It’s almost that gift-giving time of the year and if you have an architect in your life, you know that getting them a gift is possibly among the most agonizing experiences possible – but that’s why we’re here. Now in its 15th consecutive year, Life of an Architect is putting out the increasingly difficult yet still definitive gift guide for architects so that you don’t have to figure these things out completely by yourself. Welcome to Episode 164 Holiday Gift Guide for Architects 2024

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Like last year, Andrew and I had the same categories to select a gift. For some of the items selected for this year's list, they were extremely easy additions, whereas others were extremely difficult. I will also go on record – right at the beginning of the show – that I either already have these things (and therefore Bob verified and approved) or I want them … which means if you buy them, we are both at some risk. Am I going to tell you which one is which? Maybe

We are going to do the big reveal to one another and then talk about them – we are going to take turns, and Andrew is going to kick things off with:

Best Gift for your Bar jump to 7:10

Whiskey Peaks Rocks Glasses 

Andrew's Selection -$38

I recently wanted some new whiskey type glasses or low balls. So, I took a mountain biking trip a summer or two ago and when I started looking I came across these glasses and they resonated with me for that reason. These glasses are a typical low ball glass, but have a “special feature” in the bottom of the glass. There is a topographical 3D form of a mountain range in the bottom. There are several different mountain ranges to choose from depending on your preference. While these are not anything extremely fancy or extravagant, I don’t think they are a unique and cool item. As mentioned they do not work well with iced drinks or on the rocks, unless you have pebble ice. But you can also put any mixed or shaken drink in them that is already cold.

Higonokami VG10 Folding Knife

Bob's Selection - $80

Coming up with just a single gift selection for your bar was probably the most difficult choice I had to make on this list. I make my fair share of craft cocktails, and more times than not there are people watching me at work. I was gifted a handmade knife a few years ago by Joshua Hiett and it has been AMAZING ... but it is showing the effects of a lot of use (don't judge me) and I need to send it back to him for some repairs to the edge. As a result, I have been on the hunt for another cool knife that I can use in my bar and I stumbled onto this Higonokami knife. The issue with this particular knife is that you can't get it yet. If you follow the link provided, there are all sorts of other knives you can choose from if you aren't willing (or capable) of waiting. You can also join the waiting list like me.

Best Gift for your Desk jump to 12:02

Dual Monitor Stand

Bob's Selection - $125

Is a monitor stand an exciting gift? Yes - if it is someone who spends a lot of time at their desk and appreciates the freedom of moving their monitors wherever they want while enjoying the luxury of reclaiming the entirety of their work surface. I spent a fair amount of time looking for these (which I do not own but currently want ... badly) because of two very important details. First, I can attach very large monitors to this stand - 35", and secondly, I can move each monitor independently IN ALL DIRECTIONS! The stand I currently have does not allow me to move my monitors independently in the vertical axis. Do not underestimate the freedom that comes with this level of control.

Logitech Vertical Mouse

Andrew's Selection - $70

After years of “things” for your desk I decided to go with a more pragmatic gift for your desk. Something that you use every day and that you most definitely need. This mouse is just a rotation of the typical mouse. But I have used this one a few times and it is very comfortable. It is better for your wrist while still maintaining almost the same feeling. The buttons are still used by the same fingers and the operation is still normal. While it is a rather expensive mouse, I think it is worth the cost. I do not own this one yet, but it is in my cart. It will most likely be my gift to myself this year.

Best Gift for your Kitchen jump to 17:06

CAROTE Cookware Set

Andrew's Selection -$135

I needed to replace my cookware this year. I had been eye-balling this set for a while and finally purchased in the summer. This is an affordable set of non-stick cookware that works fantastically. I enjoy cooking with these pots and pans. I think the only drawback is that they cannot go from stovetop to oven as some of my cooking requires. But other than that, this set is awesome. It is free from all the bad non-stick chemicals and has a nice finish and look. It does come in a few other “granite-like” finishes.

Electric Mason Jar Vacuum Sealer

Bob's Selection - $24

Speaking of exciting gifts ... this is a cool gift that most people don't even realize they would use. I have this exact sealer and I like using it so much that I find that I am vacuum sealing stuff I don't need to! Since Ball jars are relatively inexpensive, anything that I would store in a ziplock bag has been going into a jar where I can now seal and reseal over and over and over again so I am not concerned about the length of time in which I am storing things. I just like having my stuff fresh ... as you should.

Best Gift Under $20 jump to 30:41

OXO Brew Twisting Tea Ball Infuser

Bob's Selection - $11

I drink a lot of tea - at least in terms of quantity. While I have enjoyed the occasional hot tea, over the last 18 months I have gotten to the point where I have tea every single day. At home, I have a kettle and a teapot and I brew a huge travel mug first thing. The problem started in the early afternoon when I am ready for a refill and I don't have all my gear - that's where this tea infuser wand comes into play. Simple, easy to use, easier to clean and I can manage to make my tea without and sort of challenges or fussiness.

Since I mentioned posting the link in the podcast episode, this is the tea that I use (here) and at less that $1.00 per ounce for excellent loose tea, this is a good deal and excellent for both seasoned and people new to drinking tea.

Hot Chili Oil Sauces

Andrew's Selection - $10+

I bought this originally due to a ramen recipe I found online. But now I use this sauce for a touch of added spice on many other dishes. But it is just a nice culinary addition. I have included two of them that I like and they are my go to chili oil. One I can get locally, the other I only get through amazon. Your luck may vary. If you are not a fan of spicy foods, these may not be for you. If you want spicier, they both have an “extra spicy” version that you can find that kicks up the heat a notch. I have tried those and while I like them, they are not my standard choice. Hot Crispy Oil + Fly by Jing

Best Tech Gift jump to 37:39

Toshiba Canvio 2TB External Hard Drive

Andrew's Selection -$70-80

Now I know this may be a bit more of an “old school” idea, but I have recently found a need to utilize this type of storage due to a few workings of my devices. Also this type of technology has gotten much less expensive in recent years. So I use this portable drive as a way to transport files that I work on constantly between my home and office. The main issue that predicated that is my need to constantly download and upload files from the cloud to work on them and then update them. If I accidently forgot to upload the file to the cloud while I was at work, then I could not work on it at home. This is mainly used for larger files that I cannot work on through the cloud without some seriously lag issues or just flat out unable to work. At 2TB I can have a large portion of my cloud drive on here, at least all the truly important files.

Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Clock

Bob's Selection - $170

This exact alarm is what my junior-in-college daughter uses every day and she SWEARS by this thing. To put some perspective on it, she is a typical college kid (and we all know what that means) in terms of how her sleep scheduled goes (chaos) but she has a full course class load, has a position at her sorority, AND she has a full time job. What makes this even more bananas, is that she is a trainer for the University of Connecticut football team and she has to report to work around 5:00 am so getting up early despite going to be late is a regular occurrence. Since switching to this sunrise alarm clock (which slowly gets brighter and brighter and then eventually will start playing sounds) wakes you up peacefully and as a result, you don't feel like you were punched in the gut the moment your alarm klaxon goes off.

This clock will do more than wake you up in a beautifully peaceful manner, it can also help you go to sleep. You set everything up using your phone so there is a high level of control and specificity you can program into this clock and it comes Kate Borson approved.

Best Gift for a Young Architect jump to 44:08

Le Chateau Wine Decanter

Bob's Selection - $48

While this gift might seem odd for a young architect, hear me out. For my purposes, "young" is still mid-late 20s so an alcohol based gift is not out of line.