbing, DSPTCH’s “Fidlock” Apple Watch strap has a kind of rugged “mil-spec”-esque look while being quite comfortable for everyday wear.

The most interesting bit however is the Fidlock Hook 20 Flat clasp it gets its name from, which features integrated magnets and a hook to easily yet securely snap together, and just as easily disengages later when you want to take the watch off. No having to fiddle with buckles or strap holes or anything like that. Just click it together and be on your way.

The PS5-inspired “Backbone One” iPhone gaming controller. ($100)

PlayStation Edition “Backbone One” iPhone Gaming Controller »

For the past couple years, the Backbone One has been one of the mobile gaming controllers to have if you’re going to buy one. It’s certainly gotten a lot of love on r/iosgaming ever since its release.

Now, portable gaming feels even more like the console experience thanks to the officially Sony PlayStation-licensed edition of the Backbone One, which takes all its design inspiration from the DualSense 5.

ShiftCam ProGrip iPhone shutter grip + wireless power bank. ($150)

ShiftCam “ProGrip” DSLR-Style iPhone Shutter Grip + Wireless Power Bank »

Know someone who’s never not taking photos with their iPhone? Then they’ll appreciate the ShiftCam ProGrip, which adds a comfortable and ergonomic camera-style grip to your iPhone — complete with industry-standard tripod and hotshoe mounts — and has a wireless shutter button that seamlessly pairs with your camera app, allowing you to take photos with your index finger just like the real thing.

The grip and shutter button alone are cool enough, but then you discover that the device also acts as a 6,400-mAh wireless (Qi) power bank that keeps your iPhone topped up through longer shooting sessions. You can even hook up a second small device via USB-C and charge it up as well.

Audio

• Noise-cancelling wireless headphones that intelligently tailor the audio experience
• Sleek and stylish true-wireless earphones with active noise cancellation
• Hi-fi bookshelf speakers that won’t break the bank
• Luxury gaming headphones with exceptional sound and comfort
• Studio-quality condenser mic that makes your music recordings/podcasts/streams sound awesome
• Portable Bluetooth speaker with vintage rock amp design

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Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones. ($349)

Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones »

With the release of their WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones earlier this year, Sony once again took things to another level in terms of audio quality, noise cancelling technology, and comfort.

In addition to the world-class, high-resolution and natural audio quality this family of headphones is known for, the WH-1000XM5s are able to automatically optimize your listening and noise cancellation experience based on your environment (including atmostpheric pressure!) and can even cut out background noise during phone calls so your voice always comes through crystal clear.

The cherries on top? All-day listening comfort and up to 30 hours of battery life to back it up.

Master & Dynamic MW08 true wireless earphones with active noise cancellation. ($299)

Master & Dynamic MW08 Noise-Cancelling True Wireless Earphones »

Made from ceramic, aluminum, and stainless steel, Master & Dynamic’s MW08 true wireless earbuds are for those who to stay productive even while commuting or going on a morning run, and maintaining a certain level of style while doing it. They’re super sleek, feel premium to the touch, offer superb sound quality, and are quite comfortable to wear for long periods.

The earphones use an array of six microphones that work together to reduce wind noise and other distractions during calls. They’re also IPX5-rated so you can work up a sweat while wearing them without fear of damage. And, if you include the charging case’s battery capacity, they offer up to 42 hours of total playtime (or just 12 hours with the earphones alone).

Triangle Borea BR03 bookshelf speakers. ($350–$400 per pair, depending on colorway)

Triangle Borea BR03 Hi-Fi Bookshelf Speakers »

Hi-fi bookshelf speakers make an excellent addition to any home audio setup, but not everyone can afford to drop, say, $1,600 on a pair of LS50 Metas. That’s okay, because you can spend a quarter of that amount on the Triangle Borea BR03s and still have something you truly enjoy coming home and listening to after a long day.

These speakers offer a flawlessly natural and ear-pleasing audio experience that can make any recording sound real — especially once broken in a bit — almost as though the artist is putting on a live concert right there in your living room. Even if you crank up the volume, you’ll hear nary a distortion or buzz with the BR03s. These babies sound clean all the way up, even with the incredible richness and deepness of the bass that just about removes any need for a separate subwoofer.

You can place the speakers on a shelf or other surface of course, but there’s also the option of pairing them with the company’s own glossy black or glossy white speaker stands, which allow you to play with their placement a bit more (and look awesome besides).

Master & Dynamic MG20 gaming headphones. ($449, available in Galactic White and Black Onyx)

Master & Dynamic MG20 Luxury Gaming Headphones »

If there’s a company you can trust to put out a set of absolutely premium gaming-dedicated headphones, it’s Master & Dynamic, and with their over-ear MG20 gaming headphones, they really cranked the ‘Luxury’ dial to 10.

Boasting 50mm Beryllium drivers, 7.1 surround sound, and Qualcomm technologies like aptX HD for music and aptX Low-Latency for mobile gaming, the MG20s deliver exceptional sound that will make you feel like you’re truly in the game, no matter your platform of choice. Meanwhile, the sophisticated materials they crafted the headphones from — like the Alcantara headband, the lambskin-wrapped memory foam ear pads, the anodized aluminum body, and the lightweight magnesium ear cups — offer a first-class comfort experience all the way from level 1 to 100.

Other nice touches include the detachable boom microphone, the secondary onboard mic that works great for phone/video calls, Bluetooth 5.0 functionality for a secure connection up to 100 feet away, and 22 hours of battery life on a single charge

The RØDE NT-USB+ USB condenser mic. ($169)

RØDE NT-USB+ Professional USB Condenser Microphone »

Released nearly a decade after the original NT-USB mic, RØDE’s new NT-USB+ aims to continue being the go-to recording device for musicians, podcasters, streamers, audiobook narrators, and content creators everywhere.

This next-generation mic sports the same iconic form factor as the first — especially thanks to the included pop filter and desktop stand — but brings it into the modern era with a bevy of new features, including internal DSP, upgraded internal circuitry, a USB-C output, and more.

Marshall Acton II Bluetooth speaker. ($150)

Marshall “Acton II” Portable Bluetooth Speaker »

Similar to their “Emberton” model, Marshall’s stylish “Acton II” Bluetooth speaker rocks the company’s classic amp style, drawing the attention of both the eyes and the ears as it delivers a powerful listening experience in a portable package.

Inside the Acton II’s wooden cabinet construction are three dedicated class D amplifiers that power dual tweeters and a subwoofer, the sound of which can be fine-tuned to your liking thanks to the separate bass and treble adjustment knobs next to the volume dial on top of the unit.

The speaker supports Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for up to two devices at once, so you can take turns choosing songs with a buddy. There’s also an AUX port in case you wanna go old-school.

  + Thanks to the recent release of the next-generation Acton III ($280), the price of the Acton II has been marked down considerably. All the better for your shopping needs!

Bags & Organizers

• Small and slim zip pouch for organizing all your tech accessories
• Classy leather Dopp kit with waterproof lining
• Slim laptop sleeve that manages to be both featherlight and protective
• Waxed canvas + leather knife roll bag that will make you feel like the coolest cook in town

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Bellroy Tech Kit Compact organizer pouch. ($55, available in a variety of colors/materials)

Bellroy Tech Kit Compact »

Bellroy’s Tech Kit Compact is a small and slim zip pouch for keeping all your tech accessories — cables, adapters, dongles, earbuds, etc — neat and organized.

The pouch unzips flat for easy access to everything stored inside, all of which is held in place by a combination of stretch mesh pockets and wide elastic loops. There’s also a slip pocket with a magnetic closure that’s perfect for fitting a power bank into.

Aaron Leather Goods Dopp kit. ($40)

Aaron Leather Goods Dopp Kit with Waterproof Lining »

For you frequent travelers out there, this leather Dopp kit from Aaron Leather Goods is a classy way to keep your toiletries organized and conveniently grabbable, without spending nearly as much as you’d expect for a leather bag of this quality.

The exterior is made from genuine buffalo leather — with the exception of vegan leather handles and bottom trim — while the spacious dual-zippered main compartment and side pocket both have waterproof linings to protect from any possible product leakage inside the bag.

Underneath the bag are four metal feet so you can set it by the bathroom sink without fear of it resting in a puddle. Of course, the company also added metal YKK zippers for maximum durability, and there are multiple inner pockets in the main compartment for keeping things all the more neatly organized.

Bellroy Lite Laptop Sleeve. ($45)

Bellroy Lite Laptop Sleeve »

A MacBook has never exactly been a cheap purchase to make, and you want to make sure yours is protected as well as it can be, even from the other stuff in your daily carry bag. Bellroy’s Lite Laptop Sleeve is everything you could want in this department.

With an exterior made from a sleek matte diamond-patterned ripstop material, this sleeve manages to be both featherlight and protective against water splashes and scratches, while its two different types of lightweight foam padding keep the laptop safe from bumps and bangs.

This is one of those laptop cases that just feels nice in the hand, in a squishably soft way. It gives off the luxury vibes of a high-end leather case, with the “feels good” that comes from knowing it’s actually made from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles.

Tolredo waxed canvas + leather knife roll storage bag. ($129)

Tolredo Handcrafted Waxed Canvas & Leather Knife Roll Storage Bag »

Have you ever daydreamed of rolling up on some situation where a cook’s skills and expertise are needed, and everyone gathers ’round while you place down and unfurl your shiny collection of kitchen knives, eliciting oohs and aahs from the crowd? Then this knife roll from Tolredo Handcrafted should appeal to you.

Crafted from waxed canvas with genuine leather trim and lining, this storage bag fits and protects up to 10 knives and/or other kitchen implements up to 18″ long. When rolled up and buckled shut with the dual leather straps, the knife case is fitted with a nice leather carry handle that you can use, or you can clip on the optional leather shoulder strap for hands-free carry.

Books

• The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows
• Aggressively Happy: A Realist’s Guide to Believing in the Goodness of Life
• Tools: The Ultimate Guide
• Your Illustrated Guide to Becoming One with the Universe
• Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer’s Guide
• The Flavor Bible

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The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows by John Koenig. ($17 hardcover)

The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows by John Koenig »

Based on John Koenig’s long-running website and YouTube channel of the same name, The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows is a 300-page “dictionary of made-up words for emotions that we all feel but don’t have the words to express.”

If that sounds too strange to understand, here are some examples of words you can look up in the book:

• sonder — The realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own — an epic story in which you might appear only once
• lachesism — The desire to be struck by disaster, hoping it will shake up your life.
• anemoia — A pang of nostalgia for a time you’ve never actually experienced, like you might feel when looking through someone else’s old photos.
• kenopsia — The eerie atmosphere of a place that is usually bustling with people but is now abandoned and quiet.

Accompanying the definitions throughout are plenty of otherworldly illustrations and other imagery, which are a treat on their own.

Aggressively Happy by Joy Clarkson. ($25 hardcover)

Aggressively Happy by Joy Clarkson »

In an online world full of ugliness, cynicism, and despair, Joy Clarkson’s Twitter and Instagram pages are always an oasis of…well, joy — a teatime balm for the soul. As such, her book Aggressively Happy: A Realist’s Guide to Believing in the Goodness of Life, is definitely one you should have on your radar, especially if the world has been getting you down lately.

This is a book all about cultivating happiness in your life, despite the darkness and pain out there, using lessons and insights taken from literature, poetry, and scripture. (Even if the latter isn’t your thing personally, hopefully you can accept that {Chef Gusteau voice} great teachings can come from anywhere.)

By the end of the book, you’ll have the tools to find encouragement and comfort in all things (yes, even sadness); to enjoy things unironically; to face down outer turmoil with inner light, bravery, and hope. A book best enjoyed with a latte or cup of hot tea in hand. ☕️

Tools: The Ultimate Guide by Jeff Waldman. ($19 hardcover)

Tools: The Ultimate Guide by Jeff Waldman »

Look, not everyone is lucky enough to grow up with a mentor who shows them how to use tools to fix/build stuff. If you (or someone you know) could use a helping hand diving into the world of DIY and making for the first time, Jeff Waldman’s Tools: The Ultimate Guide is a handy resource that just might save you a whole lot of trial-and-error as you learn the ropes:

Cataloging more than 500 tools for measuring, cutting, fastening, and shaping-from hammers and saws to wrenches, welders, and drawknives-along with their uses, their histories, and how to care for them so they last a lifetime, this compendium is your steadfast guide to home improvement and skilled craftwork. With it, you’ll avoid wasting countless hours on head-scratching home repairs, wonky backyard builds, and failed garage tinkering. This is the book for answering all your tool questions, gaining knowledge before hiring a professional, or riffling through just for the joy of learning something new about the objects that shape our world.

Flip around. Browse at random. Figure out how a tool works and how it doesn’t. Put a tool in your hand and fix something. Make something. Grab this book and get to work.

Bought your first house and have no clue how to fix what needs fixing, or what tools you even need for those jobs? Thinking of trying your hand at woodworking? Already have knowledge about some tools but lack experience with others? Then this is the book for you. Very approachably written and fun to browse through.

Your Illustrated Guide to Becoming One with the Universe by Yumi Sakugawa. ($18 hardcover)

Your Illustrated Guide to Becoming One with the Universe by Yumi Sakugawa »

Your Illustrated Guide to Becoming One with the Universe is a 2014 book by comic book artist Yumi Sakugawa that acts as a kind of hand-drawn spiritual guidebook for reconnecting with the universe.

Might sound corny or even “woo-woo” to some of you reading this, but it really is a delightfully sweet and gently playful little graphic novel full of wisdom and meditations on metaphysical matters:

Your Illustrated Guide to Becoming One with the Universe erases the boundaries of the standard self-help book and sets you free on a visual journey of self-discovery. Set against a surreal backdrop of intricate ink illustrations, you will find nine metaphysical lessons with dreamlike instructions that require you to open your heart to unexplored inner landscapes. From setting fire to your anxieties to sharing a cup of tea with your inner demons, you will learn how to let go and truly connect with the world around you.

Whether you need a little inspiration or a completely new life direction, Your Illustrated Guide to Becoming One with the Universe provides you with the necessary push to find your true path — and a whimsical adventure to enjoy on the way there.

Gastro Obscura by Cecily Wong & Dylan Thuras. ($26 hardcover)

Gastro Obscura by Cecily Wong & Dylan Thuras »

Brought to you by author Cecily Wong and the curious minds at Atlas Obscura — which we’ve covered many times around here — Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer’s Guide follows in the footsteps of their first book, taking you on an eye-opening adventure through the often-surprising culinary world:

This breathtaking guide transforms our sense of what people around the world eat and drink. Covering all seven continents, Gastro Obscura serves up a loaded plate of incredible ingredients, food adventures, and edible wonders. Ready for a beer made from fog in Chile? Sardinia’s “Threads of God” pasta? Egypt’s 2000-year-old egg ovens?

But far more than a menu of curious minds delicacies and unexpected dishes, Gastro Obscura reveals food’s central place in our lives as well as our bellies, touching on…

• History: Trace the network of ancient Roman fish sauce factories.
• Culture: Picture four million women gathering to make rice pudding.
• Travel: Scale China’s sacred Mount Hua to reach a tea house.
• Festivals: Feed wild macaques pyramid of fruit at Thailand’s Monkey Buffet Festival.

…and hidden gems that might be right around the corner, like the vending machine in Texas dispensing full sized pecan pies. Dig in and feed your sense of wonder.

The book is organized by country and is full of utterly fascinating facts about our relationship with gastronomy, with lavish illustrations and well-researched and engaging writing that you won’t want to put down. Just don’t go in thinking you’re going to find a bunch of recipes — this is NOT a cookbook. (We’ll leave that to the item below.)

The Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg. ($20 hardcover)

The Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg »

No cookbook ever printed has embodied the saying “flavor is the spice of life” more than Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg’s 2008 best-seller, The Flavor Bible. If you’ve ever gotten bored of your own cooking — chicken breast again?! — then this is the book for you.

Rather than simply presenting you with a bunch of recipes to follow, The Flavor Bible is all about becoming more intuitive with flavor combinations and seasonings so you can coax deliciousness out of pretty much anything. It’s indexed into an alphabetical list of ingredients that you can peruse and cross-reference to discover compatible flavor combos that can be employed for the rest of your home cooking life.

There are also plenty of quotes and little essays by all kinds of chefs throughout that will further inspire you in your culinary advenures (and hopefully, experimentation).

☕️ Coffee & Tea

• One of the sleekest-looking coffee grinders on the market, with some awesome new upgrades
• An upgrade to our favorite variable-temp gooseneck kettle
• Nice little bamboo organizer stand for the AeroPress + accessories
• The smallest, most portable espresso maker you’re ever likely to find
• Barista-approved mug for pouring better latte art
• Travel mug that regulates temperature even better than vacuum insulation

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Fellow’s second-generation Ode Brew coffee grinder. ($345, available in matte white and matte black)

Fellow “Ode Brew” (Gen 2) Coffee Grinder »

Fellow’s original Ode Brew grinder has been doing quite well for itself since it launched in early 2021. However, some people had issues with how messy it could be, along with an issue in the hopper design that sometimes prevented a continuous feed of beans into the machine.

The company has taken these criticisms to heart, and they’ve introduced a second-generation model with a number of new features such as much-improved burrs they designed in-house, anti-static technology for less grind mess, expanded bean/grounds capacity, and smoother bean feeding from the hopper.

Fellow Stagg EKG Pro gooseneck kettle. ($195 with matte black handle, $225 with walnut wood handle + lid pull)

Fellow “Stagg EKG Pro” Variable-Temp Gooseneck Kettle »

We’ve written many times about Fellow’s Stagg EKG electric gooseneck kettle — you know, the one you see all the fancy coffee shops using for pour-overs — and we still think it’s one of the best things to have in your home coffee setup. Now this often-imitated kettle has gotten even better with the release of the Stagg EKG Pro.

The EKG Pro brings everything you love about the original EKG and adds a bunch of neat new features to totally customize your brew experience, such as heat scheduling, altitude adjustment (hi, mountain people!), an optional Guide Mode with various coffee/tea brewing temp presets, an alert chime, firmware updates over Wi-Fi, and a new full-color high-resolution LCD display on the base.

Hexnub bamboo organizer stand for the AeroPress. ($33)

Hexnub Premium Bamboo Organizer + Stand for AeroPress »

This nice little bamboo stand, gives an AeroPress coffee maker and its accoutrement a place to rest when they’re not being used. It accommodates two coffee mugs up top while the AeroPress’ two plunger pieces hang separately inside for optimal drying. On the side of the caddy are slots for the official stirrer and coffee scoop.

Silicone mats on the top and interior surfaces keep the bamboo protected from residual heat and moisture. They’re easy to rinse off when needed, and even the bamboo only needs to be wiped down with a clean damp cloth once in a while to maintain its good looks.

  + This wall-mounted caddy is a similar solution that could free up even more counter space. Just be sure not to mount it too close to the underside of an above cabinet or else you won’t be able to get out the scoop and stirrer very well. (Some reviewers have mentioned using magnets to mount it on their fridge, which is a neat idea.)

The Picopresso ultra-portable espresso maker. ($130)

Wacaco “Picopresso” Portable Espresso Maker »

Over the past decade, Hong Kong company Wacaco has become well known around the world for their portable espresso makers, like the Minipresso and Nanopresso. Last year, they released their smallest model yet: the aptly named Picopresso.

Aimed at pro baristas and advanced-level enthusiasts — people who are already comfortable with shot-pulling technique, dialing in grind settings, tamping correctly, etc— the Picopresso gives you the power to pull an authentic cafe-quality espresso anywhere that will rival any high-end machine, right in the palm of your hand.

Despite its tiny size, it’s capable of reaching 18 bars of pressure — achieved by hand-pumping the piston on the side — which is way more than enough to pull fantastic, syrupy espresso shots worthy of Instagram (the usual recommendation is ~9 bars).

notNeutral LINO small latte mugs. ($25 per cup; includes saucer)

notNeutral “LINO” Small Latte Mug & Saucer »

notNeutral’s LINO small latte mugs are what countless cafés and professional baristas around the world use for their lattes. In fact, they were designed in collaboration with award-winning baristas to create a perfect blend of form and function that actually makes latte art easier thanks to the interior curvature — not to mention the increased thermal insulation that also comes as a result.

Each mug is beautifully made and feels good in the hand, with a handle that sits flush with the rim for better comfort and control, whether you’re pouring or drinking. You’ll almost swear it makes your lattes taste better, which obviously we can’t scientifically prove but it feels true anyway.

BURNOUT temperature-regulating travel mug. ($80)

BURNOUT Temperature-Regulating Travel Mug »

As much as we love vacuum insulation technology, it can sometimes feel like scientists have gone too far with its effectiveness. Having your coffee stay hot for hours on end seems great on paper, but what if you want don’t want to wait until deep into the afternoon before it stops scalding your mouth?

A few years ago, the team of aerospace engineers behind the BURNOUT temperature-regulating tumbler set out to fix this problem. They developed a clever technology they call “HeatZorb”, a bio-based phase change material that turns from a waxy substance to a liquid at 140°F.

Since the mug is lined with this substance and has a vacuum chamber outside of that, what this does is quickly take all that excess scalding heat from the beverage and stores it as thermal energy, slowly transferring back to your drink throughout the day.

In other words, your coffee cools down to drinking temperature within minutes and stays there for hours and hours. No more burning mouth, whatever the time of day!

Using literal rocket science to solve the little problems of life ☕️

🧑‍ Food, Drink & Kitchen

• Stainless steel pizza oven that can be fired up with wood or propane
• Dual-basket air fryer capable of handling up to 8 quarts of food at once
• A bread machine that’s almost like having a personal baker at home
• Beautiful 11-piece bartender kit with display crate/stand
• Mason jar pump dispensers for homemade syrups, sauces, etc
• Collapsible silicone microwave popcorn popper
• Swedish handcrafted cast iron spice grinder that’s almost too pretty to use
• Cheese slicer with rose wood handle (y’know, to make your life feel a little fancier)

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Solo Stove “Pi” stainless steel pizza oven. ($500 without gas burner, $700 with gas burner)

Solo Stove “Pi” Stainless Steel Pizza Oven »

If you had a choice between throwing a frozen pizza in the oven or cooking up a homemade one over a wood fire, which would you choose? Yeah, we thought so.

From the makers of these smokeless fire pits comes the Solo Stove “Pi” (get it?), a dual-fuel stainless steel pizza oven that, when fully equipped, can be fired up with your choice of either real wood (for max flavor) or propane (for ultimate convience). Either way, it takes only minutes to perfectly cook one pizza up to 12″ across, or a few personal-sized ones together.

  + Pairs nicely with this handmade rocking pizza cutter. ️

Instant Vortex Plus XL dual-basket air fryer. ($190)

Instant “Vortex Plus XL” 8-Quart Dual-Basket Air Fryer »

If you love your air fryer but often find yourself wishing you could have two batches of food cooking at once, then Instant’s Vortex Plus XL is the appliance for you. This thing is a beast, capable of handling up to 8 quarts of food at once across two side-by-side baskets, each with its own set of controls so you can adjust them for separate purposes (e.g. an entrée in one basket and a side dish in the other).

We really like the see-through windows on the front of each basket, allowing a clear video of the food as it’s cooking without having to stop the process. There are also smart programs built into the Vortex Plus XL that help synchronize cooking times between the two baskets, whether you’re preparing two different kinds of dishes or simply different proportions of the same thing.

Another nice touch is that, unlike so many air fryers out there, the handles for both baskets are attached at the top and bottom, which offers a greater feeling of control and stability when handling them.

Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus bread machine. ($377)

Zojirushi “Virtuoso Plus” Breadmaker »

Zojirushi’s “Virtuoso Plus” bread machine is almost like having your own personal baker at home. I mean, you have to add your own ingredients and press the buttons yourself (exhausting stuff, right?), but the machine takes care of pretty much everything else.

This thing makes two-pound rectangular loaves (and other things) with ease, whether you prefer white, wheat, multi-grain, gluten-free, vegan, or whatever else — and the crust will be perfectly browned every time, thanks to the combination of the lid’s built-in heating element and the option to select a light, medium, or dark crust shade.

The dual blades at the bottom of the removable nonstick baking pan also help keep all those ingredients thoroughly kneaded throughout the pre-bake process.

There are lots of other neat settings and options to play with as well, like the delay-start timer that can put off the end of the baking cycle up to 13 hours, so you can prep in advance and have a loaf ready at a more convenient time.

Mixology & Craft 11-piece bartender kit. ($29)

Mixology & Craft 11-Piece Bartender Kit »

One surefire way to make a home more interesting is setting up a small cocktail bar there, and this stylish 11-piece bartending kit comes with all the tools needed to whip up some fantastic drinks: a stainless steel shaker, a strainer, a long spiral stirring spoon, a muddler, ice tongs, two jiggers (small and large), two liquor pourers, a corkscrew tool, and a wooden crate/stand that can be hung on the wall by a rope for display purposes.

Each item in the set has a chic copper/rose gold hue that makes them just as enjoyable to look at as they are to use.

Jarmazing mason jar syrup dispensers. ($23 for set of two)

Jarmazing Mason Jar Syrup Dispensers »

Know someone who takes pride in making their own salad dressings, coffee flavoring syrups, and/or dipping sauces? Then they’ll dig these 16oz mason jar dispensers, which not only give them a place to store those homemade concoctions, but also make it easy to pump them out as needed.

Popco collapsible silicone popcorn popper. ($14)

Popco Collapsible Silicone Microwave Popcorn Popper »

Some families are VERY serious when it comes to their popcorn consumption, and they go through a TON of the stuff. For them, a collapsible popcorn popper will undoubtedly get a lot of use. You don’t even have to put oil into the thing before microwaving it; just pour in a ¼ or ½ cup of kernels and you’re good to pop away. However, you can still add just a touch of coconut or avocado oil and some salt and get great results that way too.

When it’s done, you’ll almost always find very few unpopped kernels in the batch, and after being rinsed out, the container collapses down into a more easily stowable size. (Just know that the silicone can be a bit hot to handle right out of the microwave, so be careful and maybe use pot holders just in case.)

Skeppshult cast iron spice grinder. ($66)

Skeppshult “Swing” Cast Iron Pepper Mill & Spice Grinder »

This handcrafted cast iron spice grinder from Swedish company Skeppshult is almost too pretty to use, but if you do decide to grab it off the shelf where it’s displayed, it’ll make short work of grinding peppercorns and other fresh spices:

Its two-tiered construction is pretty clever actually. Once you’ve ground up a spice in the bottom canister, you can pour it into the top compartment and store it there under the silicone-sealed walnut lid.

Boska cheese slicer with rose wood handle. ($17)

Boska Cheese Slicer with Rose Wood Handle »

Once you’ve decided to step up your cheese game, your tools for the job need to step up with you. Toss out that old cutter with the breakable wire and replace it with a traditional-style Boska cheese plane instead.

This sleek stainless steel cheese plane has a handsomely dark beech wood handle that’s comfortable to hold as you effortlessly create uniform slices from all kinds of semi-hard to hard cheeses (manchego, gouda, aged cheddar, pecorino, etc). It also works wonders on cold sticks of butter.

Gadgets & Accessories

• The latest and greatest base-model Kindle e-reader
• Entry-level 3D printer that offers a phenomenal amount of model detail
• Portable power station and solar generator
• Home theater projectors that give any home media setup a sweet upgrade
• Handheld sound studio for creating music immediately, wherever you go
• Portable charger capable of charging an iPad Pro 2.6x over while you’re actively using it

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The 2022 base-model Amazon Kindle e-reader. ($100 with lockscreen ads, $120 without ads)

The 2022 Amazon Kindle »

Recommending Kindles is a tradition that goes all the way back to our first Christmas Catalog. Nearly a decade later, we still believe it’s the best way to consume ebooks, and the 2022 base model is the latest and greatest option, now featuring an upgraded 300ppi high-resolution glare-free display (3x the pixels as the old model!), double the storage (now up to 16GB), USB-C charging, and longer battery life.

ELEGOO Mars 2 Pro 3D printer. ($171)

ELEGOO “Mars 2 Pro” MSLA Resin 3D Printer »

Elegoo’s Mars 2 Pro is a fantastic way to get into the world of 3D printing, whether you’re wanting to craft figurines to paint, design and manufacture your own chess pieces, create little sculptures to place around your house, add some fun accessories to your kids’ toys, prototype physical products, or produce those bits and bobs you might need on DIY jobs.

