The Solvitur Ambulando Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide 2024
Gifts for the Kids; Outdoors; Eating and Drinking; Clothing; Books; Deeper Meaning; Writing; Stocking Stuffers; and The Big Stuff
Our third stone satellite has traveled around ye olde sun one more time and the holiday season has come again. CVS may start its Christmas season in August, but Solvitur Ambulando waits, appropriately, until after Thanksgiving to release my annual gift guide. You can also read my previous gift guides for even more giving ideas: 2023, 2022, and 2021.
Whatever, wherever and however you celebrate, may you find yourself surrounded by family and friends who love and treasure you. No gift surpasses them, and, remember, no object or experience surpasses your magnificence in their lives, too.
Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa! And a Very Happy Happy New Year to us all! — RS
For the Kids
Look, you could be Brittany Mahomes rolling with your new BFF Taylor, and you will still not exhibit the joy of a 3-year-old unwrapping a cardboard box. The joy of children make this season special and unforgettable. Bring a rainbow unicorn sparkle to your child’s eyes with one of these gifts.
My 2 year old nephew saw one dancing and he danced along. Epic cuteness is an understatement. Will it get old? Surely not before December 27th.
Baketivity Baking Kit Subscription
My girls did these sets for years. Simple, easy to follow recipes for young kids (with help from Mom or Dad). A short while later, the entire family gets to enjoy some sugary, fluffy deliciousness. Fun, fun fun.
My aunt gave my kids a bottle a couple years ago. Pancake or waffle awesomeness for them me has increased 10,000% since that day.
Science Academy Ultimate Chemistry Lab
Ralphie had his BB gun. I had my chemistry set. Still one of the greatest Christmas gifts I have ever received.
Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books
For friends with a young child, I have gifted this book more than any other.
My friend Paul Devlin hits a home run with this tongue-in-cheek read-along “guide.” But knowing Paul, I knew he’d hit a home run.
Yeah, yeah, we’re past December 1st. But the kids can catch up or you can stock up for next year. My aunt gave the girls a Puzzle Advent Calendar this year. Such a hit!
Beatrice and Cordelia….if you are reading this, stop here. An adorable pen and notebook set from Japan in sweet, cute styles. h/t Michael Williams.
Darth Jar Jar Binks? Luke with a glass of milk to soothe his whiny self? I know one 49 year old kid with this on his Wish List.
The Big Stuff
Supposedly a computer to enable “deep focus and wellbeing,” I have some skepticism but also some real hope and curiosity.
Colonel Littleton No. 1943 Navigator Briefcase in Tobacco Brown American Buffalo
I adore my No. 1 Saddlebag Briefcase and have used it daily for 12 years. It has aged beautifully and has held up magnificently. Still, the No. 1943 sure looks gorgeous.
Roy is a self-taught French-Canadian painter. My wife and I saw a number of his works on display at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Asheville. Crushingly, during the hurricane, the hotel flooded. It appears they were able to move the artwork for sale, including Roy’s paintings, to the Grand Bohemian in Greenville, SC. I sure hope so. We love his vibrant colors. I find myself fixated by the prominent sun in each painting. It reminds me that brightness is here, already, if I take a moment to see it.
Clothing and Accessories
In cashmere or wool, your loved one will love a Drake’s scarf or hat to the end of your days.
My everyday wear cap in cold weather.
A few years ago, I needed a new wallet. I can’t recall how I found Chester Mox, out of Los Angeles, but I’m glad I did. I carry my wallet every single day – it is a work of art, and a workhorse, all in one.
L.L. Bean Wicked Good Slippers, Boot Moc for Men and Women
Lusso Cloud used to sell some pillowy shearling boot mocs. I wore mine everyday for 3 or more years. Alas, eventually they did wear out, but when I went to buy a replacement pair, I couldn’t find them. Now my at-home slipper comes from L.L Bean – also excellent.
A decade ago, I began developing some issues with my feet. My podiatrist urged me to wear slippers at the office as much as possible – a suggestion I could not have more heartily or speedily embraced.
Greys Outdoor Wool Slipper Boot
A great option for folks who want comfortable casualness, and a bit of warmth, out of doors.
47Brand Vintage Wide Open T-Shirt
A throwback way to support your fave college team. Go Cats!
Barbour Newbrough Tartan Gloves
Stylish and warmer than they look. They also pack down tightly into a pocket, leaving room for other essential carry items.
My in-laws gave me an Alan Paine sweater a couple Christmases ago. It fit so well and looked so good, I acquired a few more in other styles and colors. I wear one most days in winter.
Writing
A beautiful stationary store in Washington, DC. The B5 Composition Softcover Leuchtturm 1917 notebook has become my go-to journal, but Jenni Bick stocks a huge array of notebooks, journals, pens and other stationery products. They can customize it with embossed letters if you’d like to make the gift extra special.
Leuchtturm 1917 Drehgriff Collection Pen or Pencil
Trim, light and stylish, I use my ballpoint pen, in Lobster, every day. Also made in rollerball and pencil varieties, and in a wide range of colors.
Monocle x Leuchtturm1917 Wallet Accordion Notebook
A great notebook option for travel, when you might need to collect receipts or business cards on-the-go.
Blackwing Pencils in Rustic Box
Once you go Blackwing with your non-mechanical pencil, you will never go back. This set comes in an attractive box for gifting.
JetPens is a terrific pen and paper store. Their product guides are must-reads. These Color Bundles will brighten any gift recipient's day!
Books
Custom Book Cover from Sweet Rain Leather
Wayne and Nancy Decker made me a custom cover for a treasured book a few years ago. Their quality, customer service, and obvious care stood out at every touchpoint. Highly recommended.
