11 Gift Ideas
Top to Bottom: Anthony’s Grab + Go; Art of Shaving Full Size Kit; Davidoff Cigars; Priority Pass; Freestyle CX; Joby Gorillamobile & Gorillatorch
Coffee
Garden & Gun recently mentioned Athens, Georgia-based 1000 Faces Coffee in their “Talk of the South” section, praising the company’s direct trade policy – company owner Benjamin Myers buys beans from small coffee growers in Latin America, Indonesia and Africa – and its high quality, small batch, roasted coffee. Buy a bag for $10-$12 a pound, or sign someone up for the company’s subscription service – 3 one pound bags per month, at $42 per month.
Beer
Beer of the Month’s four membership plans include rare domestic brews, beers from international breweries, collectors’ varieties, and a subscription that combines international and domestic brews. BMC doesn’t skimp on the service – the plan starts with twelve packs for $20 and goes up from there. If you’re buying for a couple and the better half isn’t a beer fan, combine the beer membership with one of the company’s other offerings for monthly wine, cheese, chocolate, flower or cigar memberships.
Stationery
As distinguished as it is classy, letterpress stationery makes the same brow-raising impression as a hand-engraved invitation. Two solid stationery sources for this gift are The Mandate Press and Twig & Fig, who both offer striking and sometimes whimsical designs. Mandate produces 250 sharp-looking business cards for just $95, and you can supply your own design, and works on a client by client basis for other paper goods. Twig & Fig has more “off the rack” options for personal stationery and can be found at many paper stores.
Grooming
If you have a friend of family member who travels a lot, check out the high-quality Anthony’s grab-n-go grooming kit. Stocked with 3 oz. bottles of everything a guy could need, from shaving cream to facial cleanser, and stored in a clear, FAA-approved bag, this $35 gift is the all-in-one package. Or, visit The Art of Shaving for shaving creams and accessories that put drugstore options to shame. We recommend the Sandalwood shaving cream and Pure Badger Brush.
Cigars
For the aspiring cigar connoisseur, give an education and hands on enjoyment with a Davidoff variety box. The company’s twelve-cigar package aims to teach casual smokers about the subtle differences in tobacco blends; the $185 box includes detailed tasting notes and strength ratings.
VIP Pass
A great gift for the frequent traveler is the Priority Pass, a VIP card that allows access to more than 600 cushy airport lounges in more than 100 countries. Rather than having to pay hundreds (and sometimes thousands) for a ticket that grants a VIP room, Priority Pass card holders can enjoy first class perks, including wi-fi access, complimentary snacks and drinks, and a relaxing atmosphere, for $99 to $300, depending on the plan selected.
Multi-Tool
Designed with campers, divers, MacGyvers and bikers in mind, Leatherman’s Freestyle CX pocket tool contains a stainless steel, clip point knife, needlenose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters and hard-wire cutters in compact form. Easily opened with just one hand, the tool includes a locking blade, a removable pocket clip and comes with a 25 year warranty. Time Magazine recently named it one of the year’s best not-to-be-missed gadgets. $72.
Heat Vest
Originally designed for surfers, the Quicksilver Heat Vest offers Southern outdoorsmen just what they need to hunt, hike, ski, fish or run in cooler weather. The vest, which uses infra-red technology, delivers heat to vital organs while helping the body maintain core temperature. It comes with a rechargeable battery that guarantees hours of warmth, car and wall chargers, and it features waterproof heating pads with high and low heat settings.
Tie Case
Col. Littleton offers accouterments for men with classic American tastes. Their khaki and leather tri-fold tie case guarantees crease-proof traveling for up to a dozen ties — the perfect accessory for a wedding weekend when there are several dressy events to attend, or for a week’s worth of business meetings. $125; for $9 extra, the case can be engraved.
Mad Men
It’s one of the best shows on TV so if you or someone you know isn’t watching Mad Men yet it’s time to catch up on season 1 and 2. The addictive show tells the story of a group of Madison Avenue advertising executives in the early 1960s and captures that era of society through complex characters, brilliant art direction and compelling dialog.
Tripods
The Joby Gorillapod – that leggy, plastic flexible tripod for traveling camera toters – has recently morphed into two other like-kind creations, just in time for the holiday season. Now, in addition to its functional travel tripod, the company offers mobile device stands for iPhones and other handheld devices for easier hands-free communication. The GorillaTorch, a flashlight with magnetic feet and flexible legs, can lend light to any dark area — users can attach it to the inside of a car’s hood, or use it as an overhead light in a wilderness tent.
