Jess here, kicking off my awesome (read: awesome) dad gift guide. I was very happy and impressed by the number of mentions it received in the EHD survey we conducted a few months ago. He was also very happy when I told him. You guys make him feel like a celebrity these days of posting 🙂 So naturally, I had to ask him if he would consider writing another guide to not only help you shop for the older men/people in your life (many of the gifts are good for you) i.e. person) but also for you to get your end-of-year Les Bunge fix. Let’s just say, he was happy to oblige. I think the phrase “I gotta give my fans what they want” was mentioned. And if this is the first time you’ve met my father, you’re in for a treat. And no, I’m clearly not biased. Also check out our first, second, third and fourth gift guide posts if you want more great ideas and heartfelt words. You’ll quickly discover he’s one of a kind 🙂 So without further ado, here’s Les.
So, I don’t think it’s ever that time of year again. I swear time didn’t move so fast when I was younger. I used to wait impatiently for Christmas and now it is rolling over me like a locomotive. I visited Jess after attending a concert in Los Angeles recently. We spent two days together. It was great. We went antique shopping. I actually purchased a cobbler’s bench to use as a coffee table at my newly purchased cabin in the woods. Will include a pic or two. We had some great meals together. Our conversations were meaningful. I was only bored for a few seconds at a time. This is so interesting to me I can’t tell you. Her apartment is also very nice. She has her mother’s taste. It’s nice to be a parent to a perfectly nice human being. We still fight from time to time. Can’t help it. Ha! Anyway, you asked me to do another gift guide, so here it is. (Note from Jess: He acts like this isn’t one of his favorite things to do all year.)
Classic shirt in corduroy | 5-Pocket Stretch Twill Pants | Special weight crew
Now, the first thing I’ll mention is the store that Jess took me to on my visit. It’s called Everlane. I bought some cute pants, a couple of t-shirts (this one and this one), and maybe a pair of jeans or two for Jess. Not only are their clothes beautiful, trendy, and chic, but they’re affordable, much less than you’d expect at a store in Los Angeles. (Note from Jess: Should I tell him it’s a national chain and not really a “store”?? No;) The clothes are great either way.)
Microplane® Pro Serrated and Straight Peels (Set of 2)
I was peeling potatoes before I started this post and was thinking this is the best potato peeler ever. It is made by Microplane. Everything about him is perfect. I love simplicity. (Note from Jess: If you ever get a chance to eat his fries, they are the best. Thank God for the peeler and therefore my stomach.)
Presto 12 cup cordless coffee machine
I also have a 12-cup cordless presto jug in my kitchen. I grew up on the decanter and that’s what I prefer. It’s attractive and easy. I got it in black. It also makes great coffee.
Espresso Cups with Wooden Handle (Set of 2)
I will make espresso sometimes, and I have found the cutest little espresso cups. It’s clear glass with wooden handles, very cool.
Walnut cutting board with handle | Ash wood paddle serving board
Another thing for the kitchen, I think cutting boards are display pieces and functional as well. As I travel the planet, I am always in a state of suspense. Some of the craftsmen are breathtaking. I have a lot of art in my house but my cutting boards that I hang get just as much attention. Who knew?
Soho Pebble suede jacket
Since I’m a guy who likes to be comfortable, I just purchased the most comfortable Tru Grit shirt I’ve ever owned. All of their shirts are comfortable but this one takes the cake. If your man wants a soft and manly shirt, Tru Grit is the way to go. Tru Grit also makes women’s clothing. I imagine they’re quite cute.
I live in Sonoma, California. A great place to slow down when the time comes (it hasn’t arrived yet). Last year I joined two winery membership programs. Buena Vista Winery is our favorite. I am allowed to bring up to 4 guests for a free tasting. I also get wine at a discount. There are some purchase requirements but they are minimal. If your person is a wine lover, find a local winery and purchase a membership. The first year you have to if they enjoy it they can keep it. Explore the winery. Some of them are beautifully done and it’s always nice to have a lighter menu. I don’t drink because I’m allergic to alcohol (I get cuffs). But I can spend hours in these places with friends because they are done so well. Some wineries make their own olive oil as well. The packaging is usually unique and the oil is exceptional. Great gift. (Note from Jess: The handcuffs joke is his all-time favorite. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve heard him say it. I’ve had to apologize to a lot of waiters over the years, haha.)
