The next time you’re hosting a summer barbecue or cocktail/dinner party, here’s a pro tip to help keep your guests happy: Always have a supply of cold ice that’s easily accessible, so that every drink served is perfectly chilled from start to finish.

Filling an ice chest is fine for larger events, but for those smaller, more intimate gatherings, I recommend an ice bucket like this one from S’well.

It’s essentially like the ones you’d find in hotel rooms, except it’s constructed from two layers of vacuum-insulated 18/8 stainless steel and a layer of copper, the result being that your ice stays cold for up to 48 hours without condensation getting all over the place.

Not only is it convenient having a bucket full of ice nearby while you’re hanging out with friends, I find it’s a handy way to empty out a countertop ice maker and keep the cubes stable for serving while the machine makes more. You can also use it to chill a single bottle of wine or champagne.

As of July 12th, 2024, you can get a solid-colored S’well ice bucket on sale for $41 on Amazon in your choice of Azurite (dark blue), Onyx (black), or Angel Food (white). If you’re willing to spend the usual full price of $50, they also have more stylish patterned designs like Teakwood, Calcutta Gold, and Dipped Metallic.

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If I had to guess, YETI would be my bet for the brand that comes to mind for most people when they think about outdoor coolers. It’s kind of the “default” option, and if you’re willing and able to spend the dough for one, you’ll almost definitely be happy with your purchase.

However, there are other options on the market that do a similarly admirable job of holding drinks and ice for long periods of time — without costing or weighing nearly as much.

Take the Engel HD20, for example. This is a soft-sided cooler that is so well built that it can keep ice for three or four days (!) without breaking a sweat. The “HD” in the model number stands for “heavy duty,” and it definitely lives up to that designation thanks to its 840 denier fiber outer shell — laminated with TPU film on the front and back to prevent punctures and such — along with seams that are welded together (not sewn) to increase their durability over other soft-sided coolers on the market.

The HD20 offers 22 quarts (~5.32 gallons) of storage, which is the perfect size for a beach day or weekend camping trip. If you need more, the larger HD30 model ($240) holds up to 32 quarts.

As noted in this video from America’s Test Kitchen (I know, that’s the second time I’ve referenced them in as many days), one of the HD20’s nicest little features is the pair of tote handles on the sides that make it easy to pick the thing up and carry when it’s full of cans and ice. There’s an adjustable padded shoulder strap as well, but those handles are the bee’s knees as far as I’m concerned.

Of course, I also dig the onboard bottle opener, which they didn’t have to include but shows how much thought went into the design:

Get the Engle HD20 cooler $199 on Amazon.

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In the same way that the National Park Adventure Guide Book lets you commemorate your visits to US national parks, the “Parks of the USA” water bottle from Wondery is a fun way to cross parks off your bucket list as you visit them.

The powder-coated exterior of this 32oz vacuum-insulated stainless steel bottle is laser-engraved with little images representing all 63 national parks, and sheets of matching full-color vinyl stickers are included so you can add one after each visit. The stickers themselves are thick, weaterproof, and water-resistant, so they should last for a good throughout your adventures, with the bottle keeping you hydrated all the way.

The more parks you visit, the cooler the bottle looks

The bottle is dishwasher-safe and comes with a leak-proof straw lid, so this is just an all-around awesome product for any national parks traveler. Get one for yourself or as a gift to someone else — or do both!

You have the option of buying the bottle in White or “Ocean” (navy blue) colorways, both of which are $58 at Wondery’s site. They also offer a series of gold-and-black stickers ($4 a pop) for commemorating those extra special parks.

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Like any double-walled vacuum-insulated mug you can find these days, the “Admiral’s Mug” from Stanley will keep your drinks hot or cold for hours. No surprises there. Its true differentiating feature comes in the form of a wide, non-skid base that ensures it stays put wherever you set it down, without ever tipping over or sliding away.

The “Admiral” in the name seems appropriate here, because you can take this thing out on a choppy boat ride and never have to fear it getting away from you. There are loads of stories of people forgetting they’ve set it on the roof or bumper of their vehicle before driving somewhere, only to find the mug still sitting comfortably in the same place upon arrival.

Even if the mug does somehow manage to fall over — or, say, your toddler gets their hands on it and starts carrying it around — the flip lid is leak-resistant once locked shut, so you don’t have to worry about scalding hot liquids pouring out or flying around.

