Ah, yes. It’s that time of year. The holidays are nearly upon us, and you have put off your shopping as long as possible. Now it’s December, and you are so desperate for gift ideas that you are looking to The Time Bum for help. Well, fear not. The Bum has got you covered with my best gift ideas for 2022.
Casio AE1200 Worldtimer ($42)
Looking for a stocking stuffer? How about a nice Casio Worldtimer? This plastic digital is surprisingly cool, easy to wear, and can handle 100m water resistance. Non-watch people will probably accept it as their only watch and wear it everywhere. Watch people will dig its 70s Seiko aesthetic and then proptly fall down the modification rabbit hole, which I can tell you from personal experience, is easy and loads of fun. You can find them at several retailers, including Amazon and Casio.com, starting at just $19.99, but maybe splurge a little and get the silver AE1200WHD-1A on a stainless steel bracelet for $42.
Big Idea Design Titanium Pocket Tool ($69)
Multifunction tools are pretty cool, but you know what’s cooler? Multifunction tools slim enough to carry on a key chain. But you know what’s even cooler than that? A slim multifunction tool you can carry on a keychain that it made out of titanium. Big Idea Design makes Titanium Pocket Tool from grade 5 and it has ten functions, including a screwdriver, pry bar, hex head, universal wrench, scraper, and the most useful tool in any pocket, a bottle opener.
Schiit Audio Vali tube headphone amp ($149) and Modi+ DAC ($129)
I had accepted the fact that music is now a digital stream and my lifestyle no longer accommodated a huge stereo system, but I still missed the enveloping sound and pinpoint imaging of my old audiophile rig. That is when I discovered Shiit Audio (yes, you say it just like that). This California company makes some sensibly priced and modestly sized gear that sounds great and is all built right here in the USA. I went for the Vali single-tube headphone amp and a Modi+ DAC, plugged my iPhone into one end and a pair of Grado SR125x headphones into the other, and experienced music in a way I hadn’t in years. These little Shiit components are just 5″ wide and sit right on my desk. It couldn’t be more convenient, and the whole set-up cost less than a Seiko Arnie Reissue. If you know a lapsed audiophile, a budding audio enthusiast, or anyone else who might appreciate great sound in a small space, you will wow them with the gift of Schiit.
Axia Time Sofia II ($595)
The Sofia II may very well be among the best bargains in the $500-1000 price range. Axia Time delivers a beautifully brushed and polished 40.5mm titanium case, a top-spec Sellita SW360 automatic movement, a genuine alligator strap, 100m water resistance, and a stunning sunray dial with an engraved Art Deco-inspired layout. It’s well worth the anticipated $795 regular price, and at its current $595 pre-Christmas price, the Sofia II is an absolute steal. Orders placed now will be delivered by Christmas, and you even get a free 50-character engraving for a special holiday message of your choice.
