THE ACL GIFT GUIDE 2023

Gift guides aren’t important, but they can be fun. With the ever-shifting discounts of the Black Friday Cyber Monday Thanksgiving Holiday Cyber Discount Week sales I didn’t want to delay this any further — so here is my 2023 list full of gift ideas. (Gift guides from years past are here: 2022 gift guide and the 2021 gift guide. The 2020 gift guide felt a bit different.)

At this point you probably know everything you need to know about gifts. This sort of rampant commercialization isn’t the end-all be-all when it showing thoughtfulness or appreciation. That said, it can still be fun to get someone something nice. A gift guide can also be useful for getting some ideas flowing.

It goes without saying that making something by hand, baking a selection of Christmas cookies or taking someone for a unique experience could be more sentimental and less materialistic avenue. Only you can decide what is right for the people in your life so I leave that to you. In the meantime, here are over 50 ideas for gifts for dads, outdoorsmen, kids and the ladies in your life. Hope this is useful and interesting. I will continue to add things as we get closer to the holidays so check back to the online post of this story occasionally.

Before we even get into this, here are seven small companies worth supporting. These are the places where each order matters and customer service is a core value.

📬 Also, if you want to send someone a gift subscription to ACL, here’s a special deal from me via this discounted link.

Kitchen

Joan Cast Iron Pan from Butter Pat Industries — A good cast iron pan can be the most versatile thing in your kitchen. I use one almost every day for one thing or another. It’s worth the investment and this is a gift anyone who cooks will appreciate.

Three worthy cook books: Jacques Pépin Quick & Simple, The Cookie That Changed My Life by Nancy Silverton and A Man & His Kitchen By Matt Hranek

Mise en Place Prep Set and Nakiri Knife by Made In — Everyone who likes to cook will appreciate good kitchen essentials like this stuff from Made In.

Oyster Performance Cooler — Cool indeed. Not sure what a performance cooler is but they had me at aluminium.

Olivewood Cutting Board and Knives — I’ve been on a mission this year to buy all new cutting boards that aren’t plastic. Garrett Wade makes some seriously good knives and they have my loyalty when it comes to well-made things of this nature.

Pizza Steel — There are a lot of pizza related gifts that would be worth giving to someone who wants to go the homemade route, but the pizza steel is the simplest of them all. It also happens to be the easiest if you have kids and don’t want to mess around with wood fires and those types of things. A more advanced gift would be the Ooni Karu 16 multi-fuel.

Cocktails, Wine and Coffee

Hearth x Yama Pour Over Kit — I love the Hearth double walled hand made glass mugs (seen above). Add in this Yama pour over kit you’ve got yourself something really unique.

Yeti Cocktail Shaker — Most Yeti things feel a bit unnecessary and that’s what makes it all great.

The Durand Corkscrew — A good gift for someone who takes wine seriously. These Durand corkscrews are the exact thing needed for an old bottle or just to flex on your dinner guests.

Barolo MGA Vol. III Book — A beautiful book filled with advanced reading for those interested in Northern Italy and Barolo specifically.

Travel French Press — Something for the travelers and coffee lovers who want good french press on the road.

Kermit Lynch 50th Anniversary Tote — Because Kermit is the G.O.A.T. and who doesn’t want to celebrate 5 decades of temperature controlled imports from some of the best producers all over the world.

🦖🤖 FOR THE KIDDOS

Campbell’s of Beauly Kids Defender Jumper — No explanation needed on this one. I bought one of these for my son this April and every time he wears it people love it.

Glow in the Dark Magna Tiles — Magna Tiles are always a hit. These are just unique enough to get them into the good gift zone.

Magnetic Color and Number Sorter Toy — There’s something about these Montessori toys that could be as fun for adults as they are for toddlers.

Milk Teeth — Including this brand again this year as they make some really cool kids clothes.

Race to the Treasure Game — The goal is to try and give kids things they will actually use. Sometimes games are a big hit and they can get the whole family involved which is a huge win. This game is an easy one to play with smaller kids and not so complex it makes it easy for parents to be involved.

OMTC Patchwork Madras Bear — If you love traditional cloth like madras you will want to give the littles one of these handmade patchwork bears made from bits and bobs of left over fabrics. [Updated 11/27]

Duplo Large Lego Kit — These are a no brainer. Every kid seems to like these bigger legos and they get a lot of play. It’s always good to try and find toys to gift that will actually be played with.