It can print at 2K HD resolution (2560×1440), so your prints can have a phenomenal amount of detail, with print layer lines so fine they’re practically invisible, resulting in unbelievable crisp, smooth models. Moreover, each layer only takes about two seconds to cure, whereas many printers at this price point would take more like 6–8 seconds per layer — it’s a huge time saver.

Ecoflow DELTA 2 portable power station. ($899)

EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station »

If you’re familiar with portable power stations from the likes of Goal Zero and Jackery, then you’ll get the idea behind the DELTA 2 by EcoFlow right away.

Whether you’re out adventuring on the trail, dealing with a power outage at home, tailgating outside a stadium, attending a weekend-long festival, or whatever else, this awesome portable battery system will keep your stuff powered up and good to go.

With 1024Wh of battery capacity and up to 1800W of power output across a bunch of different ports and outlets — which you can supplement by adding solar panels or an additional battery unit — this thing can easily power just about any collection of gadgets or even an appliance or two if needed. (See our original post for a chart with device examples.)

Anker NEBULA “Cosmos Laser” home theater projectors. ($1,100 for 1080p model, $1,600 for 4K model)

Anker NEBULA “Cosmos Laser” 1080P & 4K Projectors »

From Anker’s movie projector sub-brand Nebula comes this pair of high-definition “Cosmos Laser” projectors that can turn any space with a flat surface into an impressive home theater experience.

Available in 1080P ($1,700) and 4K ($2,200) resolutions, these portable projectors make every last pixel pop as they beam brightly across a huge 150″ screen (or all the way down to 60″) at an intense 2,400 ISO lumens, so you can see every detail at any time of day — indoors or outdoors, lights on or off.

On top of that, the projectors both make use of a special technology that intelligently analyzes any space you’re using one in (including the furniture and decorations) so it can automatically focus, perform keystone correction, and adjust the alignment to your screen size. Doesn’t matter if you bump into the projector or move it to another location; you don’t have to spend time fiddling with focus settings or tilting the device to get a better picture. It just works.

Artiphon Orba 2 handheld sound studio. ($150)

Artiphon “Orba 2” Handheld Synthesizer, Sound Looper, & MIDI Controller »

Artiphon is a Nashville-based company that designs what they call “smart instruments”, one of which is the Orba 2. This round handheld gizmo looks like some kind of game controller, but is in fact a portable sound studio that lets you create music immediately and wherever you go, even while walking.

With the Orba 2, you can create “instruments” from sounds in your environment — singing birds, a bicycle bell, your own voice, or whatever else — and then “play” melodies with them using the capacitive touch pads on top of the device, along with various gestures and movements that are picked up by its accelerometer and gyroscope.

From there, you can create 128-bar loops (up to ~5 minutes) with up to four layers of samples — Drum, Bass, Chord, and Lead — and have each of them automatically quantized to play in time perfectly, all right there on the device. You can also connect it to MIDI-based software and hardware via USB-C or Bluetooth to expand your music-making horizons even further.

Anker PowerCore Essential 20K PD portable power bank. ($59)

Anker PowerCore Essential 20,000mAh PD Portable Charger »

When it comes to portable chargers, it doesn’t get more reliable than Anker’s “PowerCore” lineup, and their PowerCore Essential 20K PD USB-C battery bank is no different.

That “PD” (Power Delivery) at the end of its name is really the key thing here, as it allows you to charge an iPad Pro while you’re actively using it, which is huge for those of us who rely on our iPads all day for work, gaming, and media. It also holds enough charge (20,000mAh) to accomplish this 2.6x over, so yeah — awesome.

If you use it to charge your phone instead, all the better. Even the 14 Pro Max gets 4.6x charges out of this thing. Basically, you’ll never regret having this battery bank on hand, no matter what you’re charging it with.

Games & Puzzles

• The new OLED-edition Nintendo Switch console
• Heirloom-quality editions of Scrabble and Monopoly
• The long-anticipated sequel to Psychonauts
• Colorful jigsaw puzzle based on a geometric painting by Frank Stella
• Root board game by Leder Games
• DUNE board game by Gale Force Nine

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The new OLED-edition Nintendo Switch portable game console. ($350, available in white and classic neon blue + red)

The Nintendo Switch OLED Edition »

Released a couple months ago, the new Nintendo Switch OLED edition takes everything you loved about the original Switch and added several improvements to make the gaming experience feel more premium:

• As its name suggests, this new Switch sports a 7-inch OLED screen, up from the original’s 6.2-inch LCD.
• It has a new device-wide adjustable kickstand that makes the original one look like a joke. (Let’s be honest, that stand was a joke, even for those of us who loved the console itself.)
• The Switch’s internal storage has been bumped from 32 GB to 64 GB.
• They’ve enhanced the onboard speaker audio for handheld and tabletop play.
• There’s now a built-in LAN port on the dock for physically connecting to your home internet setup.

Games you might pair with the OLED Switch are Mario Strikers: Battle League and Splatoon 3. We would also recommend a protective carrying case.

Heirloom-edition Scrabble and Monopoly board games. ($350 each)

Scrabble and Monopoly “Heirloom Edition” by WS Game Company »

Designed for those who enjoy the finer things in life, these heirloom-quality editions of the classic board games Scrabble and Monopoly are both crafted from solid walnut wood and feature their own integrated storage drawers to keep game pieces and other accessories contained nicely between sessions.

In addition to being handsome showpieces when they’re not being used, both game editions bring unique touches to the table (heh):

• The top of the Scrabble cabinet is actually a rotating turntable that allows players on all sides a comfortable view of the words currently on board.
• Meanwhile, the Monopoly set comes with custom-designed Chance, Community Chest, and Title Deed cards, as well as custom-designed money slips.

Each set includes solid wood and/or die-cast metal game pieces, which adds to the overall sense of quality you feel when playing either game.

Psychonauts 2: Motherlobe Edition for Xbox One and PS4. ($70, or $54 for standard Xbox edition without extras)

Psychonauts 2: Motherlobe Edition for Xbox One and PS4 »

The original Psychonauts video game by Double Fine Productions was a cult classic that still holds a special place in the hearts of many of us who were lucky enough to play it in the mid-2000s. We were even more excited when, a full sixteen years later, the long-awaited sequel was released.

Picking up right where the first game left off — which involved our young hero Razputin’s adventures at a psychic “summer camp” (read: secret government training facility) where he uncovered the mystery of his fellow campers’ brains being harvested for nefarious purposes — Psychonauts 2 once again follows Raz as he navigates a new set of mysteries.

Per our original synopsis:

Raz, who believes himself a fully inducted Psychonaut — the international team of pyschically gifted spies who use their abilities to stop evil-doers — finds out when he gets to Psychonauts HQ that he’s to be a mail room intern, not a proper agent.

What’s more, it’s been determined that a mole has infiltrated the organization with the aim of resurrecting a powerfully evil psychic named Maligula, and it somehow falls on Raz to once again piece together the clues and stop this plot before it’s too late.

Firuzabad jigsaw puzzle by Frank Stella + MoMA. ($18)

Frank Stella + MoMA “Firuzabad” Jigsaw Puzzle »

Based on the colorful geometric painting Firuzabad by American artist Frank Stella in 1970, this 750-piece jigsaw puzzle is a unique and vibrant way to challenge yourself for a few days. With its odd-shaped pieces and the abstract nature of the artwork itself, you’ll not only stretch your brain muscles a bit, you’ll come away with a great appreciation for this classic and complex work of art.

Root: a Game of Woodland Might and Right board game. ($75 for base game; expansions also available)

Root Board Game by Leder Games »

If you’ve ever wondered what Game of Thrones-style strategy and intrigue might look like in a humorous storybook/fairytale context, well, look no further than Leder Games’ Root: a Game of Woodland Might and Right.

Released in 2018, Root is a superbly fun asymmetric board game that has you leading one of four animal factions — the industrious Cats, the flying Eyrie, the shadowy Alliance, or the singularly mysterious Vagabond — each of which is fighting to control as much of the board as possible:

Root is a game of adventure and war where 2 to 4 players battle for control of a vast wilderness.

The nefarious Marquise de Cat has seized the great woodland, intent on harvesting its riches. Under her rule, the many creatures of the forest have banded together. This Alliance will seek to strengthen its resources and subvert the rule of Cats. In this effort, the Alliance may enlist the help of the wandering Vagabonds who are able to move through the more dangerous woodland paths. Though some may sympathize with the Alliance’s hopes and dreams, these wanderers are old enough to remember the great birds of prey who once controlled the woods.

Meanwhile, at the edge of the region, the proud, squabbling Eyrie have found a new commander who they hope will lead their faction to resume their ancient birthright.

The stage is set for a contest that will decide the fate of the great woodland. It is up to the players to decide which group will ultimately take root.

You can see what we meant about that whole Game of Thrones thing, eh?

DUNE board game by Gale Force Nine. ($40 for base game, $23 for expansion set)

DUNE Board Game by Gale Force Nine »

Whether you’re a new fan because of the 2021 film remake) or you’ve long been a reader of the original novels, you’re going to have a great time playing Gale Force Nine’s DUNE board game, which they reissued in 2019 — 40 years after the original edition) was published.

This modernized version of the classic strategy game has you leading one of six powerful factions taken straight from Dune lore, each vying for control over melange (aka spice), the universe’s most valuable resource found only on the barren planet Dune.

Whichever faction you choose, you’ll need your political A-game to gain control over as much Dune territory as possible — and thus, control over the spice itself — by making alliances with other players and committing acts of treachery (so your allies don’t become too strong, you understand). During all of this, you must deal with military invasions, sandstorms, giant sandworms, and yes, backstabbing plots against your own leaders.

Home, Office & Decor

• Wooden wall murals with a surreal retro-futuristic aesthetic
• Handmade Star Wars oil paintings
• Smart light panels with a warm wooden aesthetic
• Levitating moon lamp that floats and rotates as if by magic (but really it’s just magnets)
• A clock that tells time in full sentences rather than numbers
• Personalized solar system art prints

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Frank Moth x Society6 wooden wall murals. ($150 or $180, depending on size)

Society6 x Frank Moth Wooden Wall Murals »

You’ll hardly find a more unique-looking way to spice up a given space than putting up these wooden mosaics, which are based on the atmospheric and surreal digital collages by “Frank Moth” (the pseudonym a pair of anonymous Greece-based graphic artists work behind)

These artworks often combine retro artwork with images of space travel and/or various forms of psychedelia, like nostalgic postcards that somehow arrived by way of the distant future. It’s a very cool and interesting aesthetic.

Star Wars oil paintings by Naci Caba. (from $340)

Naci Caba’s Handmade Star Wars Oil Paintings »

We’ll bet you never thought Star Wars and oil painting were things that could go together well, but Turkish artist Naci Caba is here to prove you wrong. The guy also does paintings based on The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and more. Cool, right?

Nanoleaf Elements “Wood Look” smart light panels. ($200 for 7-panel starter kit, $380 for 13-panel bundle, or $70 for 3-panel expansion pack)

Nanoleaf Elements “Wood Look” Smart Light Panels »

Nanoleaf’s standard light panels are cool enough as is, with their ability to change colors to suit your tastes or dynamically match the media you consume. However, their wooden hexagon light panels bring a whole different vibe that feels warmer and more understated.

Like the original panels, the “Wood Look” series is modular in that you can arrange them on your wall in whatever pattern you like. The difference is, they manage to look like an elegant and subtle piece of decor even when the lights are off, whereas the RGB ones don’t present nearly as much ambiance without their bright colors active.

While you don’t get a vibrant rainbow of colors to play with, you do get to create a cozy and calming atmosphere customized to your tastes (controlled via the Nanoleaf app), with the ability to configure animated light “scenes,” such as a crackling fireplace-like glow or a cascading waterfall effect.

FIRPOW levitating moon lamp. ($107)

FIRPOW Levitating Moon Lamp »

Have you ever dreamed of having an office like Dumbledore’s, where bits and bobs charmingly float and spin about? Well, you can take a step closer to that fantasy with a levitating moon lamp like this one.

Using the power of MAGNETS {insert Insane Clown Posse meme here}, this lunar light-up globe floats and rotates above its wooden base, suspended in the air by a seemingly invisible hand. With the included remote, you can switch the lamp between 18 different colors, adjust its brightness level, and activate one of a few different lighting modes: solid, flash, or fade.

Sharper Image Word Clock. ($27, available in black or copper)

Sharper Image Light-Up Word Clock »

The Word Clock from Sharper Image is a rather unique take on telling time, presenting it in full sentences (e.g. “It is five minutes past eleven” or “It is twenty minutes to nine”) rather than a simple numeric display. It feels reminiscent of a split-flip signboard.

You can mount it on a wall or set it on a table/desk. Not much else to say, other than that it’s a cool alternative to normal clocks. The one drawback is that it doesn’t run on batteries; you have to keep it plugged in to operate. Other than that, this is a sweet clock to have in your home or office.

SpaceTime Coordinates personalized solar system art prints. (from $39)

SpaceTime Coordinates Personalized Art Prints »

Got a space nerd in your life? Are you the space nerd and looking to treat yourself? Then you should check out these SpaceTime Coordinates prints, which use NASA data to precisely depict what our solar system looked like at any specific point in time that matters to you or a loved one:

Enter your special event date and get a perfect representation of the solar system at that point in time. See how our planets were aligned when you met, when you bought the house, when you became parents and commemorate the most important moments in your life.

No two different dates produce the same design, that’s why SpaceTime Coordinates products are so distinctive and personalized.

You don’t even have to go with a personalized date if you don’t want. You could pick… I dunno, the birthdate of your favorite president, or the date of an important event in history you’ve always been obsessed with. Anything goes!

Style, Grooming & Everyday Carry

• Wallet with anodized aluminum frame wrapped in leather or DTEX
• Mysteriously sweet and boozy fragrance that may become your new signature
• Dive watch with an autumnal spirit
• Stylish watch with case literally made from used coffee grounds
• Black bladed pocket knife with ebony wood handle
• The warmest, highest-quality sweatshirt of your life
• Suede slippers that can pass off as boots
• Merino wool calf socks with superb cushion and comfort

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Dango D03 aluminum + leather bifold wallet. ($39)

Dango D03 “Dapper” Bifold Wallet »

The D03 “Dapper” by Dango is a bifold wallet with a 6061 anodized aluminum chassis surrounded by your choice of black DTEX, black leather, or brown leather, which is fastened on with mil-spec bolts.

Between its two outer pockets (front and back), the inner ID window slot, the card ‘rail system’ built into the chassis, and the integrated elastic band, the D03 can hold up to 14 cards and some cash without breaking a sweat. That elastic band can be moved to the front exterior, the back exterior, or the interior as you like, so you really have a lot of options for how you load out this wallet.

Maison Margiela “REPLICA Jazz Club” fragrance. ($123 for 3.4 fl oz bottle or $38 for 0.34oz travel spray)

Maison Margiela “REPLICA Jazz Club” Fragrance »

French fashion house Maison Margiela has a line of fragrances they call REPLICA, each of which is intended to be evocative of a very specific moment or memory, like sailing around Paros Island in 2001 or relaxing by a crackling fireplace while snow falls outside. Yeah, that specific.

One of their more sophisticated offerings is Jazz Club, an alluring and thoroughly masculine fragrance (although some women also wear it well) that’s supposedly like stepping into a cozy Brooklyn nightclub in 2013.

Whatever its inspiration, this fragrance is sweet and boozy without cloying. You’ll get notes of smooth vanilla and dark spicy rum on top, with hints of leather and tobacco leaf in the background. We could imagine Don Draper wearing this.

  + We also recommend “1899” by Histoires de Parfums, a spicy yet smooth wintertime fragrance that opens with woodsy spicyness before mellowing into warm tones of cinnamon-y vanilla and tobacco with hints of citrusy orange blossom.

Timex x Todd Snyder Utility Ranger dive watch. ($259)

Timex + Todd Snyder “Utility Ranger” Dive Watch »

Designed in collaboration between Timex and menswear designer Todd Snyder, the Utility Ranger watch is an iteration on the timeless design (heh) of Timex’s Navi XL diving watch.

Although it’s a diver by nature — and it does boast 100-meter water resistance — the Utility Ranger evokes the colors and textures of woodsy autumn with its military olive dial and strap, along with the eyecatching orange bezel and second hand. It’s a real looker.

On the technical side of things, the 41mm stainless steel Utility Ranger features a Japanese automatic movement, a glass exhibition caseback so you can see those inner workings tick (and tock), and the strap is made from ballistic fabric for those rugged woodsman vibes.

Lilienthal-Berlin x Kaffeeform Coffee Watch. ($210 as of writing; normally $349)

Lilienthal-Berlin x Kaffeeform “Coffee Watch” »

In what may be the most Tools & Toys item of all time, the Coffee Watch is a stylish timepiece that features a case literally made from recycled coffee. What?!

Using a complex and 100% carbon-neutral upcycling process developed by Kaffeeform, used coffee grounds are collected from cafés and roasters around Berlin, then combined with renewable plant-derived materials and biopolymers to become a durable and sustainable material that can be used to create all sorts of products — in this case, a watch…er, case.

What’s crazy is that the material retains a hint of coffee aroma, so when you first put it on, there can be no doubt you are actually wearing coffee on your wrist.

They didn’t forget about aesthetics or utility either, as proven by the watch’s minimalist Bauhaus-style face, precise Swiss quartz movement, and the fact that its crown is recessed into the case back, lending a strikingly round look to the overall appearance.

Civivi Elementum pocket knife. ($64)

CIVIVI “Elementum” Pocket Knife »

CIVIVI, who you may remember as the makers of this interesting carabiner multi-tool, also produce the Elementum, a sweet-looking pocket knife with a stonewashed black D2 steel blade and an ebony wood handle.

On top of its slick presentation, the Elementum boasts a caged ceramic ball bearing at the blade’s pivot point for super smooth and fast opening/closing action. The blade also arrives wicked sharp out of the box, enough so that you could shave your arm hairs with it if needed.

  + Honorable mention goes to the stylish (but 3x expensive) Benchmade 533 “Mini Bugout” folding knife.

Arborwear Double-Thick Pullover Hoodie. ($120)

Arborwear Double-Thick Pullover Hoodie »

Looking for the warmest, highest-quality possible sweatshirt of your life? The Arborwear “Double-Thick” is it. Seriously, you don’t have to research any further.

This thing was designed for people who have to work outside all day in the extreme cold, right down to the oversized hood that fits over a hard hat or work helmet. Its super heavy (that “double thick” in the name isn’t just marketing), super warm, and it’ll still be going strong years or even decades from now.

All the comfort and warmth of a thick blanket, with the freedom of movement of a light jacket. This is an investment no one ever regrets.

UGG “Neuman” men’s suede slippers. ($120 per pair)

UGG “Neuman” Men’s Suede Slippers »

Taking design inspiration from their Neumel Boot and their Tasman Slipper, UGG’s hybrid Neuman Slipper is a treat for your feet on those cold mornings and evenings at home.

They feature a rich suede upper and a cushioned rubber Treadlite outsole with a sheepskin lining and wool insole, offering the ultimate warmth and comfort whether you wear them indoors or while you’re out walking the dog. What’s nice is, they don’t look like slippers at first glance — more like casual boots — so if you decide to wear them with sweats or jeans in public, nobody will think twice.

Bombas men’s merino wool calf socks. ($20 per pair)

Bombas Men’s Merino Wool Calf Socks »

A quality pair of socks can make all the difference in your daily comfort, and if they’re made of merino wool, that “first class” feeling increases all the more.

These merino wool calf socks from Bombas are what you’ll want on your feet this coming winter season. They’re superbly cushiony and comfortable, offer exceptional arch support on top of that, and they sport the natural moisture-wicking properties that make merino wool so great to begin with.

🛠 Tools & Trinkets

• Cordless electric screwdriver that’s easier on the wrists than a manual one
• 21-tool Leatherman with clever magnetic locking system
• Swiss-made pruning shears that will last a lifetime
• Drawstring tool bag for staying organized on the job
• 48-in-1 multifunction socket wrench
• Copper-headed hammer for driving tent stakes

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Hoto NEX O1 PRO cordless electric screwdriver. ($54)

Hoto NEX O1 PRO Cordless Electric Screwdriver »

This 3.6V electric screwdriver from Hoto a super handy gizmo to have in your toolbox, and could save your wrists a lot of strain in the long run.

Unlike your typical cordless drill, this isn’t some heavy and unwieldy tool; it’s designed to be easily used one-handed with the press of a button (either forward or backward). And there’s no big case or chunky charger to lug around either, because it conveniently plugs in via USB-C to recharge its 1,500mAh battery — that’s enough power to drive more than a thousand screws on a single charge.

The neck of the screwdriver has a built-in ring LED light that illuminates what you’re working on without casting annoying shadows, and it has four torque settings you can switch between as the job demands.

  + Add a leather holster to make the gift recipient even happier.

Leatherman FREE P4 multi-tool. ($150)

Leatherman “FREE P4” Multi-Tool »

Leatherman wasn’t messing around when they developed their FREE P4 multi-tool. This bad boy manages to pack 21 tools into its small frame, which is a lot of functionality to always have in your pocket. And with a closed length of just 4.25 inches and weighing in at only 8.6 ounces , you’ll barely even notice it’s there until you need it.

On top of that, they incorporated a clever magnetic locking system that makes it easy to access any of those 21 tools single-handedly, in almost fidget toy-like fashion:

Felco #2 pruning shears. ($59)

Felco #2 One-Handed Pruning Shears »

If you do a lot of gardening or landscaping and want a set of pruning shears that will last a lifetime, look no further than the Felco #2 pruners.

Made in Switzerland — with 100% renewable energy, no less — these shears tackle any pruning job with almost disturbing ease. If they had any sentience, we’re certain they’d be just as happy to snip off a whole finger as easily as they do thick branches and vines.

One of the best features of these shears (and there are many) is the sap groove that prevents the blade from sticking or gumming up from plant secretions, so you can keep pruning uninterrupted and worry about cleaning after. We also like the bright candy red handles that make them easy to find if they’re dropped in a bush somewhere.

If you treat them right, cleaning, oiling, and sharpening the blades regularly, these pruners will serve you well for decades to come. And if anything should go wrong, like a prematurely rusty blade or a busted spring, all the parts are user-replaceable, so you can Ship of Theseus these bad boys until the end of time.

CLC “BucketBag” drawstring tool bag. ($21)

CLC (Custom LeatherCraft) 18-Pocket Drawstring “BucketBag” »

Custom LeatherCraft’s BucketBag is a versatile polyester tool bag that keeps all your small stuff organized on the job while being very easy to carry around and accessible when needed.

It has six big compartments in the center where you can stow wrenches, pliers, and other essential handtools. Each of those compartments has an inner pocket, and there are six more around the outside of the bag — bringing the total number of compartments to 18 — all of which are perfect for stashing accessories, fasteners, and other bits and bobs you may need along the way.

The bag cinches together tightly with a locking drawstring to keep everything snugly inside as you use the center carry handle to tote the whole setup around. It’s also designed to fit at the bottom of a 5-gallon bucket, and when you get it out and set it somewhere, the soft bottom panel keeps the bag from tipping over. Just super convenient all around.

iPstyle 48-in-1 socket wrench. ($20)

iPstyle 48-in-1 Multifunction Socket Wrench »

If you’ve ever bought one of those cheap socket wrench sets, you know what a pain it is to keep up with all those little socket pieces. They inevitably fall off and get lost somewhere in your toolbag, and somehow it’s always the size you’re looking for that’s hardest to find when you need it most.

But not so with this multi-function socket wrench, which has sets of rotating sockets at each end that can accommodate a bunch of different SAE and metric sizes, both in a variety of nut/bolt head shapes. It’s an entire socket set in one tool!

Snow Peak Copper Head Peg Hammer. ($70)

Snow Peak Copper Head Peg Hammer »

The next time you head out on a tent camping trip, be sure to bring Snow Peak’s Copper Head Peg Hammer along to help with campsite setup and takedown — specifically, driving tent stakes into the ground and pulling them out later.

The hammer’s copper head lends it a shock-absorbing property, reducing stress on your arm and making the job feel a lot less laborious. It also has a side benefit of softening the ping noise each time you strike a tent stake, which your ears will thank you for.

  + Best gifted with the matching carry case, which will also hold several of those tent stakes linked above.

🧸 Toys & Kids

• Science activity kits from the makers of Snap Circuits
• YETI Rambler water bottle for kids
• Build-it-yourself spinning LEGO globe of the Earth
• Kids wireless headphones with a built-in mic
• Kaleidoscopic science books with magic viewing lenses
• Curved wooden balance board for endless kinds of play
• Star Wars R2-D2 Tamagotchi toy
• Magnetically rotating foam building blocks

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SMARTIVITY scientific activity kits. (Prices vary)

“Smartivity” STEAM Activity Kits »

The SMARTIVITY family of do-it-yourself kits by Elenco — makers of the also-excellent Snap Circuits product line — are a series of wood-and-rubber-band activity kits designed to get kids thinking about and playing with all kinds of scientific, mechanical, and mathematic subjects: gravity, hydraulics, centrifugal force, elasticity, optics, momentum, pressure, and so on.

To that end, they offer a whole bunch of different engineering kits to explore those topics:

• Pinball Machine ($39) — Teaches kids about levers, momentum, and energy transfer.
• Music Machine ($46) — A fully functioning mechanical xylophone for learning about gear mechanics, vibrations, and musical notes.
• Pirate’s Telescope ($38) — Refraction, depth of field, and trigonometric ratio.
• Chain Reaction ($55) — The domino effect, momentum transfer, and gravity.
• Hydraulic Crane ($29) — Hydraulics, pressure, and simple machines.
• Kaleidoscope ($35) — Mirrors, reflection, and color theory.
• Globe Explorer ($39) — An AR-enabled wooden globe that teaches about the geographic coordinate system, day versus night, trade routes, cultures and languages, cuisines around the world, etc.

…and there are even more where that came from. No matter which one you start with, you will quickly see how these kits get your kid thinking more critically, creatively, and confidently as they learn through play.

YETI Rambler Jr. kids water bottle. ($25)

YETI Rambler Jr. 12-ounce Water Bottle for Kids »

YETI’s 12-ounce Rambler Jr. is likely the last water bottle your kid will need until they’re an adult. It’s just as tough and over-engineered as its brethren, with the same double-walled vacuum insulation and long-lasting DuraCoat powder-coated color options that will withstand just about anything, including all the times you run the bottle through the dishwasher.

The Rambler Jr. comes with YETI’s flip-up straw cap for easy sipping. The lid is leakproof and shatter-resistant, sports a carry handle, and is just as dishwasher-safe as the bottle.

LEGO Ideas “The Globe” building set. ($230)

LEGO Ideas 21332 “The Globe” Building Set »

Based on a fan-created build by a French LEGO hobbyist — who was himself inspired by the adventurous tales of Jules Verne — this brilliant vintage-style LEGO globe is a customizable 2,585-piece display model of our planet.

The set makes use of LEGO Technic pieces as part of the globe’s axis, allowing it to spin just like the real thing. There are little ship and compass icons you can assemble and attach anywhere on the globe, and there are even glow-in-the-dark printed name tiles for the continents and oceans.

  + If you need more LEGO gift ideas, we have a whole backlog for you to peruse.

Riwbox kids wireless headphones with built-in microphone. ($31)

Riwbox AB005 Kids Wireless Headphones with Microphone »

If you thought wired headphones were already prone to breaking too soon, try buying a pair for your kids and see how long they las- aaaaand they’re already wrecked, aren’t they?

Don’t waste your money on anything with a permanent cord. Get a wireless kids headset like this one, which are intended to be used via Bluetooth 5.0 (although a 3.5mm audio cable is still included in case you need it). They sound surprisingly good for the price point, and they’re comfy enough for kids to wear on long road trips or during online classes without a problem.

Since the headphones have a built-in mic that doesn’t stick out in front of their face, using them for online schooling is actually pretty ideal. And when it’s time to put them away, they fold up and can easily be tucked into a bag or drawer.

The colorful flashing lights on the sides of the ears are a nice bonus on the ‘cool’ front.

Carnovsky “Illumine” kids science books. (Prices vary)

The “Illumine” Kids Science Book Series by Carnovsky »

The Milan-based art/design duo known as “Carnovsky” is perhaps best known for their three-layered RGB artworks, which can be viewed through each part of a three-color lens — red, green, and blue, respectively — to reveal just one of those layers at a time.

