2017 Holiday Gift Guide

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I can’t believe it’s already December, but here we are. Like last year, I wanted to steal an idea of I’ve seen on other websites and put together a few gift ideas that I think are worthy of your time. I have also updated my recommendations posts for movies, tv shows, books, software, podcasts, headphones, and miscellaneous stuff around the house, so the things on this list will be more focused on stuff not included in those posts and more geared toward things I’ve come across in the past year or so and think would make good gifts. As always, I only recommend things I’ve personally used and loved.

I used my Amazon affiliate link when the product showed up there, which gives our website a slight percentage back if you make a purchase, and therefore helps fund our continued existence. I hope you’ll find something cool, and feel free to drop your own recommendations in the comments.

If you’d like to get me a gift, becoming a supporting member or gifting another user a supporting membership for a year would mean the world to me.

Under $10


Funko Pop Toys
These vinyl toys are ridiculously collectable and there’s almost certainly one of a loved character for almost anyone on your list. With most of them coming in under $10, they’re a great gift. I’ve got multiple sitting around the house and on my desk now, and every time someone gets me a new one it brings a huge smile to my face.

Secret Aardvark Habanero Hot Sauce
Have someone in your life that likes hot sauce? Get them a bottle of Secret Aardvark. It’s great. It’s great on wings, it’s great on burritos, it’s good in guacamole. It’s just good. Get some.

Under $25


Artemis: A Novel by Andy Weir
This is the latest novel by the author of The Martian. It’s not great writing by any means, but it’s fun. I needed something to get lost in and just tune out the real world. This succeeded.

Spyderco HoneyBee SS PlainEdge Knife
I love Spyderco’s knives and this is a great little pocket knife that fits on a keychain. It’s one of the few things I carry with me when I leave the house.

The Big Sick
This was one of my favorite movies of the year and one I think just about everyone could fall in love with.

Edgefield’s Aval Pota Apple Flavored Whiskey
If you can find a bottle of this, it’s mostly available in Oregon from what I can tell, I highly recommend it. It makes for some fantastic late night holiday drinks.

The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook
We have quite a few cookbooks in our kitchen but I can’t think of any that I enjoy as consistently as this. The asparagus, goat cheese, and lemon pasta remains one of my favorite dishes.

City Map Barware
Pint glasses, wine glasses, and other barware all engraved with city maps. I got one for Portland as a gift last year and it’s one of my favorite pint glasses.

Under $50


Pandemic Board Game
This is one of my favorite board games from the past few years. You can play it with 2-4 players and it takes about 45 minutes. It’s fun and the idea of working with the other players makes it less competitive but still extremely compelling.

Earasers: Musician Ear Plugs
I’m getting older and my ears and hearing feel like something I’d like to last, so this year I started wearing earplugs at concerts. I’m a big fan of the Earasers because they’re relatively invisible while remaining comfortable. I store them in a little carrying case.

North Face Etip Gloves
I’ve tried a lot of different “smart phone” gloves over the past few years and this is the only pair I’ve ever loved. They’re comfortable, I think they look good, and they’re not overly bulky or sweaty. The weather here in Oregon doesn’t usually call for anything warmer, so I’ve been extremely happy with these.

Under $100


Star Wars: Rebellion Board Game
This two player game is intense. It takes a while to learn, takes a few hours to play, and is absolutely incredible. It’s one of the most fun board game experiences I’ve had. It feels like Star Wars in a box.

The Complete Calvin and Hobbes Box Set
Still one of my favorite comics, hell, literature achievements, of all time. I love this box set and it remains a fantastic gift for someone of any age.

Any Amount


Ask your friends and family to donate to the ACLU, RAINN, The Trevor Project, or other non-profits of your choice.

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