Hither & Thither Gift Guide: For Him

As Aron would tell you: give him anything with love and he’ll love it. Here are some ideas if it’s to come from a store…

1. Part toy, part tool: an entry-level camera drone. (CNET recommends this one as the best place to start.) I suggest getting the extra batteries.
2. Sure it’s for him, but it’s really for you: Slip some beard oil into his stocking and feign surprise when you read Santa’s message: “So you’ll always be kissable.” Woodsy and spicy, with notes of cedar or ginger and orange.
3. A beautiful Tivoli radio for his desk (pair it with an audio cable and a download of the best podcasts to his phone—Aron loves Startup and Reply All.)
4. For his backpack or picnic tote: stackable, sturdy Enamelware tumblers, a carry-on cocktail kit, and a bottle of bourbon. (Bulleit’s is a safe bet.)
5. Steel Griddle: it can be “a stovetop griddle, induction plate, and even a cold plate after it’s been frozen.” We use ours for pizzas. (If it’s your first time at Food52, here’s a $20 credit.)
6. The newest version of Apple TV is apparently worthy of all the hype. [Update: confirmed!]
7. A beautiful leather journal. Something all his own.
8. I realize a scale isn’t the most romantic Christmas gift, but if he loves remotely tracking all of his fitness stats he’ll really love the Fitbit Aria. It’s pretty awesome. (And if he doesn’t have it yet, add a basic Fitbit in his stocking.)
9. A classic camp blanket will serve him for years and years.
10. These no-iron, slim cut dress shirts are the best. They’re well-tailored and have just enough heft.
11. Which of these books would suit him best? Consider: The Big Bad Book of Bill Murray (assuming you already got him the Wes Anderson Collection from this gift guide), an episode-by-episode guide to Mad Men, a book on mastering simple pleasures, on finding (and eating) the best tacos, on cooking with science, or on the history of some of the most legendary, hilarious late-night TV.
12. This is from a gift guide Aron wrote back in 2011, and it’s still a great suggestion so I’m putting it out there again: This 50mm Canon lens is a bargain, and will give you a beautiful depth-of-field. It’s also great for low-light conditions. If price is less of an issue for you, you might get this 50mm lens–a more professional version with a more professional price tag. (And if he needs a camera to use it with, this is a good place to start.)

P.S. Yesterday’s gift guide for her. And take a look at some gift guides for him from years past if you don’t find the right thing here. (This one is a particular favorite.)

Four Holiday Looks with Boden

Dinner dates, holiday parties, family feasts, and New Year toasts: the season of celebration is here!

In search of something festive to wear, I turned to Boden. The British-born company has long been a favorite source for bathing suits (like this one) and kids’ pajamas, but while I routinely dog-ear the women’s section of the catalogue, this was my first time ordering dresses and shoes. It won’t be my last.

By the way, I think I do about 90-percent of my shopping online these days. You? It’s so much simpler—provided the company has a flexible return policy. (They do.)

I asked my friend Susan to come over and take some photographs of the four holiday looks, after they arrived in the mail, and to help me choose something to wear out for drinks that night.

The first thing I tried was a classic red dress, with a full skirt that makes you want to twirl. It comes in other colors and patterns as well, and has a slightly open back that ties at the neck. I particularly loved that it has pockets and that, incredibly, it’s machine-washable. I think this one could easily be dressed up or down. A definite winner.

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Hither & Thither Gift Guide: For Her

This week will bring gift ideas for her, for him, for the kiddo, and for everyone else. Let’s get started!

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