Keeping the theme of those pieces of art, they’ve partnered with a handful of authors to publish a series of STEM-friendly books for kids, each of which uses the same kaleidoscopic layering technique and comes with its own colored lenses, through which kids can explore various facets of whichever topic the book in question is about:

• Illuminature — All about the natural wonders of the world, with layers split into nighttime animals, daytime animals, and plants.
• Illuminatlas — Travel the continents of the world, learning about everything from landscapes to famous buildings to cultural artifacts…and yes, to more plants and animals.
• Illumisaurus — You can guess from the name, but this one’s about dinosaurs and other kinds of prehistoric life, as well as the habitats they once roamed.
• Illumanatomy — A colorful look into how the body works, divided into the skeleton (red), the muscles (green), and the organs (blue).
• Illuminightmare — Covers the histories and secrets of the most haunted and supernatural places in the world.
• Illumibugs — All about bugs, invertebrates, and other creepy crawlies the world over.

Any of these would make a great gift for a curious young reader, and even better would be handing them the entire collection at once

  + Another great book worth any kid’s attention is Oceanarium, or any of the other entries in the “Welcome to the Museum” series.

Kinderfeets Kinderboard balance/wobble board. ($90)

Kinderfeets “Kinderboard” Curved Wooden Balance Board »

Similar to the “Bilibo” toy we wrote about a couple years ago, Kinderfeets’ “Kinderboard” wobble board is the kind of open-ended toy that imaginative kids can do just about anything with, indoors or outdoors.

It can be a seesaw, a bridge, a low seat, a doll bed, a Hot Wheels ramp, a slide, a make-believe surfboard or snowboard…the possibilities are endless. It holds up to an impressive 485 pounds (!) too, so it’s not likely to break anytime soon.

The secret of the thing is that it’s kinda neat for grownups too. You can lay across it in “bridge” mode to pop your own back (at your own risk of course), you can incorporate it into a light exercise routine, keep it near your standing desk to get in some quick balance/leg work, do feet stretches on it, etc.

R2-D2 Tamagotchi toy. ($20)

Star Wars R2-D2 Tamagotchi »

In case you forgot  Tamagotchis were still a thing, you should know that the late-’90s fad is very much alive and well today, with new digital pets in the lineup being released all the time.

The R2-D2 Tamagotchi in particular puts the classic Star Wars droid in the palm of your hand, where you can care for the cute little guy, have him master skills through various training games, and enjoy several fun Star Wars “Easter eggs” (get it?) as they pop up throughout the day.

Similar to other Tamagotchis, you have to keep up with R2-D2’s maintenance, keeping him clean and charged up — or else he’ll start malfunctioning and eventually be carried away by Jawas :(

Blockaroo magnetic foam building blocks. (Prices vary)

Blockaroo Magnetic Foam Block Building Toys »

Blockaroos are a series of teacher-developed STEM toys that are made up of soft-touch, bath-safe foam pieces with magnetic touch points on one or more sides.

Those factors alone already make the blocks fun to mess around with, but what makes them really cool is that the magnets — which always attract, never repel — also enable the pieces to rotate 360° once connected, opening up entire other avenues of imaginative building.

Rotating the blocks creates an oddly satisfying clicky noise and feel, making them quite the tactile/sensory experience. The ease of connecting the magnetics together also makes it so younger toddlers can start building right away without struggling with the fine motor skills that other building toys require.

Highly recommended for parents of young ones who need a fun and safe outlet for their creativity. (And anyone sick of stepping on hard blocks with sharp edges in the middle of the night.)

Travel & Outdoors

• Portable 3-fuel grill & fire pit
• Guide book for tracking visits to US national parks
• Gardening stool that comes with an attachable tool bag and some basic tools
• Long-distance hiking backpack that’s built like a tank
• Portable tire inflator that could save your road trip
• Universal travel power adapter with four types of prongs to choose from

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Volcano Grills 3-in-1 camping grill and fire pit. ($184)

The Volcano Collapsible Propane + Charcoal + Wood Grill »

Stay at enough campgrounds and you’ll discover they can have very different rules about what kinds of campfires they allow. With the Volcano Grills 3-in-1 stove + fire pit, you get the best of all worlds. It can run off propane as needed, or you can build a wood fire in it, or you can burn some charcoal in there for cooking purposes.

What’s extra cool is just how portable the thing is, since the legs and body all collapse down into an easily transportable size/form factor. This is one of the most versatile tools to have in your outdoor travel kit. You’ll find uses for it almost everywhere you go.

  + Two great companions for the Volcano are the company’s own Dutch oven and these kabob grilling baskets.

Anderson Design Group National Park Adventure Guide book. ($35)

Anderson Design Group National Park Adventure Guide Book »

This little spiral-bound guide book is a fun way to track and commemorate your US national park visits.

With a page spread for each of the 63 currently designated national parks (as of 2022), the guide offers fun facts about each park and has spaces for you to sketch or jot down notes during a given visit, along with a checklist of 10 things to do and see there. There’s also a collection of “badge” stickers at the back of the book that you can place on the respective pages of any parks you’ve visited.

Gardening tool bag + stool set. ($26)

California Picnic’s Gardening Tool Bag + Stool Set »

Tending to your backyard garden doesn’t have to involve being on your hands and knees all day. With a lightweight and portable stool like this one, you can work all around your garden in comfort for as long as you need.

The cool thing about it is, it comes with a heavy duty multi-pocket bag with a spacious main compartment that conveniently snaps onto four straps hanging down from the seat, so you always have your tools as you move about the yard.

Alongside the bag — which can be carried separately if you don’t want to keep it snapped to the stool — this kit also includes an aluminum trowel, a grass fork, a transplanter, a set of pruning shears, and a pair of gardening gloves.

Even if you’re not a gardener yourself, this would be an excellent starting kit for you or anyone you know. It can also come in handy on fishing trips, at concerts, you name it.

Mystery Ranch Glacier hiking backpack. ($375 for all sizes/colors)

Mystery Ranch “Glacier” 70L Backpacking Pack »

When it comes to backpacks that hold up to wear and abuse, Mystery Ranch is easily one of the top-tier brands you can always put your trust in. Their “Glacier” backpacking pack in particular is one you can turn to for long-distance hikes and city treks.

This is a bag you can toss a lot of weight into — all the way up to 75 pounds, across 70 liters of capacity — without compromising your comfort. And to call it durable is an understatement; Mystery Ranch builds their bags like tanks, the Glacier being no exception. It’s made from 500D “Lite Plus” Cordura fabric and sports all YKK zippers like any worthwhile backpack should.

The Glacier is the kind of bag where every single detail has been considered and re-considered to ensure you won’t regret your purchase, especially after taking it on miles and miles of adventures, whether in the backcountry or anywhere else.

Slime 40063 portable tire inflator. ($59)

Slime Elite Heavy-Duty Tire Inflator »

Roadside assistance is great and all, but when it comes to the simple matter of a low tire, you don’t want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere while it takes who-knows-how-long before anyone can come to help you. That’s why this tire inflator from Slime is such a handy thing to have around.

There’s no need to call anyone up when you can just plug this thing into your vehicle’s accessory jack, hook it up to the tire in question, set your desired pressure, and walk away as the tire airs back up in minutes.

The inflator supports up to 99 PSI, the air hose reaches up to 28 feet away from the main unit, it has a carry handle for easy portability, there’s a bright LED light on the end for nighttime visibility (not to mention the device’s backlit display), and it works just as well for bike tires as it does for vehicle ones.

  + On a similar note, keeping a portable jump starter on hand is another pro move.

APzek universal travel power adapter. ($18)

APzek Universal Travel Power Adapter »

When traveling internationally, there’s a certain peace of mind that comes from knowing that you’ll be always able to keep your devices charged, no matter where you go. To manage that, you need a “universal” power adapter like this one.

We put “universal” in quotes because there are always limitations on these kinds of gizmos — in this case, a lack of a built-in voltage converter, thus making it unsuitable for high-power appliances like hair dryers, clothing irons, etc.

As long as it’s used only for charging things like smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, Bluetooth speakers, power banks, and the like, you should be fine.

The adapter comes with four types of power prongs that you can slide up to expose as needed: Type A (US standard), Type C (Europe standard), Type G (UK standard), and Type I (Australia standard). You also get three USB-A outputs (5V/2.4A) and one USB-C port (5V/3A) for charging a handful of devices at once.

Writing & Stationery

• Black anodized aluminum space pen with hexagonal finger grip
• Stylish and ultra-portable waxed canvas pocket journal
• Japan-made large-format notebook for your best and biggest ideas
• Nigh-indestructible titanium bolt-action permanent marker

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Fisher Space Pen Clutch. ($50)

Fisher Space Pen “Clutch” »

Anyone familiar with the Fisher space pen needs no introduction to what it can do, but for those unfamiliar with it, the main thing you need to know is that it can write anywhere — in zero gravity, upside down, underwater, through grease, and at temperatures both below freezing and above boiling — without missing a beat. If you need a pen you can always count on, this is it.

The Space Pen Clutch in particular has a hexagonal finger grip so you can keep a good grip on it even with thick gloves on, making it an ideal writing tool in the field. It’s also constructed from black anodized aluminum, so it manages to be both lightweight in the hand and super sturdy, all while lasting 3x longer than a typical ballpoint pen.

LOCHBY waxed canvas pocket journal. ($44)

LOCHBY Waxed Canvas Pocket Journal with Nylon YKK Zipper »

Despite having the ability to whip out a phone and tap out a note anytime an important thought strikes, there’s still something so pleasing about jotting down those ideas by hand instead. But cramming a notebook into your pocket or bag several times a day is going to tear it apart fast.

Not to worry, LOCHBY’s Pocket Journal can keep your notes perfectly safe, and in rugged style. It’s a premium double-stitched waxed canvas case that can accommodate any typical 3.5″ x 5.5″ memo book, and comes with a dot-grid one to get you started.

The front of the case has pockets for holding a pen alongside a pocket knife or multi-tool, while the interior has a pocket on one side for the memo book itself and another pocket where you can stash cards/cash, a passport, business cards, or other such things. On the back is yet another pocket that’s perfect for index cards.

Maruman Mnemosyne N110 landscape notebook. ($14)

Maruman N110 “Mnemosyne” US Letter-Sized Grid Notebook »

Sometimes your ideas are just too big for a typical notebook. When inspiration hits hard and you need to get it all down on one page, you’ll be glad to have the Japan-made Maruman Mnemosyne N110 notebook handy.

Once detached from this notebook, the 70 micro-perforated white pages are US Letter-sized but in landscape orientation (so, 11″ x 8.5″), thus offering even more room for your notes and sketches than their A5-sized “Inspiration” N182 notebook (8.3″ x 5.8″) featured back in our 2016 Christmas Catalog.

Like that previous notebook, the Letter-size edition is top-bound with Maruman’s signature twin-ring wire system, which allows the pages to lay perfectly flat — with the added bonus of being pleasant to write/draw in for both left- and right-handed users. The pages also have a subtle ¼” square grid system to keep your drawings and brainstorms nice and orderly, all while allowing very little ghosting or bleedthrough.

This is just an excellent notebook all around, worthy of all your best thoughts and ideas.

Soul Built MARKSMITH titanium bolt-action permanent marker. ($100)

Soul Built MARKSMITH Titanium Bolt-Action Permanent Marker »

Thanks to its nigh-indestructible grade 5 titanium body — the same alloy used to make aircraft turbines, among other high-performance aerospace/marine/automotive applications — the MARKSMITH marker from Soul Built really puts the “permanent” in “permanent marker.” It’s the last one you’ll ever own.

It’s compatible with Sharpie-branded fine-tip retractable permanent marker cartridges — although Soul Built sells their own refills in various colors — and the bolt-action mechanism not only makes the marker easy to use one-handed, but is also satisfyingly clicky and fun to fidget with.

They even put some consideration into the clip, featuring a sturdy, non-wiggly design along with layered grooves at its top to offer tactile feedback while keeping your thumb from slipping off when you use it to deploy the marker tip.

Charities

At Tools & Toys we have always donated 11% of our gross income to charity. If you click this link before you do your shopping on Amazon, we’ll be donating 11% of our affiliate earnings for the months of November and December specifically to the charities listed below.

We also encourage you to consider making some charitable donations this year, and invite you to give alongside us to these two organizations:

• St. Jude Children’s Hospital: St. Jude is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility. Discoveries made at St. Jude have completely changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Moreover, their hospital has been described as “a hospital without walls” where children in need are treated at no cost to their family.

• Operation Christmas Child: Samaritan’s purse is a Christian ministry, and every year they work with volunteers and donors from around the nation to pack and ship shoe boxes full of gifts to children in need around the globe.

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Welcome to the 2021 Tools & Toys Christmas Catalog!

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Friends, I hope this catalog finds you well. Your friendly neighborhood editor is just now emerging from a nearly-two-week COVID fugue state and beginning to feel like a human being again. As such, I hope you’ll forgive any errors or missing information in the catalog, should any of that exist. 🥴

Anyway, in our usual fashion, we’ve combed through the past year’s items and hand-selected the neatest, most gift-worthy of them for your holiday shopping and personal wishlist needs. This is one of our favorite traditions and something we truly look forward to putting together each holiday season.

We understand this is an extensive catalog to browse all at once, so we’ve grouped the items into categories and have a handy  Table of Contents  that lets you click around to any section you like and back again.

Moreover, we are continuing our tradition of highlighting two of our favorite non-profits.Here at Tools & Toys we have always given away 11 percent of our gross income to charity, and during the months of November and December, we’ll be donating 11% of our gross specifically to these two non-profits: Operation Christmas Child and St. Jude.

As we’ve said in past years, thank you so much, dear reader, for your attention and your patronage. Tools & Toys continues to be predominately supported by readers like you who purchase something on Amazon through one of our links. You — yes you! — make our work possible, and we only hope that in return you’ve found some truly awesome stuff to have in your life.

If the gift ideas we’ve curated below don’t fit your needs or wants, ping us on Twitter and we will try to help.

Thank you, and happy holidays!

— The Tools & Toys Staff

Table of Contents

 Apple

• Camera-esque silicone case for AirPods Pro + AirTag
• MagSafe-compatible iPhone 13 case
• Smartphone camera grip with remote shutter and more
• An organizer + storage solution that attaches to the back of your iPad Pro
• A comfy way to prop up your iPad on your lap or right next to you for easy viewing/sketching/reading/etc
• Soft and stretchy Apple Watch band
• Premium leather + flexible polymer Apple Watch strap

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Elago Snapshot case for AirPods Pro + AirTag. ($11)

Elago “Snapshot Case” for AirPods Pro and AirTag »

In many ways, Elago’s “Snapshot” case is your typical protective silicone cover + keyring for the AirPods Pro, but this one also includes a slot for an AirTag (sold separately), so if you ever lose your earbuds somewhere, you can easily track them down again.

(As a side note, we love that it makes your AirPods look like a tiny camera. )

Nomad Sport Case for iPhone 13. ($40)

Nomad MagSafe “Sport Case” for iPhone 13 »

Designed with minimalists in mind, Nomad’s Sport Case for iPhone 13 features five subtle color hues with a glossy backing and a protective TPE bumper around the edge. Each option blends in with almost any outfit and can be slipped in and out of a pocket easily, while remaining surprisingly grippy in the hand.

The case is compatible with Apple’s MagSafe charger and also works with wireless charging solutions so charging the iPhone is as easy and convenient as ever.

Just Mobile ShutterGrip 2 smartphone camera grip. ($48)

Just Mobile “ShutterGrip 2” Smartphone Camera Grip with Remote Shutter »

Just Mobile’s second-generation ShutterGrip is ready to change your whole smartphone photography game. It adds a camera-style grip to just about any iOS or Android phone, making it much more comfortable to shoot with.

On top of the grip is a Bluetooth-connected shutter button, making it feel even more like the real deal. But what’s even crazier is, that shutter button is actually removable and can be used as a clicker remote up to 33 feet (10 meters) away from the phone!

Also built into the grip is an extendable (~6″ / 15cm) selfie-stick arm, a standard tripod-thread mount, an integrated cold shoe mount for attaching accessories like microphones, and more.

The oriGrid Classic organizer for iPad Pro. ($46)

tinyRigs “oriGrid Classic” Organizer for iPad Pro »

The “oriGrid Classic” organizer by tinyRigs is an ingenious and fashionable way of adding physical storage onto the back of your iPad Pro, as long as it’s paired with a Magic Keyboard, a Smart Folio, or a Smart Keyboard Folio. This add-on removes the need to carry a bag around most of the time; just grab your iPad Pro and head out the door, with all your necessary accessories held right there on the back of it.

The MoKo Tablet Pillow Stand. ($25)

MoKo Tablet Pillow Stand »

If you’re the type who likes to lounge on the couch or lay on a bed while you use your iPad to sketch, take handwritten notes, do some reading, watch your favorite shows, or whatever else, the MoKo Tablet Pillow Stand is a comfy way to prop it up on your lap or right next to you.

It’s designed to fit devices up to 11″ (so it’s a bit small for 12.9″ iPad Pros), you can rest your tablet on it in landscape or portrait orientation, and the pillow back gives you a 60° viewing angle. The linen cover can also be removed for easy washing, which is nice, and it has side pockets for storing a few small items within easy reach.

Bagoplus elastic braided solo loop band for Apple Watch. ($12)

Bagoplus Elastic Braided Solo Loop Band for Apple Watch »

In the same way that we’re fans of wearing an elastic belt that always fits just right, we also love a good elastic Apple Watch band. This stretchy braided solo loop model is easy to slip on and off, and it has a soft cushiony feel, so it’s comfy to wear all day — even while working out.

Bellroy leather + polymer strap for Apple Watch. ($69)

Bellroy Premium Leather + Flexible Polymer Strap »

There’s no denying we love Bellroy’s stuff around here, most of which falls into the territory of wallet, bag, or pouch. Now they’ve added an Apple Watch strap to their lineup, and it’s every bit as awesome as you’d expect.

In an interesting move, they’ve paired a premium eco-tanned leather exterior with a durable and flexible polymer base layer, so you’ve got all the style and class of a city watch with the comfort and utility of a sport band.

Audio

• Gorgeous retro-styled AM/FM radio
• Vinyl turntable that offers audiophile sound at a (relatively) budget price
• Sleek and stylish noise-cancelling true-wireless earphones
• Comfy beanie with built-in Bluetooth earbuds
• Soundbar that uses Dolby spatial technology for an immersive listening experience
• Guitar amp attenuator that lets you play with the sound of a cranked-up guitar amp but at a more reasonable volume

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Tivoli’s Model One AM/FM radio. ($169)

Tivoli Audio “Model One” Retro AM/FM Radio »

You may not think so yet, but you might soon be telling the world that your most prized possession is an AM/FM radio. Don’t believe us? Take a look at the “Model One” by Tivoli Audio and find the lie. Yeah. Exactly.

First designed back in 2000, this gorgeous analog radio boasts a midcentury modern aesthetic, housed in a handmade, furniture-grade wood cabinet that happens to be acoustically inert. With only three knobs and a single mono speaker, the Model One is the epitome of retro simplicity.

They haven’t forsaken all modern-ness, however. On the back is an aux port so you can connect your phone (or whatever other device) and play your own music, along with a headphone jack for more intimate listening.

In any case, it’s hard to overstate how awesome the unit looks in any room. It’s a real attention-grabber.

Pro-ject Debut Carbon EVO turntable. ($599)

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO Turntable »

Pro-ject’s Debut Carbon EVO manual belt-drive turntable offers audiophile sound at a budget price — relatively speaking. Dropping over half a grand is nothing to scoff at, but you’d normally have to spend north of a thousand bucks to get the level of quality they put into this device.

As with any simple-looking turntable like this, the small details are everything:

• The DC EVO sports three height-adjustable aluminum feet that are dampened with TPE, so not only can you ensure the platform is perfectly level wherever you set it, it will also keep resonances from interfering with your music.
• On that same note (heh), the record platter itself is also damped with a ring of TPE material for noiseless operation, and the motor mounting system boasts some clever noise-isolation engineering of its own.

Master & Dynamic MW08 noise-cancelling true wireless earphones. ($299)

Master & Dynamic MW08 Noise-Cancelling True Wireless Earphones »

For those who like to stay productive even when commuting or going on a morning run, and maintaining a certain level of style while doing it, Master & Dynamic’s MW08 true wireless earbuds are always ready to go.

Made from ceramic, aluminum, and stainless steel, these earphones are super sleek, feel premium to the touch, and are quite comfortable to wear for long periods. Each side houses three microphones (for a total of six) that work together to reduce wind noise and other distractions during phone calls. They’re also IPX5 rated, so you can work up a sweat while wearing them without fear of damage.

On the music-listening side of things, these earphones have superb sound quality that brings crisp highs, clear mids, and punchy bass to the mix, all of which is backed up by active noise cancellation that will immerse you all the more in your favorite tunes as you go about your business.

FULLLIGHT TECH’s Bluetooth earbud beanie. ($24)

FULLLIGHT TECH Beanie with Built-in Bluetooth Earbuds »

Another cool (or is it warm?) gift idea for your list is this Bluetooth beanie hat, which has removable earbuds in the sides so the user can comfortably keep their head warm while jamming to their favorite tunes or listening to audiobooks in the brisk outdoors, or even taking phone calls on the go.

The earbuds can be controlled via three buttons (volume down, play/pause/power, and volume up) hidden in the leather patch on the righthand side, complete with indicator LEDs. They’re not the highest-end earbuds in the world, but still plenty clean-sounding and enjoyable to listen to.

The beanie itself is comfy enough that you can sleep in it without issue, so you have this whole other benefit of being able to put on relaxing sounds or soft music at night without disturbing your partner. The battery lasts for 16–20 hours as well, so the earbuds can run ’til morning if needed.

Bose Smart Soundbar 900. ($899)

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 »

Bose’s Smart Soundbar 900 makes your home theater setup feel more immersive than ever, pairing their own advances in spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, a technology that separates instruments, dialogue, and effects and then “places” them in discrete parts of a room.

It’s pretty crazy being able to hear things happening “around” you without having to actually surround yourself with speakers. Whether you’re watching your favorite action flick or checking out that pro-shot concert you weren’t able to score tickets to see live, you’ll feel like you’re really there.

Bugera PS1 Power Soak guitar amp attenuator. (Check Amazon for current price; see note below)

Bugera PS1 “Power Soak” Guitar Amp Attenuator »

Know any guitarists who love playing with that cranked-up amp sound, but they drive everyone in their house/neighborhood nuts with the insane loudness of it? How is one supposed to get that awesomely distorted, crunchy tone and keep the speaker volume down?

The Bugera PS1 “Power Soak” is exactly the kind of device that does this single job well. You hook it up between your amp and your speaker cabinet, crank up the amp to get whatever guitar sound you’re looking for, then use the big “Soak” knob to lower the speaker’s volume to a reasonable level without losing that sweet, sweet tone. Simple as that!

(Side note: As of the publication of this gift guide, the Power Soak is only being sold on Amazon by third-party vendors, most in used condition. Keep an eye out for the official listing to make its return.)

Bags

• Classy and functional backpack for daily commuting and city exploring
• Bright and colorful travel bags guaranteed to last 61 years
• 600 Denier insulated cooler bag with water and weather resistance
• Handsome briefcase for M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBoo Pros

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Bellroy Transit workpack. ($199)

Bellroy “Transit” Workpack »

Bellroy’s “Transit” workpack is a classy and functional backpack for one’s daily work/commute/city-exploration needs. It’s the smaller, nimbler cousin to the more travel-focused 28-liter model, with only a smidgen less storage capacity.

Like all Bellroy bags, the details, construction, and materials are all top-notch here. It’s made from environmentally certified leather and water-resistant recycled woven fabric that’s lightweight and comfortable enough to tote around all day, whether you’re wearing it to work, the gym, or elsewhere.

Cotopaxi Allpa travel packs. ($170–$220, depending on size)

Cotopaxi “Allpa” Travel Packs »

The bright and colorful “Allpa” travel packs by gear company Cotopaxi (coh-toh-PAWK-see) are a trio of adventure-ready, carry-on compatible bags that are designed to comfortably handle everything from weekend getaways to international expeditions — and do it all in style.

With a shell made from TPU-coated 1000D polyester paired with 840D ballistic nylon paneling, these packs are rugged enough to be tossed around, shoved into compartments, yanked back out, stuffed full, slammed down…and come out the other side still looking brand new. In fact, they guarantee 61 years of lasting durability for ALL their products.

(More info on all this and more in our original post.)

Husky 600 Denier insulated cooler. ($36)

Husky Water- and Weather-Resistant Insulated Cooler »

Forget that cheapy little plastic lunchbox you had as a kid — this cooler bag is a much better way to take a full meal (or two) anywhere. It’s heavy-duty, roomy inside, holds up to just about any abuse thrown at it, keeps stuff hot or cold for hours on end, and the thick padded handle and shoulder strap make it easy and comfortable to carry around.

Both the main compartment and front exterior pocket are insulated, and the side mesh pockets can each hold a big ol’ water bottle so you can stay well hydrated on the go.

WaterField Designs Tech Folio Brief. ($359 or 379, depending on size. Doesn’t ship until after Christmas, though — see note below)

WaterField Designs “Tech Folio Brief” Laptop Briefcase for 14″ and 16″ MacBook Pros »

WaterField Designs’ Tech Folio Brief is a handsome briefcase for carrying around that shiny new M1 Pro or M1 Max MacBook Pro you’ve treated yourself to.

Available in Compact size ($359) for 14″ MacBooks and Full size ($379) for 16″ ones, the Tech Folio Brief comes in your choice of black ballistic nylon or brown waxed canvas, with a full-grain leather front panel for that extra bit of luxury. That panel doubles as a quick-access pocket — for things like your phone, passport, etc — and has a satisfying magnetic enclosure, as demoed by Gary Waterfield himself 56 seconds into this video:

Note: As of publication, the Tech Folio Brief is on its fourth batch of orders (it’s been very popular!), which won’t ship until December 30th. If you’re intending to gift this to someone for Christmas, you might let them know it’ll be a week or two late, or you can get them a WaterField Designs gift card so they can pick one up in their own time.

Books & Novels

• The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows
• Gastro Obscura
• Ikigai
• Phantom Kangaroo
• Project Hail Mary
• Piranesi
• Big Ideas for Curious Minds
• Love is in Small Things

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The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows by John Koenig. ($18 hardcover)

The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows by John Koenig »

The popular long-running blog by John Koenig — who invents “made-up words for emotions that we all feel but don’t have the words to express” — is now available in published form!

Now you have the chance to crack open a real, physical tome and look up the exact word for obscure feelings like…

• sonder — The realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.
• lachesism — The desire to be struck by disaster, hoping it will shake up your life.
• anemoia — A pang of nostalgia for a time you’ve never actually experienced, like you might feel when looking through someone else’s old photos.
• kenopsia — The eerie atmosphere of a place that is usually bustling with people but is now abandoned and quiet.

The book has hundreds of new definitions that even longtime fans have never seen before, and they’re accompanied by plenty of otherworldly illustrations and other imagery throughout.

Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer’s Guide by Cecily Wong & Dylan Thuras. ($26 hardcover)

Gastro Obscura by Cecily Wong & Dylan Thuras »

Brought to you by author Cecily Wong and the curious minds at Atlas Obscura, the new book titled Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer’s Guide follows in the footsteps of their first book, taking readers on an eye-opening adventure through the often-surprising culinary world:

This breathtaking guide transforms our sense of what people around the world eat and drink. Covering all seven continents, Gastro Obscura serves up a loaded plate of incredible ingredients, food adventures, and edible wonders. Ready for a beer made from fog in Chile? Sardinia’s “Threads of God” pasta? Egypt’s 2000-year-old egg ovens?

But far more than a menu of curious minds delicacies and unexpected dishes, Gastro Obscura reveals food’s central place in our lives as well as our bellies, touching on…

• History: Trace the network of ancient Roman fish sauce factories.
• Culture: Picture four million women gathering to make rice pudding.
• Travel: Scale China’s sacred Mount Hua to reach a tea house.
• Festivals: Feed wild macaques pyramid of fruit at Thailand’s Monkey Buffet Festival.

…and hidden gems that might be right around the corner, like the vending machine in Texas dispensing full sized pecan pies. Dig in and feed your sense of wonder.

