It’s that time of year again, and what better way to celebrate the solstice—or anything else—than with a list of fun gift ideas? Note I’m not focusing on watches in this one. I’ll make Patrick write one just for watch lovers.
This list is a mix of items for all ages, featuring things I’ve discovered this year as well as products I’ve personally purchased and enjoyed.
If you have ideas for gifts you’re giving or hoping to receive, reply to this email and share them! I’ll create another Gift Guide featuring your suggestions.
CircuitMess Bit 2.0
This might be a bit tricky to find online at the moment. It’s essentially a DIY retro handheld that you and your kids can build together. Made in Croatia, it’s well-crafted and reasonably priced. While I’m not usually a big fan of STEM toys, this one stands out as something genuinely enjoyable.
Smartivity DIY Pinball Machine
This is a bit more engaging than most electronic toys. It’s a DIY pinball machine that you assemble yourself, made from laser-cut wood and even featuring a built-in scoring system. Another STEM toy that offers a hands-on experience and might be more enjoyable than a video game.
Vankyo Performance V700P Projector
At $249, this 1080p projector offers impressive value for its price. I’ve started using projectors like this as alternatives to large TVs, and this model stands out for being easy to use and packed with built-in streaming features. It runs Google TV, so you can install almost any streaming app, including Plex. It also includes HDMI, AV, and USB inputs, making it versatile for different setups. It’s a great option as a second screen for a den or playroom.
Anbernic RG35XXSP
You didn’t hear it from me, but Anbernic handhelds come preloaded with hundreds of classic games which is, technically, illegal. This latest model, priced around $60, features emulators for NES, PS1, PSP, SNES, and Sega Genesis. While they don’t highlight the piracy potential, it’s a great option for anyone who loves classic gaming. I’ve been enjoying the original Zelda series on one, and it’s been a real treat.
What I Ate In One Year by Stanley Tucci
Like many, I hadn’t thought much about Stanley Tucci until recently. His gracious demeanor and passion for Italian cooking have completely won me over. This book, which chronicles a year of cooking and eating while filming Conclave(a fantastic movie) and recovering from cancer, is a joy to read. His storytelling is charming, and he comes across as a humble guy who simply loves Negronis. A real delight.
Marathon Watch 46MM JDD
As a big watch enthusiast, I’ve always admired Marathon, a Canadian brand known for crafting rugged watches for military use. These timepieces are water-resistant up to 300 meters and strike a great balance between durability and wearability. Priced at around $1,200, they offer excellent value without breaking the bank. If you’re shopping for a watch lover, this is a standout choice—assuming they don’t already own one. It’s one of my personal favorites.
Ricoh GR
I hesitate to mention this because it might drive up prices on these quirky little cameras. Made around 2013, at the tail end of the pocket cam era, they were cutting-edge at the time. Now, using one feels like shooting with a vintage Holga camera from the Soviet era. They challenge your photography skills because they don’t perform as seamlessly as a smartphone, forcing you to adopt a whole new approach. Priced around $300 online, they’re a unique and thoughtful gift for the Luddite in your life. Here’s a picture of two dogs taken with this goofy camera. It’s very 2000s-tastic.
Global Model X Chef’s Knife
If you have a cook in the family, this knife is an excellent gift. I’ve had this model from about ten years ago, and it still holds an incredible edge. It’s perfectly balanced for heavy chopping, making it a joy to use. At around $119, it’s a bit of an investment, but one that’s absolutely worth it. This is my top recommendation—better even than Misen.
Meater Plus
As a dedicated griller, I can say a meat thermometer is a must-have. It completely changes the game, giving you precise control over your cooking. They’re also fantastic for bread baking, letting you check the internal temperature of your loaf to avoid undercooking. For outdoor grilling, I highly recommend the Meater, while the Thermapen is perfect for kitchen use. Both are excellent tools that make a big difference.
ThermoPro TP19H
If you’re not interested in a smart thermometer, this $15 option is a fantastic alternative. It’s incredibly reliable and has become my favorite kitchen gadget. Don’t let anyone tell you they don’t need one—if they don’t already have a thermometer, they definitely do.
That’s all I could think of for this year. Let me know what you are gifting or getting by responding to this email and I’ll make another Gift Guide with your suggestions.