RC Excavator, Loader and Dump Truck — These are awesome for kids and perfect for the beach. I personally want these about as much as my kids will.

Kid Watches from Flik Flak and Parchie — I love the idea of the little ones wearing watches even though reading analog time might be a ways off. Why not build the culture of watch wearing early.

Windup Tin Cat, Scooter Girls and Motorbike — I love Garrett Wade for good tools and retro toys.

Hey Gang — Another great kids brand that’s all made in LA. Hey Gang also makes clothes for adults too. Classic workwear Americana for the whole family.

STYLE DAD

Slowear Cashmere Shirt Jacket — You may have noticed my many mentions that Slowear is my favorite clothing brand. More specifically the desert island test: if I could only pick one brand this would be it. This cashmere shirt jacket is a wonderful upgrade to a simple piece which is exactly what makes for an excellent gift.

Buck Mason Selvedge Made in USA Jeans — Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. I love these made in LA Ford Standard jeans.

Scottish Turtleneck Sweater — If you spend any amount of time in cold weather you are going to need a good turtleneck. Junior’s is one of my go-to sources for Scottish wool and cashmere.

Lady White Co. Tee Shirt Two Pack — LA Based brand Lady White mades some of the best tee shirts.

New England Shirt Co. Flannels — Everyone needs, wants and appreciates a good flannel shirt. These are just that and made in Fall River, Mass.

Rancourt & Co Handsewn Shoes — These Camp Mocs are some of the most versatile and comfortable shoes you can ever find.

Mate Gallery — One of my favorite shops, Mate has an amazing selection of vintage objects, books, art and other nautical inspired things. It’s a great place to buy a copy of the Original Preppy Handbook or a whale door knocker.

Hestra Bergvik Gloves — A good pair of gloves are worth the investment. Hestra is a 3 generation family company and all they make are gloves. This is the type of specialty company that continues with the same singular focus with which it started.

Rose & Co Sunglasses — There’s nothing more personal than glasses because you wear them on your face — so you want something good. Rose & Co. is my go-to favorite brand for optical and sun. Great stuff here and a perfect gift.

J. Press Tweed Lovat Mill Shirt Jacket — J. Press is an icon of American menswear and Lovat is an important specialist Scottish tweed weaver. What could be a better combination? Of course this jacket is made in the USA.

The Classic Turkish Robe — These are solid robes. Modern, not too bulky and good color options.

⏱ WATCHES & ACCESSORIES

IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic Top Gun — The simplicity of the IWC pilot’s watches always appealing to me. That’s probably why I have so many IWCs in the collection. Though there’s part of me who always wants to add more! The clean looking designs like this Pilot’s Automatic Top Gun are, in my opinion, the best things coming out of Schaffhausen.

Hamilton Khaki Field Watch — A less expensive but still classic time piece. Hamilton is just so good and these Khakis are beloved for their simplicity and enduring design.

Wolf x Analog Shift Watch Box — The perfect thing for someone with a few watches. These watch storage boxes are super well made and have seriously satisfying tactile qualities. Anyone who is into watches will appreciate these things.

Unimatic UC2 — These watches are almost always in a gift guide because they are so pure and have such great aesthetics. I don’t know that there’s a better watch in the $500 range.

Hodinkee Watch Pouches — These are great for travel or to put a watch away in storage. I have a few and every time I use one I appreciate the quality and simplicity.

Seiko 5 Sports All Black — The Seiko 5 Sports line is iconic. This new black on black SRPD79 5 Sports model is the aesthetic update that we needed from Seiko. At $360 this thing is hard to beat.

The Watch Book Rolex — I’m normally not into watch coffee table books but I saw this recently and liked it. I think any with any affection for Rolex and it’s associated pursuits will enjoy this book.

GOLF DAD

ACL GOLF x Holderness & Bourne Conrad Vest — Shamless plug but this is one of my most worn layering pieces that works almost everywhere I go. H&B does navy better than anyone and this great vest highlights the ACL flag logo nicely.

The Golf Courses of Seth Raynor Book — With the exception of perhaps Old Tom and C.B. Macdonald — Seth Raynor is my all time favorite golf course architect. This book is a celebration of his genius. Written by the talented Michael Wolf if you like famous golf courses this is the book for you.

Sentinel Range Finder Case — These made in USA rangefinder cases are the gold standard and everyone should own one. Additionally, Sentinel makes an almost complete colleciton of interesting and unique golf related things that an evolved person would appreciate. This is the kind of stuff people probably say is big in Japan.

