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Making a Gift List? If You’re Looking for Ideas, Here’s What I’m Asking for This Year
Each year, shortly after Halloween, my wife asks me for a few gift ideas. I’m just about to share it with her, but, before I do, I thought I’d share it with you all as well. If you’re making a list, either for yourself or for a loved one, you might find that perfect gift suggestion below.
My wife hasn’t given me a budget, so I’m shooting for the moon. A few of the items on this list are definitely out of reach, but this list is not just for her. It’s also for me. It may take a few years for me to tick all these boxes, but I’ll get there eventually. Happy holiday shopping!
HOLIDAY GIFTS MADE EASY
The Best Gift Ideas for Denimheads This Year
Whether you’re building a wish list or shopping for a denimhead, these guides make it easy—with hand-picked gear for every budget.
Looking for denim? Start with our Selvedge Masterlist, Denim Jackets Guide, and Denim Shirts Guide.
The Grails
I’m leading off with the pieces I’m virtually certain that I won’t ever see under the tree this year (or any year for that matter). Still, there’s no harm in asking, right? Whenever I do bring these pieces home, they’ll almost certainly be very special gifts to myself.
Freenote RJ-2
I slipped one of these over my shoulders when I was in New York, and I very nearly maxed my cards on the spot. It’s been drifting through my dreams ever since. Arguably the world’s finest and most luxurious workwear jacket, it’s on the top of this list for good reason.
The RJ-2 I tried on was made fro 20 oz. selvedge denim, but the new version pictured above (made from 20 oz. waxed canvas) might be even better. Get it here.
The Real McCoy’s B-6
I’ve been on the hunt for a shearling bomber for years. The main reason I haven’t purchased one yet? I’ve seen the Real McCoy’s version, and now everything else seems to pale in comparison. My absolute grail, I may buy myself one for my fiftieth.
You can find this exceptional piece at Lost & Found. Despite its hefty price tag, it sells out quickly, so, if they’re sold out in your size, sign up to get notified when they restock.
Alden Leisure Handsewn Loafers
I picked up a pair of inexpensive penny loafers in 2024, and they’ve become my go-to footwear in the warmer months. They work so well with selvedge, and they give my feet a much-needed break from heavy boots in the summer. I’ve been planning to upgrade to Alden. Maybe this is the year.
Lost & Found have a great selection of Alden loafers. They sell out quickly, so if they’ve got your size in stock, jump into them.
RRL Suede Western
I know that, with RRL, you’re paying a considerable amount for the label, but there’s some pieces that they just do better than anybody else (their belted cowichans spring to mind). This suede western shirt is another. It’d become a signature piece for me, and, with enough time, it’d more than repay the investment.
You can find this exceptional RRL shirt at Stag Provisions.
Gloverall Pat Duffel
My vintage Gloverall duffel is getting a little long in the tooth and a little short in the sleeves. I’ve stumbled upon this creamy Allevol Duffel when working on a naval outerwear guide, and I keep returning to it. A show stopper that would make a great replacement for the old Gloverall.
Clutch Café carry this duffel in a number of colours. I think the cream is the best of the bunch, but you might prefer something darker.
Under the Tree
Definitely within reach, these presents are more realistic gift options that my wife might actually consider. Any of the gifts below would make an incredible addition to my collection of well-made gear and goods.
Iron Heart x Indigofera Friendship Blanket
These blankets are made here in Norway, not far from my family’s cabin up in the mountains. Since Indigofera teamed up with Norway’s best wool workshop, they’ve produced a steady stream of eye-popping blankets. They’ve pulled out all the stops with his collaboration with Iron Heart.
This collectable collab blanket is available here.
Dehen Corduroy Crissman
I’ve been keen to add some corduroy to my life, but, for whatever reason, I haven’t come across the right piece at the right time. I’ll be in Calgary in a few months, and if this Dehen beauty is still hanging on the racks at Brooklyn Clothing, it may be making the long trip back to Norway with me.
