My first ever gift guide

No affiliate links, just stuff I use often and delightfully enjoy.

I really love the flurry of gift guides that come at the end of the year. I know that Robin Sloan and Huit Denim and Austin Kleon and Kottke will all curate some cool things, most of which I don’t want, and a small number of which I do but probably can’t afford.

I’ve got something myself to offer you that might be a great holiday gift. 

It’s the Do Something That Matters Journal, and it’s really on point for anyone in your life (including yourself) who might be wanting to be brave, wanting to begin something, wanting to get out of a rut, wanting to make a difference in the world. You know, all those “what’s the point of this one and precious life” questions.

This 18-week self-coaching journal is built on the best of productivity and behaviour change principles, and designed to help you get things done and grow while you do, in just five minutes a day. 

After you’ve bought that (and thank you), you might be looking for some other suggestions. 

Well, here are things that I use and love and that you might love too.

(No, none of these are affiliate links.) 

Fitness

Shokz headphones. These don’t go in your ear, but rather vibrate against … I’m not sure, some bone in your head. And that sound quality is ridiculous. I mean, if you’re a music listening snob, probably not. But I wear these when I’m working out or sometimes on a walk, and I love the fact that you can hear the world around you AND whatever it is you’re listening to.

Oura ring. I can’t quite explain why I like this, because I don’t think of myself as a “track the numbers” person. But I do look at the numbers here most days … the quality of my sleep, the level of my activity … and I adjust my behaviour as a result, and for the good. It’s not cheap, and in fact my current ring has just gone on the blink (grr) … but I’ve had four years of great use from this.

DEXA scan and VO2 Max test. I read Peter Attia’s book Outlive, and I’ve been struck by his idea that you should be training for the final decade of your life. Again, not really an “obsess about numbers” guy, but I’ve decided that the two measurements that are best correlated with a healthy body are your VO2 Max score, and body fat. So I now do these two tests every six months. (The link is for Push Pounds in Toronto, but I would guess you can find these tests in most cities)

Clothing

Vintage stores. Mostly men’s clothing in vintage stores is pretty boring, but that’s mostly because men’s clothing in general is pretty boring. But find a store that you like, and shop there. There are gems to be found. Three of my favourite suits are vintage.

You’ll find me at I Miss You Man on Ossington and Garb Consignment Boutique on Queen Street W.

My tailor, Philip Sparks. Right at the other end from vintage is getting a suit made for you. I love Philip, and I now have two suits made by him. What an indulgence. (Toronto-based.) 

Unbound Merino. These are the t-shirts I wear three seasons a year. They travel really well.

Near Earth socks. All the benefits of merino, but smoother than most, so they don’t rough up your feet. These are actually running socks, but they’re my everyday socks. So, working out, or going for long walks (I try and walk an hour a day) … I have four pairs, and they’re constantly in rotation.

Travel

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom speaker. It’s small and it’s punchy, and it helps me liven up a hotel room.

Briggs and Riley carry-on bag. Love it, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Freitag bags. Made from recycled truck tauplins. My friend Anton gave me a “man bag” more than fifteen years ago, and I use it almost every day. 

Domestic pleasures

Breville Barista Touch. We have this espresso machine, and it does a really great job. But secretly, I want La Marzocco’s Linea Mini. 

Magic jigsaws. I love how clever these are. You’re doing a jigsaw puzzle, but it’s in parts. Because when you’ve finished it, you move the parts around, then there’s more puzzling to do to solve the mystery that’s at the heart of it all. Yeah, I realize that makes no sense when written down, so you’ll just have to check them out and see for yourself. Also, the series from waterandwine.com.

Other stuff to consider

Indie bookstores. Buy your books from your local indie bookstore. They are awesome … and although Amazon is seductive … help your local bookstores thrive. 

Here are three of my favourites in Toronto:

• Type Books
• Another Story
• Monkey’s Paw (cool book selection, even cooler book vending machine)

A local artist. People all around you are creating great art. Be a patron, and support them. 

Conspiracy membership. If you’ve already got the Do Something That Matters Journal, then maybe you or someone you care about should join The Conspiracy. It’s our membership for people working on their Worthy Goals. 350+ people, and they might just be *your* people. Doors open December 9th, but you can get on the waitlist now.

Your favourite person on Substack. Pay some money to upgrade memberships for the creators you (or the person you’re gifting) follow on Substack. It’s hard work, and your subscription really helps. I can recommend Austin Kleon; Letters of Note; Provoked with Dr Todd Kashdan; Rethink with Rachel; Jessica Hagy’s This Week’s Top Ten; How to Survive the Broligarchy.

A cocktail kit. Find a cool cocktail. Get all the pieces together. Give someone a cocktail kit. 

Good.store. From the big hearts and brilliant minds of John and Hank Green. This is the best form of capitalism … cool stuff that generates money for projects that make the world better. The only downside is it’s mostly US-based. But so are a lot of you!