Get the Stanley Admiral’s Mug for $25 on Amazon in your choice of Hammertone Green or Matte Black colors.

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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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Bento box lunches aren’t just for kids, you know. Some of us grownups like to have a nicely compartmentalized little meal too. And if there’s a company you can trust to create a bento system worth your attention, it’s Zojirushi.

Their “Mr. Bento” set is comprised of a vacuum-insulated canister that holds four stacked microwaveable bowls with sealing lids (all made from BPA-free plastic) and a forked spoon with its own cover. The loaded canister then goes into a convenient carry bag for easy transport.

Arranged from top to bottom, the bowl capacities are as follows:

Small side bowl (7 oz / 200ml) → Large side bowl (10 oz / 300ml) → Main bowl [with insulated lid] (15 oz / 450ml) → Soup bowl (9 oz / 280ml)

Because of that insulating lid between the upper and lower halves, any food stored in the “main” and “soup” bowls on bottom can stay hot or cold for hours, while the two bowls above remain unphased by any temperature exchange. This system is perfect for packing your work lunch, taking with you to museums and other excursions, or bringing with you on outdoor adventures.

Get this bento set on Amazon in a variety of colorways, ranging anywhere from $43 to $60 depending on which one you choose.

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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 short, your coffee cools down to drinking temperature within minutes and stays there for hours and hours. No more burning mouth, no matter the time of day!

On their website, they mention a couple other neat things about HeatZorb:

Remarkably, HeatZorb™ is produced from agricultural sources and is USDA-certified bio-based. It is non-petroleum, non-toxic, readily biodegradable and 100% renewable. Because it is captive inside the stainless-steel chamber, it can never leak. And, it will consistently perform its repeatable melt/solidify heat transfer cycles many thousands of times, essentially for the life of the mug.

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

Get the BURNOUT mug for $80 on Amazon in your choice of black or red.

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This past Christmas, my wife was given a stainless steel Little Mermaid water bottle by her sister, who clearly knows her all too well. She’s been using it for all her daily hydration needs, carrying the bottle everywhere she goes — Disney World parks, the beach, family outings, etc.

We’ve both been pleasantly surprised at the quality of this bottle, given it only costs twenty-something bucks. It insulates awesomely, seems well built, is easy to sip from, is easy enough to disassemble and clean, and with the exception of the very bottom of it (which does get dinged around a lot), the paint has hardly chipped or scuffed at all. It also turns out that they have a ton of other prints, colorways, and sizes to choose from.

For the price, you can do a lot worse than picking up one of these bottles. We’re definitely going to be picking up more of them for our family. As for me, I’ve got my eye on this “Deep Ocean” navy blue one ($20).

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If a travel mug with super high durability for its weight is something that appeals to you, this titanium one from Bivouac is where it’s at.

It’s double-walled and vacuum-insulated for premium temperature retention, weighs only a third of a pound, resists rust and corrosion of all kinds, and you’re not likely to ever damage the thing.

The lid it comes with has a pluggable air vent in the middle that you can fit a small straw into, or you can simply flip open the flap for easy sipping. Who doesn’t love that kind of convenience?

This cup + lid combo is $60 on Amazon.

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Sometimes you buy a mug because it’s over-engineered, or because it serves you well in the great outdoors, or even because it looks like a cartoon.

Other times. You do it purely for the a e s t h e t i c.

That’s what this mug’s all about. Sure, the matte ceramic body is quality enough, and sturdy to boot, but those acaia wood accents — ie. the comfort-grip handle and inset lid — are really where it’s at. This is the kind of mug you can proudly display in your “battlestation” photos on Instagram as you flex on all your friends’ workspaces. The fact that it’s also nice to drink out of is merely the icing.

Get the mug in black or white for around $21 on Amazon.

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For those of you who not only like to get outdoors and travel but also enjoy some wine and spirits along the way, this travel decanter by Aged & Ore is a no-brainer purchase. It’s a 500ml spillproof glass decanter snugly and discreetly encased in a pair of stainless steel double-walled drinking tumblers (with real YETI Lowball vibes) that thread together to create a protective housing.

Essentially, the idea is to safely and securely preserve your favorite whiskeys, wines, and cocktails wherever your adventures take you.

