It’s the time of year where everyone wants a gift guide. I hate doing gift guides, but as I let my mind wander I’ve actually hit on a few things that rock that I would actually emphatically recommend to you all.

Brief sidebar: brands are always asking if I do affiliate links on my articles and I do not. This is all just for the love of the game.

Agenda/Notebook

Recently, I posted my favorite pen: (I know there are fancier, but I don’t give a fuck) the Pilot V5. In response, someone DMed me and said, very annoyingly, “what are you writing down in the year 2024?!” Now I hope it’s not too 2010s-hipster-with-a-typewriter of me to use pen and paper, but I hate taking notes in my phone.

I feel like they do this study every few years, but early in 2024, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology conducted another study that found writing by hand led to better recall than typing. So basically, get off my back.

At the start of last year, Smythson sent me their planner, which is very, very nice… but I now realize costs $355. I will say, their planner has the best layout of any planner I’ve ever used. The week laid out on one page and space for notes on the other. Check out their full range which runs from $105-$355 if you want something sliiiightly less expensive. As a more affordable option, I found this Weekly Planner from Leuchtturm - not quite as nice, but almost as good a layout for $27.50.

For journaling and other ideating, I use Moleskine. For me, the best version of their Classic Notebook is the hard back version. It just travels better and you can write wherever you are. I always opt for the XL size for my diary/journal ($30.95) and the M for a regular jotting-down ideas notebook (23.95). When in doubt, get a bigger notebook! You might actually use it then!

Tote Bag

Men are quick to anger on the matter of tote bags, but I’ve chosen to move on. While you do need a backpack for travel and serious hiking, the tote bag is the perfect in-between item for regular days or schleps around the city.

(I can’t believe I’m explaining how tote bags work.)

I have a bunch and have dabbled with many versions, but the Land’s End iteration is maybe the best I’ve found. The big issue I have with tote bags is that everything gets scrambled up and lost within the main part of the bag - it’s a law of nature that you can never find exactly what you’re looking for.

BUT Land’s End solves this with POCKETS. Pockets line the interior which allows you to organize your mess somewhat. I believe I have the Medium and even on that one, there’s ample room for my goodies but just be sure to order the longer handle so you can get it over your shoulder.

The size M with long handle is currently $19.97!!!!

If Totes Aren’t Your Thing

It seems like it would be overrated but the Filson Journeyman backpack is so fucking cool. And the best colorway: Realtree Camo (which I have) is currently on sale (40% off for $285). I don’t like wearing camo, but it’s really fun as an accessory. (The high-vis orange is my second favorite and also on sale.) This is not at all cheap, but would make a very meaningful gift. I love waxed canvas bags - they are rock solid.

Jeans

As you probably know, I wander the wasteland looking for the mythical best pair of jeans. They have always eluded me… until now… sort of.

TCB Jeans is a Japanese brand that has never been very good at marketing itself or getting into trendy retailers and I kind of love them for that. They’ve mostly stuck to very classic and simple repros of golden age Levi’s, but for a fraction of the price of fancier labels.

I’ve spent years trying to find the right size in their 50s Jeans and after much trial and error, I’ve figured it out.

They usually fit two sizes down from tag. So the size 34 I found on ebay fits more like a 32 and therefore is not entirely comfortable - so when I saw they had a rare restock, I ordered a size 36. These go for $167, which is an outrageously good price and they’ll hem them to a length of your choosing for free. I love the fit, even on this pair that’s a bit too small. I think the 50s cut is one of the most versatile and timeless and because of the 13.5 oz one-wash denim, they’ll soften up and become very comfy. Just be mindful of the waist measurement.

Sweater

Nothin’ says holiday like a cozy sweater and I’ve had a chance to road-test zillions of them. My favorite for actually cold weather is a version from Brut Archives. I have one of the first iterations, as well as a v-neck sweater vest version and love both.

They don’t carry either of those currently, but now they have a slightly chunkier version in a Shetland wool. The fit appears to be somewhat different than the original, but I can vouch for the quality. Not cheap, but if I can only travel with one sweater, this is the one I take.

Robe

I was never really a robe guy, but I’ve been basically living out of hotels for weeks at a time lately and I’ve come to view them as an important mainstay of your mental health toolbox. After a long day, you shower and throw on your robe, from who else? Polo Ralph Lauren.

This Terry Velour robe feels a bit more luxe than your average bath-robe and the red color gives it a bit of a Hugh Hefner feel. Lounge about in this and feel like you’re in a fancy hotel when you’re really just in your cold-ass apartment. ($115)

Smelling Sexy

Making sure you smell good is obviously a multi-pronged approach. It starts in your morning shower and extends to your lotions and fragrances. When it comes to body wash, the Salt + Stone I was gifted a few months back has to be the best-smelling I’ve ever used. It tends to faintly linger - which is a good thing - and will undoubtedly impress your lovers (and enemies). My second favorite body wash I’ve tried recently appears to be sold out, but is also weirdly good. It’s from Necessaire and smells like play-doh… in a good way… it’s not as manly as the Salt + Stone one, but it makes you feel sort of soft and beautiful.

As far as fragrances go, my daily driver these days is from my friends at Bare Knuckles. It took me a minute to get used to it, but now I can’t go without it. I’d also recommend getting testers for yourself from Le Labo or DS & Durga to try out. I cannot for the life of me tell how something smells when I try it on in the store - there’s simply too much going on!! Both those brands have some gems and it’s just easier to wear them around in your day-to-day life and see what the people you know think about them.

That is all. Enjoy.