The book is organized by country and is full of utterly fascinating facts about our relationship with gastronomy, with lavish illustrations and well-researched and engaging writing that you won’t want to put down.

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles. ($13 hardcover)

Ikigai by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles »

Héctor García and Francesc Miralles’ Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life is a kind of introductory guide to the concept of ikigai, which in the simplest terms can be defined as “the thing that gives you purpose and motivates you in life.” What is it that nourishes your soul? What gets you out of bed each morning?

To better frame the idea, the book’s authors asked some of the longest-lived people on Earth about their secrets to a long and happy existence:

According to the Japanese, everyone has an ikigai—a reason for living. And according to the residents of the Japanese village with the world’s longest-living people, finding it is the key to a happier and longer life. Having a strong sense of ikigai—the place where passion, mission, vocation, and profession intersect—means that each day is infused with meaning. It’s the reason we get up in the morning. It’s also the reason many Japanese never really retire (in fact there’s no word in Japanese that means retire in the sense it does in English): They remain active and work at what they enjoy, because they’ve found a real purpose in life—the happiness of always being busy.

In researching this book, the authors interviewed the residents of the Japanese village with the highest percentage of 100-year-olds—one of the world’s Blue Zones. Ikigai reveals the secrets to their longevity and happiness: how they eat, how they move, how they work, how they foster collaboration and community, and—their best-kept secret—how they find the ikigai that brings satisfaction to their lives. And it provides practical tools to help you discover your own ikigai. Because who doesn’t want to find happiness in every day?

Your ikigai lies somewhere at the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, and what the world needs from you. You know the adage, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life”? That’s ikigai in a nutshell — or at least in part. It’s more of a way of living in its entirety, not just an approach to your career.

Phantom Kangaroo: The Anthology by Claudia Dawson. ($20 hardcover)

Phantom Kangaroo: The Anthology by Claudia Dawson »

Since 2010, Claudia Dawson has been running her passion project, Phantom Kangaroo, an online + print poetry magazine (and now a book) she originally founded in 2010.

Named after a certain paranormal phenomenon, Phantom Kangaroo offers a place for contributors to submit poems about the paranormal, the occult, the eerie, the mystical, the surreal, and the bizarre:

Whatever they are, these phantom kangaroos are an omen. A cryptic warning that you will soon be falling into the unknown. They seem to say: I am real and I am a hoax, and so are you. Sometimes poems seem to say the same thing.

Phantom Kangaroo is a portal. The Mysteries of the universe congregate here. Some of these poems are incantations meant to be read aloud. Others are testimonies of supernatural accounts or glimpses of a dark reality here on Earth. Dark realities are also unnatural. There is art here too. If you stare long enough you might see your reflection.

The first 23 issues of these submissions have been compiled into a 296-page hardcover anthology that should provide a suitable armchair companion on a strange, rainy night, the kind where shadows play mischievous tricks on your eyes.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. ($15 hardcover)

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir »

Andy Weir, author of The Martian and Artemis, now has a book out called Project Hail Mary that lovers of the former story will surely go for, as it involves another lone astronaut stranded far from Earth.

This time though, rather than being stuck on Mars, the protagonist in Hail Mary finds himself alone on a tiny spaceship hurtling through the far reaches of space. What’s more, he only discovers this fact after waking from a long sleep with no memory of who he is, what he’s doing on this ship, and why there are two mummified corpses next to him.

Seeing Ryland begin piecing together the clues of his own life and the mission ahead of him is fascinating enough, but it only gets wilder from there.

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke. ($17 hardcover)

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke »

Susanna Clarke’s novel, Piranesi, is the long-awaited follow-up to her 2004 debut bestseller, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. It’s a far shorter tale than its predecessor, and a fantastically strange one at that.

With obvious inspiration taken from the famous Imaginary Prisons series of etchings by 18th-century Italian artist Giovanni Battista Piranesi, this book tells the story of a character named, you guessed it, Piranesi — an intensely earnest and innocent-minded man living in an infinitely sprawling, labyrinthine place he simply calls the House, where there exist only clouds in the topmost halls and endless seas filling the lower ones, and in between, mazes of staircases, pillars, and an astonishing number of marble statues, each as unique as the last.

As the story unfolds, Piranesi gets closer and closer to the sinister truth about this bizarre world he inhabits…and this is where we stop talking about it, because we don’t want to give anything else away. Instead, we highly recommend you read this strangely fascinating and unpredictable novel for yourself and simply enjoy the ride.

Big Ideas for Curious Minds by The School of Life. ($19 hardcover)

Big Ideas for Curious Minds by The School of Life »

If you know a kid in the 8–12 age range who’s really starting to grapple with some of life’s most profound concepts and the issues we all have to deal with each day — fairness, big emotions, understanding how other people think, understanding themselves, how people view one another (whether accurate or not), and so on — then here’s a book that should appeal to them.

The School of Life’s Big Ideas for Curious Minds: An Introduction to Philosophy was written to be an introduction to philosophy that can also facilitate big conversations between parents and children, with prompts/exercises to get your kid’s wheels turning, along with vibrant illustrations that bring to life and modernize the ideas of 25 famous thinkers from the world over and throughout history.

Love is in Small Things by Puuung. (two $24 hardcover editions)

Love is in Small Things (Parts 1 and 2) by Puuung »

To our delight, South Korean artist “Puuung” has turned her endearing and poignant series of illustrations — depicting various moments in a young couple’s relationship — into a pair of books, aptly titled “Love is in small things.”

Volumes one and two are both 112 pages long and contain 100 full-color illustrations that are sure to warm your heart. Hopefully they’ll also bring back fond memories of the early days of your own relationship, or if you’re not in one yet, hope for what lies ahead.

  + There’s also a Korean hardcover set featuring both volumes ($47) if you want the best binding and everything. This is the kind of artwork that transcends language boundaries, so we wouldn’t worry about the lack of English captions.

☕️ Coffee & Tea

• Metallic smart mug that actively maintains a temperature for extended periods
• Alarm clock that automatically brews your morning coffee for you
• A worthy successor to the original moka pot, sold by the grandson of its inventor
• The prettiest danged French press we’ve ever seen
• Japanese-made travel tumbler loaded with thoughtful details

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Ember Mug² metallic smart mug. ($130 each)

Ember Mug² Metallic Smart Mug »

These shiny 10 oz. drinking vessels use built-in batteries to actively keep your drink at exactly the temperature you want for up to an hour and a half by themselves, or all day long if you pair them with the included charging coaster. That way you never have to guess whether your morning coffee’s going to burn your lips even after sitting a while.

Temperature control is handled via the companion app, which notifies you when your drink has reached your set temp. (There’s also an LED light on the mug that lets you know the same thing.)

The Barisieur coffee-brewing alarm clock. ($445)

“Barisieur” Coffee-Brewing Alarm Clock »

Until we can ever realistically have one of those Rube Goldberg-like contraptions from the movies that automatically does all the breakfast-making as you wake up, this coffee-brewing alarm clock will have to do the trick. Dubbed the “Barisieur”, this personal bedside barista automatically wakes you up with a fresh cup of coffee at whatever time you set, the aroma of which alone has got to be the best way to pull someone out of slumber.

You do have to set up the grounds and such the night before, so it’s not going to be as excellent a cup of coffee as getting up and grinding beans right beforehand, but hey, you still get to wake up and simply grab your cup of freshly brewed coffee. And what’s more, it has a slot that keeps a little thing of milk/cream cold, so you don’t even have to get up for that!

Your ancestors never could’ve dreamed of having this.

The Alessi 9090 stovetop espresso maker. ($121 for the 6-cup version)

Richard Sapper’s Alessi 9090 Stovetop Espresso Maker »

Made from 18/10 stainless steel with a magnetic bottom suitable for induction hobs (as long as they activate for items of at least 90mm across), the Alessi 9090 stovetop espresso maker distinguishes itself from the classic Bialetti Moka Express with its taller cyclindrical shape, anti-drip spout, and the lever lock that lets you open the pot one-handed.

Like the original moka pot, the 9090’s iconic design has been exhibited by MoMA, so that should tell you something.

  + Our original post shares some interesting history about the design and selling of the 9090, if you care to check that out.

Fellow Clara French press. ($99 or $129, depending on colorway)

Fellow “Clara” French Press Coffee Maker »

Fellow makes the best coffee paraphernalia around, and with the beautiful Clara coffee press, they put all their usual thoughtful design thinking into getting every little detail right.

Any pain point you’ve ever had with a regular French press, they tackled it head-on, including features like…

• Fill/ratio lines for easy measurement of both coffee grounds and water.
• An all-directional pour lid so you don’t have to line anything up just so.
• Large capacity so you and a companion can share a brew together.
• The double-walled vacuum-sealed body and pour spout for maximum temperature retention
• A nonstick interior coating so cleanup is a breeze.

The Kinto Travel Tumbler. ($35–$43, depending on color — full list below)

Kinto 17oz (500ml) Travel Tumbler »

When it comes to portable drinking vessels, it doesn’t get much more beautifully designed than the Japanese-made Kinto Travel Tumbler. Available in a variety of eye-catching matte colorways — which happen to be powder-coated, making them both scratch-resistant and grippy — this is one of the more aesthetically pleasing ways to consume your favorite coffees and teas (or plain water) on the go.

Aside from their sleek visual and tactile appeal, these tumblers sport your standard double-walled vacuum-sealed stainless steel construction that keeps drinks hot or cold for hours on end. The inside walls are electro-polished to make the steel odor- and stain-resistant, as well as preventing metallic flavors from being imparted to the contents.

One nice hidden touch is in its two-piece chamfered lid/cap, which is not only easy to spin on and off when needed, but also has a stopper piece in the lower cap portion that stops ice or other non-liquid stuff (mint leaves, lemon wedges, etc) in its tracks while letting your beverage pass through freely, no matter what direction you drink from.

The color options aren’t shown on one Amazon page together, so we’ll list them all here:

• White
• Black
• Khaki
• Turquoise
• Red
• Coyote
• Silver (unpainted)

🧑‍ Food & Kitchen

• Santoku knife that handles as well as it looks
• A blender with more oomph than most
• Cast iron pepper mill + spice grinder
• Carbon steel skillet: the secret weapon of chefs since the 19th century
• Two-sided cast iron grill + griddle
• Hardwood tortilla press that displays proudly on your kitchen counter
• 5-in-1 grilling multi-tool
• Deeper and more complex maple syrup than you’ve tasted before

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Miyabi Kaizen II Santoku chef knife. ($180)

Miyabi Kaizen II 5000FCD Santoku Chef Knife »

With Miyabi’s Kaizen II santoku knife, modern German engineering and design meets traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

Handcrafted in Seki, Japan — a city famed for its forging, swordsmithing, and cutlery production since the 13th century — the blade is forged from a core of FC61 fine carbide steel core surrounded by 49 layers of stainless steel, resulting in that stunning Damascus pattern you see above, which they darken with a bit of acid dipping.

Part of the blade’s appeal lies in the fact that it’s been ice-hardened using the FRIODUR method, meaning they freeze the steel to -94°F to achieve exceptional durability, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. After that, it’s honed to scalpel-like sharpness by the hand of a skilled artisan using the historic Honbazuke three-step method.

The Vitamix 5200 blender. ($450)

Vitamix 5200 “Legacy Series” Blender »

With a motor that peaks at two full horsepower, the Vitamix 5200 is “just a blender” in the same way an ECM Technika is “just a coffee maker.” The blade friction alone is enough to heat soup to steaming in 10 minutes or less! Not that we’d necessarily recommend preparing soup that way, but simply knowing it can do that?

You can do just about anything with this bad boy. Frozen fruit smoothies, soups from frozen veggies, nut butters, pancake/crepe batters, baby food, guacamole and salsa, pesto, silky smooth purées, quickly chopped onions, slaws, DIY rice flour…do we need to keep going?

Skeppshult cast iron spice grinder. ($70)

Skeppshult “Swing” Cast Iron Pepper Mill & Spice Grinder »

This beautifully handcrafted cast iron spice grinder from Swedish company Skeppshult is almost too pretty to use, but if you do decide to grab it off the shelf where it’s displayed, it’ll make short work of grinding peppercorns and other fresh spices:

The two-tiered construction is pretty clever actually. Once you’ve ground up a spice in the bottom canister, you can pour it into the top compartment and store it there under the silicone-sealed walnut lid.

The Mauviel M’Steel carbon steel skillet. ($70–$100, depending on size)

Mauviel M’Steel Carbon Steel Skillet »

Like cast iron, carbon steel skillets are far from new in the culinary world. In fact, they’ve been a secret weapon of chefs since at least the late 19th century.

What makes carbon steel cookware so great is that it’s just as versatile as cast iron in that…

1. You can develop a fantastic nonstick coating through an ongoing seasoning process, rather than relying on questionable chemicals that either wear away or leech into your food.
2. It’s oven- and broiler-safe.
3. You can use it on all types of cooktops, though it shines most on a gas stove.

The biggest benefit though? Carbon steel pans are, generally speaking, lighter than their cast iron counterparts. After all that tossing and tilting and swirling around, a little less strain on the wrist is a beautiful thing. You get all the benefits of cast iron with the handling of stainless steel

  + See our original post for details on ridding the skillet of its factory beeswax coating before seasoning.

Lodge’s reversible cast iron grill + griddle. ($73)

Lodge “Chef Collection” Pre-seasoned Reversible Cast Iron Grill & Griddle »

Speaking of cast iron, it turns out that Lodge’s best product may not be their famous cast iron skillet after all, but instead their reversible grill/griddle that fits over two stovetop burners (or induction hobs). With this bad boy, you’ll be cranking out pancakes/pupusas, fried eggs, burgers (regular or smash-style), searing hot steaks, grilled veggies/seafood, and so much more — all in no time flat.

Pro-tip: You can also use it as a griddle surface on an outdoor grill, not just in your kitchen.

Central Coast Woodworks hardwood tortilla press. ($80)

Central Coast Woodworks Hardwood Tortilla Press »

Designed and built by self-taught craftsman Jason Sharrett of Central Coast Woodworks, this high-quality tortilla press is beyond beautiful to look at, and works fantastically to boot. It’s both a functional tool and a remarkable piece of kitchen decor.

Now, while you can use it for making flour tortillas if you want — it will take some extra effort on your part — where the press really shines is with corn/masa tortillas, or ones made from cassava flour (which are naturally gluten-free). The long, heavy-duty arm offers just the right amount of leverage to crank out perfect tortilla after perfect tortilla, usually on the first try.

While the wood is treated with food-grade mineral oils and beeswax, you’ll still want to line the press with something — parchment paper, waxed paper, a zip-lock bag cut in half, etc — to prevent sticking.

Linked above is the 8-inch walnut + red oak striped press. They also offer 10-inch ($100) and 11½-inch ($110) versions.

The FlipFork “Boss” grill spatula. ($25)

FlipFork “Boss” 5-in-1 Grill Spatula »

The FlipFork “Boss” spatula is a 5-in-1 grilling multi-tool that, in addition to letting you flip foods like you would with any spatula, also comes with…

• A fork for skewering (and occasionally flipping) foods that don’t always play well with spatulas, like sausage links
• A serrated edge for tenderizing meats
• A very sharp knife edge that can easily cut through beef, chicken, pork, whatever
• And of course, a bottle opener for cracking open a brew while you tend to your grilling duties

Best part is, when the job’s done, you only have one utensil to wash!

Spring Break pure Maine maple syrup. (Price varies by size/type)

Spring Break Pure Maine Maple Syrup »

If you’ve ever tried maple syrup from Maine, you might’ve already decided to quit the Vermont or Canadian stuff. It’s a bit deeper and more complex than what those guys produce, without needing to blend multiple origins together.

The family-owned Spring Break Maple Farm of Smyrna, Maine produces amber and dark varieties of maple syrup for your tasting pleasure. The amber/rich grade is what you’d use for pancakes and waffles and such, while the dark/robust is more intense stuff that you might add into BBQ sauces, your coffee, baked goods, etc.

Gadgets & Accessories

• Ultra-slim portable monitor for gaming, watching content, and more in a larger format
• Handheld camera + stabilizer for capturing memories and making awesome-looking vlogs
• Budget universal remote that still packs plenty of features
• Portable power station + solar generator for staying charged on all your adventures
• The easiest way to sanitize your phone and other trinkets
• Fantastic 3D printer for beginners

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AUZAI ultra-slim portable monitor. ($179)

AUZAI 15.6″ Ultra-Slim Portable Monitor »

If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “Man, this would be so much easier/better if I had a second/bigger screen,” you’ll appreciate this ultra-slim portable monitor by AUZAI.

At 15.6″ size with 1920×1080 resolution, and with both Mini-HDMI and USB-C ports to choose from, this handy display is a great solution for things like…

• Local multiplayer gaming with the Nintendo Switch and other consoles.
• Taking notes while attending webinars and watching course videos.
• Getting work done across dual screens wherever you travel.
• Streaming movies/shows on your phone and watching them in a larger format.
• …and much more.

DJI Pocket 2 handheld camera + video stabilizer. ($349)

DJI Pocket 2 Handheld Video Stabilizer and Camera »

DJI’s Pocket 2 is a tiny and supremely portable gizmo that looks like a smartphone gimbal but has its own built-in (and yes, 3-axis stabilized) camera that lets you singlehandedly shoot video in 4K@60fps and capture 64MP photos.

Watch this guy’s field test to see what kind of footage you can get, it’s pretty impressive:

It’s crazy what something not much bigger than a candy bar can do these days. Your vlogs are going to have an almost cinematic look to them, and with its Fast Wake feature, you can start capturing memories in seconds flat so you never miss anything.

There are loads of other cool features you can sink your filmmaking teeth into as well, like the 8X Slow Motion mode.

The SofaBaton U1 universal remote. ($39)

SofaBaton U1 Universal Remote Control »

After Logitech discontinued their line of Harmony universal remotes, we began recommending the SofaBaton U1 as a solid alternative that costs way less.

Don’t let the budget-friendly price fool you; this thing really is a capable gizmo for the money:

• It remembers and controls up to 15 devices, from TVs to Blu-ray players to receivers to streaming devices to soundbars and beyond.
• It operates over infrared (IR) or Bluetooth, making it compatible with thousands of devices out there — the caveat here being that it doesn’t work over Wi-Fi.
• In place of a touchscreen, the U1 has a black-and-white OLED display that you navigate with a little scroll wheel in order to switch devices.
• You can create custom macros with up to 10 commands/button-sequences each, then map them to any IR buttons (not Bluetooth) you like.

Jackery Explorer 1500 portable power station. ($1,599)

Jackery “Explorer 1500” Portable Power Station & Solar Generator »

Whether you’re RV boondocking, living that #vanlife, camping in the wilderness, attending a tailgate party, chilling by the lake, road-tripping through the desert with your buds, having a picnic at the park, or trying to get through a power outage, it pays to have a way to keep your devices charged and your appliances running.

Most of the time, a portable solar power station like the Jackery Explorer 1500 is way better than running a noisy, fumy gas generator. If all you need is a way to plug smaller things in and have them work and/or recharge seamlessly, this is the way to go.

When you have access to wall power, the Explorer can easily be recharged to its 1534Wh capacity, after which you can take it anywhere and have a reliable power source. Out in the wild or on the road, you can connect up to four of these solar panels to turn it into a full-on solar generator system, charging the battery pack to capacity — with pure, clean, freely available, and nigh-limitless ☀️space energy☀️ mind you — in about 5 hours outdoors, assuming ideal sun/weather conditions.

The PhoneSoap 3 UV phone sanitizer. ($48)

PhoneSoap 3 UV Phone Sanitizer & Charger »

You might think of yourself as a pretty clean person, but if you could see the germs that are covering your phone right now, you’d be absolutely horrified. This nifty gizmo uses germicidal UV-C light to thoroughly disinfect your phone from all directions at once, in an enclosed environment that won’t endanger your eyes, all in about 10 minutes or so.

It kills up to 99.99% of household germs — including Coronavirus 229E, E. coli, H1N1, and more — and you can charge your phone while it’s being sanitized, thanks to the convenient USB output on the back of the unit. What’s more, it can sanitize other small items you’ve got lying around as well, like your keys, your wallet, pieces of jewelry, and more.

Elegoo Mars 2 Pro 3D printer. ($300)

ELEGOO “Mars 2 Pro” MSLA Resin 3D Printer »

Elegoo’s Mars 2 Pro is a fantastic way to get into the world of 3D printing, whether you’re wanting to craft figurines to paint, design and manufacture your own chess pieces, create little sculptures to place around your house, add some fun accessories to your kids’ toys, prototype physical products, or produce those bits and bobs you might need on DIY jobs.

The LCD screen at the bottom of the print chamber offers 2K HD resolution (2560×1440), so your prints can have a phenomenal amount of detail, with print layer lines so fine they’re practically invisible, resulting in unbelievable crisp, smooth models.

Games & Puzzles

• Portable chess/checkers set designed for easy storage and travel
• Incredibly detailed jigsaw puzzle series based on human inner anatomy
• Magical jigsaw puzzles with twist endings
• A tabletop RPG taken straight from Disney/Pixar’s Onward film

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Umbra “Rolz” roll-up chess/checkers set. ($100)

Umbra “Rolz” Roll-Up Chess + Checkers Set »

Umbra is no stranger to novel chess sets, and their two-in-one “Rolz” set certainly meets that criteria. It was designed for easy storage and travel, featuring a specially cut wooden base topped with vegan leather that allows the board to roll up into a compact cylinder shape, which can then be inserted into the included two-ended holder with carry strap.

The game pieces themselves pop out of their storage tube — which lives in the center of the rolled-up board when stowed away — and can be used for checkers on one side or chess on the other.

Dr. Livingston’s human anatomy puzzles. ($20 a pop, or $140 for the 7-puzzle full body set)

Dr. Livingston’s Human Anatomy Jigsaw Puzzles by Genius Games »

Dr. Livingston’s Anatomy Jigsaw Puzzles are a set of seven puzzles that have you assembling anatomically accurate (albeit larger-than-life) cross-cut sections of the human body:

1. Volume One: The Human Head
2. Volume Two: The Human Thorax
3. Volume Three: The Human Abdomen

…etc.

The stunningly detailed, 200% magnified artwork was done by Johns Hopkins University-certified medical illustrator Mesa Schumacher. As such, these puzzles really give you a sense of our inner workings in ways you may not have fully understood until now.

Magic Puzzles collection. ($20 a pop, or $55 for the full trio)

The Magic Puzzle Company’s Twist-Ending Jigsaw Puzzles »

The three 1,000-piece puzzles in this collection were respectively illustrated by indie artists Sarah Becan, Boya Sun, and Felicia Chiao. Each one is a work of art and self-contained story in its own right, loaded with dozens of Easter eggs and tiny details that can be enjoyed even at the individual-piece level.

However, the real cool part comes when you complete a puzzle, revealing a ✨secret surprise✨ using techniques from optical illusions and magic. That’s right, these are jigsaw puzzles with twist endings. Definitely not something you come across every day.

Quests of Yore: Barley’s Edition from Disney/Pixar’s Onward film. ($47)

Disney & Pixar’s “Quests of Yore: Barley’s Edition” — The Role-Playing Board Game from Onward »

Fans of Disney/Pixar’s Onward will be excited to know that they’ve teamed up with USAopoly (aka “The Op”) to develop a real-life version of the role-playing game at the heart of the film’s story. It’s a Dungeons & Dragons-style adventure that lets you go on an in-universe adventure led by the “Quest Master” (QM) — sound familar, DnD players? — who narrates the story and guides players through the game’s trials.

If you’re wondering why it’s called “Barley’s Edition”, the idea is that Barley (Chris Pratt’s character from the film) has loaned you his well-loved personal copy of the game, so you’ll find his notes, tips, and drawings all over the place. It also means the game takes place prior to the events of the film, and its adventures are actually what the main characters themselves would have played together.

Home, Office, & Decor

• Self-rotating desk globes seemingly powered by magic
• Standing desk converter for any workspace
• Plush and cozy blanket with tons of visual interest
• Tiny dioramas that live between the books on your shelf
• The new largest LEGO set in town, designed to be displayed on your wall
• Pixel-like 3D wall decor made from colorful blocks of wood
• Premium posters for motorsport fanatics
• Handmade Star Wars oil paintings

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MOVA self-rotating globes. ($180 for a 4.5″ globe, $280 for a 6″ globe)

MOVA Solar-Powered Self-Rotating Desk Globes »

MOVA’s auto-rotating globes are mesmerizing little desk accessories that turn themselves by using just a bit of ambient light along with hidden magnets. It’s an endlessly intriguing trick, and rather soothing to watch:

You don’t need batteries or any desk-cluttering cord to power these globes. As long as the Earth’s own magnetic field remains operational — and you’ve got MUCH bigger problems if that changes — then they’ll keep on spinning, even in your hand.

FLEXISPOT standing desk converter. ($140)

FLEXISPOT Height-Adjustable Standing Desk Converter »

Maybe you can’t afford to gift someone one of those fancy powered standing desks, but you still know they spend too much time sitting all day. That’s okay, because there are standing desk converters like this one that you simply place on an open surface to grant standing desk functionality to an existing workspace, corner desk, kitchen table, or wherever else such a thing is needed.

The u-shaped top surface is large enough to easily hold a pair of 27″ iMacs or dual monitors, while the lower surface is where a keyboard and mouse/trackpad or even a 17″ laptop can go. The whole thing can adjust from 4.7″ to 19.7″ tall, so there’s a good amount of wiggle room to get the perfect height.

JML Korean mink-style fleece blanket. ($70)

JML Korean Mink-Style Fleece Blanket »

Normally we’d say giving someone a blanket is kind of a boring gift idea, but there’s nothing boring whatsoever about these blankets.

While not quite as delightfully gaudy as the kambals beloved by families the world over, they do add plenty enough color and visual interest to any bedroom, and they’re so plush and cozy to snuggle under you won’t care about the difference. They’ve got several wild prints to choose from as well.

miniAlley diorama bookshelf inserts. ($229–$249, depending on scene)

“miniAlley” Alleyway Diorama Bookshelf Inserts »

If you’re unfamiliar with the idea of book nooks, well then we’ve got a treat for you. They’re essentially tiny diorama worlds that live between books on your shelf, often appearing like portals to other places.

The “miniAlley” series is arguably the most well known example of this that you can buy, rather than making one yourself. They offer a variety of locales to brighten up your bookshelf (we mean that literally; they actually do light up):

• Japan Old Town ($229) — The one that started it all.
• Italy ($239)
• Wizard ($249) — Definitely not themed after Diagon Alley, no sirree.
• Medieval ($229)

The LEGO Art world map. ($250)

The LEGO Art World Map »

Measuring 40.5″ x 25.5″ and with a whopping 11,695 pieces, the LEGO World Map has usurped the 9,036-piece Colosseum model as the largest set in LEGO history, beating it by 2,659 pieces. And that’s not very far from doubling what the Colosseum had over the previous winner, the 7,541-piece Millennium Falcon.

So yeah, this one’ll take you a while to put together before you display it on your wall.

What’s cool about the map is that, in true LEGO style, you can totally customize it to your liking. Its built upon three main sections of baseplates, which can be rearranged so that whatever continent you’re on lives in the center.

And while they include paint-by-numbers-style directions for filling in the oceans — using a pattern inspired by the bathymetric mapping of the ocean floor — you can go with a totally custom design of your own, or leave the seas black for a more minimalist look.

Pixelood wall art. (Prices vary)

Pixelood — Wooden ‘Pixel’ Wall Art »

Pixelood is an Etsy shop run by Romanian craftsman Dan Serban, who creates pixel-like 3D wall decor made from colorful blocks of wood. His creations include wooden mosaics (which double as sound diffusers), floating shelves, framed mirrors, and even coat racks.

These are all handcrafted items and you should expect to pay a premium for them — the coat racks are the “cheapest” items at $120–$150 — but c’mon, how cool is your space going to look with one of these vibrant pieces on the wall?!

Automobilist motorsport-inspired posters. (Prices vary)

Automobilist — Premium Motorsport-Inspired Posters »

Automobilist is a print store and e-magazine made up of a creative team with a deep obsession for cars and motorsport history. And man, do they ever make some sweet stuff.

They partner with a number of iconic people and brands from the automotive scene to create premium, officially licensed posters that blend professionally shot photos with the latest 3D-rendering and CGI technology — capturing fine details all the way down to precise coats of paint and scratches — often to recreate historical moments or occasionally envision those of the future.

