Well, would you look at that? It’s December already. Yet another year has flown by far faster than we thought. Have you done all of your holiday shopping? Me neither. Good thing I have whipped up this gift guide to help you through the process.
Enjoy!
Castahohel, Silk Scarves, £50 – £320 ($67.50 – $431)
Buying a scarf for a woman is like buying a tie for a man; buy the wrong one, and she will think you put zero thought or effort into your gift, but buy the right one, and you will have proven how deeply you know her by giving her something she will wear and cherish for years to come. When it comes to scarves, the right one would be a gorgeous little number from Castahohel. These scarves boast fabulous patterns and colors that are sure to delight. My personal favorite is The Long Road Trip because rarely do elegant accessories feature sets of jumper cables.
Options range from the £50 ($67 US) cotton Military Dash that measures 80cm x 5cm, to the aptly named Giant Triangle that is made from 100% silk Crepe de Chine, measures 140cm x 140cm x 190cm, and sells for £320 ($431 US).
The Queen of England wears Castahohel. You can’t argue with that.
Eagle Pen Co., American Luxury Pens
If you read my review, then you knew I was going to suggest this one. Pens are natural gifts because they look good, feel good, and are eminently practical. Everyone can use another pen. The trick for gifting is to find one that represents something truly special. The Eagle Pen Co. offers an amazing array of pens crafted from exotic materials and historical artifacts.
Watch fans will no doubt gravitate towards the Chronos collection, made from watch parts. Aficionados of American history might want one made from timber reclaimed from the White House. Something fancier? How about a 1-of-1 pen with cherry blossoms hand-painted on its Yoshino Cherry Wood barrel? Prices range from $300 – $3000 and up, depending on the pen and the rarity of its materials.
Zealande, Watch Tools and FKM straps
Rubber straps are great for dive and sports watches that are used as intended. These watches were made to be used hard, and rubber shrugs off water, mud, and sweat. However, not all rubber straps are created equal. If you want a rubber strap you will truly enjoy, I’d suggest vulcanized fluoroelastomer, also known as FKM rubber.
FKM is every bit as resilient as other natural or synthetic rubber materials, but it is also smooth, soft, and remarkably comfortable. I hate most rubber straps, but FKM is a revelation. Zealande offers a wide range of vibrant FKM straps that are fitted for Rolex, Omega, Tag-Heuer, Tudor, and many others. They are Swiss-made and have a lifetime guarantee. The straps sell for $175 and you can get a 10% holiday discount too.
While you are at it, maybe pick up a new tool for your watch-loving giftee? Every watch enthusiast has a collection of watch tools, usually assembled piecemeal as their obsession grows. We all have at least one springbar removal tool, but there comes a point when we want one that is just a little bit better. I’d suggest a pair of quality springbar pliers. They allow you to compress both sides of the springbar at the same time, which makes life much easier when you are removing a bracelet. Zealande’s are adjustable and have removable, reversible forks. You can get them for just $59.
Mondaine Essence Watches
You probably know the Mondaine Swiss Railways watch. It is an icon of mid-century modern design and if that somehow slipped by you, I’ve reviewed them twice. That bold, graphic face is reason enough to give them a look, but did you know about the brand’s commitment to the environment?
Mondaine has been carbon-neutral since 2020, their Swiss factory has been 100% solar-powered since 2019, they have partnered with the Fairventures Organization for reforestation efforts, and they are incorporating that green ethos into their watches. The Mondaine Essence Collection features cases made from a composite of castor oil and recycled materials and textile straps woven from recycled PET bottles. Several sizes and color options are available ranging from $195 to $235.
Bearaby Weighted Blankets
Sleep. Anyone with a job, or kids, or stress, or quite likely all three, knows what a precious commodity it is. Without sleep, we can’t focus, stay healthy, or function as human beings and yet, we tend to ignore its importance, develop terrible sleep habits, and then try to compensate with caffeine. Weighted blankets are supposed to reduce anxiety and improve sleep. I was a skeptic until I tried a Bearaby and it was amazing. I fall asleep in minutes, sleep deeper, and wake feeling more rested. I also frequently have vivid dreams. Go figure.
Bearabys are available in cotton or tencel fabric. Unlike many weighted blankets, Bearabys use no fillers; their chunky, open weave gives them weight while also allowing airflow to keep you comfortable. They are also machine washable. You can buy 6-8 pound blankets for kids, or 10-25 pound versions for adults. Bearaby offers 30-day returns so you can try one out and maybe tinker with different weights. I found a 20 pound Cotton Napper was too much for me and exchanged it for a 15 pounder that worked like a charm. Prices range from the $139 kid-sized Nappling to the $400 Queen-sized Hugger.
Lone Star Treasure, Ostrich Belts and Straps
TTB contributor and @Watchmakers.Daughter Lauren C. reports that Lone Star Treasure of El Paso Texas makes a damn fine ostrich belt and she certainly seems like the trustworthy type. Browsing their Etsy storefront, you will discover some beautiful, handcrafted leather goods like the aforementioned belts, but also watch straps and sterling silver jewelry.
They use all sorts of leather but I am drawn to the weird, dinosaur skin look of ostrich leg. There is quite a bit of it in their shop, which makes me think they either really like the look too or they really, really hate ostriches. I’d like to imagine that the owner has some kind of Mad Max backstory where a vicious ostrich gang wronged him and now he is hunting them down for revenge and making trophies of their skins. Ok, that took a dark turn. The Lone Star Treasure folks don’t deserve that. They make nice belts. Buy one!
A Lone Star Treasure ostrich strap starts at $39, a full quill belt at $99, and a leg leather belt at $129.