Watch the original video from their 2019 Kickstarter:

As it’s handblown from nice clean glass, the decanter imparts no flavors or odors to the spirits you store in it. Whatever you pour in there comes out smelling and tasting exactly like it did when it went in. And since the dual-tumbler casing is vacuum-insulated, you can keep something chilled in there for a good while before it’s serving time.

Whether you want to treat yourself or gift one to a buddy, the travel decanter is $65 on Amazon and comes in your choice of matte black or stainless steel/silver.

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Me, I’m pretty happy to use a simple YETI tumbler or mug, but if you’re into having the latest and greatest gadgets, you might dig the Metallic Collection of Ember Mugs.

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 Metallic Ember mugs are $130 on Amazon and come in your choice of Gold, Stainless Steel, or Copper.

Buy Now

We might’ve missed our chance last year to put together our annual list of offbeat gifts, but we couldn’t possibly let such an opportunity pass us by {Godfather voice} in this, the strangest year in recent memory.

It’s not going to be nearly as unhinged as that NYT Style gift guide from last week, but hopefully you’ll find something below that’s fun and/or useful.

When you’re done looking through this list, check out our 2020 Christmas Catalog and Stocking Stuffers list.

Metropolitan Museum of Art CoasterRugs »

($24)

If you didn’t already know, there are drink coasters that look like tiny rugs. I repeat, there are drink coasters that look like tiny rugs.

This particular set replicates carpets featured in The Met’s Islamic Art collection, so not only do they make your drinking-and-setting-the-cup-down experience feel somehow ~fancier~, they literally add culture to your home too.

“Tattly” Designer Temporary Tattoos »

(Prices vary)

We haven’t featured Tattly’s awesome temporary tattoos nearly enough on T&T, which is a real shame because they’re so much better than those things you get out of the quarter machines. They’re designed by professional artists (who get a cut of every sale) to be fun for all ages, they’re printed with vegetable-based ink to be safe and non-toxic, and they’re even waterproof.

Start with their full sets to get an idea of what they offer but also dig around elsewhere on their site for other special designs and smaller packs. Even their 404 page leads to a “hidden” tattoo

Whataburger YETI Rambler Lowball »

($30)

Is a 10-ounce YETI Rambler mug that looks like a Whataburger cup an oddly specific sort of gift? Yes. Will it go over well with whoever you’re giving it to? …Sure? Maybe?

Like any YETI Rambler, this is a vacuum-insulated stainless steel tumbler that’ll keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot for as long as science allows, so if nothing else, they’re getting a great mug outta the deal.

Knock Knock’s Personal Library Kit »

($18)

If you’re the type of person who often loans out books to friends and family — a commendable public service, so thank you! — Knock Knock’s Personal Library Kit is a clever little way to make your lendings feel like the real deal.

It comes with 20 self-adhesive pockets and “checkout” cards for recording loans and borrower info, a pencil for writing those things down, and an inkpad + date stamp to gently remind borrowers when your precious volumes are due for return.

“Nessie” Sliding Enamel Pin by Pretty Useful Co. »

($15)

This three-layer hard enamel pin from Pretty Useful Co. — who you may remember from their “Ride or Die” D20 spinner pin — lets you slide “Nessie” up from behind the waves by pushing her up from beneath.

🦕

Welcome Industries’ Visual Measuring Cups »

($24)

Right at the center of the Venn diagram between “Loves Cooking” and “Loves Pie Charts” comes this set of four measuring cups, the shapes of which represent whatever fraction they are — e.g. 1 cup is a full circle, ½ cup is a semicircle, etc.

They’re 1) made from BPA-free plastic and are dishwasher safe, 2) can work well for legally blind people, 3) could probably be used to teach kids basic fractions, 4) make a great novelty gift besides, and 5) yes, they do stack together.

Norpro “Tad, Dash, Pinch, Smidgen, and Drop” Novelty Measuring Spoons »

($9)

Imagine it: You gift these silly measuring spoons to your frenemy, or that one cousin you’ve had a longstanding prank war with, or if you’re feeling mean enough, your sweet old grandma. Whoever it is, you know they’re going to need a measuring spoon one day, and eventually they’re going to pull this set out of the kitchen drawer, thinking they’re the real deal.

Maybe they never looked closely enough at the “measurement” markings. Maybe they did notice and scoffed, then forgot about it after putting them away. The point is, one day you’ll faintly hear your name being cursed on the wind, and you’ll smile wickedly to yourself, knowing the deed was done.