To put it bluntly, these posters make any space cooler, whether or not you’re a car fanatic.

Star Wars oil paintings by Naci Caba. (Prices vary)

Naci Caba’s Handmade Star Wars Oil Paintings »

We’ll bet you never thought Star Wars and oil painting were things that could go together well, but Turkish artist Naci Caba is here to prove you wrong. In any case, fans of the films will adore having these scenes depicted in such a timeless style on their walls for years to come.

Style, Grooming & Everyday Carry

• Professional-level cordless hair clippers
• Slick watches that feature moonphase dials and engravings of famous Venetian architecture
• Apple Watch bands with rugged yet sophisticated flair
• Masculine-scented handmade bar soaps
• Merino wool men’s socks for maximum cold-weather comfort
• Harris tweed wallet with old-world charm and style
• Watch display case modeled after classic toolboxes

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Wahl Magic Clip cordless hair clippers. ($124)

Wahl “Magic Clip” Cordless Hair Clippers »

Fancy trying your hand at doing your own haircuts at home? We don’t blame you; barber shops can be pricy and take time out of your day that could be better spend on other things. You’re better off investing in a set of hair clippers and going for it yourself.

Wahl has long been one of the top rated and most trusted clipper brands — alongside fellow greats Oster and Andis — and their Magic Clips are particularly nice to use because they offer pro-level performance with the added convenience of being cordless (90-minute runtime), so you’re not having to deal with anything annoyingly hanging all over your neck or shoulders while you work.

Even if you don’t plan on going all-in on home haircuts, you can use these to trim your beard and touch up your taper between barber visits. The investment will still pay for itself over time, especially if you take good care of it. (Seriously, don’t skip oiling the blades often! Some people recommend a few drops after every use.)

Filippo Loreti Venice Moonphase watches. ($152 each)

Filippo Loreti “Venice Moonphase” Watch Collection »

Filippo Loreti’s “Venice Moonphase” series were among the slickest-looking collections of watches we saw this year.

In addition to having a bunch of sharp colorways to choose from, these Italian-made watches have handy dials showing the month, date, and day of the week — but our favorite dial has to be the Japanese-made moonphase function at 6 o’clock. Even the backs of the watch cases are sweet, featuring an engraving of Venice’s famous Basilica di San Marco.

The watches are water-resistant to 50 meters and sport a highly scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective coating.

La Matera Apple Watch bands. ($145 each)

La Matera Apple Watch Bands »

La Matera, makers of the handsome Diplomático Wallet, also offer a range of Apple Watch bands with the same rugged yet sophisticated flair. Each is made from supple, vegetable-tanned cognac leather, atop which is a layer of imported Argentine woven fabric with various color pairings and patterns to choose from.

A Slice of Delight’s masculine handmade soaps. ($7 per ~4oz bar)

Masculine-Scented Handmade Soaps by A Slice of Delight »

Fellas, you and I both know that a nicely handcrafted bar of soap isn’t just something for ladies to enjoy. We like to smell nice too! Don’t let some standup comedian from the nineties tell you differently.

With that in mind, you should check out A Slice of Delight’s “masculine” line, featuring complex and adventurous scents that are on the spicier, woodsier side. They’ve got things like…

• “Spiced Mahogany” — Italian bergamot, apple wood, tonka bean, patchouli, cedarwood, and oakmoss, all spiced up with cardamom, vanilla bourbon and allspice.
• “Harvest Moon” — Fresh pear, blueberries, pineapple, juniper berries, eucalyptus, spruce, woods, douglas fir, cedar, and white musk.
• “Secret Agent Man” — Crisp ozone, fresh citrus, soft floral tones, cedar, sandalwood, patchouli, leather, balsam, vanilla, and amber.
• “Tobacco and Bay Leaf” — Bay leaf and fir needle mingle with cedarwood and crisp bergamot to reveal a warm dried tobacco base note.

Bombas merino wool socks. ($19 per pair)

Bombas Men’s Merino Wool Calf Socks »

If you must gift a guy a pair of socks, you might as well make it a quality pair that will make all the difference in his daily comfort.

These merino wool calf socks from Bombas are what men’s feet want to wear this winter season. They’re superbly cushiony and comfortable, offer exceptional arch support on top of that, and they sport the natural moisture-wicking properties that make merino wool so great to begin with.

Esplanade LondonPaddington Collection wallet. ($77)

Esplanade London “Paddington Collection” Wallet »

We’ve written about the handcrafted Harris tweed products from Esplanade London a few times now.

This year we’d like to highlight their “Paddington Collection” wallet in particular, which has a lot of old-world charm and style, down to the button snap enclosure. Holds up to 10 cards and can be made in a ton of different color patterns (check the product images on Etsy for examples).

The Tool Watch Box. ($249)

The Tool Watch Box by the Windup Watch Shop »

Made from heavy sheet metal and inspired by the design of those classic toolboxes we all know from our childhoods, the Tool Watch Box is among the cooler ways a guy can store and display his watch collection.

On the top is a thick glass display window where the watches can be admired, while the box itself secures shut with metal clasps and has solid metal handles on the sides for easy carrying. Inside is a mahogany-stained wood tray with 12 deep compartments, each of which has a gray-and-black tweed pillow to give every watch a luxurious resting place of its own.

🛠 Tools & Trinkets

• Set of two quality brushless cordless drivers
• Saw rasp for filing down and shaping wood pieces
• Heirloom-quality key organizer carabiner
• Keychain with a seatbelt buckle release mechanism

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Makita brushless cordless driver set. (Check Amazon for current listings; lowest we’ve seen is $180)

Makita 18V LXT Lithium-ion Sub-compact Brushless Cordless Driver Kit »

Everyone with DIY projects on their plate should have at least one quality drill in their tool set, and this kit from Makita fits the bill and then some. It includes a two-speed brushless drill and a two-speed brushless impact driver, the latter of which has an “assist” mode that drives at low speed until tightening begins, which helps eliminate issues like screw cam-out and cross-threading.

Despite their compact size and lightweight handling, these drivers pack a surprising amount of power, with nary a chuck wobble like you’d get from cheaper tools. With these things you’ll be drilling holes and sinking screws like a dream, and the pair of 18-volt lithium-ion batteries included with the set hold a charge for a long time and _re_charge quickly when needed.

Just an all-around quality pair of tools, and it even comes with a carry bag.

Shinto saw rasp. ($33)

Shinto 250mm Saw Rasp »

Similarly, every woodworker and DIY’er needs a quality rasp tool in their kit, and the Japanese-made Shinto saw rasp is as quality as they come. When you need to file down edges and shape objects made out of wood, soft metal, plastic, and other materials, this rasp will get the job done veryquickly, without clogging up or tearing up the wood grain of your workpiece.

One side of the rasp is coarser for faster, more aggressive material removal and shaping, while the finer side is what you’d use to finish cuts. Simply flip it over as needed.

Watch this guy use it while making a wooden spoon:

Satisfying, isn’t it?

The Key Wrangler by CW&T. ($76–$90, depending on metal/color choice)

CW&T “Key Wrangler” Key Holder + Organizer »

CW&T’s Key Wrangler is an all-metal carabiner with a secure but easily twistable knurled post to keep one’s keys in a tidy row, and a snappy spring gate so the whole shebang can be clipped onto whatever else you want. Never again will you (or your gift recipient) have to break a fingernail trying to keep one of those annoying split keyrings open.

It holds up to 17 standard flat keys, or several odd-shaped ones (like your car keys), in whatever order works best for you. There are also nifty details throughout, which we list in detail here.

Chrome Industries Mini Buckle Key Chain. ($25)

Chrome Industries “Mini Buckle” Quick-Release Keychain »

One of the features that has long set Chrome Industries’ messenger bags apart from the competition is their signature seatbelt buckle release mechanism, which originally began with salvaged seatbelt buckles from junkyard cars. But did you know they also make a keychain version of that iconic buckle?

That’s right, the Mini Buckle Key Chain is something you can snap onto your belt loop or bag to keep your keys within easy reach, and when it comes time to actually use them, you just unbuckle them seatbelt-style, then click ’em back in when you’re done. Boom.

🧸 Toys & Kids

• Rock-climbing-style holds for kids to climb trees with
• Tool kits for safely building all kinds of cool stuff out of cardboard
• Corduroy hacky sack with great heft and durability
• Large drawstring organizer bag + playmat for easy toy cleanup

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Tree-climbing holds for kids. ($42)

TOPNEW Tree-Climbing Holds for Kids »

Kids are natural-born tree climbers, but some trees don’t offer any real holds they can reach, which is what makes these rock-climbing-style holds so cool. They use ratchet straps to affix harmlessly yet sturdily around a tree, offering kids a dozen places to grip onto as they climb up, down, and around like the little spider monkeys they aspire to be.

The colorful “rock” grips are weather-resistant, have a skin-friendly texture, and can support up to 230 lbs of weight each.

If you’re not into the idea of attaching these to trees, you can look at the company’s other sets that offer twenty or thirty-two rock-climbing grips so you can roll your own wooden climbing wall project.

Makedo cardboard construction tool kits. (Prices vary)

“Makedo” Cardboard Construction Tool Kits »

Cardboard is one of those materials that kids always love playing and building with. Your own kid has probably called dibs on any boxes you’ve ever had laying around, right?

If that sounds familiar, we bet you’ll dig these cardboard construction kits from Makedo. They’re comprised of specially made tools and “SCRUs” that you use to safely cut, fold, and connect pieces of cardboard to create all kinds of fantastic stuff. The only limit is one’s imagination.

Flying Clipper “Jester” hacky sack. ($12)

Flying Clipper “Jester” Corduroy Footbag »

Continuing the theme of screen-free activities, this 12-paneled corduroy “Jester” footbag by Flying Clipper — a company whose three founders are all former World Footbag Champions that have been inducted into the Footbag Hall Of Fame — is a very solidly made yet pleasantly soft hacky sack that should hold up to years of being kicked and tossed around.

Measuring 2¼” in diameter and filled with enough fine sand to bring its weight to around 60–70 grams, there’s a certain heft to this footbag that makes it easier to control without it flying/bouncing off somewhere. It just feels great to play with, whether it’s doing tricks by yourself or playing a game with others.

The corduroy texture also feels quite nice in the hand, so when you’re not kicking it around, it makes a wonderful stress reliever or fidget toy you can squeeze and roll in your hands.

Play&Go drawstring toy organizer bag + playmat. ($45)

“Play&Go” Playmat and Drawstring Toy Organizer Bag »

Made from a durable polycotton material and available in a wide range of fun colors/prints, the Play&Go is a large play mat that cinches together to swiftly and easily clean up all those LEGOs and other toys so they can be carried away all at once, Santa style. When the mat is spread out, the lip around the edge helps keep the toys and pieces contained so the mess ideally doesn’t spread to the rest of your floor.

Travel & Outdoors

• Stainless steel water bottle with a crazy good filter built in
• Two-person loveseat camping chair
• Down-filled puffy outdoor blanket
• Smokeless fire pits for backyard use
• Titanium French press that doubles as a camp mug and outdoor cookpot

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The Lifestraw Go stainless steel water bottle with filter. ($45)

Lifestraw “Go” Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Filter »

If you do a lot of adventuring in the wilderness, you know how important it is to have a consistently safe water supply. The stainless steel Lifestraw Go bottle has a crazy-good filter built in for this purpose.

Use the bottle to scoop up water from just about anywhere in the world, then safely drink it through the mouthpiece. By the time the water has made it up the straw, the filter has already removed 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria and 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites!

Kelty Low Loveseat camp chair. ($110)

Kelty “Low Loveseat” Two-Person Camping Chair »

Give the gift of campfire cuddles with Kelty’s “Low Loveseat” camp chair. It’s almost hard to believe how comfy this little couch is, and the seats being so much lower to the ground makes you feel that much closer to the fire, so it’s not just your feet getting toasty while the rest of you stays chilly.

The seat also angles back a bit, so the two lovebirds sitting in it can easily look up at the stars together or just lounge and relax naturally, rather than being kept stiffly upright in separate chairs (although we do have a good recommendation on that front as well).

It gets extra points for rolling up within a padded tote that has a comfy carry strap, so you can easily carry it to camp, to the beach, to the outdoor concert/festival, etc.

Rumpl’s “The Down Blanket”. ($187 for single-person blanket, or $262 for two-person blanket)

Rumpl Down Puffy Outdoor Blanket »

When you’re out on the trail and need to keep warm, the Down Blanket by Rumpl is something you’ll be glad to have around.

It’s filled with sustainably sourced down duck feathers — they’re 100% fair trade certified and obtained as a harm-free by-product of the food industry, rather than being live-plucked — which keeps the blanket lightweight and packable yet very insulating, even when it’s down in the 40°s (F) outside.

In addition to keeping you warm and cozy in chilly weather, the blanket is treated with 90/10 DWR to make it water- and stain-resistant, if not waterproof. The down filling also has a hydrophobic treatment so it stays dry longer, even when conditions are damp.

One of our favorite features is what they call the “Cape Clip”, which allows you to wear the blanket hands-free, superhero-style.

Solo Stove smokeless fire pits. ($229–$560, depending on size and/or inclusion of stand)

Solo Stove Smokeless Backyard Fire Pits »

Gathering around the campfire is a human tradition that predates history. We see fire, we are transfixed, primal, together. It’s that simple.

But the smoke…that’s the one damper on the whole thing. It somehow follows you wherever you go. It stings the eyes. Makes your hair and clothes stink. It WILL live in your nostrils for a while whether you like it or not.

That’s why you need to check out Solo Stove’s line of fire pits, which are designed to burn efficiently and produce as little smoke as possible in the process.

Each pit is formed from double-walled 304 stainless steel and uses strategically placed vent holes to draw in air from the bottom and feed it upward through more holes at the top, resulting in a secondary burn for a hotter fire with much less smoke (and ash!) than you’d normally get.

Once you’ve tried it, your only regret will be that you didn’t buy one sooner.

Bestargot titanium French press + camp mug + outdoor cookpot. ($38)

Bestargot Titanium French Press + Camp Mug + Outdoor Cookpot »

Camping and coffee go together like peanut butter and jelly. As such, Bestargot’s titanium outdoor French press is an indispensable companion for the trail.

This well-built piece of gear is an uncoated, pure TA1 titanium mug with an accompanying 304 stainless steel coffee press/filter plunger. You can heat it directly over an open flame, and it has a built-in handle with a hooked bit that lets it hang above a fire for just this purpose.

What’s extra neat about this French press is that, when you remove the plunger mechanism stuff, you can use the main container as a simple but sturdy camping cookpot. Multi-purpose tools, baby!

Writing & Stationery

• Wooden pen tray which makes use of material that would otherwise go to waste
• Italian leather pencil and pen storage case
• Stylishs softcover and hardcover linen notebooks in three sizes and colors
• Beautifully crafted notebook in a waxed canvas case

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Ugmong wooden pen tray. ($38)

Ugmonk Wooden Pen Tray »

When Ugmonk owner Jeff Sheldon learned that the manufacturing process for his Analog productivity system was resulting in leftover scraps of walnut and maple going unused, he was inspired to develop a lovely little pen tray that gives your favorite pen a presentable resting place:

Seeing those “scraps” immediately got me thinking about how we could repurpose them into something useful.

So I went straight to my sketchbook and within a week we were off prototyping. We worked closely with our woodworker to get the perfect corner radius, angled cuts, and smooth matte finish.

We’re all for clever ways of reducing material waste, and this pen tray not only fits the bill, but will make a great addition to any workspace.

Hard Graft Italian leather pencil and pen case. (£85 / ~$114 USD)

Hard Graft “Fat Stick” Leather Pencil & Pen Case »

Despite the somewhat awkward name, Hard Graft’s “Fat Stick” pencil case is a well made accessory for stashing your best pens, pencils, and an Apple Pencil so they don’t easily go missing down the side of a couch or somewhere at the bottom of a bag.

It’s fashioned from their signature Italian leather and features a black rubbery zip and leather zip pull. Feels great in the hand, and looks great anywhere.

Leuchtturm1917 x MONOCLE softcover and hardcover notebooks. ($20–$33, depending on size and cover type)

Leuchtturm1917 x MONOCLE Clothbound Notebook Collection »

German company Leuchtturm1917 is one of those businesses that comes up a LOT in stationery circles, and they have collaborated with international lifestyle magazine MONOCLE to produce a series of notebooks and other stationery goods.

These two organizations are united by a shared passion for fine quality and thoughtful, detailed design. At the heart of their collab collection lies a series of softcover and hardcover linen notebooks, which come in three sizes (each with light grey, navy, and yellow color options):

• Large B5 Softcover ($29)
• Large B5 Hardcover ($33)
• Medium B6 Softcover ($22)
• Medium B6 Hardcover ($24)
• Small A6 Softcover ($18)
• Small A6 Hardcover ($20)

All of these stylish clothbound notebooks are embossed with the MONOCLE monogram in gold on their covers and contain dot-grid paper inside, along with six pages featuring 20 of MONOCLE’s ideas for living a quieter, more considered life.

LOCHBY’s Field Journal notebook with waxed canvas case. ($49)

The LOCHBY Field Journal »

The Field Journal by LOCHBY — formerly known as BOND Travel Gear before they rebranded in 2019 — is a beautifully crafted notebook comprised of a double-stitched and water-resistant waxed canvas case surrounding a dot-grid notebook refill full of super thin yet fountain pen-friendly Tomoe River paper.

Users of the Hobonichi Techo planner will know exactly what paper I’m talking about; the bleedthrough-resistance is nuts for how thin these pages are.

The cover can comfortably fit up to six of these A5 notebook refills, which are 8also available in ruled, wide ruled, plain, and the latest addition to the lineup, planner. It’s got a nice, stout elastic pen loop on the side where your favorite fountain pen can go, several small inner pockets for stashing other bits of stationery and such, and the whole thing secures shut with an aircraft-grade aluminum hook.

You can feel the quality and craftsmanship permeating this thing. It’s very much designed for being carried by itself, not tossed into some bag.

Charities

At Tools & Toys we have always donated 11% of our gross income to charity. If you click this link before you do your shopping on Amazon, we’ll be donating 11% of our affiliate earnings for the months of November and December specifically to the charities listed below.

We also encourage you to consider making some charitable donations this year, and invite you to give alongside us to these two organizations:

• St. Jude Children’s Hospital: St. Jude is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility. Discoveries made at St. Jude have completely changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Moreover, their hospital has been described as “a hospital without walls” where children in need are treated at no cost to their family.

• Operation Christmas Child: Samaritan’s purse is a Christian ministry, and every year they work with volunteers and donors from around the nation to pack and ship shoe boxes full of gifts to children in need around the globe.

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Welcome to the 2020 Tools & Toys Christmas Catalog!

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2020 has been…a year for sure. The kind where some days felt like they’ve stretched on for weeks, y’know?

But you don’t need us to tell you about any of that. You’re here for our holiday gift recommendations, and we won’t be deterred by some crazy, upside-down year to get them to you. Let this be an oasis from the outside world, if only a while.

In our usual fashion, we’ve combed through the past year’s items and hand-selected the neatest, most gift-worthy of them for your holiday shopping and personal wishlist needs. This is one of our favorite traditions and something we truly look forward to putting together each holiday season.

We understand this is an extensive catalog to browse all at once, so we’ve grouped the items into categories and have a handy Table of Contents that lets you click around to any section you like and back again.

Moreover, we are continuing our tradition of highlighting two of our favorite non-profits. Here at Tools & Toys we have always given away 11 percent of our gross income to charity, and during the months of November and December, we’ll be donating 11% of our gross specifically to these two non-profits: Operation Christmas Child and St. Jude.

As we say every year, thank you so much, dear reader, for your attention and your patronage. Tools & Toys continues to be predominately supported by readers like you who purchase something on Amazon through one of our links. You — yes you! — make our work possible, and we only hope that in return you’ve found some truly awesome stuff to have in your life.

If the gift ideas we’ve curated below don’t fit your needs or wants, ping us on Twitter and we will try to help.

Thank you, and happy holidays!

— The Tools & Toys Staff

Table of Contents

 Apple

• This year’s base-model iPad
• Compact yet sleek USB-C dock for charging AirPods
• 3-in-1 wireless charger for your everyday Apple devices
• Auto-clamping iPhone car mount + wireless charger
• Bluetooth game controller for iPad, Apple TV, etc
• Game controller (plus gaming service) for iPhone
• Stable, adjustable stand for iPads and MacBooks

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The 2020 iPad (8th gen). ($329–$559, depending on model)

The 2020 Apple iPad (8th Generation) »

Whether you’ve never owned an iPad or you have an old one you’ve been itching to upgrade from, this year’s base-model iPad is a highly capable device — especially when paired with a Logitech Slim Folio keyboard case — that will suffice for just about anyone*.

* Save, perhaps, for creative professionals at the tops of their respective industries — but they’re already going to be springing for an iPad Pro anyway.

Satechi USB-C wireless charging dock for Apple AirPods. ($30)

Satechi USB-C Wireless Charging Dock for Airpods »

Compatible with Apple’s AirPods and AirPods Pro (in their respective wireless charging cases), Satechi’s compact yet sleek USB-C wireless dock powers your AirPods with ease when connected to a powered Type-C device.

Belkin 3-in-1 wireless charger. ($120 in black or white)

Belkin “Boost Charge” 3-in-1 Wireless Charger for iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods »

Need to charge more than just an AirPods? Belkin’s 3-in-1 wireless charging station is a nifty way to wirelessly charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, all at the same time.

Andobil auto-clamping iPhone car mount + wireless charger. ($50)

Andobil Auto-Clamping iPhone Car Mount & Wireless Charger »

Back in caveman times, docking one’s iPhone in the car was a real hassle that involved using…your hands? Please.

No, we’d rather live in today’s civilized age with the Andobil auto-clamping iPhone mount, which automatically closes around your phone with a secure grip and starts wirelessly charging it once you set it in there.

SteelSeries Nimbus+ game controller. ($50)

SteelSeries Nimbus+ Game Controller for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV »

Now with clickable joysticks, more battery life, and other awesome new features, the Nimbus+ has left its predecessor in the dust, putting it more on par with its PS4 and Xbox cousins.

[[img-right, caption id=”backbone”]] —

The Backbone One iPhone game controller. ($99)

The “Backbone One” Controller + Gaming Service for iPhone »

Similar to the Razer Kishi, the Backbone One controller transforms your iPhone into a next-level gaming device — except it looks and feels even nicer, with a svelte profile that feels more akin to playing on a Switch.

Plus, it’s backed by a companion app that acts as a full-featured live gaming service!

Lamicall adjustable stand. ($60)

Lamicall Adjustable Laptop/iPad Stand »

A solidly constructed, very stable, and fully adjustable ergonomic aluminum stand that happens to work just as well for the iPad + Magic Keyboard as it does MacBooks.

Audio

• Budget Bluetooth headphones with active noise cancellation and shockingly good sound
• Ultra-portable synthesizers with studio-quality sound for making music on the go
• Telework headset with ANC, crystal clear mic audio, and a sweet mute feature
• Small, water-resistant Bluetooth speaker with a guitar amp-like aesthetic

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Boltune’s budget Bluetooth headphones with ANC. ($29)

Boltune Noise-Cancelling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones »

Boltune’s noise-cancelling over-ear wireless headphones are something of a surprise to us. Headphones like this under $100 aren’t usually worth anyone’s time, but at just $29, these somehow deliver excellent sound quality, above-average active noise cancellation, and premium comfort you’d expect from much higher-end cans.

“Pocket Operator” portable mini-synths. ($59 to $89 each, depending on model)

Teenage Engineering “Pocket Operator” Portable Mini-Synthesizers »

The “Pocket Operator” family of mini synthesizers by Teenage Engineering are a bunch of small, ultra-portable gizmos you can use to create studio-quality music on the go.

Each one offers a unique set of sounds and capabilities — ranging from drums to basslines to keys to chiptune sounds to vocal sampling — and they can either be used separately or connected together to create your own little pocket band.

See the full list of them in our original post.

Jabra Evolve 75 telework headset. ($233)

Jabra Evolve 75 UC Wireless Stereo Headset »

At this point a lot of us are making more video calls every week than we ever made before all of… {gestures widely at everything}. If that sounds like you or someone you know, you might as well have a good headset that doesn’t grate on you after a while.

Jabra’s Evolve 75 headset offers an active noise-cancellation setting to block out distracting noises in your house (kids, pets, and what-have-you), plus a noise-cancelling microphone so your colleagues don’t hear that stuff either.

In fact, the clarity on this microphone is second to none, and it has a super sweet feature: When you want to mute yourself, just flip up the mic/boom arm.

Marshall’s “Emberton” Bluetooth speaker. ($130)

Marshall “Emberton” Portable Bluetooth Speaker »

On top of sounding awesome for its size, Marshall’s small-yet-mighty “Emberton” portable Bluetooth speaker is one of the coolest-looking options you’re bound to find.

It’s also a highly robust and durable speaker that can put up with a lot of abuse. It’s even IPX7 water-resistant, so you can bring it to the pool party without worry (once those are safe again, anyway).

Books & Novels

• Beowulf: A New Translation
• Forgotten Fairy Tales of Brave and Brilliant Girls
• The 99% Invisible City
• The British Are Coming
• Worlds Within Worlds

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Beowulf: A New Translation by Maria Dahvana Headley. ($11 paperback)

Beowulf: A New Translation by Maria Dahvana Headley »

Breathing new life into an old classic —the latest entry in the ongoing trend of feminist retellings of ancient tales — Maria Headley’s modern interpretation of this ancient epic poem is, against all odds, easily one of the most fun and entertaining reads of 2020.

Usborne’s Forgotten Fairy Tales of Brave and Brilliant Girls. ($20 hardcover)

Usborne’s Forgotten Fairy Tales of Brave and Brilliant Girls »

We’ve all read those stereotypical fairy tales where the princess is rescued by a knight or some such. These stories are unfortunately so commonplace that many of us lose sight of the fact that girls and women very rarely get to be the ones doing the rescuing or fighting the Big Bad.

Not so with Usborne’s Forgotten Fairy Tales of Brave and Brilliant Girls. Collecting eight largely forgotten yet empowering fairy tales from around the world, these beautifully illustrated stories feature smart and adventurous heroines who don’t sit idly by while events play out around them — they’re the ones getting things done.

The 99% Invisible City by Roman Mars and Kurt Kohlstedt. ($22 hardcover)

The 99% Invisible City by Roman Mars and Kurt Kohlstedt »

Roman Mars’ popular podcast 99% Invisible is all about the fascinating ideas and work that go into the urban design and architecture all around us, that we rarely take the time to notice — which, at the end of the day, is sort of the idea.

If that type of thing speaks to you, you’ll want to get your hands on his and Kurt Kohlstedt’s coffee table book, The 99% Invisible City: A Field Guide to the Hidden World of Everyday Design. This 384-page tome is a beautifully designed guidebook to all of those often-unsung yet essential elements of our cities, with marvelous line drawings throughout by London-based artist Patrick Vale.

  + FYI, we have a whole roundup of great coffee table books from earlier this year if you need more ideas.

The British Are Coming by Rick Atkinson. ($36 hardcover)

The British Are Coming by Rick Atkinson »

Covering the earlier portion of the American Revolution, Rick Atkinson’s award-winning 2019 book The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777 — volume one of what will be a trilogy — is an engrossing and impeccably researched examination of the brutal military conflict between the underdog Continental Army and the formidable might of the British Empire.

Perfect for nerds of history and scholars of warfare.

  + Along these same lines, Andrew Roberts’ Napoleon: A Life and Julian T. Jackson’s De Gaulle are also worthy of mention.

Worlds Within Worlds coloring book by Kerby Rosanes. ($12 paperback)

Worlds Within Worlds Coloring Book by Kerby Rosanes »

It just wouldn’t be a Christmas Catalog without at least one coloring book for grown-ups.

Like his fantastic Morphia series we’ve recommended so often around here, Kerby Rosane’s Worlds Within Worlds is filled with epic and wildly imaginative doodles of strange realities, enchanting habitats, and surreal imagery.

Through your own coloring choices (see before-and-after examples here), you’ll get to bring life to viking ships sailing through the eyes of a skull, a steampunk city rising from the pages of an open book, a giant tortoise carrying a haunted house on its shell, and much more whimsical goodness.

