The RealClearLife Holiday Gift Guide: 25 Beautiful Items to Give or Receive This Year

The 25 Most Beautiful Items You Could Give (or Receive) This Year

November 23, 2016 5:00 am
(Chevrolet)
(Chevrolet)
(Chevrolet)
(Chevrolet)

 

They say it’s better to give than to receive. Which is definitely sometimes true. But what they don’t tell you is this: The better the gifts you hand out, the better the gifts you’ll get back. With that in mind, we’ve scoured the planet for the 25 most beautiful pieces of amazingness we could locate. Our list is below. (We’re calling it a gift guide.) Study it. Forward it to loved ones. And try not to drool.

 

(Shinola)
(Shinola)

 

This slim wallet is built from premium American leather in Detroit. Don’t like the color? They’ve got seven others. Shinola Slim Bifold Wallet, $195

 

(Lego)
(Lego)

 

Your nephew (or brother-in-law) will love this Lego Porsche complete with 2,700 pieces and functional steering. And he’ll never pick up a speeding ticket. Lego Technic Porsche 911 GT3 RS, $300

 

(Skagen)
(Skagen)

 

Can’t decide between a smartwatch or an old-school timepiece? Here’s your compromise. It’s got classic design elements with Bluetooth technology. Skagen Hagen Connected Smartwatch, $215

 

(Withings)
(Withings)

 

Much more than a scale, this thing calculates your body mass index, water percentage, and muscle mass. Note: maybe not the best gift for someone sensitive about their weight. Withings Body Cardio, $180

 

(Honns)
(Honns)

 

These gloves will keep your hands warm and still allow you to text someone about how cold it is outside, thanks to touchscreen tips on the index finger and thumb. Honns Oliver Gloves, $148

 

(Mag-Lev Audio)
(MAG-LEV Audio)

 

The next time you show up to a party with two turntables and a microphone, one of those turntables could be this: the world’s first levitating turntable. MAG-LEV Audio (available August 2017), $780

 

(Alpha Industries)
(Alpha Industries)

 

The MA-1 was the preferred flight jacket of U.S. fighter pilots in the 1950s. Lately, it’s a favorite of guys like John Legend and Bradley Cooper. Alpha Industries MA-1 Flight Jacket, $140

 

(Boosted Boards)
(Boosted Boards)

 

This electric skateboard tops out at 22 mph, which means you’ll be passing not just pedestrians, but also bikes and cars. Suddenly your work commute is fun. Boosted Board, $999

 

(Fuji)
(Fujifilm)

 

Fujifilm has been known for brilliant image quality. The X70 crams all of that brilliance into a lightweight device that fits in your pocket. The perfect gift for the traveler in your life. Fujifilm X70 Digital Camera, $699

 

(Red Wing Shoes)
(Red Wing Shoes)

 

Modeled after Red Wing’s original work boots, these bad boys feature water-resistant leather and Goodyear welt construction. Also, they’re gorgeous. Red Wing 8138 Heritage Classic Moc, $270

 

(The Art of Shaving)
(The Art of Shaving)

 

This woodsy, earthy scent has notes of cedar and black pepper. Whomever you give it to, he’ll smell like a man’s man. The Art of Shaving Sandalwood & Cypress Cologne, $100

 

(Samsung)
(Samsung)

 

Samsung may be having trouble with their phones, but they still make a damn good television. This one fires off a billion more colors than HD TVs. Samsung Curved 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV, $2,198

 

(Converse)
(Converse)

 

These Converse sneakers look great with jeans or chinos. And they’re super comfy, courtesy of OrthoLite footbeds. Pro tip: Save these for yourself. Converse Jack Purcell Signature Canvas Sneakers, $95

 

(B&O Play)
(B&O Play)

 

Made by Bang & Olufsen (read: Danish sound wizards), these portable headphones are both functional and beautiful, with aluminum construction and leather-clad earpads. B&O Play BeoPlay H6, $299

 

(Billykirk)
(Billykirk)

 

This leather bag, which was inspired by medical cases from World War II, will hold plenty of stuff and look good doing it. Don’t be thrown by the name; it’s all grown up. Billykirk No. 236 Schoolboy Satchel, $365

 

(BenQ)
(BenQ)

 

For the film buff in your life, this portable projector brings a true movie-theater experience into the home with a crystal-clear image and an enormous 15-foot screen. BenQ HT2050 Projector, $799

 

(Schott NYC)
(Schott NYC)

 

Who wouldn’t want to rip open a package to find this badass leather jacket staring back at them? Answer: no one. Schott NYC Cowhide Cafe Leather Jacket, $800

 

(Wilson)
(Wilson)

 

Available in two sizes, this football connects to your smartphone and can track the speed, spiral efficiency, and distance of your throws. Wide receiver not included. Wilson X Connected Football, $200

 

(Invisible Creature)
(Invisible Creature)

 

This poster, part of NASA’s awesome series, is printed on thick stock and signed by the artist. (You can even have it framed.) It’s sure to inspire the next generation of explorers. The Grand Tour, $40

 

(Bluffworks)
(Bluffworks)

 

Billed as the only blazer you’ll ever need, this sucker is machine-washable, wrinkle-free, and looks and feels like wool. Go ahead, shove it in a bag. Bluffworks Blazer (available March 2017), $270

 

(Simraceway)
(Simraceway)

 

Like a fantasy camp for adrenaline junkies, this racing school offers the lowest instructor-to-student ratio in the industry and a pro-level road course in the Bay Area. Formula 3 Racing School, $1,495 and up

 

(Shinola)
(Shinola)

 

Straight outta Michigan, this handsome cruiser bike from Shinola is constructed with an American-made steel frame. Those fenders will keep the puddle water off your outfit, too. Shinola Bixby, $1,950

 

(Levi's)
(Levi’s)

 

If you’re going to go full Canadian tuxedo, make sure you go in style. This trucker jacket from Levi’s is made with non-stretch heavyweight denim, so it’s up for anything. Levi’s Trucker Jacket, $89.50

 

(Dottling)
(Dottling)

 

Now that it’s easier to buy Cuban cigars, you’ll need somewhere to keep them. Enter this handsome humidor by Döttling, a German brand known for its luxury safes. Döttling Tabletop Humidor, $13,000

 

(Living Edge)
(Living Edge)

 

Here’s one for the oenophile on your gift list. It’s a wine library from Australian furniture makers Living Edge. They’ll let you choose the type of wood and even the size. Libreria del Vino, price varies

 

(Chevrolet)
(Chevrolet)

And finally, here’s one for the road. Literally. With great handling and a V8 engine that goes from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, this baby would fill Ebenezer Scrooge with holiday cheer. 2017 Corvette Grand Sport, $65,450

—Shawn Donnelly for RealClearLife

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