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 mo...