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AutoTech
There’s a lot of cool tech coming out of the 2021 CES and much of it is aimed at the automobile market, particularly devices used for driver alerts and data. I grabbed a few short videos off YouTube:
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Auto-Aficionado
Car enthusiasts, collectors, and owners are some of the easiest people to buy gifts for. Fifty bucks in the car care section at Auto Zone can go a long way towards a bad-ass gift. Seriously! I’ve given car wash gift certificates as a gift for years, but something that is a great consideration for your other half, parent, or bestie is a full-on car detail. I do not mean the half-assed Genie car wash 1 hour job. I am referring to a craftsman’s detail. Someone who knows about paint detoxification, the cleaning of yellowed headlamp lenses, refurbishing plastics and seals and reconditioning seats. While not inexpensive, a heavy duty refurb can make an aging car look phenomenal. In the Austin area, I recommend Motoring Concierge. They can make a worn out vehicle look pretty damned good. You can look at their facebook feed to see examples.
Also, if your rims are all scratched from curb rash, they can be reconditioned to look like new in as little as a few hours. Call your car dealer for the inside scoop on who they use internally. Most of the time the body shop or used car manager knows a quality service provider.
Additionally, talk to your local body shop. If you have any scratches that are not so deep that they stop your fingernail when being dragged over it, they can be buffed out with compound. I have done this myself, but I would recommend a professional.
Lastly, if you have dings from doors, hail, or rocks, have them take out by a paintless dent repair specialist. I have used DDS for years. Call and ask for Charlie and tell him I sent you.
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Have a Manly, Manly Christmas…
Time to break out the list and write down your gift buying plans for friends and family. Men, I’ve found, can be quite tricky to buy for. There are the tried and true staples; shirts, ties, shoes, gift certs and booze. Such things seem to be great “go-to” items, but I try to be a little more creative in my gifting. Something with a bit of humor or a compelling story is a really good thing.
For instance, I have one friend who is always grilling and cooking. He’s very good at it. He loves using recipes but gets frustrated when they don’t turn out as planned. I don’t know why he even worries about it as anything he serves is always delicious. So the gifts I have planned to get him are a little cheeky.
Esquire Man’s Cookbook 
Esquire Men’s Cookbook I have another buddy who loves his whiskey and bourbon, so I found this little gem while shopping at Noah Marion Quality Goods. One little taste and I was sold. It is friggin’ delicious! (Plus is has a Texas story to go along with it, so win, win, win.)
Ben Milam Whiskey More info here:
Ben Milam Bourbon Lastly, cool shit that no one else has. Now that is alway a winner!
A local recommendation is Noah Marion Quality Goods on S. Lamar at Oltorf. Cool leather goods that show you took the time to look and buy something special.
Noah Marion QG If you want to do it all online, check out Smathers and` Bransen
I also have some great ideas on my Pinterest page
Oh, try Kate Hershe, aka Austin Morgan, too
Happy Holidays!
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Gift Shopping in the Most Unlikely Place
I’ve complained about furniture shopping in Austin before as I don’t feel the city has enough variety at the higher-end of the spectrum. The tried and true place of choice is Louis Shanks on Anderson Lane. There’s a lot to absorb in the store, but they do have a nice selection of finer items. I was really surprised to see a gift section on the second floor. The buyers have done a great job of finding eclectic pieces at an agreeable price point. With the holidays upon us, it would behoove you to stop by and take a gander.
Louis Shanks’ Gift Items -
Holiday Gifting Ideas
2015 is going to be a slimmer Christmas gift giving year since I am moving into a house and will have a lot of upcoming expenses. Simply considering the forthcoming holiday set my mind to thinking about gifting and how it is a bit curious that we spend so much energy on it, when we really just want our friends and family to know that we think about them, we love them, and we appreciate them. So that’s what my focus will be for 2015; finding ways to express my gratitude for friendship and camaraderie.
I believe that when you give a gift that is very personal, there’s more meaning for the recipient. That’s pretty obvious, but I am hoping to find things that are touching and surprising, but won’t drain my checkbook. In Austin, one of my favorite stores to purchase interesting personal gifts is Anthropologie, an upscale variety store (heavy on women’s items). The merchandise is well priced, they carry very unique merchandise, their gift packaging is exquisite, and people appreciate items from that store. There are two locations in Austin, downtown in the 6th/Lamar district and also in the Domain, near the Apple store. (online as well)
Happy Hunting!
Alternatively, consider offering a donation to an organization that your friend or family member is very invested in, whether it be in financial support or simply volunteering with the organization. It conveys to your friend that you care about what they care about.
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Holiday Party? Give The Host a Bottle of Fine Wine
I asked a wine expert what his favorite wine is for the holidays. He offered two suggestions, Beaujolais and Amerone. Beaujolais seemed to be his favorite. Apparently it is light, fruity and quite refreshing, while Amerone is quite different, being a rich, red and dry Italian wine. He indicated most wine shops should have either readily available.
It is always a good practice to present your host with a gift of appreciation. Make your gift stand out by presenting something special that you can share a little knowledge about. You’ll be the favorite guest at the party.