Weird by Olga Khazan »

($21 hardcover, $18 paperback)

Feeling like an outsider at times is part and parcel of the human condition, and it’s something we all have to deal with in one form or another.

Olga Khazan’s Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World is all about the surprising strength that comes from embracing your own…well, weirdness. The primary thrust of the book is essentially one question: Is being “weird” really such a bad thing? (I’m sure you can guess her conclusion.)

The people interviewed for the book managed to find insights in their own “otherness,” turning those things into advantages that helped them triumph in the face of adversity. There’s no reason you can’t do the same.

Inflatable Ergonomic Travel Pillow »

($9)

Still having to do a lot of long-distance travel for work? There’s no better way to get some decent sleep on the way and signal to others that you’re not to be disturbed than with this inflatable travel pillow.

Even when you’re not sleeping, you can put some headphones on, set your phone inside the arm tube thing, and have yourself a private movie watching experience.

Adam J. Kurtz’s 2021 “Unsolicited Advice” Planner »

($28)

Adam J. Kurtz’s 10th annual “Unsolicited Advice” planner is quite unlike any planner you’ve ever used before. Sure, it’s got the usual Jan–Dec planning stuff you’d expect, but then it’s also got a bunch of…less-than-normal stuff. We’re talking fake holidays, silly jokes and illustrations, etc.

Everyone who buys one of these things is always gushing about the love and detail Kurtz pours into these planners each year.

Wooden Monster Tissue Holder »

($99)

A lot of items in this guide serve a real, actual purpose, while others are just something you’d love to have in your home for no other reason than you like looking at them.

This monster-shaped tissue box made from beech wood falls into the latter camp.

C’mon, how cute is that lil’ fella?! Pricy, yes, but adorable enough that we don’t care.

Silicone Steamship Steamer Lid Set »

($13)

These charming steamship steaming lids aren’t just a gimmick; they’re actually useful too.

Made from heavy duty food-safe silicone, each of the three lids — with diameters measuring 5.6″, 8″, and 10″ respectively — features a little steam boat in the middle, the “funnels” of which are simply steam holes to let out just enough steam to prevent pots and microwave bowls from boiling over while cooking.

The smokestack effect this creates is cute, and the lids work quite well for jobs like steaming veggies, reheating leftover chili, covering a skillet while frying eggs, etc.

Magic Puzzle Company’s Twist-Ending Jigsaw Puzzles »

($20 per puzzle)

The three 1,000-piece puzzles in this collection were respectively illustrated by indie artists Sarah Becan, Boya Sun, and Felicia Chiao. In that order, they are:

• “The Happy Isles”
• “The Mystic Maze”
• “The Sunny City”

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 — but 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.

The Shave Well Company’s Anti-Fog Shaving Mirror »

($10)

For some, shaving in the shower is a much better experience than standing at a sink and dripping water everywhere despite all precautions. The one disadvantage though? Not having a mirror to see what you’re doing.

Well, not so with the Shave Well fogless shower mirror.

It doesn’t rely on crappy suction cups to stick to the wall, it hangs on a hook that adheres with two-way tape. You just take the mirror off the hook and run it under the water a few seconds to warm it up, which keeps it fog-free for a while. Then, you can either hang it back up or hold it in your hand while you shave (or brush your teeth, if you’re into doing that in the shower too).

Newsight Reversible Umbrella »

($20)

You know what’s always annoying about umbrellas? When you fold one as you come in from the rain, only to have it sit there dripping all over your floor or car interior. But that’s not what happens when you use a reversible umbrella like this.

The two canopy layers fold “inside out” — that is, the ribs fold upward instead of the other way around, the bottom layer becoming the exterior one and the top layer nestling inside of that. This keeps all those rain droplets safely contained inside until you’re ready to pour them out and let the umbrella air-dry.

Almost as neat is the fact that, once the water’s out and the umbrella’s still folded, it can be flipped over to stand upright on its own or simply hung from your wrist using the C-shaped hook handle.

They’ve got a whole bunch of designs to choose from, so not only is your umbrella super useful, it’s sure to be the most eyecatching one around.