Rechargeable Filament Lantern | MoriMori lamp with speaker
I’ve come to the conclusion that night lights are a good thing. When I woke up in the middle of the night, I would bump into the things hanging on the wall of my house and break them. Finally, I said to myself, “Stupid, it’s called a night light.” Geez! I didn’t want those ugly types of plugins so I started searching. I didn’t find much but my girlfriend did. She has a good eye for cute. One resembles a delicate candle in a candlestick holder. It is operated by touch. It has three light settings. It is cordless and rechargeable. I leave my device plugged in because I have a blocked outlet. Then you don’t have to worry about charging it. Then I found one that looked like an oil lamp. It has a built-in dimmer and is rechargeable as well. Sometimes I put it on the dinner table for a little romantic ambiance. Anything that makes this section easier is on my A list.
Gaspe Boar Bristle Hair Brush | Gaspe nail brush with boar bristles
In the beauty department, there is a company called KOH-I-NOOR. They are an Italian company of craftsmen. Their brushes are unparalleled in beauty and quality. Their prices are probably unparalleled too. I have a nail brush and a boar bristle hair brush. Both are the best I’ve ever tried. Go figure.
Cowboy Hat Holder Hanger (Set of 2)
If you wear cowboy hats, there are some hat hangers for you. They are nutty and beautiful. It’s got a lot to come in handy.
Natural coir shoe scraper door rug
I assume if you wear hats you wear shoes. Here is the boot scraper wiper. I absolutely love these simple and adorable ideas. Blows me away!
Since we last talked I’ve purchased a cabin in the woods for me and my girlfriend. I did it when I was in Italy. So it’s my Roman cabin in the woods. Oh, and this is my cobbler’s bench in the living room. Cool, isn’t it?
Hestia Telescope (Standard Package)
The night sky is amazing there so I bought myself a telescope. It is a Hestia telescope with a tripod. If you have a stargazer on your list it’s the bomb. The universe we live in is truly the most glorious entity ever created. My father grew up poor and he used to say, “Keep your eyes on the ground, you never know what you might find.” One time I found a diamond ring. Thanks Bob! My mother used to say, “Look at the sky and find your dreams.” I kind of compromised and started looking forward. It has served me well but today my mom won. I’m looking up more than ever. I wish I had done more. Better late than never I guess.
Ertag dog collar
While I was at the cabin a few weeks ago, we got hit by a snow storm. It was great for me but my dog, Pip, panicked and took off (she had never seen snow before). I was behind her for 30 minutes and then I lost sight of her. I thought she was gone. Exhausted and extremely emotional, I returned to the cabin thinking how the hell was I going to explain this to my girlfriend? Suddenly she was walking next to me. I wanted to kill her, but I found myself hugging her. Brutal to say the least. After that incident, I bought a collar that holds one of the Apple AirTag luggage trackers. Comes in a variety of sizes and colors. There is a gift for the fool in your life. She is now always on my phone. It’s funny since the snow incident she doesn’t get around much anymore. It must be good here compared to the blizzard.
Stackable wooden egg holders
The other living things in this house (not the cabin) are our chickens. It was so nice to have them. They are largely maintenance free and they give back. Fresh eggs do not need to be refrigerated because the protective layer on them is not washed off. So we actually display our eggs in a stackable wooden stand on our table. Looks great on the kitchen table.
Dewalt Tough Box 8-Piece Mounting Wrench Set SAE
This post wouldn’t really be by me if I didn’t have some tools here. I’m a gadget guy in case this is your first time meeting. This Dewalt 8-Piece Wrench Set is great to keep in your car’s glove box. It’s where they will probably be needed most.
Dewalt socket set
Then there is also the 34-piece Dewalt socket set that will be kept in the vehicle. They’ll never know what good gifts are until they’re taken down the highway with an easy solution. On that day you should get flowers if it’s worth it.
1 Minute Automatic Tire Chains
Also, when that blizzard hit the cabin, my Ford Bronco got stuck in a ditch that I inadvertently drove into. It made me realize that even with a 4 wheel drive car if I’m going to be in snowy country I have to have a set of tire chains. You’ll never think about it until you’re stuck and a tow truck is pulling you out. So why not be proactive and buy yourself a pair of snow chains? You’ll need the frame size but you can just take a photo of that with your phone. This is another one of those gifts that will only be appreciated when they are needed.
I hope some of these ideas help you. Remember, denim jackets never fail. There are always concert tickets. I saw David Foster’s 75th birthday celebrated at the Hollywood Bowl last month. It was great. Sporting events are also good. I’m taking my son to a Chicago Bears game in two weeks. How can you overcome that? Oh yeah, my daughter-in-law gave birth to my first granddaughter last month. The baby girl is healthy and beautiful. Do you think I’ll buy her any gifts this Christmas? Ha! Next year I’m sure I’ll be adding ideas for baby gifts. Wait until these baby stores get a big load from me. Ha! can’t wait.
Have a great holiday season everyone.
Affectionately,
for him
