2023 was a year filled with many ephemeral wonders—from social networks vying to fill Twitter’s vacuum to the fate of AI. Much of the digital world feels fast and transient, typified by newness and the eternal burn of trying to survive and keep up.
In the past I’ve curated my year-end gift guides toward various themes or motifs. Usually there was a cohesive organizing energy. Other years the curation felt more random.
This year I felt drawn toward the theme of Longevity. Patina, character, grain—characters and features that are designed to weather the long use of many years.
teenage engineering OP-1
The OP-1 is a masterpiece. There is no other way to state it. Whether you are an amateur, a tinkerer, a professional musician, or a child—this device has something beautiful to offer to you. Perhaps the most unique quality of the device is the exploratory interface and the seamless interplay between hardware and software. They complement each other perfectly and create a device that engenders curiosity—inviting playful exploration.
Trakke Bannoch
Trakke’s approach to designing their line of carry products are to mix traditional materials (waxed cotton, custom textiles, tartan) with clean minimal lines and modern technology (laptop sleeves, lots of pouches/pockets, and COBRA® buckles). The result is a very modern and localized expression of carry. Products that feel deeply rooted in Scottish culture yet also modern, beautiful, durable, and designed to build a unique character as they age.
CW&T Pen Type-C
Over the past several years I’ve developed an affinity for objects built with titanium. It’s low density, corrosion resistance, and high strength-to-weight ratio make it an ideal metal for industrial applications. In its raw form it has a very distinct texture and feel. Starting with the raw materials CW&T transform titanium into a minimal product with no branding—the epitome of understated. From the mechanics of writing with this pen to the effortless way it can be discreetly carried make it an ideal tool for serious consideration and work.
Master & Dynamic MW08
In a world of endless Zoom meetings and remote work, noise cancelling headphones have shifted from a luxury item to a necessity. The MW08 offer this modern utility in stunning Klein Blue ceramic and polished graphite. They look like something from the future with the combination of stark colors and polished metal and ceramic. On top of this, they work. They stay in your ears and feel tactile to use.
Ricoh GR IIIx
The GR III× is a compact thing of beauty—engineered out of a durable magnesium alloy. The 24MP APS-C sensor captures RAW images of film emulations (via JPEG), both of which provide a range of flexibility in how you utilize the device. The JPEG emulation mode is a way to capture images in a no-editing workflow. Frame your shot, sample the exposure, and develop images ready to share. In RAW mode you get more flexibility over how your images are developed. It’s minimal size and footprint make this an ideal way to capture beautiful images anywhere you find yourself.
ANTOU Work A5
ANTOU is building something special with their Work series of notebooks. For starters notebook is not a sufficient term. A note/work toolkit/system is a more descriptor. From the beautiful textured recycled leather to the titanium metal and cork, every element of ANTOU’s Work system is beautiful, playful, functional, and ready for any configuration of organizing your notes and ideas that you can dream up.
DSPTCH® Dyneema Weekender
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of dyneema. Stronger than steel, as light as paper—it’s an engineered fabric that wears beautifully over time while providing water protection and other benefits. DSPTCH® has rendered dyneema in the perfect form with hypalon handles that feel tactile and provide sufficient grip. In short—the perfect travel or gym bag.
ESV Thinline Heirloom Bible
My Christian faith is important to me. Like other modern failings, most of the Bibles that are produced today are not designed to last. Crossway has perfected the details of their most approachable thin Bible version. The ESV translation is historic, poetic, easy to read, and yet has a cultured depth in the English language that hearkens back to the Elizabethan King James Version while still feeling modern and readable. They used an updated goatskin leather that has a very tight grain—allowing the finish to develop a rich patina over years of use.
If minimalism is not your thing, I’ve produced a second guide this year called Casus that is more geared toward adventure.