☕️ Coffee & Tea

• Budget espresso machine that can achieve a lot (with the right modifications)
• Highly recommended entry-level espresso grinder
• Excellent espresso hand grinder at a “budget” price
• Tamp station worthy of the highest-end home espresso bar
• The best coffee drinking vessel
• Colorful ceramics with a cartoonishly ‘gooey’ look
• Classic stovetop coffee maker

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The De’Longhi Dedica EC685 espresso machine. (around $290–$293)

De’Longhi Dedica EC685 Espresso Machine »

This year we did a bit of a deep dive into espresso gear, starting with our guide to getting the most out of the $290 De’Longhi Dedica machine.

It’s not the dreamiest option around — machines fitting that description are usually north of $1,000 and waaay beyond — but with a little tinkering, the right equipment, and a bit of technique and practice, this modest machine can pull tasty shots like you wouldn’t believe.

If your gift recipient isn’t likely to spend that kind of time fiddling with their setup but still wants a nice espresso maker, you might look into the Gaggia Classic Pro ($449) or Rancilio Silvia ($735) machines, which are the two most often recommended for entry-level enthusiasts.

Baratza Sette 270 grinder. ($399)

Baratza Sette 270 Espresso Grinder »

The harsh reality of making espresso is that, by its very nature, it’s an expensive hobby to get into — that is, if you’re trying to replicate or even exceed the level of espresso you get at a fancy-pants coffee shop. You have to shift your idea of what “budget” or “entry level” means in this context.

If you’re going to do this espresso thing right, you must have a quality grinder that allows for ultra-fine adjustments, and the Baratza Sette 270 is consistently among the most recommended “entry level” grinders for this purpose.

We’ve written more details about it here.

1Zpresso JX-Pro manual espresso grinder. ($159)

1Zpresso JX-Pro Espresso Hand Grinder »

Opting for a manual hand grinder instead of electric is one place where it’s possible to save a bit of money in the espresso world. The JX-Pro by 1Zpresso is a wonderful option, with a speed and smoothness that puts even some electric models to shame.

Inside the solid aluminum body is a 48mm (!) stainless steel conical burr with a super fine click-adjustment dial where each individual click shifts the grind by, and I’m not kidding, 12.5 microns. And, you get 200 of those clicks total, so you really have a lot of options for dialing in the sweet spot for any given roast.

Once it’s dialed, this thing can (pun incoming…) crank through a full 30 grams of beans in a minute or less. It’s an absolute beast, and the grinds that come out of it are impressively uniform.

The Bloc Party tamp station by St. Anthony Industries. ($348)

“The Bloc Party” Espresso Tamp Station »

St. Anthony Industries’ “Bloc Party” tamp station would make a worthy addition to any “end-game” upgraded espresso setup.

The kit includes three peripherals:

1. A stainless steel reservoir/knock box built into an American hardwood block.
2. A handle-free tamp made by hand from solid stainless steel and capped by one of five hardwood inlays or matte stainless steel.
3. A similarly constructed distribution tool with a high-polish wedge-shaped bottom surface (adjustable between 5mm–14mm depth) for evenly distributing espresso grounds in your portafilter before actually tamping.

Fellow’s “Carter” travel mug. ($30 for 12 oz, $35 for 16 oz)

Fellow “Carter” Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug »

Stepping away from espresso, we come to an excellent coffee drinking vessel. The Fellow “Carter” mug goes beyond vacuum-insulated temperature retention by also focusing on pleasant hand-feel and coffee aromatics — much like drinking from your favorite mug at home, but on the go.

The matte textured exterior feels great in the hand, and the aromatic wide mouth makes drinking coffee the multi-sensory experience it was meant to be. But they didn’t stop there — it’s also coated with ceramic on the inside to eliminate metallic notes, ensuring your coffee tastes as good on the road as it does at home.

The stainless steel drinking lip is even tapered for maximum comfort, as opposed to other travel mugs with almost sharp sipping edges. And at 69mm (~2.72″) in diameter, it’s just the right size to fit a pour-over dripper.

Brian Giniewski’s “Drippy Pots” ceramic mugs. ($28–$42, depending on cup size/type)

“Drippy Pots” Ceramics by Brian Giniewski »

Brian Giniewski is an Instagram-famous ceramic artist known for his line of colorful and whimsical “drippy” cups/mugs/etc that look like they’re covered in cartoonish icing.

All of the glazes he uses are made in-house with his own recipes that he’s been perfecting for years. The colors have a bright, clean look with a smooth “gooeyness” that contrasts nicely with the exposed clay underneath. You can’t go wrong gifting someone one of these to someone; they’d be crazy not to love it.

(He tends to restock in small batches, so you have to check back often to nab anything.)

The classic moka pot stovetop coffee maker. ($35)

Bialetti “Moka Express” Stovetop Coffee Maker »

We don’t feel like we see moka pots around very often anymore, which is a real shame because if you know what you’re doing, they can make some darn good coffee — in your kitchen, while you’re camping…the list goes on.

There’s a reason this stovetop invention’s been around since the 1930s. Give one as a gift and keep the tradition alive!

🧑‍ Food, Drink & Kitchen

— Equipment: —

• Time-tested hand-crank pasta machine
• Air fryer that can cook a whole chicken in about an hour
• Affordable enameled cast iron Dutch oven that works just as well as more expensive ones
• Iconic, beautiful glass jars for food storage, fermentation, pickling, and more

— Cookbooks: —

• Xi’an Famous Foods
• Nothing Fancy
• Maangchi’s Big Book of Korean Cooking
• Flour Water Salt Yeast

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Marcato Atlas 150 pasta machine. ($53)

Marcato Atlas 150 Hand-Crank Pasta Machine »

Rustic, old-world cooking techniques had a big showing this year, since everyone was stuck at home, desperately needing something to do.

This time-tested manual pasta machine is a real pleasure to use and has helped generations of home cooks quickly and consistently produce rustic pasta that would make Nonna proud.

It’s not dubbed the “Ferrari of the pasta machine world” for nothing.

The NuWave Brio air fryer. ($90)

NuWave “Brio” 6-Quart Air Fryer »

If you’ve never tried the gloriousness that is an air fryer, you’ve really been missing out. NuWave’s 6-quart “Brio” is a very highly rated model we recommend.

Like all air fryers, the Brio doesn’t actually fry foods at all, it simply circulates hot air at high speeds to not only cook foods perfectly evenly but also sear their outsides to a crispiness that tastes fried, without requiring a bunch of unhealthy oil.

Just about any frozen food comes out of this thing better than any oven-cooked version you’ve ever tried. It’s perfect for cranking out batches of amazing homemade fries (just a tablespoon of olive oil and some salt does wonders), quickly roasting veggies, cooking all kinds of meats (burgers, bacon, pork chops, chicken wings, and many more)…the sky’s the limit.

Heck, you can roast an entire chicken in this thing in an hour or less! And the results are way better than any pre-cooked rotisserie chicken you’ll ever buy at the store.

Enameled cast iron Dutch oven by Lodge. ($70)

Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven »

Lodge’s enameled cast iron Dutch oven works just as well as those fancy French ovens at a fraction of the price. You’d have to be running a high-output professional kitchen to tell the difference.

Like any Dutch oven, the 6-quart Lodge model is a true workhorse that will serve you well for braising, baking, broiling, roasting, sautéing, simmering, and frying up all kinds of meals. The large size and heavy construction makes it ideal for soups, stews, sauces, and pastas, as well as oven-made casseroles and even baking bread.

You could find uses for it every day for the rest of your life.

Le Parfait “Super” glass jars. (prices vary)

Le Parfait “Super” Glass Jars and Terrines »

Le Parfait’s iconic, beautiful glass jars have been made in France since the 1930s. With their wide mouths and signature orange rubber hermetic seals, they’re just as useful today for long-term food preservation, canning, pickling, fermentation, and storage of bulk dry goods.

In addition to being useful in your own home, these jars are perfect vessels for gifting your homemade delicacies to friends and loved ones.

  + More info and links in our original post. (Prices mentioned there have probably changed by now.)

The Xi’an Famous Foods cookbook by Jason Wang. ($32 hardcover)

Xi’an Famous Foods by Jason Wang »

The long-awaited Xi’an Famous Foods cookbook — published by the iconic NYC restaurant of the same name — was officially released in October for your home cooking enjoyment.

Whether you’re already a devoted fan of this noodle shop empire or you simply wanna learn how to reproduce amazing Western Chinese food in your own kitchen, this is one cookbook they’ll have to pry out of your cold, dead hands, because you’re going to be totally addicted to the tingly, spicy flavors you’ll be creating.

Moreover, with a careful hand and a healthy dose of repeated practice, you’ll be hand-ripping insanely delicious and chewy noodles just like the ones you see on the cover. Good luck keeping your friends and family away once they discover your “secret”!

Nothing Fancy by Alison Roman. ($22 hardcover)

Nothing Fancy by Alison Roman »

Alison Roman’s Nothing Fancy was written for the kind of people who’ve always wanted to throw get-together meals with friends but feel intimidated by the prospect.

She’s done a great job coming up with recipes that are easy to make but make your guests feel like you did something trendy and fancy, which…we’re all for it, let’s be honest. That DIY martini bar alone might be worth the price of admission.

You know that Dutch oven we mentioned earlier? It would be perfect for making her spicy pork meatballs in brothy tomatoes and toasted fennel:

Wowza 🤩

Maangchi’s Big Book of Korean Cooking by Emily Kim (aka “Maangchi”). ($26 hardcover)

Maangchi’s Big Book of Korean Cooking by Emily Kim »

Emily “Maangchi” Kim’s second major cookbook, Maangchi’s Big Book of Korean Cooking was selected by Amazon as one of the best bookbooks of 2019. It contains improved versions of the top 10 most popular recipes from her YouTube channel, along with a plenty of new recipes and a bunch of traditional Korean dishes she’s been cooking for her own family for decades.

There are huge sections on…

• Korean side dishes
• Meat dishes and BBQ
• Fish
• Vegan and vegetarian cuisine
• Soups, hot pots, and stews
• Snacks and party food
• Seoul street food
• …and as any fan of her YouTube channel would expect, there’s an entire chapter on kimchi.

Every page has full-color, step-by-step photos of everything from ingredients to techniques to close-ups of finished recipes, so you won’t miss a thing as you follow along.

Flour Water Salt Yeast by Ken Forkish. ($21 hardcover)

Flour Water Salt Yeast by Ken Forkish »

Want to introduce someone to essential baking skills without dropping an entire encyclopedia on the subject on their lap? Get them Ken Forkish’s Flour Water Salt Yeast. It’s not a mere book of recipes; it teaches the flexibility required to bake magnificent breads and pizzas, starting from a conceptual level. Even experienced bakers will take something away from this book.

And let’s not forget all that pure bread porn contained within. It’s almost worth the price of admission alone. (Be sure to also check out Ken’s YouTube channel for helpful videos he made to accompany the book!)

Gadgets & Accessories

• Digital photo frame you can share photos to from anywhere in the world
• Photo frame that secretly doubles as a wireless phone charger
• Mini ink-free printer you can send stuff to from your phone
• USB control pad with programmable keys that you can assign all kinds of functions to
• Rechargeable hand warmer that doubles as a battery bank for your other devices
• Portable power station that comes in handy for any number of scenarios
• Easy-to-install home alarm kit

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Aura “Mason” smart photo frame. ($199)

Aura “Mason” Smart Digital Picture Frame »

Staying connected with loved ones is so much more difficult these days, especially for those of us not traveling home to see our families for the holidays.

That’s why smart picture frames like the Aura Mason are so important. You can send photos (and Live Photos!) to it from anywhere in the world via the Aura Frames app and they’ll simply show up for your loved ones to admire.

You can even preload the frame with a collection of photos and a personal message before the box is even opened, so it really is the perfect thing for gift-giving.

Twelve South PowerPic picture frame & Qi charger. ($59)

Twelve South “PowerPic” Picture Frame + Wireless Phone Charger »

Speaking of cool picture frames, Twelve South’s PowerPic looks like any regular frame on your mantle or bedside table, but secretly doubles as a wireless charger. Just set your Qi-enabled phone against the photo and it immediately starts getting up to 10 watts of juice.

Phomemo M02S pocket printer. ($90)

Phomemo M02S Mini Pocket Printer »

Phomemo’s ink-free M02S Pocket Printer is a cute little gizmo that lets you wirelessly print all kinds of stuff — photos, drawings, to-do lists, packing lists, memos, sticky labels, and more — all from your phone.

The design of it is modeled after a retro-style envelope, which…c’mon, that’s adorable.

It prints at 300dpi on a variety of paper rolls they sell, but do keep in mind that you can’t print full-color photos or anything.

Elgato Stream Deck. ($160)

Elgato “Stream Deck” Customizable Key Pad Controller »

Whether you’re a game streamer looking to boost your production quality or a regular computer user who wouldn’t mind a novel way to up your productivity levels, Elgato’s Stream Deck has something to offer.

Each of its 15 keys is a tiny color display that can be assigned one of any number of functions/actions/keyboard shortcuts — we give some specific examples in our original post — making them a single press away.

Or, you can set up nested “folders” of action sets, such as a media playback page, a gif repository page, a sound effect page, etc.

OCOOPA hand warmer + battery bank. ($29)

OCOOPA 10,000mAh Rechargeable Hand Warmer »

OCOOPA’s rechargeable hand warmer is almost like holding a mug of hot cocoa between your hands on lazy winter nights. It gets even better though, because it doubles as a 10,000mAh battery bank for your other devices when needed.

Goal Zero’s Yeti 500X power station. ($700)

Goal Zero Yeti 500X Portable Power Station »

Designed to power a wide range of small gadgets and medium-sized appliances — laptops, drones, camera gear, portable fridges, pellet grills, medical devices (like CPAP), and more — the Yeti 500X is a charger you can count on for all kinds of scenarios, whether you’re…

• Out on the trail
• Chilling at the lake
• Using the backyard as your work-from-home “office”
• Traveling between job sites
• Dealing with a power outage/natural disaster/other emergency

Anker/eufy home alarm kit. ($160)

Anker eufy Security 5-Piece Home Alarm Kit »

Give the gift of home security with Anker’s eufy alarm system starter kit.

This 5-piece bundle — including a HomeBase, keypad, motion sensor, and two entry sensors — is an easy-to-install security system that can notify you of break-ins and is controllable via phone when you’re away from home.

Games & Puzzles

• Pizza-themed puzzles you can assemble with your friends and family as a team
• Board game about exploring and discovering US national parks
• Solid black jigsaw puzzle for the ultimate challenge
• Jigsaw puzzle based on an official NASA image of Earth
• Star Wars playing card decks respectively designed for both sides of the Force
• The third installment in an ever-developing co-op board game saga

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Pizza Puzzles by Stellar Factory. ($15 each)

Stellar Factory “Pizza Puzzles” »

Stellar Factory’s trio of “Pizza Puzzles” are deliciously fun and wacky jigsaws you can assemble with your friends and family as a team.

Available in your choice of Veggie Supreme, Meat Lover’s, or Pepperoni, each 550-piece puzzle is designed to look like a life-sized, cartoonishly detailed pizza, with loads of silly details hidden within the toppings, like fingers, aliens, severed thumbs, and bandages.

They can be assembled slice by slice (there are 8 per puzzle) before being put together into a full pie. Perfect for cooperative puzzling.

PARKS board game. ($49)

PARKS Board Game »

Designed to be a celebration of our national parks here in the States, Keymaster Games’ PARKS is a board game all about hiking trails, collecting memories, and seeing the iconic wildlife from each of the 45 featured parks.

The artwork throughout the game comes from the Fifty-Nine Parks print/illustration series.

This would make a fine gift for the national parks lover in your life. (That includes you, of course, if the description fits )

Ravensburger solid black “Krypt” puzzle. ($20)

Photo via u/nastyimmigrant (Reddit)

Ravensburger “Krypt” Jigsaw Puzzle in Black »

If you already solved the gold version of this puzzle — you know, the one where you have to rely on puzzle shape alone to solve it? — then get ready to be challenged all over again.

The solid black edition is mostly the same in premise — each of the 736 pieces has a completely unique shape, which certainly ups the difficulty level — except this time the completed puzzle creates more of wonky radial pattern instead of merely a spiral within a rectangular field.

The Earth jigsaw puzzle by Four Point Puzzles. ($25)

“The Earth” Jigsaw Puzzle by Four Point Puzzles »

Like their “Moon” puzzle, Four Point Puzzles’ similarly circular Earth puzzle is based on an official NASA image — see also on Flickr — and depicts our home planet in stunning clarity.

At 3.5 out of 5 difficulty, it’s not overly hard to solve but still take a good while to finish. There’s also a nice amount of diversity in it to keep things interesting as you go, from deserts to grasslands to jungles to cloud patterns to oceans.

10% of the proceeds they make off this puzzle get donated to wildlife and habitat conservation

Star Wars playing cards by theory11. ($10 per single deck)

theory11 Star Wars Playing Cards »

Whether you’re on the side of the Jedi or you’d rather channel your inner Sith, then {Obi-Wan voice} these are the playing card decks you’re looking for.

These are among the coolest decks we’ve ever seen, featuring two different decks (sold separately) that are respectively based on the Light and Dark Sides of the Force.

Forbidden Sky co-op board game. ($20)

Forbidden Sky Cooperative Board Game »

You’ve escaped Forbidden Island, you’ve survived Forbidden Desert…what’s left to do? Take to the skies, of course!

Forbidden Sky: Height of Danger, the third entry in Matt Leacock’s co-op adventure board game saga, takes you to new and electrifying heights, and I mean that literally — the story takes place on a mysterious platform floating 7,000 feet in the sky within a massive lightning storm.

You and your fellow adventurers are tasked with mapping the terrain and wiring together a real electrical circuit, thereby powering and launching the big rocketship (it really does launch off the board) so you can escape before you get struck by lightning or blown off the platform.

Home, Office & Decor

• Map prints depicting the night skies of the northern and southern hemispheres
• Weighted blanket for a more peaceful and comforting night’s rest
• Harry Potter “Hogwarts Express” bookend set
• Awesome 3D maps of city road layouts
• Pet grooming vacuum
• Retro-styled flip clock
• Super soft, warm, and fuzzy blanket

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Stellavie’s constellation map prints. (€80–€225 / ~$96–$270 USD, depending on size)

Stellavie Northern & Southern Sky Constellation Map Prints »

Stellavie’s series of gorgeous constellation map silkscreen prints are wonderful, limited-edition pieces of decor for stargazers, respectively depicting the night skies of the northern and southern hemispheres.

Every map features a remarkable number of details for you to pore over, and both sets come in four colorways (view them all in our original post).

Baloo weighted blanket for adults. ($169)

Baloo Cool Cotton Weighted Blanket for Adults »

Ever been at the dentist getting an x-ray, they put that protective heavy vest/apron on you, and you suddenly feel…calmer? My friend, you would probably love sleeping with a weighted blanket like this one.

For some people, the full-body pressure of a weighted blanket can ease anxiety and make for a more peaceful night’s rest.

The particular one we’re linking here has a couple standout features too, including the fact that it’s machine washable and the quilt-like stitching that keeps the weighted filling from pooling or bunching up.

Harry Potter Hogwarts Express bookends. ($95 for the set)

Harry Potter “Hogwarts Express” Bookend Set by The Noble Collection »

The Hogwarts Express bookend set, modeled after the Harry Potter train of the same name, presents the magical express as a hand-painted set of two bookends, depicting the engine and carriages respectively entering and exiting a “tunnel” through your books.

The bookends are heavy and well constructed, capable of holding quite a few books with ease. They’d work nicely with your fancy schmancy hardcover collection, or those big illustrated editions they’ve been putting out the past few years.

StreetCarvings 3D city maps. ($95–$125 each)

“StreetCarvings” Laser-Cut City Maps »

StreetCarvings is a Toronto-based business that creates these awesome 3D maps of city road layouts, which look amazing hung on a wall in any home or office, yet are neutral-looking enough not to distract too much.

The amount of detail is quite high though, so if you do find yourself staring at one a long time, you’ll be treated to a feast of precise linework to get lost in.

  + Along similar lines are these fantasy-style maps of real places.

Vacuyahu pet vacuum. ($116)

Vacuyahu 3-in-1 Pet Grooming Vacuum »

Owners of particularly shaggy dogs and floofy cats will appreciate this pet grooming vacuum, which quietly sucks away shed hairs while combing your pet at the same time, giving them a true spa-like experience.

What’s nice about it is that it runs pretty quietly, so unless your pet is more skittish than most when it comes to noises, this vacuum shouldn’t bother them much at all.

Rejea retro flip clock. ($44)

Rejea “WonderZoo” Retro Flip Clock »

Rejea’s retro-styled flip clock is easy to read, looks cool no matter where you put it, and has that nice satisfying *click* when the numbers flip.

The dial on the side makes it real easy to adjust the time, but do keep in mind it only travels in one direction. If you overshoot, you’ll have to flip all the way back through again.

Beautex sherpa fleece blanket. ($31)

Beautex Sherpa Fleece + Flannel Blanket »

For all the fancy gadgets and other big gift ideas we talk about in this guide, sometimes there’s just nothing better than a good, comfy blanket.

This attractive and snuggly double-sided blanket is super soft and warm, with navy blue buffalo-checkered plaid flannel on one side and fluffy white Sherpa fleece on the other.

It’s the perfect size for two people to cozily cuddle up with on the sofa on chilly nights as they binge-watch their favorite shows together.

Style, Grooming & Everyday Carry

• Soft and lofty layering sweaters for crisp days
• Norwegian-style winter socks
• Memory foam slippers you can go for walks in
• Self-heating shaving razor
• Slim and minimal full-grain leather card holder/wallet
• Limited-edition aqua blue Swiss Army knives
• Intriguing and colorful face masks

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Grayers raglan-sleeved crewneck sweaters. ($165 each)

Grayers “Bradford” Raglan Crew Men’s Sweaters »

Grayers’ “Bradford” line of pullovers are foolproof focal pieces for crisp days and make perfect layering sweaters.

They’re made from a super soft and cozy blend of 63% cotton, 30% polyester, and 7% yak wool, with a loose-knit (#3 gauge) jersey stitch construction for an attractive texture that’s warm yet breathable. The raglan sleeves offer extra freedom of arm movement and additional space in the underarms.

Basically, you’ll never be comfier when reading your favorite book by the fireplace.

Ysense Norwegian-style socks. ($16 for six pairs)

YSense Norwegian-Style Winter Socks »

On a similar note, if you’re going to be sitting by the fireplace trying to achieve maximum levels of comfy, you might as well do it right with some festive Norwegian-style socks.

Not only do these socks sport some tastefully colorful patterns that draw the eye, they’re also comfy and warm without overheating your feet. The material is soft and at just the right thickness without overdoing it — I’d say they’re slightly heavier than dress socks — and they’re neither scratchy nor too restrictive.

It’s worth nothing that although the Amazon listing advertises these as “wool socks”, they’re really made up of 35% wool, 29% cotton, and 36% polyester. They’re still great for wearing on cold days, just don’t go in expecting the finest pure-wool socks for trudging through snow with.

RockDove memory foam slippers. ($17–$24 per pair)

RockDove Memory Foam Slippers »

For those times when you need to step outside for a moment or two — whether it’s to get the mail, take out the trash, walk the dog, water the lawn, or whatever else — do it in comfort with RockDove’s memory foam slippers.

They offer plush warmth in cold weather, a sturdy natural rubber sole that prevents slips and won’t leave marks on your indoor floors, an anti-shock EVA layer in case you step on something pokey, and they’re even safely machine-washable.

Plus, they’re lightweight and breathable so they feel great on your feet, which is really the most important thing at the end of the day.

  + Take a look at the company’s “Fair Isle” sweater-knit slippers for women as well.

GilletteLabs self-heating razor. ($140)

GilletteLabs Heated Razor »

There’s nothing more luxurious than a how towel shave, but unless you’ve got a live-in barber, the next best thing you can get at home is Gillette’s heated razor.

That’s right, it’s a shaving razor with a warming bar built in that keeps the head actively and consistently heated throughout your whole shave, without having to run it under hot water all the time. A simple press of the button on the sleek handle toggles the razor’s temperature between 109°F (43°C) and 122°F (50°C).

Included with the razor — which also happens to be waterproof — is a relatively heavy (267g/0.59 lb) titanium wireless charging base. Simply place the tip of the handle onto it and the hidden magnet takes it from there, recharging the razor’s Li-ion battery enough to last up to six shaves.

A-SLIM leather card holder. (~$40)

A-SLIM “Yaiba” Slim Leather Card Holder »

Just because a wallet is slim and minimal doesn’t mean it can’t every detail right, no matter how tiny. A-SLIM’s “Yaiba” card holder is skillfully made, beautiful to look at, and even packaged like a dream.

Crafted in London from the finest natural full-grain cow leathers that will age gorgeously with use — and paired with 4-ply viscous thread to ensure durability — this minimalist credit card wallet sports four outer card slots and a central slip pocket that can either hold four more cards (for a total of eight) or a few folded bills. Your call.

Victorinox’s 2020 limited-edition Swiss Army knifes. ($40–$55, depending on model)

Victorinox 2020 Limited-Edition “Alox” Swiss Army Knives »

This year’s limited-edition Swiss Army Knife set — the sixth such set, as far as we know — features an appealing cool aqua blue coloring that would look great alongside last year’s champagne-colored edition.

Like the previous edition, there are three knife variants to choose from, all of which feature that signature grippy Alox texture with its corrosive-resistant anodized oxide coating:

1. Classic: At a length of just 58mm, the Classic Alox features a blade, a nail file, a screwdriver, scissors, and a key ring. An ideal EDC companion. ($40)
2. Cadet: This 84mm model is the “gentleman” of the group, featuring a nail file + nail cleaner, a large blade, a bottle opener and can opener, and other useful tools. ($50)
3. Pioneer: An exceptionally reliable 93mm tool that includes a blade, a reamer, a punch, a can opener (with small screwdriver), a bottle opener (with a screwdriver and wire stripper), and a key ring. ($55)

JP Brammer’s artwork face masks. ($22 each)

JP Brammer Artwork Face Masks »

We’ve all needed to stock up on face masks this year, and they’ve quickly become one more way to express yourself when you have to be out and about.

As such, artist and writer John Paul Brammer offers some of the most intriguing and colorful designs you can cover your face with. ✨

They’re based on his own artworks, and each mask is made of super soft 100% polyester microfiber, with a nose wire for easy adjustment and PVC size regulators on the elastic earloops. Inside the masks are pockets where you can insert a filter or napkin, and they’re all washable and reusable.

(If you buy before Christmas, use the code BURRITOSABANERO at checkout to get a shop-wide discount.)

🛠 Tools & Trinkets

• Japanese-made small tool box
• Tough and water-resistant open-top tool bag
• Auto-stop tape measure with a smooth wooden casing
• 90° metal ruler for making measurements around corners
• German-made forestry axe

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Trusco small tool box. ($15)

Trusco T-150 Trunk Tool Box »

Trusco’s endlessly useful T-150 Trunk Tool Box containers are just the thing to store all those bits and bobs that any good workshop tends to accumulate.

Crafted from stamped stainless steel and painted in a beautiful blue hue, these well-constructed hinged containers can withstand the rigors of any project but are small enough (6.4″ x 4.3″ x 2.3″) to stay out of your way.

We love that they’re designed to be stackable, thanks to their corner bumps underneath and matching indentions on top. It’s the little details like these that really matter in the end.

AWP open-top tool tote. ($19)

AWP 15″ Tool Tote »

AWP’s 15″ open-top tool tote is a handy way to organize and carry your tools/cleaning supplies/car detailing gear/etc around. It’s just the right size for grabbing when all you need are your most common and readily accessible tools, without feeling weighed down with excess.

The 600D material is tough and water-resistant, so you can bring it along on just about any quick job without worry. We particularly like the strong, foam-padded handle, which makes carrying the tote feel both secure and comfortable.

Hacoa wooden tape measure. ($43–$54, depending on wood type)

Hacoa +LUMBER Wooden Tape Measure »

The Japanese-made +LUMBER tape measure by Hacoa is a 12-foot (3.66-meter) auto-stop tape measure that features a smooth natural wood casing, making it not only functional but also quite pleasurable to look at and hold. Each tape measure has a unique grain pattern, so no two are exactly alike.

