Gift Guide: The Old Fashioned
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| Photo by Daniel Krieger Via |
In a season where we've found ourselves doing more than a little self-medicating, this year's gift guides will follow our recipient's drink of choice.
We're starting off with an Old Fashioned - a classic, no-frills cocktail for a classic no-frills guy. He's a little rustic and a lot outdoorsy with a penchant for hardy handmade design, square-jawed style and functional goods. Treat him this holiday with gifts to make his winter a little warmer, indoors and out.
For everyday wear; a handsome shirt. Fleur De Lis Washed Poplin Button Up from Normal Brand.
For every evening wear - a good bottle of booze, either a newly discovered treasure or a riff on an old favorite - try the cask strength versions of Makers or Bulleit.
For when it's not a cocktail in his glass - small batch roasted beans that have been aged in whiskey barrels. Whiskey Whisper coffee from District Roasters.
For taking those beans on the road - an all-in-one portable pour over kit that grinds and brews the perfect cup no matter where he is: Cafflano
For an all-in-one of a different variety try this flask/flashlight/compass/shot glass/bottle opener that despite all those contents, weighs in at a very manageable 1 pound. VSSL Flask. For the true outdoorsman, don't miss VSS Supplies - a more survival-centric usage of this concept.
For inspiration - Start from Nothing Flag from Manready Mercantile (an awesome shop).
For two-wheeled trips that require digital support, a sturdy & strong lightweight mount for his smartphone. Quad Lock Bike Mount Kit available on Amazon.
For affirmation and protecting those pretty hard woods. You Earned It leather coasters from Owen & Fred.
For stuffing in his stock and managing those unruly locks. Fly No. 1 Pomade from Fly Barbershop.
For keeping his devices charged on the trail and off. Rugged, water-resistant and capable of holding up to five iPhone charges, the Ultimate Solar Charger from Secur.
For adventures far and wide - a master-engineered duffel that's rough and rugged enough for outdoor endeavors (read waterproof, impervious, fully taped seams) but easily fits in an overhead compartment. The Best American Duffel (BAD) - I love the limited edition from Askov Finlayson above, but for more size and color options head straight to the source: BAD.
For the beard. For real. Conditioning Beard Oil by Herbivore Botanicals for The Motley.
For a creative approach to armchair adventures - a book that explores contemporary map making as visual storytelling. Mind the Map, available on Amazon.
For moving mapping to the walls - a blue print of his favorite ski hill from Kirkwood to Keystone. Ski Resort Blueprints (available framed or unframed) from Uncommon Goods.
For upping his house shoe game - super soft sheepskin booties from LL Bean.
For taking the sheepskin a step further - Wool Fleece Vest from Best Made.
For nights when he's feeling analog - but doesn't want to forgo his carefully crafted wireless home audio system. A bluetooth streaming turntable. ION Audio Air LP available on Amazon.
For his t-shirt drawer - Rise and Grind Tee from Paulville, or from a stellar CO company: Mountain Tee from Topo Designs (I also love the Original Logo Tee) or Westward Tee from Never Elsewhere.
For breakfast - Smoked Maple Syrup from Runamok Maple.
For achieving wood-working aspirations - a spoon carving kit complete with traditional Japanese tools and a spoon blank in the wood of his choosing. Spoon Carving Kit from Melanie Abrantes.
For brightening evenings in his tent or at home - a warm and mighty little lantern with a magnetic loop for mounting and intuitive controls. Mini Hozuki LED Camping Lantern from Snow Peak.
Finally for some serious action on the slopes - a powder-coated steel saucer that promises speed and none of the cracking that the kid's plastic versions provide. Flexible Flyer from Home Depot.