The 2023 Gift Guide
I enjoy a well-thought-out gift guide. I'm not talking about the kind that only lists costly items that no one wants. I enjoy the ones from the authors, podcasters, and creators I choose to follow and support. I trust and appreciate their perspective, opinions, and taste. Not only do I find them helpful in discovering things I may be interested in, but I also find them helpful for ideas when family asks, "What would you like for the holidays?"
It's in that spirit that I've created this guide. I'm sharing a few gift ideas for those creative, bookish tech lovers in your life who may be hard to shop for. What's that you say? You’re a creative, bookish tech lover? If you’d like, you can pull some ideas from this list and send them to your relatives and friends looking for tips.
Alright, let’s jump in.
Books
The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman
This book feels timeless. It features a daily quote from one of the ancient Stoic philosophers and an insight from Ryan Holiday with a modern reflection that compliments the selection.
I try to start my day with a passage from this book and am never disappointed when I do.
The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain by Annie Murphy Paul
Annie Murphy Paul has taken the idea that our brains are all-knowing and infallible and turned it on its head, arguing instead that we need to extend our thinking.
Paul uses the metaphor of the Magpie and suggests that we are at our best when we figure things out not just with our brain but also by connecting our surroundings, relationships, and physical being with the process.
I found actionable insights in this book and recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about how our surroundings impact our thinking.
Perennial Seller: The Art of Making and Marketing Work That Last by Ryan Holiday
The second book from Ryan Holiday on this list. Perennial Seller is for anyone trying to create enduring work and wants to learn from someone who's not only had his own success as an author but also helped others find their success through Brass Check, his advisory firm.
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Steven Pressfield famously wrote for 27 years before he got his first novel, The Legend of Bagger Vance, published. He wrote The War of Art to help the rest of us learn from his mistakes.
This book has undoubtedly launched many people on their journey of doing something difficult and essential by helping them learn what the Resistance is and how to overcome it.
The Practicing Stoic: A Philosophical User's Manual by Ward Farnsworth
Starting with first principles, Ward Farnsworth extends Stoicism to other philosophers and thinkers throughout history, beyond Zeno of Citium and the Greeks and Romans. There's also an element of practicality to the writing that is helpful to better understand how applicable Stoicism can be in everyday life.
On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Zinsser (SP)
Another profoundly influential book for many writers, On Writing Well, was born from a course William Zinsser taught at Yale. Initially published in 1976, this book remains valuable and current for anyone who wants to become a better writer.
The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl (Audio Recommendation)
Dave Grohl is a man of integrity, who's not afraid to find the humor in many situations, who deeply loves his children, and who has endured the public loss of some very dear friends. He's also had an incredible career in the music industry that's spanned decades with bands like Scream, Nirvana and The Foo Fighters.
I rarely recommend the audio specifically, but this is one where hearing Grohl tell of the touchstone moments in his life makes The Storyteller an even better book.
Audible Gift Subscription
I received an Audible gift subscription last year and didn't realize then how much I'd enjoy it. I like listening to audiobooks while I’m at the gym or doing yard work and this feeds that need. If you have someone who wants to read more but doesn’t have the time or the focus to pick up a physical book, this is a great gift option.
Technology
AirPods Pro
I've used the regular AirPods for years and felt no solid inclination to upgrade to the Pro. I was gifted the AirPods Pro earlier this year, and there really is a difference. Sometimes, when I'm watching something on my iPad, I can't tell if the sound is coming from the AirPods because it feels like it's coming from the screen. The noise cancellation and conversational awareness are such a helpful combination. There's magic in the tech, and the audio quality is much better than the regular AirPods.
Joby GorillaPod
I use this more often than I thought. Whether it's for doing video calls with an iPhone via Continuity Camera or taking photos, it's compact, easy to travel with, and helpful.
Glif from Studio Neat
I use the Glif from Studio Neat as the mount with my portable tripod. It compact, sturdy, and works really well with my tripod.
Journaling and Writing
Moleskine Medium Ruled Hardcover Notebook
I'm writing more about journaling on this site and at Threads. I have this crazy believe that everyone's life can be improved by beginning a journaling practice, and this is one of the notebooks I recommend to someone who's getting started and wants something with a bit of style. It's still simple and not terribly expensive, but also elegant. Moleskine notebooks are widely available, which is helpful too.
Field Notes Memo Books
I’ve been using the National Parks series recently, carrying it with me to take notes and supplement my task management system. It’s the perfect size for my pocket, and the artwork on all of the series they’ve created are beautiful and evocative.
The Subtle Notebook
This is my current favorite analog notebook from Cortex Brand. I appreciate the color, the quality of the paper, and the dot grid because it gives me the freedom to do whatever I want without feeling constrained by lines and yet also gives me some waypoints so I stay on the rails.
Thanks for reading. I hope this guide is helpful when shopping for your friends and family or when a family member asks for something you might like. Happy holidays!
Note: Some of these items include an affiliate link, meaning your purchase may help support this site. I've only included things in this list I actually use, like, and recommend. There are no big screen 4K TVs or air fryers here (although my wife and I are tempted by both!).