Fliers Club Membership — I’ve said it before, but joining The Fliers Club is one of the best things I’ve ever done when it comes to golf. It’s a great community of unpretentious like-minded people who love golf, architecture and travel. Plus, the logo and merch is excellent.

Bluegrass Fairway Accessories — This brand is always on my gift guides for a reason — everything this company makes is nice. I click through this website frequently and want one of each of these things. Well done and made in the USA.

A Beautiful Golf Course Photo Print — My talented friend Matt Hahn has some wonderful prints available. This guy is good with the drone.

Billykirk Golf Goods — Almost every time I play I use one of these great leather scorecard holders from Billykirk. All of the small golf goods from this American manufacturer are excellent and carry my highest recommendation.

🛫 TRAVEL

Rimowa — This could be the best moment to give a Rimowa as a gift. They aren’t cheap and you see many travelers with them, but they are great bags. The Original collection is my favorite. The Trunk is the one I think everyone secretly wants but doesn’t own. There are luggage alternatives out there too. ACE Bags are my recommended option for those who can’t go Rimowa for whatever reason. I like that Roam bags that are made in the USA and still priced decently.

Filson Suit Bag — This Traveller Suit Cover was made in collaboration with Chris Stapleton. It’s surprisingly difficult to find a good suit carrier these days and this thing is excellent.

Heavenly Travel Blanket — I’m a firm believer in bringing your own blanket and pillow for a flight or a road trip. I discovered this thing while trying to figure out why the Heavenly Bed is so dang comfortable. This is the bedding innovation I need — a travel blanket that folds into a pillow. Sing me up and keep that Whoop score in the green.

Kinto Travel Mug — The best coffee vessel that won’t spill no matter what.

🚀 OBJECTS & FUN

Gearbox Transparent Turntable — A record player makes a great gift for anyone who loves the richness of vinyl.

Nocs Monolith Speaker — Incredible home audio made in Sweden. These speakers are overwhelmingly awesome. Perfect for people who love good audio with strong aesthetics.

Penny Drop Game — A simple game for everyone in the family.

Please Leave Me Along Mug — Don’t talk to me until I have had some coffee. I love Fishes Eddy — it’s one of the truly great stores in NYC. So many good things for sale there.

Sony Small Portable Speaker — Everyone needs a small portable speaker for the beach or golf or whatever. This little guy from Sony is good and the price is friendly for all budgets.

🏄🏻‍♂️🏕️ 🛶 Outdoor Dad

Slightly Choppy Surf Flags — I love these handmade flags from Laguna’s Slightly Choppy. You can get a version with a famous surf spot, National Park or a custom made edition.

Karhu Sneakers — Upgrade Dad’s sneaker game with some good looking shoes from the New Balance of Finland.

Traeger Camp Stove — This is the super upgrade for a portable grill. Could you imagine how cool it would be to show up with one of these bad boys?

Pinebury Merino Wool Cycling Jersey — Made in USA from the best possible merino. This stuff is good looking, unique, sustainable and legit for even the most hardcore cyclist or adventurer.

Steele Canvas x Lamson Grill Set — This Steele Canvas collab elevates the outdoor grill set and canvas too roll. All made in Massachusetts.

Quick Hit Bonus Brands

Western Hydrodynamic Research, Bombas Socks, Viberg, St. Johns Bay Rum, Original Madras Trading Company, Oak Street Boot Makers, Tortoise General Store, Corridor

Gifts for the Women in Our Lives

Selected by writer and stylist Laurie Trott

Nothing here is really news, and that’s the point. Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that aren’t groundbreaking, they’re just beautiful, useful, and chic. There are a few wildcards in the mix but overall, these are the gifts that even the fussiest of ladies will appreciate and reach for, time and time again.

Beauty & Accessories

Ilia Multi Sticks — Like fingerpaints for your face. The beauty of Ilia Multi-Sticks is that there is no wrong answer when it comes to what shade works with what skin tone. Lightweight and sheer, they add a dewy wash of color to cheeks and lips.

Hermes Eye Compact — Loving this look of Hermès getting in on the makeup game. These new Bauhaus-inspired eye palettes are just pretty to have. And obviously whipping an Hermès compact out of your bag is a very chic flex.

Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil — The notes of this seaweed-based skin oil are a mix of citrus and cypress so it smells bright and clean and soaks into the skin quickly. It’s fun to say and feels great to wear.