See Brooklyn’s selection of Crissman Overshirts here.
Bleu De Chauffe Postman Bag
I bought my wife a Bleu De Chauffe backpack a few years back, and now the whole family wants a bag from the French brand. With an unmatched combination of style and substance, their bags are the perfect choice for those who want their accessories to speak volumes about their passion for well-made things.
This ‘made in France’ leather bag is available at Bleu de Chauffe’s site.
Real McCoy’s Buco Stripe Longsleeve
I’ve let this rebel style essential slip through my fingers too many times. If it’s not under the tree this year, I’ll be on a mission to find one next time I’m in a capital city. Tons of brands play with horizontal stripes, but The Real McCoy’s aren’t playing.
Lost & Found has an impressive selection of The Real McCoy’s, including this tee.
Wonder Looper Zip Hoodie
I’ll be starting a Piger Works Type II on January 1st for the Redline Rally, and I’ll need a seriously beefy hoodie to layer under it in the spring and summer. I let some of their stellar releases pass me by this year, and I’ve been kicking myself. The only question is what colour it’s going to be.
This heavyweight knitwear is available at Cultizm’s webshop.
Rogue Territory Blanket Lined Ridgeline
I’ve yet to add a waxed piece to my collection, and the Tan Ridgeline has been calling my name for years. This one, exclusive to Stag Provisions, features a blanket lining reminiscent of the one found in classic Lee Storm Riders. Absolute perfection.
You can order these blanket-lined Supply Jackets from Stag Provisions (and nowhere else).
Heimat Eiger Cardigan
Perhaps it’s the steady chug of middle age bearing down on me, but I find myself in desperate need of a good grandpa sweater. I’ve spent the year looking high and low, and this one from Heimat is the cardigan that keeps calling me back. These two colours are strong contenders.
The Eiger Cardigan is available in a number of different colours on Heimat’s website.
Stocking Stuffers
I’ve got expensive tastes, so what I think of as a stocking stuffer might be a great under-the-tree stunner for the denimhead in your life. Whether it’s under the tree or stuffed in a sock, it’ll be sure to bring a big smile to their face.
Mikia Bandana Bracelet
I’ve got a mile-wide soft spot for bandanas, but I’ve got a hard and fast rule that I can only wear one at a time (usually the one stuffed in my back pocket). These Japanese-made bandana bracelets would allow me to break that rule without a moment’s hesitation. The red one’s calling my name.
Available in four colours at Redcast Heritage.
Division Road Cedar Shoe Trees
I’ve got a few shoe trees, but I’ve got more than a few pairs of shoes. These will help absorb some of the sweat and puddlewater that collects in my boots each day, and they’ll help keep my boots in the shape that their maker intended. A sound investment and a great gift idea.
These shoe trees are an exclusive to Division Road and available at their webshop.
Wrangler Archives by Rikiya Kanamaru
Looking at my bookshelves, I’ve got a ton of material on the history of Levi’s, but very little covering Wrangler. I’ve had my eyes on this one for a while. I’ll add it to my shelves the next time the book and I are in the same room. It’ll be in good company next to my copy of The Rebel’s Wardrobe.
The book is available from Redcast Heritage.
Kyrgies Wool Slides
Since moving to Norway, I’ve had to learn to get used to life without carpets. With hardwood floors in every home, wool sliders like these low-back beauties from Kyrgies are essential in the fall and winter. A great stocking stuffer that will be put to immediate use.
You can get a pair of these cozy Kyrgies slides at their website.
Iron Denim Hanger
A massive upgrade from S-hooks or drawers stuffed with jeans, these hangers let your jeans hang loose in neat rows. I’ve got six already. I could use another half-dozen. I’m considering adding a few of the matching iron shirt hangers to complete the set.
These elegant denim hangers are developed by and available at Redcast Heritage.
Nothing Lighting Your Tree on This List?
If nothing on this list is a perfect fit, we’ve got three other guides this year, all of them organised according to your budget. You can find all of our holiday guides here.
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