GIFT GUIDE 2023


2023 ANNUAL NON-ABBEYDALE GIFT GUIDE

You know what we do well, but we can’t make everything.  This list is curated with the best of the best.  Unique, fashionable, and, most importantly, functional.  All are high quality and built to improve the life of someone you love.  

Hit me with any sizing questions!

Huge shout out to @ParkerThorneburg (stylish!) for the help with the ladies’ stuff! Killed it.

 

MEN

  • Anglo-Italian Fisherman Sweater - Densely knit, sporty, and textured, they’ve refined robust knitwear into an urban-friendly garment suitable with denim, flannel, and corduroy. I’d wear underneath overcoats and wax jackets or even as a standalone piece of outerwear for our not-so-cold Winter evenings.

    Howlin Cool Wool Sweater - It’s the color for me.

    Knickerbocker Cotton Trail Longsleeve - I love the subtle check patterns here. It should go with most of what’s in your wardrobe.

    Lady White Co. T-Shirts - North Carolina cotton tees. Pre-shrunk and tubular design (no side seams). Awesome.

    Ghiaia Cable Knitted Polo - 100% cotton cable (Treccia) knitted polo sweater with long sleeves, knitted polo neck, cuffs, and hem. The buttons are realized in the highest quality of natural black and white horn. Size up if in between sizing.

    Berg & Berg Blackwatch - I love this pattern; it reminds me of the fall and the holidays every time I see it. This is a good one from Norway-based Berg & Berg.

    Lady White Co Zip - Is it a jacket or a sweatshirt? I say both. You don’t think you need this heavy of a fleece until you get one. Trust me.

    Drake's Mock Neck Sweater - I think mock necks kill it, and this is a good one!

    NORSE Infinium Coat - An insulated Mac coat constructed featuring classic Mac detailing. This is cut with a slightly oversized fit and raglan sleeves.

    Outerknown Blanket Shirts - They're always a hit when I recommend them. They are super soft and well-made, and they are all about sustainability as a brand, something I can stand behind.

  • Drakes Gray Harris Tweed Trouser - These relaxed-fit trousers walk a line between tailoring and workwear. Comfortable, practical, and resilient, they're the everyday classics that make getting dressed in the mornings easy – regardless of the weather or occasion.

    Sid Mashburn Side Tab Trouser - It’s the camel stretch flannel for me. It's such a good color. Drop the dad khakis and get these.

    MR P. Wool and Cashmere-Blend Sweatpants - Lounge in supreme comfort this season and the next, and the next. I dig the black but the gray doesn’t miss either. The front and back pockets are clutch!

    INCOTEX Tapered Cargo Trousers - Incotex makes great-fitting pants. Why not add some utilitarian goodness?

    Outerknown Utility Pant - They modernized a '70s-era military pant with a modern fit but kept those favorite workwear pockets to keep your goods secure on the go. Get the olive.

    Relwyn Supply Pant - Take a classic Utility Pant of the U.S. military from the ’50s and ’60s, slim it down with a tapered leg for a more modern aesthetic, and you have this pant. Awesome.

  • TABOR Easymoc - Great collaboration on a shoe that will only get better with time.

    Alden Indy Boot 403 - The Indy Boot has been a cold-weather classic for good reason. They're rugged, iconic, and incredibly comfortable.

    Norse Projects Chelsea Boot - A minimal take on another menswear archetype - the Chelsea boot. The upper is re-imagined with matte rubberized box leather and lined with a light and soft mesh lining with elasticated side panels on the shaft for easy entry. Put on a high-volume Vibram outsole made for hiking. LFG

    Santoni Leather Loafer - Available at the local Taylor Richards Conger - this loafer easily fits in for the southern gent.

  • Carbon Steel Half Griddle - Designed to maximize the direct heat contact between your ingredients and the cooking surface, maximizing crisping and caramelizing. Everything from grilled cheese to blackened snapper tastes richer, savory, and complex.

    Craighill Wine Key - Designed in collaboration with sommelier André Hueston Mack, this tactile gadget is ready for your stay-at-home evenings.

    A Man and His Kitchen - A Man & His Kitchen is like an invitation to Matt’s storied country retreat, the Wm Brown Farm in upstate New York, to learn how to cook the hundred-plus recipes he considers his greatest hits—simple, straightforward, and, most of all, delicious dishes to feed yourself, your family, and your friends.

    Harvesting + Gathering Bag - The only harvesting I’m doing is at the grocery store - but this bag is still great for that, too!

