2024 Holiday Gift Guide

Ask my son to name his favorite gift of all time, and it might be one he received  from my Dad this year -- his OneWheel. He rides it to school and says he feels free every time he steps on board. He rides the PintX ($1,500).

It's my job to keep our bikes running well, and this year I finally went for a bicycle repair stand ($80). Strong enough to hold a heavy e-bike, it makes every maintenance task easier.

The lock I fell in love with this year is the HipLock. We own both the Lite ($54) and the Gold ($110) that comfortably wrap around your waist to carry while riding, and then offer a beefy chain to lock your bike when you arrive.

To keep darkness from spoiling a basketball game, there are a couple nights I wished for a solar basketball hoop light ($280), like those made by Goalrilla.

When it's time to chill, I have never owned anything easier to set up than our portable hammock. We toss it in the back of our car to read a book in a park under a tree. This one ($130) even comes with a sun shade.

Feeding our families is a calling. As much as we rely on non-stick pans, we want one that doesn’t release harmful chemicals. That's where the Titanium Always Pan Pro ($215) comes in using patented physical surface for food to release, and a lifetime warranty.

To make operations easier while working over a flame, all of our oils are in these glass dispensers ($16). They offer more speed, precision and general vibe and happen to be an excellent gift for almost any chef. 

In contemplating what to cook, why not consult 25 years of research? I have been enjoying America’s Test Kitchen’s 25 Year Anniversary cookbook for both its breath and straightforward approach to recipes you can trust.

Switching to drinks, I've been frustrated by how our home cocktails never meet those of a bar. Not anymore, now that we have learned one major disadvantage is not having access to the best of ingredients. Enter Cheeky that delivers shelf-stable versions of syrups and juices a bartend often makes from scratch. Four syrups (form $38) make an excellent gift.

In a world where the design of bags seems to converge, the Capstone Backpack ($335) by Stuart and Lau stands out. I consistently find their materials to be a notch above, and this bag combines a quick access top with a large mouth opening that is rarely found on a daypack.

One of the best gifts I received this year is a simple one:  the Anker 633 Magnetic Battery / Phone Charger ($54). Another battery? Ugh. But wait, this one is better because it charges wirelessly and at 10,000mAh delivers a couple of full charges I am grateful for every time.

With few things more important than sleep, the Sleepbuds by Ozlo ($300) are the way to go. To make a long story short, the Ozlo team originally developed them for Bose (yeah, that Bose), who discontinued them. Then Ozlo brought them back with improvements. Every night, they help me sleep better at home. But for many, they are indispensable to block out noise when traveling.

Many travelers swear by putting AirTags ($99 for a pack of four) in their luggage - or to other valuables - to recover them if lost or stolen. Gifting a set is a great nudge for someone who wished they had done it themselves.

Frankly, of all the things to be worried about, the sun might be one of the most important. It’s not that hard to wear a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself under normal circumstances, but when surfing it's a whole different ballgame. That’s why when I travel (and surf), I bring Dakine’s Indo Surf Hat ($45) with a small stiff brim and chin strap. I haven't lost mine yet.

To keep my toiletries organized, the best Dopp Kit I've found is the Toiletry Kit by Bellroy ($59). For such a straightforward item, its shape and materials are just right. On a whim, we used it in a photograph of our 16oz Telex blazer, which is so small and light it fits inside!

Lastly, in a pinch to stay fit to stay fit on the road, I often mix-up my workout with a jump rope. The best and most challenging one is the SR-1 Speedrope by Rogue ($30). Setting a goal to do a 1,000 skips in one workout anytime in the new year would be a big deal.

As you look for inspiration or entertainment related to travel, Mark Orwoll's "Just One Little Hitch" ($19) is a good place to start. It will broaden your spectrum of what is a setback, versus a wee bit of weaving into the tapestry of travel.

For those dreaming of getting away from it all, "Cabin" ($29) by Patrick Hutchison offers a juicy window into the excitement / madness of changing up our existence.

If it's inspiration to travel you're after, here's an opportunity to give an easy gift. With any purchase from Bluffworks through the rest of our holiday sale receive a gift subscription to one of three amazing travel magazines (Condé Nast, Travel + Leisure, or Food & Wine). PLUS, get a second subscription to give to a loved one. (If you already purchased from us before the promotion, just email team@bluffworks.com and we will loop you in.)

Giving a gift can't get much easier than that.

Happy Holidays!