Every year I get asked what I want for Christmas and I am not very good at giving an answer. Mostly, because if it is under a hundred dollars I probably have already bought it for myself. What I really want from people is the thing I value most which is time and shared experiences. (Not a big ask, right?) That being said I received a challenge from a friend to pick 10 things I would want if money were no object.
So here is my short list. Let me know in the comments what you would add or take away.
I saw this hand screened “keep it simple stupid” print on Mr. French Blu Raspberry with white ink on Notcot.org. Sometimes it is the really simple things that catch my attention and the line through the lettering really stood out to me. I love screen prints and I have a number in my office. This would be a nice addition. The print measures 12.5" x 19" which may require getting a custom frame job.
Tom Ford Custom Blend Tobacco Vanille
This isn’t just cologne, there are a whole bunch of memories wrapped up in this scent. Every time I smell it I remember summers in Kentucky a few years back. Tom Ford creates many products I love but I would easily put this cologne at the top of my list. I found it one day at when I was purchasing some shaving cream at Nordstroms. At a $180 for a 1.7 ounce bottle, I have never made the leap.
I am pretty sure that no one buys a Leica to become a better photographer. They buy a Leica to be one of the special breed of people who own a Leica. I never owned a M8 or M8.2 and glad I didn’t the M9 is what M7 owners have wanted out of a digital camera. As a Leica owner myself, I have waited a long time for this beauty. I just need to give up three mortgage payments to get it.
Alden Shoe Company began manufacturing great footwear in 1884 and these are some of the most authentic American hand-crafted shoes you can find. The Tanker Boot is made on the same form that was used to supply the US military from WWI through WWII. A value in my mind at $450.
Having taught myself to shave, a nice manual razor seems like a fitting addition to the kit I use to care for my skin and face. I have used Art of Shaving products on my face for a while and I think it is time to upgrade my Gillette Fusion razor to the chrome perfectly balanced Fusion Razor. This Razor is weighted to feel like a natural extension of your hand so you get less cuts.
Zero halliburton Alluminum Zeroller
I never check my bags any more, but I still like the idea of a solid piece of luggage. This is a stylish bag that is made from deep-drawn, heat treated and anodized aluminum. This Luggage is a head turner that says “I travel way too much.”
I can never get enough of these. I have said it before and will probably write more in the future these are the finest notebooks on the planet. But at $28 a piece you don’t want to waste a single page. You can grab them (finally) here in the states at a number of paper stores or jcrew.com.
This is the year of the eBook for me. I have wanted one for a while, but I have put it off thinking something better would come along. But in a year when I went through 3 backpacks, I think it is time to lighten the load. Despite being a V1 I think I would like to give the Nook a whirl.
Eric Lin turned me on to this, the idea of waking up more naturally to light seems so much better than the abrupt sound from my Squeezebox Radio. Don’t get me wrong my Radio is one of my favorite gadgets, I just think there are better ways to wake up.
My Burberry wallet is falling a part after a year. I am not thrilled about it. If I was to replace it. This simple Jack Spade wallet is where I would look. Simple. Leather. Black.
So there it is the “stuff” I want. Even in writing this, I am reminded that this season there are a lot of people who have need and don’t have time to think much about their wants. There is more value in the relationships I have than any of the stuff I want. So if you want to buy me that Leica, awesome, but perhaps we could schedule a regular coffee time instead. Here is hoping you get everything you want out of Christmas.
Jeremiah Andrick