    Teamwork Apron - Created by restauranteur Brook Reitz, this apron is minimal yet still has all the pockets you’d need to look like a pro. This apron brings elegance and intelligent, functional detailing.

  • EVERGREEN Seahorse 56 EDC Dry Box - There are a lot of forces at work trying to get to your valuables—dust, water, or unseen collisions from the universe. You don’t need a dry box until you really can use one. Great for the beach, on hikes, etc.

    World Travel Adapter Kit - This world adapter magically takes your U.S. plugs and makes them fit pretty much anywhere in the world. It’s even got USB ports.

    Pebblebee Global Trackers - These trackers work with iOS and Android and let you track your keys, suitcases, or anything else with whatever phone you please.

    Phillips One Toothbrush - Opt for this thinner travel version, which gets you that same machine-fresh clean at a price that won’t make you cry when you realize it’s still on the Hilton bathroom counter.

    Stanley Adventure Boil + Brew French Press - Visiting the rents over the holiday but don’t want to deal with their Keurig coffee? This is the solution.

    Lounge Membership - Since 1992, Priority Pass has been providing frequent Travellers with independent airport lounge access worldwide. The network of lounges continues to grow. Good for the occasional traveler to the person who lives in airports.

    Getaway for Two Collections - This collection offers a night for two people in a hotel at one of America’s must-visit destinations – what’s not to like?

    Monos Packing Cubes - Messy, over-stuffed suitcases are a thing of the past with these cubes. Keeps your clothing and other items neatly organized and compressed.

  • CrownTown Landscapes - Who doesn’t want a dream yard? Take the plunge with these guys—incredible owners.

    Tom Beckbe Leather Tote - With use, this bag will continue to develop its distinctive patina. It is lined with a waterproof synthetic interior liner and sized for day and overnight service.

    The o-Ring Belt by Martin Dingman is a straightforward yet unique design. This belt will be with you for life.

    Go Pro HERO12 Black - Get all of your 2024 adventures on film.

    Prime Steaks From Wild Fork Fork - Get all the meats delivered. You can’t miss.

    Nightswim Coffee - For the coffee lover in your life. No one does it better.

    Monocle Magazine Subscription - The 1/2024 edition will be Monocle's toolkit of upbeat ideas, sunny opportunities, and a fresh take on what’s to come. Finding a gift that delivers tons of value for 12 months is challenging. Subscription perks include discounts from their highly curated shop.

    AIR MAIL Subscription - AIR MAIL was launched in 2019 as a lively digital weekly for world citizens. The premise of AIR MAIL is simple: supply you with articles on foreign and domestic subjects—ranging from politics and the environment to art and literature, style and fashion, and high-end crime and beyond—by some of the world’s finest journalists. Mostly, these are stories you will not find anywhere else.

    Drakes Black Fine Woven Grenadine Silk Hand Rolled Tie - What’s Christmas without a tie as a gift? This isn’t your typical black tie. I love grenadine, and I love this.

    Woven O-Ring Belt by Sid Mashburn - I love the simplicity of an O-ring belt. The buckle on this one's made of unlacquered brass, meaning it'll age nicely the more you wear it.

    Cashmere-Lined Waffle Knit Gloves by Sid Mashburn - You had me at cashmere lined.

    Deerskin Wool Tricot Gloves by Hestra - Classic heritage brand Hestra never fails.

    Norse Projects Leather Salen Gloves - A new style from the Norse Projects x Hestra collaboration, this glove comes with a 100% Elk Skin outer and merino wool lining.

    Over the Calf Dress Socks - A massive collection of incredible socks made in the USA started right here in North Carolina. Support!

    Giles and Brothers Railroad Spike - The OG railroad spike from G+B is still a favorite. I have one from 2005 with ABBEYDALE on it. I didn’t even have the company, really - just an idea. Love it.

    The Boy Who Would Be King - (a Children’s Book about Marcus Aurelius) I received this when Chief (my son) was born. (Thanks Jay!) It's still an awesome gift for the little ones. Grab The Girl Who Would Be Free (The story of Epictetus) while you’re at it.

    MADabolic - We’re all going to need to shed a little post-holiday. Get in for 5 classes for $5.

WOMEN

  • Mark and Graham Personalized Small Travel Jewelry Case - A travel-size jewelry case will help keep her precious pieces safe and organized. Add her initials for a special touch, and she'll love it.

    Mark and Graham 6 Piece Packing Cube Set - I'm sure you've witnessed how we gals pack our suitcases...everything is organized and put in a particular order. These packing cubes will make it easier!