Yama Glass Cold Brew Coffee Tower »

($255)

Lemme tell you something: You gift one of these coffee towers to someone, there’s no way they’ll be able to top it. I mean look at it! This slow-drip contraption is easily the most 19th-century-science-experiment way of making cold brew coffee at home — even moreso than a siphon pot.

  + Lots more details in our original post.

Cafelat “Robot” Manual Espresso Maker »

(from $310)

Another novel way of making coffee comes in the form of the Cafelat Robot, a manual espresso press designed to look like…well, a retro robot — the clawed “arms” of which act as levers when pulling espresso shots.

Don’t let its cutesy looks fool you. This thing can produce a mean shot of espresso, rivaling any of its competition.

  + See our original post for details on their buying options and such.

Jungwiealt Robot Component Rubber Stamps »

($33)

The 28 wood-backed stamps in this set depict various shapes — from simple geometric ones to more complex ones — and robotic parts, which can be stamped in such a way that you create your own cute ink robot characters. A fun gift for an ingenuitive kid — or, for the adult “working” from home.

Cook’s Book Kitchen Scales »

($30)

From the ever-oddly-named Suck UK — who we once featured for their “Cork Cube” tape dispenser — comes the Cook’s Book Kitchen Scale, a glass-top digital food scale concealed in a wipe-clean hardback book cover so you can keep it on the same shelf as your recipe books without it sticking out like a sore thumb.

It supports up to 11 lb (5kg) of weight and makes an attractive little addition to any kitchen besides. It even comes with a handy reference card with some common unit conversions so you don’t have to turn to Google in the middle of meal prep.

Welcome to the 2020 Tools & Toys Christmas Catalog!

↓ Skip down to Table of Contents

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

↑ Return to Table of Contents

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

↑ Return to Table of Contents

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

↑ Return to Table of Contents

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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Last September we put together a buying guide full of classy matte black coffee gear. As a direct counterpoint to that list, we’ve decided to bring you today’s roundup of brilliantly alabaster implements for your brewing and consuming needs.

Hario’s ceramic + olive wood coffee mill. ($70)

Hario Ceramic & Olive Wood Coffee Mill »

Hario’s ceramic + wood coffee mill has a simple yet eyecatching design, sporting a combination of ceramic hopper and olive wood container in an hourglass shape that fits perfectly in your grip.

It holds up to 30g of coffee grounds, and the burr is also ceramic so there’s no metal smell or rusting to worry about. The burr can be adjusted 20 steps between coarse and fine by turning the nut under the hopper, which for most people is plenty enough fine-tuning.

The ceramic Hario V60 pour-over cone. ($23)

Hario V60 Ceramic Pour-Over Coffee Dripper »

Hario also produces the far more widely known ceramic V60 dripper, a classic standby for pour-over drinkers everywhere. If you’ve ever been to a coffee shop that does pour-over coffee, the V60 is probably what they use. It makes a delicious cup of coffee and cleanup is a piece of cake.

The ceramic V60 pairs quite beautifully with JM&Sons’ “flat white” pour-over coffee stand — however, as of this writing the studio is in the midst of relaunching their online shop so you’ll have to wait a while before you can purchase anything from them again.

Fellow’s Stagg EKG kettle in matte white. ($149)

Fellow “Stagg EKG” Variable-Temp Gooseneck Kettle »

With any pour-over brewing method you’ll need a good gooseneck kettle. Fellow’s matte white Stagg EKG is a fine choice indeed, with its brilliant white color, variable temperature control, and ergonomically counterbalanced handle. You might also consider the verson of it they produced with Blue Bottle, which features lovely maple wood accents.

The Flair Signature espresso maker. ($239)

Flair Signature Manual Espresso Maker »

If espresso is how you prefer to start your day over simple brewed coffee, then you’ll want to check out the Flair espresso maker. It’s not a machine, but rather a 100% human-powered press. Pressing down on the lever produces 8–12 bars of pressure — right in the sweet spot for getting that lovely crema and mouthfeel that signify a great espresso shot.

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

Fellow “Carter” Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug »

Now that we’ve covered grinding and brewing, we turn to an excellent drinking vessel: the Fellow “Carter” mug, which 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 Carter features a matte textured exterior that feels great in the hand, plus an aromatic wide mouth so drinking your coffee becomes 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 make sure 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 a lot of travel mugs with their almost sharp sipping edges. That same lip is 69mm in diameter, perfectly wide enough to fit the V60 dripper we mentioned earlier.