The Sofia Coppola Starter Pack — The release of Priscilla marks 25 years of filmmaking for Sofia Coppola. The coffee table tome is edited with a scrapbook feel — her personal collage of the stories behind her films.

Officine Buly Candle and Scented Matches — Repeat after me: Candles are not a cop out. These smell so good, I won’t waste your time trying to describe it. You can order them with matching matches to ‘pre-scent the air’. This makes a pretty fabulous setup to stage on a night or coffee table, and when you’ve used up the candle, you’re left with a charming marble vase to spruce up a tight bunch of deli flowers.

ZIIP Halo — So many crazy looking anti-aging, skin-toning devices out there. This new one from esthetician Melanie Simon is as discreet as a Motorola flip phone and effectively brightens, tightens, and lifts when used just four minutes a day.

Clothing, Etc.

Saint Laurent Jacket — It’s all about cocktail separates and evening jackets these days. This one is a true classic that scratches that French Girl style itch.

HommeGirls 70’s Stripe Classic Shirt — Never underestimate the power of the perfect button down. This one is for the type of woman who wears men’s Charvet shirts as ‘going out’ tops (guilty, as charged), and believes there is no such thing as too many striped shirts in one’s closet.

Extreme Cashmere N. 35 Stretch Cashmere Bandana — Foulard, but make it cashmere. It’s such a score when something that keeps you warm is also just really, really chic and, this is key: not bulky. This little triangle scarf suddenly seems to be everywhere, but I believe this is the one.

Guest In Residence Cashmere Socks — When you think about what socks go through on a daily basis, buying them in cashmere for yourself feels extremely indulgent. However, getting a pair as a gift, like this boldly-colored pair from the cult-favorite knitwear brand by Gigi Hadid? 11 out of 10 recommend.

Èterne Francis Sweater — Everyone needs that perfect black cashmere sweater but the online selection can be overwhelming. I love this cropped style, from a collection created by a stylist. It’s super thin for easy layering, has a flattering neckline, and doesn’t pill.

J. Hannah Priscilla Locket — An understated and evocative take on the puffy heart pendant that’s everywhere these days. The silk self-tie ribbon lets her wear it a choker or longer so the pendant sits further down the decolletage.

Tory Burch Knit Polo & Plaid Twill Pant — If you’re reading this, you’re probably really into golf. These pieces from Tory Burch’s sport collection are designed to perform on the links and look plain chic off the course.

Stone and Strand Diamond Earrings — Personal jewelry can so…personal (read: polarizing). These gold and diamond earrings will be a welcome addition to her jewelry box.

Home

Areaware Brass Coasters — Fact: Nearly everyone can appreciate a coaster upgrade. These brass-plated beauties would be at home in a wide range of interiors.

Cloth Napkins — For the avid at-home host, cloth napkins matter. Artist Kate Shepherd’s graphic and bright ‘everyday’ set from the MoMA store fits the bill.

Binoculars — Everyone can use a pair of binoculars. Whether an aspiring ornithologist, nosy Rosie or gorpcore-curious city girl. These are compact, waterproof, made with Swiss optical engineering and bonus: too bright to lose.

Ichendorf Milano Deco Tumblers — Even tap water tastes better in a nice glass. I love giving these as a gift because they’re great for small dinner parties — everyone gets their own motif.

Luxury

Cartier Santos — You can never go wrong with a Cartier watch. Loving the Santos right now. It’s got echoes of big ‘80s style but also a timeless mix of masculine and feminine design.

Alaia flats — Ballet flats in BIG demand. This pair works year round — with tights or with a flash red nail polish poking through the house’s signature cut out.

The Row Gloves — It’s also all about fabulous opera gloves right now. Here’s a truly beautiful pair. Caveat: this is not for someone who is prone to losing winter accessories. If you need price friendly diamond earrings instead.

Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Speedy — Everyone needs that effortlessly chic, virtually indestructible bag that transcends It Bag status and holds its own even in the most foul of weather. These come in a range of neutrals and fun colors, and the embossed grooves in the leather hide scratches so you don’t need to be too precious about it. There’s something very ladylike about a structured top-handle bag that can pack it all in like clowns in a clown car.

Prada Triangle — Anything with that little triangle is a welcome gift. This diamond stud from the new fine jewelry collection is sold in singles — great for the significant other who like to mix and match.