The tape itself has imperial measurements on one side and metric on the other, so if you ever have to work between those two systems, that’s rather handy to have. On the bottom of the measure is a small black button for retracting the tape as needed.

Comes in walnut, oak, or maple woods.

INCRA Tools Bend Rule. ($27–$41, depending on length)

INCRA Tools Bend Rule »

INCRA’s Precision Bend Rule is one of the more expensive rulers you’ll ever buy, but once you’ve used it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t spend that money sooner.

It’s a 90-degree stainless steel ruler that fits over the edge of a workpiece, and it’s got two sets of marking holes for easily making accurate measurements around corners. It’s a game-changer for woodworking projects.

The INCRA Bend Rule is available in 6-inch  ($26), 12-inch ($27), and 18-inch ($41) lengths. The metric versions (150mm and 300mm, respectively) aren’t available on Amazon as of this writing.

Gedore/Ochsenkopf Universal Forestry Axe. ($111)

Ochsenkopf Universal Forestry Axe »

Made by a German company that’s been around for a century, the Universal Forestry Axe is a high-quality heritage axe with a traditional Rhineland pattern blade that’s well suited to felling, de-branching, and light wood splitting.

The entire axe weighs in at a 4.63 lb (2,100g), about 2.76 lb (1,250g) of which belongs to the fine-polished C60-grade steel head, which in turn sits atop a 27.6″ (700mm) hickory handle.

This is the kind of axe you’ll be able to pass down as an heirloom someday, and if well cared for, will perform just as well a generation or two from now.

🧸 Toys & Kids

• An out-of-this-world LEGO set
• …or two
• Excellent and affordable ukelele for kids and beginners
• A not-run-of-the-mill children’s book about the ocean and its otherworldly inhabitants
• Snap Circuits kit that integrates with LEGO bricks
• Super soft stuffed animals with personality

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LEGO Ideas International Space Station set. ($70)

LEGO Ideas 21321 International Space Station Set »

For the 10th anniversary of their community-driven LEGO Ideasplatform, LEGO have released an 864-piece ISS set that looks just like the real thing.

It features 8 adjustable solar panels along two rotating joints, includes three mini cargo spacecrafts and two micro-figure astronauts, and is equipped with the station’s signature Canadarm2 robotic arm, which is also fully posable.

When fully built, you can place the station on its included stand to present a striking display measuring over 7” (20cm) high, 12” (31cm) long, and 19” (49cm) wide.

LEGO Ideas Saturn V set. ($159)

LEGO Ideas 21309 NASA Apollo Saturn V Set »

On a similar note, with the NASA Apollo Saturn V LEGO Ideas set, your imagination can take flight as you assemble all 1,969 pieces — yes, it’s totally a reference to the year of the moon landing — to create this meter-high (~1:110 scale) model of the iconic Saturn V rocket.

That alone should help kill half a day of dedicated brick building, but it gets even more fun when you’re done, since the impressively detailed model includes three removable rocket stages for you to play with, including the S-IVB third stage with the lunar lander and lunar orbiter, plus a few astronaut buddies and an American flag accessory.

Also included are three stands for displaying the rocket horizontally when you’re not (carefully) swooshing it around in the air making blastoff noises while no one’s watching.

Donner soprano ukelele. ($60)

Donner DUS-1 Soprano Ukelele »

We heartily recommend this ukelele for any kid who wants to learn to play an instrument. It’s small and light, beautifully built, comfortable to play, and sounds surprisingly good for the price.

Handily enough, the ukelele comes with all the accessories you’d need: a quality carrying case, a nice-looking strap, a few picks, and a clip-on tuner with battery included.

Into the Deep by Wolfgang Dreyer and Annika Siems. ($17 hardcover)

Into the Deep by Wolfgang Dreyer and Annika Siems »

Unlike so many run-of-the-mill children’s books about the ocean — which tend to focus on presenting marine creatures in a more…shall we say, ‘PR-friendly’ way — Wolfgang Dreyer and Annika Siems’ Into the Deep: An Exploration of Our Oceans takes readers on a stranger and more fascinating “submarine” journey to the deepest, murkiest depths of the sea, where dwell the most otherwordly and scariest ocean inhabitants.

Reading this book is like taking an underwater excursion with an actual marine biologist to explain all the odd pheomena you encounter along the way.

Annika Siems’ oil-painted illustrations are just as much the star of the show though, because they bring the book’s many informative facts and tidbits to life in stunning detail.

Snap Circuits BRIC: Structures kit. ($41)

Snap Circuits “BRIC: Structures” Kit »

Elenco’s Snap Circuits series of kits have long been among our favorite projects for kids. They’re a fantastic way to introduce young’uns to electrical engineering concepts without dealing with tools or hot soldering irons — the circuit components simply and literally snap together to do cool stuff.

Their BRIC: Structures kit is especially cool because it comes with “bric-2-snap” adapters to integrate Snap Circuits with LEGO (and other building bricks of that ilk) to create 3D structures that light up, play sounds, and more.

  + Also worthy of mention is the “Motion” kit, which focuses on concepts of motion and physics.

Jellycat stuffed animals. (prices vary, mostly in the $15–$35 range per plush)

Jellycat — Super Soft Stuffed Animals with Personality »

Jellycat is a specialty shop that focuses solely on stuffed animals that are “sometimes quirky, sometimes cute, but always with a little something different that makes them stand out from the crowd.”

You can search by specific animal if you like, or you can browse through their large variety of themed collections — we selected a few favorites in our original post.

Whatever you pick, you’re sure to end up with something ultra soft and cuddly — and so expressive! — that will hold up great for years to come.

Charities

At Tools & Toys we have always donated 11% of our gross income to charity. If you click this link before you do your shopping on Amazon, we’ll be donating 11% of our affiliate earnings for the months of November and December specifically to the charities listed below.

We also encourage you to consider making some charitable donations this year, and invite you to give alongside us to these two organizations:

• St. Jude Children’s Hospital: St. Jude is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility. Discoveries made at St. Jude have completely changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Moreover, their hospital has been described as “a hospital without walls” where children in need are treated at no cost to their family.

• Operation Christmas Child: Samaritan’s purse is a Christian ministry, and every year they work with volunteers and donors from around the nation to pack and ship shoe boxes full of gifts to children in need around the globe.

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Ah yes, come in, come in. Have a seat, friend, and allow me to welcome you to the 2019 Tools & Toys Christmas Catalog!

↓ Skip down to Table of Contents

I see you’ve visited us in years past, so I’m sure you understand by now how this all goes. Just to refresh your memory though, we’ve combed through the past year’s items and hand-selected the neatest, most gift-worthy of them for your holiday shopping and personal wishlist needs.

We understand this is an extensive catalog to browse all at once, so like past years, we’ve grouped the items into categories and have a handy Table of Contents that lets you click around to any part of it you like. Don’t worry, each section also has its own mini-list of contents and a return link to make the journey even easier.

Moreover, we are continuing our tradition of highlighting three of our favorite non-profits. Here at Tools & Toys we have always given away 11 percent of our gross income to charity, and during the months of November and December, we’ll be donating 11% of our gross specifically to these three non-profits: App Camp for Girls, Operation Christmas Child, and St. Jude.

As we’ve said in past years, thank you so much, dear reader, for your attention and your patronage. Tools & Toys is now over 8 years old — man, the time truly flies — and continues to be predominately supported by readers like you who purchase something on Amazon through one of our links.

If the items we’ve curated below don’t fit your needs or wants, ping us on Twitter and we will try to help.

Also, click this link before you do your shopping on Amazon, as it’s a way to support our work.

Thank you, and happy holidays!

— The Tools & Toys Staff

Table of Contents

Photo: Vinoth Ragunathan

Apple 

• Beautiful, height-adjustable stand for iMac/iMac Pro/external displays
• Apple Watch band with a Tony Stark vibe
• Ultra-portable handheld gimbal for iPhone
• Sweet-looking 9.7″ iPad case with an Americana vibe
• Dock that offers a nice place to charge an iPhone + Apple Watch
• Apple’s new in-ear AirPods with active noise cancellation

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Twelve South HiRise Pro Stand. ($153)

Twelve South’s HiRise Pro Stand for iMac and External Displays »

On top of looking great, Twelve South’s HiRise Pro stand is a sleek-as-all-get-out desk accessory that serves two purposes:

1. It ergonomically elevates an iMac, iMac Pro, or external display to eye level, with four height options to choose from.
2. It doubles as a “gear garage” to store desk paraphernalia in, keeping one’s workspace organized and clutter-free.

The first purpose ties into the second, actually — whichever of those four levels the iMac/display is placed at, it naturally creates a divider shelf inside the storage bay for a bit more organization.

On the front of that bay is a vented, double-sided faceplate/grille that’s gunmetal steel on one side (to match the rest of the HiRise Pro) and walnut wood on the other. It attaches magnetically on both sides so you can quickly swap looks at will.

The back of the bay has a cable management slot where you can feed whatever number of cables you like — especially handy for backup drives stored inside the bay. The top of the stand sports a soft leather “landing pad” that acts like a valet tray for your iPhone, Apple Watch, keys, glasses, etc.

Juuk “Vitero Crimson” band for Apple Watch. ($149)

Juuk “Vitero Crimson” Apple Watch Band »

Know an Apple Watch owner who’s super into Iron Man? Juuk’s Vitero Crimson band is just the gift. Made from hard anodized 6000-series aluminum — commonly used for aerospace, automotive, and nautical applications — the band sports a matte red (dare we say “hot rod red”?) color with a gold stripe down the center.

This band will practically make the wearer feel like a superhero. Pair it with a gold Apple Watch (42mm or 44mm) for best effect 🤩

Zhiyun SMOOTH-Q2 gimbal for iPhone. ($139)

Zhiyun SMOOTH-Q2 Smartphone Gimbal »

Zhiyun’s SMOOTH-Q2 gimbal is an ultra-portable handheld stabilizer for iPhone (and Android) that packs a surprising number features to help unleash its owner’s artistic side and take their photos and videos to the next level. Measuring only 204mm long, it’s about as pocket-friendly as these things get.

The SMOOTH-Q2 offers 360 degrees of rotation and has 3-axis stabilization, with three separate motors for smoothly tilting, panning, and rolling — all of which work together to make your video shots truly cinematic without all the fancy-pants Hollywood equipment. It’s made from a durable aluminum alloy with a handle coated in soft silicone, so it’ll hold up to any shoot and be comfortable to use all the while.

The TGT iPad case. ($140)

The TGT iPad Case »

The TGT Wallet is something we’ve mentioned a number of times around here over the years, and it’s always a good fallback if you run out of gift ideas for someone (though you’re surely not reading this catalog if that’s the case ). However, they’ve got another product we think is gift-worthy: the TGT iPad Case.

Introduced last November, this case fits the standard 9.7″ iPad design and is made from a combination of marbleized calfskin leather and an extra-wide version of TGT’s custom-woven elastic. The whole thing is proudly constructed in the US by local craftsmen and fittingly sports that “Americana” look we’ve always loved so much about their signature wallet.

Studio Neat’s Material Dock for iPhone and Apple Watch. ($45–$95 depending on configuration)

Studio Neat Material Dock for iPhone and Apple Watch »

A little over two years ago, our friends at Studio Neat released their Material Dock for iPhone and Apple Watch. And about a year ago from this writing, they announced an updated version that includes Qi charging.

Check out the short video that shows off the Qi charging:

There are a few ways to purchase components of the Material Dock:

• Wireless (Qi) + Watch + Lightning dock ($95)
• Wireless (Qi) pad alone ($50)
• Regular iPhone + Watch dock ($70)
• Regular iPhone-only dock ($45)

Apple’s new AirPods Pro earbuds. ($249)

Apple AirPods Pro »

In a surprise announcement just in time for the holidays, Apple unveiled their new AirPods Pro, a successor to their original AirPods with an all-new in-ear design and a customizable fit, with flexible silicone ear tips in three sizes.

More importantly though, the AirPods Pro boast active noise cancellation (with an optional transparency mode) that uses two microphones — one outward-facing, and one facing inward toward the ear — to analyze incoming sound 200 times a second and continually counter it with an equivalent level of anti-noise so the listener can be fully immersed in their favorite music/podcast/game/etc, unbothered by the outside world.

Photo: Dalibor Bosnjakovic

Audio

• Beautiful hardwood turntable with expressive, dynamic playback
• Over-ear Bluetooth headphones with intelligent noise cancelling and voice isolation
• On-ear wireless headphones that don’t compromise between audio quality and style
• Incredibly durable earbuds you’ll actually want to listen with outside of workouts
• Table lamp + Wi-Fi speaker combo
• Desktop speakers with clear, full stereo sound and easy wireless connectivity
• Two gaming headsets — one wired, one wireless — that deliver outstanding sound clarity and bass response
• Unassuming TV soundbar that packs a punch + built-in voice control

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U-Turn’s “Orbit Special” hardwood turntable. ($549 with preamp, $479 without)

U-Turn “Orbit Special” Hardwood Turntable »

With an emphasis on brilliant, high-performance audio and a minimalist, gimmick-free design, U-Turn Audio’s “Orbit” turntables have for years been a way to dip one’s toes into the vinyl world without breaking the bank.

For those who’d like to up their aesthetic game though, that’s where the “Orbit Special” hardwood model comes in. It features a gorgeous plinth machined from your choice of solid rift walnut or flatcut maple — both sustainably sourced in the US — rather than the colorful finishes their lower-end models are known for.

  + More details in our guide on a few great vinyl turntables.

Bose’s Noise-Cancelling Headphones 700 ($399)

Bose Noise-Cancelling Headphones 700 »

Designed to unseat the QuietComfort 35 IIs, their own industry-standard flagship headphones, Bose’s new Noise-Cancelling Headphones 700 have been engineered with an all-new acoustic design that ekes out even better noise-cancelling performance, with 11 levels of incremental transition between full isolation and full transparency.

Also new is an adaptive four-microphone system that intelligently isolates your voice from competing noise and surrounding chaos, making the quality of your phone calls almost unbelievably good. As one Amazon reviewer notes, “These are killer for conference calls even if you dare take them in the middle of Times Square, NYC.”

Marshall “Major III” Bluetooth headphones. ($112)

Marshall “Major III” Wireless On-Ear Headphones »

Some people buy certain headphones for the audio quality. Others choose theirs more for fashion reasons. With Marshall’s Major III wireless headphones, you don’t have to compromise on either front.

On the visual appeal side, these on-ear cans sport stylish, square-shaped ear cups stamped with Marshall’s signature logo, evoking the company’s iconic amplifier design. They fall somewhere on the spectrum between vintage-looking and modern chic. They’re pretty comfy to wear for extended periods too, thanks to their extra soft faux-leather earpads.

On the technical side, the Major IIIs contain 40mm drivers that offer clear highs and deep lows, lending themselves well to the crunchy guitars and thundering drums of rock music — that’s Marshall’s specialty, after all — but also do an admirable job when listening to hip-hop or just about anything else. Moreover, they employ aptX technology for high-quality, low-latency Bluetooth playback.

Jaybird “Vista” true wireless sport earbuds. ($180)

Jaybird “Vista” True Wireless Sport Earbuds »

Jaybird’s “Vista” sport earbuds are a pair of waterproof, true wireless earbuds that don’t skimp on audio or build quality, and from the moment of their release they’ve been garnering positive reviews:

But just because they’re smaller and lighter doesn’t mean they sound worse. Jaybird moved up to a 6 millimeter driver that delivers much richer quality than before. […] There’s a huge leap forward in mid-range definition, but there’s still a nice kick in the low end for bass-heavy tunes. And even though they don’t have noise canceling, they do a solid job of blocking out external clamor. I was still able to listen to podcasts and music at reasonable volumes on incredibly noisy subway platforms.

—Devindra Hardawar, Engadget

The sheer portability reminded me of AirPods, but there’s an essential distinction. The new Jaybird earbuds are practically bombproof. You can get them wet or bury them in dirt, and they’ll keep working. Functionally, the Vistas are probably the best fitness-focused earbuds I’ve tested.

—Adam Clark Estes, Gizmodo

These are the kind of earbuds you’ll actually want to listen with outside of workouts. They’re so small and light you’ll almost forget you’re wearing them, they sound as good as AirPods, they’re rated IPX7 waterproof (and are incredibly durable otherwise), and accounting for the included charging case, they’ve got a fairly competitive battery life of 16 hours (with an extra hour beyond that with just a 5-minute quick charge).

IKEA + Sonos “SYMFONISK” table lamp and Wi-Fi speaker. ($179, comes in white and black)

IKEA & Sonos “SYMFONISK” Table Lamp + Wi-Fi Speaker »

This year IKEA and Sonos teamed up to release a Wi-Fi speaker that’s also a lamp,, which they’ve cleverly described as “the best sounding lamp in the world.” The best way to describe it is like having a Sonos Play:1 or Sonos One built into a lamp stand.

  + Read our original post here.

Audioengine A2+ wireless computer speakers. ($269, in your choice of red, black, or white)

Audioengine A2+ Wireless Computer Speakers »

Audioengine’s A2+ Wireless Computer Speakers are a quality mini music system for your desktop, bookshelf, or other small space. The two speakers put out a lot of sound for their compact size, which comes as no surprise since they share the same bones as their predecessors, the wired A2+, just with easy Bluetooth connectivity for all your devices.

They didn’t add just any old Bluetooth either — these bad boys employ aptX HD technology for high-definition (24-bit) playback over Bluetooth. That high-quality audio translates quite nicely through the speakers themselves, thanks to their aramid fiber (essentially, Kevlar) woofers and silk tweeters built into cabinets precision-tuned to offer clear, powerful sound with a superb low-end.

Audio-Technica ATH-G1 gaming headset. ($169 for wired, or 249 for wireless version)

Audio-Technica ATH-G1 (Wired) and ATH-G1WL (Wireless) Gaming Headsets »

Audio-Technica’s wired G1 and wireless G1WL deliver outstanding sound clarity and bass response for the ultimate gaming audio experience.

Borrowing some design cues from the company’s M50x line of studio headphones, both headsets boast large-aperture 45mm drivers that deliver outstanding sound clarity and bass response for the ultimate gaming audio experience. Since the professional-sounding boom mic is detachable, you can actually use each headset as a great pair of headphones in your day-to-day life, then reattach the mic when it’s time to crush the competition.

Two points of note:

1. The G1’s 6.6-foot 3.5mm connector makes it compatible with PCs and all current-gen gaming consoles, like the PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
2. The G1WL, on the other hand, is really only compatible with PCs and Macs via the included 2.4GHz USB-A wireless transceiver. Sorry, console players. However, you do get a good tradeoff in the form of 7.1 virtual surround sound for totally immersive gameplay.

The Sonos Beam smart soundbar. ($399, comes in black and white; also available with wall mount for $458)

Sonos Beam Smart Soundbar »

As we approach a world where all household appliances offer voice control in some form or another, it should come as no surprise that Sonos has a smart TV soundbar with Alexa control built right in for voice-controlled playback.

This voice control works with a number of streaming services, including Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music (of course), iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and SiriusXM. If you have Apple devices, the Beam also works with AirPlay and Siri, meaning you can count Apple Music on that list as well. As you’d expect, the soundbar integrates perfectly into any existing Sonos system, so your whole home can be filled with beautiful sound simply by speaking a command.

Even with only the Beam and no other Sonos speakers, you’ll be rewarded with far richer sound than your TV’s speakers are likely to put out. It’s not quite the same as having a full surround system with a sub and all — though that is an option — but for such an unassuming-looking soundbar, it packs quite a punch.

Photo: Erol Ahmed

Bags

• Backpack for photography enthusiasts
• Lightweight, weatherproof, and versatile briefcase
• Convertible bag that seamlessly switches from backpack to messenger
• Eye-catching and durable chalk bag for climbing/bouldering

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ONA Monterey backpack. ($349, available in Olive, Black, Oxford Blue / Navy, and Smoke / Gray)

The Monterey Backpack by ONA »

Based on their popular Camp’s Bay bag and named after a county in California, ONA’s photography-focused Monterey backpack has a more svelte silhouette yet still fits a DSLR kit (camera + up to 5 lenses) along with a 12″–13″ laptop.

It’s crafted from the company’s signature waxed canvas with beautiful full-grain leather accents — most notably, the top flap. This backpack will only look more gorgeous with age.

The front compartment (above, left) is where photography gear goes. When you’re not shooting, the dividers in there can be taken out so the bag can be used like an everyday backpack. The top compartment is where you’ll find the padded laptop sleeve, which fits down behind the camera stuff. Also in that top area is a kind of shelf/tray (above, right) for your personal items, which can be adjusted to different heights.

Stuart & Lau Cary Briefcase. ($295–$350 depending on size)

The Cary Briefcase by Stuart & Lau »

For someone who simply needs a better briefcase at their side as they jet-set around the globe, Stuart & Lau’s timeless-looking Cary Briefcase strikes just the right mix of dapper style and high durability.

This ultra-lightweight bag is constructed from a waterproof “DuraLite” fabric comprised of resilient nylon twill with a thin layer of rubber foam bonded to the backside, with full-grain leather handles and straps that will soften and become more beautiful with age. One of the signature features of each Cary is the snazzy umbrella slot on the back.

The Cary comes in three styles/sizes to suit any organizational need perfectly:

1. Slim ($295)
2. Single ($325)
3. Double ($350)

Each is available in a range of colorways — one of our favorites being the navy + tan, of course

Hillside Industries’ convertible “Meridian 2.0” bag. ($275 for leather, $175 for nylon)

Hillside Industries “Meridian 2.0” Backpack & Messenger Bag »

Can’t decide between a backpack or a messenger bag? Why choose one when you can get a bag that converts between both modes in a flash, while you’re still wearing it? Hillside Industries’ signature Meridian 2.0 is a convertible messenger bag that allows you to easily transition over-the-shoulder carry and backpack modes, simply by dropping a shoulder strap or slinging another on — without taking the bag off your body.

The continuous strap/ring system that makes this transition possible is a pretty clever innovation. Here’s what it looks like in action:

With the Meridian, you have a choice between water-resistant 400D nylon ($175) or full-grain vegetable-tanned leather in either black or brown ($275).

Topo Designs chalk bag. ($43 for either red/black or white/turquoise)

Topo Designs Chalk Bucket »

Designed for climbing/bouldering purposes and made from durable structured 1000D nylon, Topo Designs’ Chalk Bucket has a widemouth opening at the top that grants access to a secondary cinched enclosure where climbing chalk is kept. That same enclosure also has a couple of side slip pockets — kept apart from the chalk by a polyester fleece lining — for holding regular shoes ’til after the climb.

On the front of the bag is a key clip and an external pocket where you can stash a few essentials — think: phone/wallet, a tub of skin repair balm, snacks, small grooming tools for after the climb…you name it. Plus, there’s a series of daisy chain webbing that gives you attachment points for additional gear and act as places where you can put a water bottle and climbing brush.

Photo: Clem Onojeghuo

Books & Novels

• Circe
• Colormorphia
• Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time
• Taking the Work Out of Networking: An Introvert’s Guide to Making Connections That Count
• The Art of Noticing: 131 Ways to Spark Creativity, Find Inspiration, and Discover Joy in the Everyday
• How-To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems
• The Writer’s Map: An Atlas of Imaginary Lands
• Foundryside (Book 1 of The Founders Trilogy)

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Circe by Madeline Miller. ($17 hardcover)

Circe by Madeline Miller »

Have you read Emily Wilson’s translation of Homer’s The Odyssey yet? Good, because one of the key players in it, the sorceress Circe, has a tale of her own to tell.

Madeline Miller’s Circe is something of a followup to her 2012 Illiad-based epic, The Song of Achilles. In this book, she retells the story of the eponymous witch goddess, reshaping the entire narrative of a former side character that people have reading for thousands of years:

In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child–not powerful, like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power–the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves.

Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus.

But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love.

You won’t ever see Circe the same way again. She’s more than just a witch and “lesser” goddess who turns guys into pigs and entices heroes to her bed; she’s a clever hero in her own right, not to mention an icon of feminine empowerment. In fact, Odysseus appears only as a cameo in her story, as she originally did in his. Her arc goes far beyond the brief time the two of them spent together.

  + Along this same vein are Natalie Haynes’ A Thousand Ships and Pat Barker’s The Silence of the Girls.

Kerby Rosanes’ Colormorphia coloring book. ($8 paperback)

Colormorphia Coloring Book by Kerby Rosanes »

Kerby Rosanes is an illustrator from Manila known for his best-selling Morphia coloring book series, featuring dazzling illustrations of fantastical creatures, mythological figures, and stunning landscapes that practically explode with intricate details for you to color to your heart’s content.

Some selections from the Morphia series, both finished and unfinished.

Colormorphia is a compilation of the most striking images across the entire series, making it a great way to try them all at once. From the book description (all bold emphasis ours):

Colormorphia is a selection of Kerby Rosanes’s most remarkable artwork, featuring a stunning, full-color sixteen-page section at the beginning of the book that displays some of the most accomplished completed artworks produced by Kerby’s fans. These demonstrate the range of approaches colorists can experiment with when coloring. Kerby comments on the styles and the results, describing why they work so well.

The artworks displayed in the color section are included in the black-and-white section of the book, too, giving the reader the opportunity to duplicate the approach should they wish. In addition, there are a variety of images to color featuring the very best from Kerby’s Morphia portfolio. These include show-stopping spreads, such as the tiger from Animorphia and the camel from Imagimorphia, among others, plus a section of single-sided pages that can be removed, once colored, for display.

Longitude by Dava Sobel. ($17 hardcover, $13 paperback, and $71 illustrated edition)

Longitude by Dava Sobel »

The chronometer — a friction-free clock that keeps precise time at sea, regardless of local conditions and movement — is a technology we take for granted nowadays but was utterly revolutionary in its time (pun intended). Before the 18th century, sailors had no way of telling their longitude at sea, and even the most experienced of them could find themselves lost as soon as land was out of sight, or shipwrecked upon encountering unexpected shores.

Dava Sobel’s Longitude tells the surprisingly gripping and dramatic tale of inventor John Harrison’s forty-year obsession with building his perfect timekeeper — an achievement even Newton and Galileo before him had failed to conquer.

As you will learn reading this story, there was plenty of drama and political intrigue to go around:

When a nationally-sponsored contest offered a hefty cash prize to the person who could develop a method to accurately determine longitude, the race was on. In the end, the battle of accuracy—and wills—fought between Harrison and arch-rival Maskelyne was ruthless and dramatic, worthy of a Hollywood feature film [or a TV mini-series —Ed.]. Longitude‘s story is surprising and fascinating, offering a window into the past, before Global Positioning Satellites made it look easy.

Taking the Work Out of Networking by Karen Wickre. ($16 hardcover, $16 paperback)

Taking the Work Out of Networking by Karen Wickre »

We all know at least one introvert — or we are the introvert — who has trouble making connections in the business world and elsewhere. Karen Wickre’s book, Taking the Work Out of Networking: An Introvert’s Guide to Making Connections That Count, shares a lifetime’s worth of practical networking advice for such individuals.

Wickre is a former Twitter editorial director and Google executive who’s been working in Silicon Valley for 30 years now, and as a self-described introvert herself, she’s had a lot of practice figuring out how to make lasting connections without having to leave her comfort zone. Her book shares the insights she’s picked up along the way:

The common networking advice for introverts are variations on the theme of overcoming or “fixing” their quiet tendencies. […] Karen’s “embrace your quiet side” approach is for anyone who finds themselves shying away from traditional networking activities, or for those who would rather be curled up with a good book on a Friday night than out at a party.

For example, if you’re anxious about that big professional mixer full of people you don’t know, she advises you to consider skipping it (many of these are not productive), and instead set up an intimate, one-on-one coffee date. She shows how to truly make the most out of social media to sustain what she calls “the loose touch habit” to build your own brain trust to last a lifetime.

The Art of Noticing by Rob Walker ($17 hardcover)

The Art of Noticing by Rob Walker »

Maybe introversion isn’t so much the issue, but more a lack of inspirational spark. Hey, it happens to all of us.

The Art of Noticing: 131 Ways to Spark Creativity, Find Inspiration, and Discover Joy in the Everyday is an imaginative, thought-provoking gift book by journalist Rob Walker that aims to build one’s attention muscles so they can enjoy…well, noticing things in the world around them:

Welcome to the era of white noise. Our lives are in constant tether to phones, to email, and to social media. In this age of distraction, the ability to experience and be present is often lost: to think and to see and to listen.

