The OffBeat #66: The 2nd Annual OffBeat Gift Guide
Unexpected selections from $6 to $600
Truth be told, I’m in a gift guide state of mind all year round. I’m an idea hoarder and categorizer, and what better fodder for my brain closet than gift ideas? Not going to lie, I’m also leaning heavily on retail therapy these days so I’ve got gifts galore on the brain.
Whether it’s food or tchotchkes, books or office decor, I love being prepared to give individual-specific gifts whenever the occasion arises. And the most occasion-packed season is, of course, the holidays.
Below, the 2024 OffBeat Gift Guide (no affiliate links!)—human-centric and “huh”-provoking, from impulse purchase to investment:
$5-$25
Quirky Travel Tasks Card Deck: A portable card deck of travel challenges to nudge yourself out of your comfort zone.
“Whatever, I am getting French fries” T-shirt: For that kind of day (or, you know, years).
Hella Awkward card game: 140 questions across 4 categories to spark hilarious, thought-provoking conversations.
Brass key ring: Easy, classic.
The Remarkable Life Deck: From design legend Debbie Millman, a card deck to inspire you to achieve your dreams.
Jot coffee concentrate: 20X stronger than regular coffee, and equally delicious. A tablespoon of Jot plus a splash of water or milk = daily coffee ritual, transformed.
$26-$50
Personalized leather file folders: A monogrammed file folder crafted from leather: a professional mic drop at an in-person meeting.
5000 Years of Awesome Objects book: Go on a trip through the Metropolitan Museum of Art from your couch.
“Resident dog” coffee table book: Architecturally superb houses and their dog inhabitants.
Excellently packaged, 100% recyclable toilet paper: Cheaper than Charmin, looks great in your bathroom.
Penne pasta candle: Package it with some excellent olive oil.
Gradient dominoes: Color-wheel-inspired wooden dominoes from the Getty Museum.
$50+
Jonathan Adler I Scream Vase: Nearly as good as actual ice cream.
Mukikim drum pad: A portable, flexible, teachable set.
LEGO Adidas Originals Superstar 10282 Building Kit: A streetwear collectible tailor-made for your Zoom background.
MOMA author clock: Perfectly ridiculous, this clock tells time by incorporating quotes from books spanning six centuries.
Carl Auböck oversized paperclip: A 9-inch paper fastener slash paperweight, made by hand in Austria. An absolute flex (literally).
Jonathan Adler glitter canister: Perfect on your work desk.
Levain cookie club: A monthly cookie subscription—is there anything better?!
Loog mini acoustic guitar: Tiny, and beautiful, 3-string guitar for 3-year-olds and up.
Two-player basketball wall game: A slam dunk.
Corn stool: Because why not?
Happy holidays to you and yours,
Allison
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