There鈥檚 that saying: 鈥淭he best gifts come in small packages.鈥 I like to amend it slightly and say the best ones often come with small price tags. You don鈥檛 need to spend a fortune to buy thoughtful, useful, and fun presents that will impress your friends and family this holiday season.听
Leatherman Free T2 ($40)
There are pocketknives that just have a blade,听then there鈥檚 the . For its size, it鈥檚 packed with tools, including three different screwdrivers and a bottle opener. The word 鈥淔ree鈥 refers to the fact that听every tool can be opened, used, then closed with just one hand鈥攁 feature that鈥檚 wildly useful when听you听need your other hand to stabilize whatever听you鈥檙e听fixing. Built in Portland and made from stainless steel, the T2 will take a beating.
Field Notes National Parks Three Pack ($13)
We should all put our phones down occasionally and use pen and paper instead. Try jotting down to-do lists in a notebook and spend听time doodling instead of scrolling through Instagram. You鈥檒l quickly see how nice it is to not stare at a screen. are a personal favorite because they fit in my back pocket, come with synthetic, waterproof, and tearproof paper, and have beautiful cover graphics.
Arcade Norrland Woven Belt ($40)
Thanks to built-in stretch, the is the most comfortable belt I鈥檝e ever worn. It moves with me and keeps my pants exactly where I want them,听whether I鈥檓 sitting at a desk, riding a bike, or playing with my kids. Because it鈥檚 woven, I can wear the buckle wherever I want, ensuring听a perfect fit.
Whiskey Peaks Mt. Rainier Glasses, Set of 2 ($30)
Each of 听has a raised topographic impression of Mt. Rainier in the bottom.听Blown from lead-free glass, they鈥檙e听lightweight but durable. If you prefer a different mountain, you can also choose from , , and .
Topo Designs Dopp Kit, Leather Bottom ($49)
If you're still carrying your toiletries in a gallon bag,听upgrade to this 听instead. It鈥檚 made from ballistic nylon and leather so the kit won鈥檛 break in your bag and leak shaving cream all over your clothes. Thanks to the triangular design, the kit sits upright and provides easy access to whatever鈥檚 inside.
Truff Black Truffle Infused Hot Sauce, Set of Two ($36)
The hot sauce lover on your list will enjoy these . The sauce has a unique flavor profile thanks to the inclusion of black truffles. Delicious on anything from eggs, to pizza, to tacos, they听come in two heat profiles: mildly hot with a Scoville rating of 2,500-3,000, and a full step stronger with a Scoville rating of 5,000-7,000.
Flint and Tinder Long Sleeve Pocket Tee ($48)
Thicker than a regular long-sleeve, but not quite as thick as a sweatshirt, is a听great urban layering piece.听I wear it alone on warmer days, but will wear it under a flannel when winter really hits. Made from 100-percent cotton, the tee is cozy on my skin鈥攁nd I鈥檓 not afraid that it will wear out after a few washes.
Osprey Daylite Waist Pack ($30)
At two liters, the is just big enough to carry your essentials鈥攚allet, phone, keys, and a water bottle鈥攄uring a short hike or a weekend outing. It sits comfortably on my lower back when weighed down, but I also wear the Daylite over one shoulder, sort of like a tiny messenger bag.