Enter Rob Walker’s The Art of Noticing. This gorgeously illustrated volume will spark your creativity–and most importantly, help you see the world anew. Through a series of simple and playful exercises–131 of them–Walker maps ways for you to become a clearer thinker, a better listener, a more creative workplace colleague and finally, to rediscover your sense of passion and to notice what really matters to you.

The “131” in the title refers to the number of exercises within the book that are designed to get you thinking about your environment, wherever you are. Prompts include things like:

• Challenge yourself to notice one new thing on your commute every day.
• Look around for the weirdest thing in the room when you’re in someone else’s home or office, and make a point of asking about it.
• Pick one specific thing to look for wherever you go, like a single-object scavenger hunt.

In today’s age of constant distraction from all directions (including our pockets), a book like this is a welcome tonic.

How To by xkcd’s Randall Munroe. ($17 hardcover)

How To by Randall Munroe of xkcd »

xkcd creator Randall Munroe’s hilarious third book, How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems — which follows previous bestsellers What If? and Thing Explainer — explores ways to do seemingly simple tasks in the most excessively complicated and entertaining ways.

He employs plenty of infographics and his signature stick-figure illustrations to show just how Rube Goldbergian (though quite scientifically based) his suggestions really are. For example, here are some of the, uh, “solutions” — read: really bad advice, just super inadvisable — you’ll find within:

• How to predict the weather by analyzing the pixels of your Facebook photos
• How to cross a river by removing/boiling all the water
• How to tell if you’re a baby boomer or a ’90s kid by measuring the radioactivity of your teeth
• The many uses for lava around the home
• Using a telescope to take selfies
• How to use experimental military research to ensure that your friends will never again ask you to help them move
• How to get to your appointments on time by destroying the Moon

And if you want to get rid of the book once you’re done with it, he walks you through your options for proper disposal, including dissolving it in the ocean, converting it to a vapor, using tectonic plates to subduct it into the Earth’s mantle, or launching it into the Sun.

This is obviously a fantastic read for xkcd fans and science nerds alike, though it should be said that anyone in the right frame of mind will get a kick out of it — and even learn a thing or two!

The Writer’s Map by Huw Lewis-Jones. ($31 hardcover)

The Writer’s Map by Huw Lewis-Jones »

Is there any better feeling than cracking open a new novel and, before the story even begins, being greeted with a map? Do you ever just bookmark that page and reference it again and again, all book long, trying your best to pronounce every place’s name each time you come across it? Maybe you use the word “worldbuilding” in everyday conversation, to an embarrassing degree.

If you’re relating hard right now, you’d do well to check out Huw Lewis-Jones’ coffee table compendium, The Writer’s Map: An Atlas of Imaginary Lands. Inside is a veritable feast of 167 lovingly reproduced, full-color maps taken from many eras of fantasy literature and beyond, along with a series of essays and personal reminisces by writers and artists on their love of fantasy cartography.

Click here to vew full size.

Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett. ($20 hardcover, $16 paperback)

Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett »

When you think “fantasy novel”, what comes to mind first? Are you imagining dragons, epic quests, and the like?

Well banish those thoughts now, because that’s not the sort of thing you’re going to get with Robert Jackson Bennett’s 2018 novel Foundryside. While the book does feature magic-esque elements (known as “scriving” in-story), it’s not like any classic sorcery you’re used to reading. In fact, there’s a rather interesting coding-style logic to it.

Sancia Grado is a thief, and a damn good one. And her latest target, a heavily guarded warehouse on Tevanne’s docks, is nothing her unique abilities can’t handle.

But unbeknownst to her, Sancia’s been sent to steal an artifact of unimaginable power, an object that could revolutionize the magical technology known as scriving. The Merchant Houses who control this magic–the art of using coded commands to imbue everyday objects with sentience–have already used it to transform Tevanne into a vast, remorseless capitalist machine. But if they can unlock the artifact’s secrets, they will rewrite the world itself to suit their aims.

Now someone in those Houses wants Sancia dead, and the artifact for themselves. And in the city of Tevanne, there’s nobody with the power to stop them.

To have a chance at surviving—and at stopping the deadly transformation that’s under way—Sancia will have to marshal unlikely allies, learn to harness the artifact’s power for herself, and undergo her own transformation, one that will turn her into something she could never have imagined.

As Andrew Liptak of The Verge notes in his mildly spoiler-y review, it “imagines magic almost as though it’s a type of artificial intelligence. […] I couldn’t help but imagine that the book was essentially a cyberpunk novel, trapped in the clothes of an epic fantasy.”

Couldn’t have put it better ourselves.

Photo: Alexandru G. Stavrică

Coffee & Tea

• The new entry-level conical burr grinder
• Possibly the most over-engineered vacuum-insulated steel bottle around
• Our favorite variable-temp gooseneck kettle, now with color options
• Coffee/tea storage canister with an integrated vacuum pump
• Fully integrated at-home nitro cold brew coffee maker and dispenser
• Collapsible, waste-free silicone coffee press
• Double-walled ceramic cups for making beautiful latte art

↑ Return to Table of Contents

OXO Brew conical burr grinder. ($100 for grinder alone, or $179 for version with integrated scale)

OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder »

At just $100, the OXO Brew conical burr grinder is an attractively priced entry-level grinder that will save you $40 over the longtime top dog in this field, the Baratza Encore. In fact, that’s about as cheap as you can get on this market before the quality really starts falling off.

(And, as we already know from their track record, OXO is a trustworthy brand to have in your kitchen.)

The OXO Brew’s sleek stainless steel construction lends itself to more than just good looks. It also makes the grounds container more resistant to static buildup, so the fines inside won’t cling so stubbornly as they do in the Encore’s plastic bin.

Look ma, no spills!

Another advantage the Brew has over the Encore is that the hopper is removable while beans are still in it, whereas if you try that with the Encore, you’d just have beans spilling out everywhere.

The YETI Rambler 12 oz. vacuum-insulated bottle with “Hot Shot” cap. ($30, available in various colors)

YETI Rambler 12 oz. Vacuum-Insulated Bottle with Hot Shot Cap »

This 12-ounce YETI Rambler bottle with its leak-proof 360-degree lid is, possibly, our perfect drink container. The whole thing is dishwasher safe and it’s so easy to clean.

The lid itself is only two big pieces that are very simple to clean by hand or by simply tossing into the dishwasher. There is a soft “click” to hold the inner part in place as half-open. Then you can easily drink from the lid on any side. You could also completely remove the inner locking piece altogether, or tighten it down to seal the mug. It’s brilliant.

YETI makes a taller version of this same Rambler (which does not include the “Hot Shot” cap) — but, we love the smaller 12-ounce size. What’s cool about all these YETI Ramblers is that all the different lids are interchangeable. If you have a larger jug, the lid for that one fits on this smaller Rambler, and vice versa.

Bonavita “Interurban” variable-temp gooseneck kettle. ($119)

Bonavita’s “Interurban” Painted Variable-Temp Gooseneck Kettle »

Bonavita’s “Interurban” kettle is a painted version of their acclaimed variable-temp gooseneck that comes in your color choice, each with a matching stainless steel base:

• Matte Black
• Gloss Graphite
• Matte White
• Brushed Stainless Steel

Like the original variable-temp, the Interurban kettle can be adjusted to whatever temperature you like between 140°F and 208°F and hold it there for an hour, with six handy presets you can quickly jump between.

There’s also now a standalone “Boil” button for when the exact temp isn’t so important to you as quickly getting the water up to boil. Nifty!

Fellow “Atmos” vacuum canister for coffee and loose-leaf tea. ($25–$35 per container, depending on size and color)

Fellow “Atmos” Vacuum Canister »

If the Ankomn Turn-N-Seal container we featured in last year’s catalog were a tad more stylish looking, the Fellow Atmos Vacuum Canister might be the result.

The basic premise is very similar: Using a hidden pump within the lid — activated by twisting back and forth — you create a vacuum inside the canister, protecting the contents from oxidizing and thus keeping it fresher for longer. Once the airtight seal’s created, simply press the button in the middle of the lid to release it and bring the pressure back to normal.

The Atmos canister comes in two colors and three sizes:

Matte Black:

• 0.4 liter ($30)
• 0.7 liter ($33)
• 1.2 liter ($35)

Clear Glass:

• 0.4 liter ($25)
• 0.7 liter ($28)
• 1.2 liter ($30)

The uKeg Nitro cold brew coffee maker. ($199)

GrowlerWerks “uKeg Nitro” Cold Brew Coffee Maker »

Following a very successful Kickstarter campaign this past summer, the uKeg Nitro — developed by GrowlerWerks, makers of the original (and quite handsome) uKeg pressurized beer growler — is the world’s first fully integrated at-home nitro cold brew maker and dispenser. You know, for the kind of buzz that’s appropriate before noon.

The promo video really tells you all you need to know:

If nitro cold brew is the type of coffee you’ve been dropping a bunch of money on at your local coffeehouse, you’ll love being able to have 12 cups of the stuff on draft wherever you go.

  + Be sure to pick up a pack of 16g nitro chargers to gift alongside the Nitro itself, as it does not come with any.

The Palmpress collapsible coffee press. ($39 in black or eggshell blue)

Palmpress Collapsible Coffee Press »

The Palmpress, is a portable, single-serve coffee press with an interesting concept that might just give the AeroPress a run for its money.

It’s a collapsible silicone brewer that looks a bit a pour-over cone when expanded, except the whole thing is the press. You just fill it with coffee grounds and hot water, screw the lid on, wait a few minutes, flip it over onto a mug (watch out for that initial stream of hot coffee!), and gently press down. That’s it.

Notice how we didn’t say anything about using a paper filter or pod or anything like that? That’s right — it’s essentially a waste-free brewing process, every time.

  + More info in our original post. For an even more travel-friendly solution, see the JavaPress mug featured further down in this catalog.

Fellow’s “Monty” double-walled ceramic cup. ($15–$30, depending on size and type)

Fellow “Monty” Double-Wall Ceramic Milk Art Cup »

If you happen to be the type who likes to make lattes and cappuccinos at home — steamed milk art and all — then you’ll appreciate Fellow’s “Monty” cups.

Constructed with a double-walled ceramic body, each of these cups has a hidden parabolic slope inside, which naturally lifts espresso crema to the top and makes it easy to create café-worthy latte art. What’s more, every size of the cup is designed to be stackable with others in the collection, so they’ll look great just being stored on top of an espresso machine or elsewhere.

The cups come in matte white with copper bottoms and matte black with graphite bottoms, each of which come in four different sizes/styles: latte (11 oz), cappuccino (6.5 oz), cortado (4.5 oz), or a set of two demitasses (3.0 oz each).

Photo: Ramiro Mendes

Food, Drink, & Kitchen

— Equipment: —

• Hip flask for covertly enjoying your favorite spirits
• Sturdy, comfy handled mixing bowl that pours like a champ
• Geometric, vaguely futuristic whiskey stones
• Popcorn variety pack with 6 seasonings and 3 kinds of kernels

— Cookbooks: —

• Double Awesome Chinese Cooking
• Red Hot Kitchen
• Truly Mexican
• Batch Cocktails

↑ Return to Table of Contents

Snow Peak titanium curved flask. ($122)

Snow Peak Titanium Curved Flask »

Made with the utmost craftsmanship and quality, Snow Peak’s 6.4 fl oz titanium curved flask is sleek and lightweight as they come, with a classy rounded design that’s pleasing to hold and slips smoothly in and out of one’s pocket.

The titanium construction keeps any metallic taste from being imparted to the scotch/whiskey/etc within, preserving the original flavor even if it gets forgotten somewhere for a few days.

The Mason Cash ceramic batter bowl. ($17–$33, depending on color)

Mason Cash Batter Bowl »

If you watch The Great British Bake Off or Downton Abbey, you’ve likely seen Mason Cash’s ceramic batter bowl make appearances here and there.

It’s essentially a large, sturdy mixing bowl with a handle and spout built right in. It offers ample room to stir batters and doughs of all kinds, which can then be easily poured into muffin tins and cake pans or onto a baking sheet. It’s also not bad for whisking together a whole lot of eggs for, say, making omelettes for the family.

Mason Cash pride themselves on the longevity of their bowls, crafting each one from sturdy stoneware that will last a lifetime without chipping or fading. They’re microwave- and dishwasher-safe, so they have plenty of utility and ease-of-use to go around. Even the raised pattern on the sides is useful, making the bowl easy to grip in your hands or nestle under your arm without twisting or turning as you beat batters into submission.

Runa Klock + Areaware “Drink Stones” whiskey stones. ($35 for set of four)

Runa Klock + Areaware “Drink Stones” »

Having a cold drink “on the rocks” takes on a whole new, geometric meaning with these Drink Rocks created by Norwegian product designer Runa Klock for Areaware. They’re essentially whiskey stones that look like mini-sculptures you get to admire in your evening cocktail.

Made from natural marble and soapstone and finished by hand, these shapely and vaguely futuristic drink rocks are meant to be kept chilled in your freezer before being added to your bourbon, et al without diluting the drink like ice would. They’d look just as cool on display in your living room or on your desk as they do in your drink.

Urban Accents popcorn gift set. ($50)

Urban Accents “Blockbuster Movie Night” Popcorn Kernel and Seasoning Variety Pack »

Whether they’re a lover of big movie nights or a serious snacking fanatic, Urban Accents’ “Blockbuster” popcorn seasoning set offers a special alternative to store-bought boxed popcorn.

It comes with three varieties of popcorn kernels:

“White Gold” — Classic and fluffy.
“Ruby Red” — Slightly sweet.
“Tri-Color” — Colorful blend of ruby red, white gold, and indigo blue kernels.

…and six tasty popcorn flavorings ranging from sweet to savory to spicy:

🧂Sweet & Salty Kettlecorn
🧈 Buttery Caramel Corn
🧀 White Cheddar
🧀 Asiago & Cracked Pepper
🥒 Tangy Dill Pickle
Sizzling Sriracha

Mix and match the kernels and seasonings however you like, or try the seasonings on other snacks than popcorn. You can even try toasting the “Sweet & Salty Kettlecorn” flavor on bacon. The sky’s the limit, really.

  + Looking for something even more gourmet? Take a look at this popcorn seasoning gift set by Dell Cove Spices ($38), which allows you to choose any four hand-blended seasonings from quite a list of flavors, all packaged in a black gift box and tied closed with a satin ribbon.

Double Awesome Chinese Cooking by Margaret, Irene, and Andrew Li. ($21 hardcover)

Double Awesome Chinese Cooking »

Margaret, Irene, and Andrew Li are the exuberant sibling trio behind the acclaimed Boston-based Chinese restaurant and food truck catering business, Mei Mei. After several years of success in the restaurant world, the three of them decided to publish a cookbook full of inventive Chinese-American recipes you can feel comfortable making at home, and have fun doing it:

Take the Double Awesome: flaky scallion pancakes stuffed with two oozy eggs, sharp cheddar, and garlicky pesto; could there be anything better? Ridiculously delicious and unexpected dishes like Cranberry Sweet and Sour Stir-fried Pork and Red Curry Frito Pie will become new staples for your cooking lineup. Throw a hands-on dumpling-making party and let your friends decide whether to serve them chewy and pan-seared or crackly and deep-fried. Packed with pro-cooking tips, sauces to amp up any meal, sustainable sourcing advice, and over 100 delicious recipes, this book is your ticket to making the Chinese food of your dreams any night of the week.

It’s got J. Kenji’s seal of approval, which is all the recommendation anyone should need.

Red Hot Kitchen by Diana Kuan. ($14 hardcover)

Red Hot Kitchen »

Know someone with an unhealthy obsession with spicy Asian food (if such a thing is even possible)? Set their imagination and tastebuds alight with Diana Kuan’s Red Hot Kitchen, a cookbook that dives into the fiery world of DIY Asian chili sauces:

From Thai Sriracha to Indonesian sambal to Korean gochujang and other fiery favorites, Asian chili sauces have become staples in restaurants and homes across America. They add a palate-pleasing subtle kick or a scorching burn to the stir-fries, appetizers, and noodle dishes so many people love. But until now, these tantalizing flavors haven’t been easy to recreate at home with fresh, all-natural ingredients.

Not only will your gift recipient be learning how to easily make 9 of the most flavorful sauces of their life — including the life-changing XO sauce, which New York Times food writer Sam Sifton calls “the truth” and a “fish-pong-fiery umami bomb that elevates all that it touches” — they’ll also be getting over 100 enticing and easy-to-follow companion dishes for those sauces.

  + More info in our original post.

Truly Mexican by Roberto Santibañez and JJ Goode. ($25 hardcover)

Truly Mexican »

What about someone who can never get enough great Mexican food? Well, that’s where 2011 cookbook Truly Mexican comes in.

Written by James Beard Award-winning chef Roberto Santibañez and food writer JJ Goode, Truly Mexican features 128 authentic Mexican classics in all, from classics like tacos, enchiladas, and tamales to more advanced dishes like “Braised Short Ribs Adobo” and “Red Snapper Papillotes in Green Mole”.

It also covers a lot of helpful techniques you’ll need to know, along with info on tracking down true Mexican ingredients.

Mexican cuisine is an American favorite from coast to coast, but many people are too intimidated to try cooking real Mexican meals in their own kitchens. In Truly Mexican, Roberto Santibañez shows you that it’s the flavors that are complex, not the cooking. With effortless preparations and fresh, flavorful ingredients, Mexican home cooking can be simple and simply delicious.

An introduction to Mexican cooking covers the main ingredients as well as how they’re best prepared—from toasting tortillas to roasting tomatoes—and offers a few simple kitchen commandments that make great results a given. Recipes cover main dishes, sides, salsas, guacamoles, moles, adobos, and more.

Batch Cocktails by Maggie Hoffman. ($15 hardcover)

Batch Cocktails »

You may already know the joys of advance meal prep, but have you considered applying that idea to making cocktails? Food writer and “Queen of Cocktails” Maggie Hoffman has a book called Batch Cocktails: Make-Ahead Pitcher Drinks for Every Occasion that wants you to put away the cocktail shaker and break out the pitcher instead.

The book contains 65 libations (including a few nonalcoholic ones) for a stress-free cocktail hour. They can be made days or even weeks in advance, so you can spend more time with your guests rather than mixing drinks at the last minute.

In true mixology fashion, many of the cocktails within have wonderful little names like “Double Down”, “Bitter Ex”, “All She Wrote”, “Bone Machine”, and “Poolside”.

Photo: Jakob Owens

Gadgets & Accessories

• Cheaper unibody version of the Nintendo Switch
• Smart thermostat with voice control
• Portable mini projector that’s perfect for casual streaming and movie watching
• Famously hackable mini-computer, now more powerful than ever
• Amazon’s top-of-the-line ebook reader for 2019, with an adjustable warm light
• Qi-enabled car phone mount that uses a proximity sensor to auto-open its arms

↑ Return to Table of Contents

The Nintendo Switch Lite mobile game console. ($200, available in gray, turquoise, and yellow)

The Nintendo Switch Lite »

Nintendo’s new Switch Lite is a smaller and more affordable version of the original Switch. It sports a unibody design with fully integrated controls rather than having Joy-Con controllers that separate from the device, so it’s only compatible with games that support handheld mode — i.e. no TV mode or tabletop mode.

On the plus side, you end up with a device that’s overall lighter, sturdier, and not as easy to lose components for. And, since it’s $100 less than the regular Switch, the Lite is a great alternative for families who may not want to drop a ton on a game console for their kid.

  + Before the Switch Lite launched, we published a guide full of handy accessories and games for it.

ecobee’s SmartThermostat with Voice Control. ($220)

The ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control »

As the latest and greatest revision to their flagship device, ecobee’s fifth-generation SmartThermostat with Voice Control boasts a more premium outer build than before, with a slightly thinner body and a new crisp, glass-encased touchscreen display (versus the old plastic one) for better touch sensitivity, along with even more significant updates under the hood.

On top of the internal upgrades, the ecobee’s newly designed (almost to a cute degree) remote SmartSensors — one of which is included in the main package — have been overhauled to be more powerful than the previous generation, with wide-angle detection of motion and temperature, and a new Bluetooth pairing range of 60 feet.

Anker’s Nebula Mars II portable projector. ($500)

Anker “Nebula Mars II” Portable Projector »

The awesomely named Nebula Mars II is a portable mini projector by Anker that’s perfect for casual streaming and movie watching, wherever you put it. At only 720p, this isn’t the kind of thing you’d use in a high-end home media center setup; it’s more for those of us who like to throw a Netflix show on from time to time.

It’s about the size of a Bluetooth speaker — which it actually can be used for when you’re not watching something — so you can take it from room to room, or move it around within a room, no problem. The cool part is that it’ll automatically correct the image after being moved, both in terms of picture focus and accounting for the “keystone” angling effect. You don’t have to fiddle with settings every time you set it up, it just works.

The dual 10-watt speakers (one on either side) offer a rich, room-filling level of audio on their own, but if you want, you can still connect to external speakers with a 3.5mm cable or via Bluetooth. When you’re not plugged into a wall outlet, the Nebula Mars II’s rechargeable 12,500mAh battery provides about 4 hours of video playback.

The Raspberry Pi 4 mini-computer. ($53 for 1GB RAM, $63 for 2GB RAM, and $73 for 4GB RAM)

The Raspberry Pi 4 Basic Kit by CanaKit »

This past summer, the geek web got a pleasant surprise with the release of the Raspberry Pi 4, which wasn’t expected to be released until 2020. This version of the famously hackable mini-computer comes with enough upgrades that it can finally be considered a budget PC option, and one that can still fit in your pocket.

Improvements over the previous generation include a faster processor, up to 4GB of RAM, full-throughput gigabit ethernet, dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and more. We’ve got the full rundown of specs and buying options in our original post.

Amazon’s 2019 Kindle Oasis ebook reader. (from $250)

The 2019 Amazon Kindle Oasis »

This year’s edition of Amazon’s top-of-the-line e-reader is virtually the same as the 2017 model but for one new feature: The display now sports an adjustable warm light that you can change the “temperature” of — from white to amber — so it’s comfortable to read in any lighting.

Like the previous model, the 2019 Kindle Oasis has the same 7″ 300ppi e-ink display and IPX8 waterproofing, plus an adaptive front light and support for Audible audiobooks. Really, the one weird choice they made this year was to stick with micro-USB charging rather than switching to the faster USB-C.

Check out that yummy Champagne Gold color though 🤩

iOttie’s automatic clamping phone car mount + Qi charger. ($50 for the dashboard mount, $60 for air vent + CD slot version)

iOttie “Auto Sense” Automatic Clamping Phone Car Mount and Qi Charger »

Ready for something cool? iOttie’s “Auto Sense” car phone mount has a proximity sensor that knows when a phone is headed its way, causing its arms to open and close automatically as you set the device in there one-handed. Seriously, look at it:

What’s more, once your phone’s securely cradled, the built-in Qi wireless charger pad starts charging any capable smartphone (up to 3.6″), so you don’t have to futz around with a cable every time you put the phone in or take it out.

Photo: Riho Kroll

Games & Puzzles

• Imaginative storytelling card game
• Challenging iridescent jigsaw puzzle
• Pixel art playing cards
• Cooperative adventure card game
• 1,000-piece jigsaw based on an official NASA photo of the Moon
• Marble-powered “mechanical computer” game

↑ Return to Table of Contents

Dixit storytelling card game. ($21)

Dixit Storytelling Card Game »

In case you’ve never heard of it in the past decade-plus, Dixit is a lighthearted, fast-to-complete party card game with an emphasis on imaginative storytelling. Literally, players take turns being the storyteller.

The [game’s wiki][dw] describes the basic gameplay pretty succinctly, and we have more details on it in our original post. To make a long story short though, Dixit is a creative blast for the whole family, and they’ve got a number of expansions to keep things fresh for a long time.

Clemens Habicht’s “1000 Changing Colors” jigsaw puzzle. ($89)

Clemens Habicht “1000 Changing Colors” Puzzle »

If you or someone you know likes a challenge, check out the insane “1000 Changing Colors” puzzle designed by artist Clemens Habicht. It’s printed with a lenticular lens to create an iridescent/holographic effect where the colors change at different angles.

The effect is gorgeous to look at…

…but all the more challenging for it, as explained by Redditor u/puzzlecolornerd:

I do not recommend gifting this to anyone who is colorblind unless they’ve wronged you in some extreme manner.

  + Of similar challenge is the solid-color Ravensburger “Krypt” puzzle.

8Bit Deck pixel art playing cards. ($15 + shipping)

The 8Bit Deck »

The 8Bit Deck is a pixel art playing deck inspired by the PICO-8 fantasy console system. Every card and the tuck box were designed pixel-by-pixel using the Aseprite sprite editor, with all card text rendered in the fantastically retro PICO-8 font.

Forbidden Island co-op card adventure game. ($14)

Forbidden Island Card Game »

Whereas most board games are about competition and destroying your opponents, Forbidden Island is a card game that takes a different approach by having 2 to 4 players form a team of adventurers who must work together to recover four treasures and escape by helicopter before the island sinks under the ever-rising sea.

  + You can read more details about this awesome game here. Also check out the “sequel”, Forbidden Desert.

“The Moon” jigsaw by Four Point Puzzles. ($25)

“The Moon” Jigsaw Puzzle by Four Point Puzzles »

Four Point Puzzles’ challenging 1,000-piece jigsaw of the Moon is based on an image from NASA that shows the near side of our sister celestial object in superb detail — right down to the tiniest craters. No two pieces are exactly the same shape, so this is a puzzle you can spend a good chunk of time on.

The completed puzzle measures 26.5″ (67cm) in diameter and would make a fantastic wall display piece if you decide to frame it.

Turing Tumble ($70 for the standard kit; as of this writing, the game is still unavailable on Amazon)

Turing Tumble Marble-Powered Computer Game/Kit »

Programming and generally knowing how computers “think” are other types of skills kids will be expected to have in the coming years, and Turing Tumble is a really cool game that should get them started on the right track.

With just the included marbles and other components, along with the game board itself, players get to build simple marble-powered computers (akin to that “Plinko” game on The Price is Right) in order to solve a series of logic puzzles — no electronics required.

It’s crazy what you can do with simple switches connected together in clever ways.

  + Read our original post here.

Photo: Dami Adebayo

Style, Grooming, & Everyday Carry

• Sweatshirts you won’t hate giving or receiving
• First-class shaving brush and bowl combo
• Eye-catching and extremely capable and folding knife
• Wallet equipped with an aerospace-grade pen and a small notebook
• Aquatic and citrusy cologne with deeper, darker, more mature tones
• Pocket organizer for your EDC gear

↑ Return to Table of Contents

Wool & Prince’s Heavy Crew Neck sweatshirts. ($118, available in black and navy)

Wool & Prince Heavy Crew Neck Sweatshirts »

Fellas, we’ve all received a terrible sweater or two in our day. Let’s avoid those false “I love it”s with the minimally stylish Heavy Crew Neck sweatshirts by Wool & Prince.

These guys are known for being obsessive about merino wool, and the Heavy Crews are no different. Sporting a soft 78/22 blend of merino wool and nylon with a 300 GSM weight, these versatile long-sleeved shirts are as comfy as any tee you can think of, yet heavy and warm enough to be worn as casual sweaters in the fall or as base layers in winter.

Wear one on brisk morning jogs, layer it over a button-down at the office…they really work for anything.

Marram Co. brush & bowl shaving set. (€175 / ~$194 USD)

Marram Co. Brush & Bowl Shaving Set »

A luxurious shave starts with first-class implements. Marram Co.’s handsome Brush & Bowl Set will help round out your shave kit and make you the envy of your house guests. It includes:

  + The Brush — A weighty, sturdy tool made from solid brass and plated in ammunition-grade chrome, with soft bristles made of silvertip badger hair and a handle finished in high-grade black rubber for excellent grip, even when wet.

  + The Bowl — This tall, uniquely shaped bowl fits well in the hand and is made from two layers of metal: The outer layer is spun from solid brass before being chrome-plated with a high-gloss finish, while the inner dish is brushed in a way that creates lather-maximizing friction with the brush.

When you’re not using the set, the brush docks perfectly onto the bowl lid, creating a kind of sharp, statuesque look wherever it’s stored.

Spyderco “Manix 2” folding knife in Midnight Blue. ($145)

Spyderco’s Midnight Blue “Manix 2” Folding Knife »