I love a gift guide, especially one filled with delights that allow us to appreciate the communal creative souls within us all. I hope you find some wonder herein. Cheers.
Four Women: The Nina Simone Complete Recordings 1964 – 1967 ($219.98 on sale for $199.98)
Seven, count ’em 7!, of classic, and I mean Classic, Nina Simone LPs remastered and cut from the original analog tapes: Nina Simone in Concert (1964), Broadway-Blues-Ballads (1964), I Put A Spell On You (1965), Pastel Blues (1965), Let It All Out (1965), Wild Is the Wind (1966) and High Priestess of Soul (1967).
Florence Knoll Lounge Chair ($7710 as shown in Garnet Volo leather)
Sitting is almost as important as standing so why not sit in style with one of Florence Knoll’s simple beauties. Yes, I seem to have a thing for red chairs. (budget alternative)
Barbara Kruger Untitled [Business as usual] Tote Bag ($65)
Barbara Kruger cuts to the quick. (some things do not have a budget version)
EMT HSD 006 MC Phono Cartridge ($1795)
Even though I’m still in review writing mode wrestling, happily, with EMT’s HSD 006 cartridge, I already know it’s a stocking stuffer par excellence. (budget alternative)
Grumbacher Vine Charcoal Jumbo Sticks ($3.94/ea.)
I love, love, a simple fat stick of charcoal because with one you can make endless wonders.
Buzz Rickson x William Gibson Black USN Chambray Shirt ($205)
In his 2003 sci-fi novel Pattern Recognition (highly recommended), author William Gibson dressed his protagonist Cayce Pollard in a coat of his own design fictionally made by real maker Buzz Rickson. The company got so many requests for that jacket they ended up making one, along with a complete line of ‘collaborative’ clothing including this tasty Gibson-black chambray shirt. (budget alternative)
Expressive E Osmose Synthesizer ($1799)
Make music not war. (budget alternative)
Kurayami, YAMAMOTO Masao ($58.66)
This is photographer Masao Yamamoto and musician Akira Uchida’s second collaboration and the results are meant to be experienced together for a super-sensual treat. Each book includes a coupon for a free download of Uchida’s music.
GH Bass & Co. Scout Mid Lace Boots ($275/pair)
GH Bass has been in the boot and shoe making business in Maine since 1876 and the Scout features Goodyear welted construction which means you can slap a new sole on these babies after 8.6 million steps (give or take).
Iizuka Rōkansai, Furu-Tsurube, ca. 1927-1934, Lacquered Hobichiku bamboo (Price on Request)
I am endlessly fascinated by Japanese bamboo weavers and their works as they wrap art, craft, care and culture in elegant mystery.
Twittering Machines everyone needs a Barn Mug ($16.99)
Everyone needs a Barn. 
Beeswax Pillar Candles (from $18.99)
Smells are a funny thing, what with their ability to reach back and recreate memories as clear as moving pictures. Some of my favorite scents are nature, and what better way to weave some new scented memories than a simple beeswax pillar.
Vitra Gehry Wiggle Stool ($835)
Imagine a line became a form.
Sun Audio SV300BE Kit ($3,500 with PSVANE 300B & 6SN7)
I’m including the lovely Sun Audio 300B amp here again because it’s now available in the US of A from Devon Turnbull’s OJAS (currently sold out). I want (again).
Johnson Woolen Mills Classic Button Wool Mackinaw ($359.95)
Nearly 2 centuries of tradition, four generations of Vermont ownership. Johnson Woolen Mills has been milling wool and making wearable things from it since 1832 in Johnson, VT. Wrap yourself in some warm cozy history.
Albert Ayler Europe 1966 4LP Box Set ($124.99)
Fun Fact: 4 LP’s worth of live Albert Ayler from 1966 contains enough energy to power a modern metropolis. Remastered by Dave Gardner at Infrasonic, pressed at Pallas in Germany.
Les Fleurs Du Mal by Charles Baudelaire (Author), Richard Howard (Translator) (from $13.21)
Let Charles Baudelaire lift your spirits.
The Albatross
Often, to pass the time on board, the crew
will catch an albatross, one of those big birds
which nonchalently chaperone a ship
across the bitter fathoms of the sea.
Tied to the deck, this sovereign of space,
as if embarrassed by its clumsiness,
pitiably lets its great white wings
drag at its sides like a pair of unshipped oars.
How weak and awkward, even comical
this traveller but lately so adroit –
one deckhand sticks a pipestem in its beak,
another mocks the cripple that once flew!
The Poet is like this monarch of the clouds
riding the storm above the marksman’s range;
exiled on the ground, hooted and jeered,
he cannot walk because of his great wings.
Don Fulano Blanco (about $55 depending on your supplier)
While I’m not advocating drinking, I am advocating drinking. Responsibly. And what could be more responsible than sipping a fine sipping Tequila (that’s rhetorical). They’re called spirits for a reason.
Tower of Babel Christmas Decoration (€27.50)
After Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s 16th century painting. Mouth-blown glasswork, hand-painted details, the confusion of tongues.
Le Corbusier LC2 Petit Modele Armchair ($6125)
That chair. (budget alternative)
Aurorasound HFSA-01 Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier ($3,680)
Those tone controls double as EQ curves for playing pre-RIAA records with the help of the HFSA-01’s inbuilt phono stage, the cherry on top of this lovely little integrated amp from Aurorasound (review). Imagine, just imagine, sitting by the fire with the Quintette du Hot Club de France lighting up your spirits as you dream about everything but hifi.
Messmer South African Ovambo Rooibos Vanilla Tea ($5.29 if you can find it in the US)
Here’s some naturally non-caffeinated deliciousness to put in your (new) mug. 
John Lofgren Combat Boots ($980)
My feet look on enrapt, alas my wallet is shy.
Remember to Dream!: 100 Artists, 100 Notes Paperback by Hans Ulrich Obrist ($16.95)
Post-it sized thoughts from 100 artists, e.g. “My skull is my cathedral” Björk
The Original Slinky ($2.99)
I know of no better toy. Damn thing is endless magic!
Giving is part of receiving.
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