The Story of Art, by E.H. Gombrich
I keep a copy at home and at work. I’ve never read it cover to cover. But sometimes, I pick it up and simply peruse a few pages. I always feel uplifted.
Audiobooks of Emily Wilson’s Translations of The Iliad and The Odyssey
The bards of ancient Greece spoke aloud these foundational poems. These audiobooks, with Wilson’s translations, come alive with the spoken, textured, emotive human voice.
Eating and Drinking
You’re reading this and crying aloud in agony, “Russell, all these gift ideas are great, but when will you get to the cups? I need cups! I need mugs! Do you think I’m drowning in three-cabinets-full of Yeti Tumblers, Stanley cups and Starbucks cups? I assure you, I am not. I am like Chris Rock in I’m Gonna Git You Sucka - you’re gonna have to pour that liquid in my hand for a dime! Give me your cup ideas – now!” Ok, ok, I hear you, so here are some excellent cup ideas, among other items to enhance your drinking and dining experience this holiday season.
My dear friend “Max Bob” Whelan gave me two of these recently. I love gazing upon the deep amber color as I enjoy my morning tea. Microwave and dishwasher safe too.
Neat, Western-themed cups and tumblers.
My dear friends gave me one of these years ago. While my tipple of choice is now Non-Alcoholic beer, I still keep my hands dry and warm with this beaut. I carry it with me to parties too – seriously.
Mary Macleod’s Shortbread Variety Signature Cookie Tin, 2-Layer Tin of 48 Shortbread Cookies
Our neighbors gave this to us last Christmas and we loved it! Dee-lic-ious!
Lovely, portable set for brewing and enjoying tea while on the road.
Teas from Churchill’s Fine Teas
The fine folks at Churchill’s offer a wide variety of black, flavored, oolong, green, matcha, white and decaf teas. Bamboo Temple Yunnan and Golden Monkey Imperial have become two of my favorite morning brews.
That said, Christmas Morning from Louisville Tea Company remains my very favorite tea of all time. It will remind you of the expectant smell of, well, Christmas Morning each time you brew and enjoy it.
Koyamaen Matcha Green Tea Powder Ceremonial Grade YOMO-NO-KAORI
My dear friend JG introduced me to the awesomeness of matcha tea. I’m glad he did, and also glad he shared his, um, dealer, with me.
Deeper Meaning
Far more than tinsel and trees, this season calls us to renewal and even new life. These gifts will help you remind yourself of your spark inside, or re-find it.
The Fire Inside Coaching with Sara Campbell
My dear friend Sara writes Tiny Revolutions, one of my favorite newsletters. She also coaches women, individually and through The Fire Inside, “a transformative group program for women. Learn to nurture your inner fire and let it guide you into a life you’re excited about.” If I were a woman, I would sign up in less than a heartbeat. She’s also hosting a year-end free workshop for women tomorrow, Wednesday, December 4th, called “Burn the Blueprint: Building 2025 Around What You Truly Want.” It sounds truly awesome, and knowing Sara, it will be!
Sit Zazen at Angel City Zen Center
Sara also helps out at ACZC. Her talks on the podcast are moving, thought-inspiring, and humane. You can sit Zazen with ACZC in-person in Los Angeles, or by Zoom. I want to visit, and sit with them, soon.
Retreat at Holy Hills Hermitage
A small, beautiful retreat center about an hour outside Louisville. I’ve spent a couple refreshing, clarifying days there.
A walking stick can inspire your loved one to take a walk. And a walk can change their life.
Fishing and Outdoors
A nice set of portable binoculars can make all the difference in your enjoyment of the outdoors. Hiking, birding, hunting, or on the hunt for the enemy in your paintball “game,” they’ll come in handy. And if you want nature hyper-amplified with AI, check out these bad boys.
A beautifully-made knife to fillet your catch at the end of a hard day of fishing.
Every fishing guide I know swears by these rods.
Protect your fingers while stripping in your line.
On our first date, one of the things my now-wife noticed about me – besides my devastating handsomeness and extreme conversational adroitness – is my frequent use of lip balm. This is my EDC for salvaging my ravaged lips.
Buff x HYDRASCAPE National Park Buff
A Buff neck protector is essential outdoor wear while fishing, long walks or hikes, or any other adventure exposing you to the relentless sun or wind. This collab with Infinity Stickers maker HYDRASCAPE is very cool. Check out HYDRASCAPE’s Miniscapes Stickers too.
For the Pets
Wholesomes Gourmet Rewards Smoky Bites
You give one of these to my dogs, Otis and Olivia, and they’ll become your friend for life.
Being happy-go-lucky all day wears out the body. Poor old Spot needs a new bed this festive holiday season.
Stocking Stuffers
My aunt and uncle get me one every year. The first thing I do when I arrive in my office – check that day’s trivia.
Pick daruma dolls, animals, dinosaurs, sushi or another cool design.
Tiny, super-portable. This serves as my letter-opener at work.
York Peppermint Patties Dark Chocolate Snowflakes
Um, these have become popular in my house.
Lingo British Slang Playing Cards
Have yourself a Jolly Good holiday with these cards.
(Amazon Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All other links are non-affiliate links.)
That sparkle syrup sounds like it would absolutely enhance some kid's appetite for sugar intake which is why I'm immediately ordering as a gift for someone else's kid. Great guide Russell!
You're the best, Russell. And I would be so honored to work with or sit with you and/or anyone you know! Also using the Leuchtturm ballpoint in Lobster as an everyday pen is an absolutely insane flex. Such rizz!! Thanks for all the recs and Happiest of Holidays from my fam to yours. 🫶🏼