a very specific kind of gift guide
regret minimization
In my life so far, there are two purchases I deeply regret *not* making: 1. a pair(!) of Barcelona chairs, with footstools, for like $250 total at a consignment shop in Oakland about 13 years ago (yes I assume they were fake. no I do not care), and 2. one of the 12-foot-tall Home Depot skeletons* when they were on sale for 75% off in December 2020.
But here are some things I did buy, that I recommend — and with zero affiliate links so you know they’re real endorsements, unlike the Wirecutter:
Life-at-home stuff:
Takeya Cold Brew Maker. It’s great. It’s unbreakable, unlike the glass French press carafe that was our previous cold brew system. It’s 100% dishwasher-safe. You can get replacement parts from Takeya. It comes in two sizes (but just get the large one, unless there’s no way it will fit in your fridge).
The American Apparel (the new, non-sketch American Apparel) Fine Jersey Long-Sleeve Tee. The world’s best LS tee: 100% really soft cotton, actually long sleeves, good cuffs, long torso and fitted, but not tight. I got one as a swag item earlier this year, but I instantly loved it so much that I hunted it down and ordered, well, a lot of them from a wholesaler (Shirtmax, but others carry it).
Align Joggers. Because you’re worth it. And a very hands-free crossbody/belt bag that’s small enough to just… wear, but can handle a needlessly gigantic phone and, idk, keys and a snack bar. A bag you don’t need to remove while driving, or fuss with while grocery shopping, and that you can wear over or under a jacket! yes I’m late to the game on these but ugh how great**.
[wfh upgrade] After 18 months with a series of progressively larger ring lights (which are totally adequate for just lighting your face; no shame in a ring light), I went for the Lume Cube Edge Lights, which are a nicer face-lighting option than a ring light due to the panel style, and these also double as a pair of desk lamps. Note that the Lume Edge lights attach with clamps, so they don’t take much desk space, but won’t fit every desk. There are other desk-lamp-y panel lights out there.
Actually attractive laundry baskets that won’t hurt you while carrying them. Made here in lil Rhode Island. Note that Colonial Mills often has 60+% off coupon codes; try “gravy”.
Face stuff:
Supergoop Play SPF 50. Just a big tube of nice-feeling, high SPF sunscreen. Not exactly cheap, but not so precious that you won’t just wear it every day. For a more primer-like texture, their Unseen Sunscreen is a delight, but it does feel more like special occasional sunscreen(?).
Youth to the People Dream Mask. This is how I described this cream to a group text: “like if you got ready for bed by applying a thick layer of fancy lemony French cultured butter on your face”. Which sounds delightful to me, but may not be for everyone.
Lano Face Base cream and Aussie Flyer mask. Moisturizers that just work, and obey my primary rules of face stuff: “First, do no harm. (Then, feel free to make claims you may or may not live up to.)” Good for day or night, but note there’s no SPF.
Warm stuff:
Thermoball synthetic-fill pieces from The North Face, including an insulated skirt 😍. Machine-washable, super warm, not quite as lightweight but way more abrasion-resistant than Patagonia Nano-Puffs (and a better fit, imo).
My new favorite merino wool brand, Mons Royale. The Cornice rollover is one of the best base layers of all time, and also just a super cute slouchy turtleneck for all your après-ski and/or zoom festivities. Google Shopping is your friend for finding deals on past-season colors.
I finally admitted defeat last year and got some actual Bean boots and... they’re good? They’re waterproof and they’re quite solid for winter beach walks and snowy slushy yard stuff. I went with flannel Thinsulate but uninsulated work well with good socks if you don’t live in a truly frigid place.
* Just in case you were wondering what I did for most of the month of October.
** Obviously such things wouldn’t be necessary if clothing had adequately-sized pockets but… clothing manufacturers are in the pocket (sorry) of Big Purse, so here we are, buying pockets.
And because you deserve something delightful to read rather than buy, here’s Max Read being extremely Max Read with Notes toward a theory of the Dad Thriller. Which led me to this.