Michael SatterfieldPutting together the 2020 gift guide was a challenge this year, usually, in addition to cool gadgets and gear, the gift guide is usually filled with travel adventures and unique experiences, but with travel restricted for most people through the holiday season and early 2021, it seemed like a better idea to focus on gifts that might be closer to home. So I decided to share a gift guide of products I use myself and highly recommend. There are no affiliate links or sponsored inserts; each product here is something I personally use and believe in.
From what I consider to be the best coffee maker in the world to amazing books authored by friends, to the latest automotive tech, I know your gift recipient will love anything on this list. But, if nothing here sparks your interest, may I suggest making a donation to charity in your friend or family member’s name? My personal favorite charity is, Harvest Initiative which I have been working with since 1998, and you can give a donation in any amount or a monthly gift to sponsor a child visiting cosechanic.com.
Monogramed Decanter Set
This classic decanter set is perfect for the whiskey drinker in your life, choose from five different designs and up to three initials to create a truly personal gift. I have found that monogramming is pretty standard here in the South so, I was excited to have my very own custom decanter by 28 Collective. The decanter will hold 26 ounces of liquor and includes four 11 ounce glasses. If whiskey isn’t his thing, 28 Collective also offers a wide range of monogrammed barware including shot glasses, beer mugs, and pilsner glasses.
Jura Massive Aluminum Coffee Maker
Jura, maker of arguably the best home coffee makers on the market has created the ENA 8 as the ultimate automated barista. Since we have been working at home the Jura allows Jennifer and me to enjoy our favorite coffee drinks without having to leave the house. Prepare 10 barista-quality specialties including espresso doppio, cappuccino, flat white, and latte macchiato at the touch of a button. The machine grinds fresh beans each time and produces the perfect cup of coffee.
$2,499 shopjura.com
Driving Gloves by Cafe Leather
Every guy needs a good pocket knife, be it for his everyday carry, or just for the occasional camping trip. This Hunter Pro Alox is my personal favorite and I use it every day. High quality, well made, and the pop of color from the paracord is nice. You can also get it in Silver, Black, Woodgrain and a Damast Steel limited edition.
Carchitecture: Houses with Horsepower
Lifestyle journalist Thijs Demeulemeester takes you on a trip through some iconic houses and the unique cars that match them in elegance of design and construction. An amazing book perfect for a coffee table, den, or study, the perfect gift for fans of cars or architecture.
$50 amazon.com
Aiaiai TMA-2 Modular Headphones
$140-$350 aiaiai.audio
Smathers & Branson Needlepoint Cufflinks
Needlepoint has never really gone out of fashion in the South, but thanks to brands like Smathers & Brandon it is seeing a resurgence in menswear and accessories. These Texas flag cufflinks are the same ones I wore for my wedding and were a great accessory that celebrated my home state. If cufflinks aren’t the right gift, Smathers & Branson have a great collection of needlepoint wallets, hats, belts, and more. Themes include sports, destinations, and of course college sports teams.
Hatozaki Small Batch Whisky
I have been exploring the world of whisky over the last few years and recently discovered Japanese brands like Hatozaki which is a great Japanese brand to get started with. An extremely savory whisky with a meaty leather character that fades to a creamier lemon peel finish.
$49-$65 ourniche.com
Detomaso Viaggio Automatic
Detomaso, not to be confused with the car company, has been producing high-quality watches at very affordable price points for years. The Viaggio Automatic is the perfect example of a watch that punches well above its weight offering a stylish, well-made, automatic wristwatch for under $350. Powered by a high-quality Seiko movement the Viaggio is inspired by classic speedometers and a beautiful glass case back that shows the watch at work. I have been wearing the Detomaso for the last week and have been impressed with how well made it is for the price.
$349 detomasowatches.com
One-Pan Cookbook For Men
Our friend Jon Bailey created the perfect cookbook for guys, no matter if you are living in a bachelor pad or trying to feed a family, he felt every guy should be able to whip together a delicious meal. However, a lack of time and kitchen know-how can make it tempting to reach for fast food instead. Luckily, One-Pan Cookbook for Men, one of the most helpful cookbooks for men, is here to prove that eating well for your wallet, waistline, and taste buds requires little more than a single skillet. 100 recipes include everything from appetizers to desserts, all using just one pan to get the job done.
$15 amazon.com
Modest Vintage Player Leather Medicine Ball
Just because you are working out doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the equipment, Modest Vintage Player’s line of leather, vintage-inspired workout equipment has been spotted in gyms of some of the biggest celebrities. With weights from 4lbs to 20lbs, these medicine balls are as beautiful as they are functional.
From $149 modestvintageplayer.com
NEFT Vodka
NEFT is a small-batch vodka that caught my attention with its memorable container that looks like a mini oil barrel. The barrel is also insulated and can keep your NEFT Vodka cold for up to six hours. In 750mL, 1-liter, and 100mL barrels. Distilled in Lustenau, Austria it is very high quality and smooth vodka, I made their signature Honey Bear cocktail and have to say it was an impressive drink and easy to make at home.
$29-$45 neftvodkaus.com
This officially licensed shirt by M&P Speed Shop captures the Gulf Research Racing 1974 Championship season with a wonderful retro style. Soft premium tee with a bold graphic on front and the 1974 season calendar on the back.
Lifetime Leather Co has created one of my favorite automotive accessories this year with this classic canvas and leather tool roll. Perfect to keep in the trunk of your classic car or truck, the roll is sold with or without tools, is offered in four colors, and can be monogrammed. My favorite colors are the classic brown and the British Racing Green with brown leather trim. If you order it with tools it includes 14 standard wrenches, a socket set with 3/8 in. drive ratchet, and a standard hex key set.
For the photographer in your life, Inspire In Time has released a great collection of universal camera straps. Offered in leather or nylon with leather trip these high-quality straps are a great way to personalize a camera. I have been blown away by the quality, and the added snap-on pouch is a great place for your lens cap or extra SD cards.
One of the most iconic pieces of eyewear ever made, the Persol 714 Steve McQueen folding sunglasses have stood the test of time. Offered in Black, Caffe, Light Havana, Havana with 24k Gold Plated lenses they aren’t sunglasses you wear while doing yard work, but they are perfect for driving with the top down. Spend the extra $10 and get the monogram to make them extra special.