    Delsey Paris Luggage - White is classic. This is the collection I receive the most compliments on. It is excellent quality and has a TSA combination lock to protect your gear.

    Paravel Weekender - She may need a new weekender bag. Paravel made a durable canvas bag that is necessary for any weekend getaway.

  • NAADAM Off-Duty Cashmere Hoodie - NAADAM says it best, this hoodie is an "elevated, everyday pullover with a relaxed classic fit and classic length. It features a drawstring hood, smooth seams, and versatile silhouette. Crafted from 100% premium, sustainable cashmere." Top 5 pick.

  • Sofia Cashmere Baby Camel Pick-Stitched Wrap Coat - You fellas have DW's favorites for his coats. Well, this coat is cashmere, beautiful, and made in the USA. Be sure to check her coat collection before, if she has camel, she needs black too.

    Burberry Trench Coat - Charlotte's weather is ridiculous so she needs a light, breathable, yet fashionable raincoat. Perfect for travels as well.

  • Chloe Raina Rain Boot - Chloe made rainboots. You guys probably don't know who she is, but your lady does—a functional and chic addition to her boot collection.

    Prada Black Nappa Leather Boots - Every woman needs a pair of dressier black leather boots in her wardrobe. These Prada boots can be dressed up or down and will add a stylish statement to her outfit.

    Birkenstock Zermatt Clogs - Your wifey may already own these, so check her closet. If she doesn't, these Birks are a safe choice she'll adore.

  • Rose + Co. A5 Sunglasses - Unisex, but damn, these are awesome.

    Chloe Marcie Small Double Carry Bag - Alright. I think this was on last year's list. So, if you didn't pull the trigger last Christmas, you better this year. She will love you more if you buy her this bag.

    Prada Candy Perfume - Prada makes many wonderful things. However, this perfume is very popular, and the 30mL bottle is ideal for traveling.

    The Golden Carrot - This local Charlotte boutique is breathtakingly original, and you can find a beautiful piece for various tastes. Your loved one will adore the piece you pick for her. There are too many just to recommend one. Whether it's a necklace, bracelet, or ring, you can't go wrong (unless you get the wrong ring size, so double-check).

    Anthropologie Zodiac Charm Necklace - Zodiac signs are in, and if she doesn't have a necklace like this, she wants one. It's a low-cost winner.

    Powerbeats Pro - Who else is over AirPods? These beats have a nine-hour listening time, are sweat-resistant, and have a built-in microphone. They are perfect for smaller ears and stay in when running (which is a big deal).

    Cotton Weighted Blanket - Knitted weighted blanket made of organic cotton. This will help ensure your lady receives her beauty sleep and comes in different colors to match her vibe.

    Icebreaker Card Game - Move beyond small talk. Break down barriers, cultivate connections, and cultivate openness and vulnerability. Get to know people better across 6 categories…Perfect to use with friends, coworkers, family, and strangers. Select a card and start sharing.

    MATEO New York Pearl Earrings - Your special lady will love these chunky baroque pearl earrings...these make it in the top 5 picks.

    Caraa Tennis Quilted Backpack Tote - Does she play tennis? If so, this lightweight tote is the way to go.

    Book Nook Reading Valet - This will be a winner if she is a reader. This book nook allows her to hold her book page in place and has spots for her glasses, beverage, and phone.

    V4 Infrared Sauna Blanket - I have heard all the rage about the HigherDOSE infrared sauna blanket...this will be a smart investment as you will most likely use it too!

    Loro Piana Napier Gloves - Loro Piana made stylish, warm, classic cable knit gloves that are just right for NC weather.

    Oura Ring - Is she over the ugly-ass Apple watch? Does she like to track her sleep cycle, workouts, and overall health? This ring tracks over 20 biometric signals, all from her finger. Top 5 pick.

  • MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Enamel Tea Kettle - MacKenzie-Childs tea kettle is a classy southern charm that will make a fabulous addition to your kitchen.

    MacKenzie-Childs Gold Edition Bar Set - If she doesn't need a tea kettle, this will add a classy and pretty touch to the bar.

    Anthropologie Zaza Lustered Stemless Martini Glasses, Set of 4 - Anthropologie makes beautiful, intricate glasses of all sorts. This set of 4, stemless martini glasses, will add to her book club and girls' nights in.

  • Sarah J. Maas Court of Thornes and Roses - This series is for the Game of Thrones fans out there. I have not read a series faster than this one and my friends are equally obsessed.