And just like that, we’re in December. I’m always amazed, when we get to the end of the year, at how quickly the preceding eleven months have passed by. It seems like yesterday I was out on a blanket with Baby CWD, soaking in the 50 degree sun, feeling like it was 75 degrees, as winter started to slip into spring. Now, we’re well into stick season waiting for snow. Crazy right?
Of course “the holidays” are always a crazy time. We kicked it off last week with Thanksgiving, and now we’ve got Kiddo CWD’s birthday coming up, followed by Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve1. Sandwiched somewhere in the early stages will be the arrival of New Baby CWD2, which makes things even more fun! Amidst all of that, we’re supposed to find the time, effort, and energy to get meaningful presents for all the holly-jollies on your list.
Personally, I think the best gifts are experiences, but I’m sure some of you are materialistic consumers and need to buy stuff3. So here are some things that might make your life, and specifically the lives of your giftees, in the kitchen, a little easier. Since all I want this year is for those I love to remain happy, healthy, and strong, I have some version of all of these things already, so Mrs. CWD, you’re out of luck… and truthfully, I wouldn’t even mind some coal4 I could use to smoke a nice rib roast!
That being said, I feel pretty comfortable endorsing all of the below. We’ve got a couple tiers, from stocking stuffers to full on big ticket items, so take a look and if you have any questions, comments, addendums, or disagreements, drop them in the comments.
TOADFISH Fish Spatula. This spatula is killer. It’s marketed as a fish spatula, but it works just about everything. It’s lightweight and thin, which allows you to slip it under delicate fish filets, but also holds up well enough flip eggs, scrape fried rice, and turn meat on the grill. I also like to use it to cut into frittatas. Wonder spatula. Plus, the turquoise color looks cool, and that’s 90% of good cooking.
NITRILE GLOVES. I know I recommended these last year, but after 365 days, whoever you got them for is probably out. Switch it up this year and get orange, ‘cause again, look good, cook good.
CAST IRON Tortilla Press. Since you now are making tortillas regularly, it’s worth it ease it up with a tortilla press. You can bang5 tortillas out on this bad so quickly, it's not even funny.
HELINOX Ground Chair. If we’re being perfectly honest, I got a chair just like this to use when I’m sitting in a ground blind trying to harvest a deer or turkey6, but I can see using this a fair amount for non-predatory activities -- whether the next time we try camping, we’re at the beach, or just sitting around outside with number 6.
GIVE’R Classic Gloves. I fully stand behind these as the best gloves around. I got them for my friends at my bachelor party, I've use them skiing, hiking, tailgaiting7, for yard work, gardening, and dozens of other activities. They're great for tending fires, too (see below). If you're feeling crafty, you can also get something like these and brand and wax your own.
SOLO STOVE Mesa. Last year during Black Friday, Solo Stove had a buy-one, get-one sale on their camp stoves, which were already discounted. I ordered the Lite, but they sent me the Campfire instead. I can tell you, also having a Yukon, the Campfire is a cool little piece of equipment. It’s perfect for quick s’mores, for impromptu fires, and probably works well to take car camping. The Mesa is Solo Stove’s new version of the Campfire, which is designed as a firepit and not a camp stove. I’d get just whichever is cheaper - Solo Stove often has sales.
XTRATUF Leather Deck Boots. Another gift I recommended last year, but these are just solid boots. Super comfortable, easy to slip on, water and slip proof — and the leather and camo looks sweet.
SMITHEY No. 12 Cast Iron Skillet. Hopefully you’ve already got a cast iron pan, but if you know someone who doesn’t, this is the sexiest one you can get. We use a couple vintage Griswold’s, some Lodges, and some Bayou Classics at home — but we’ve gifted these Smithey’s a few times and every time I see one out in the wild, I want one.
CAMP CHEF Pro 14. If you took my advice last year and gifted someone a Traeger Ranger, this is the logical next step. It’s essentially an outdoor burner, which allows you to take your full kitchen outdoors, and, if you want, on the road. Just need a propane tank and you’re good to go!
PAKMULE Cargo Carrier. Growing up, at least one of my parents vehicles was always a big honkin’ SUV. A Suburban was the choice for awhile. Now, having a dog, kid(s), and a boat load of gear, I understand why. Even our 4Runner and Grand Cherokee don’t always cut it for storage space. That’s why the Pakmule is a key part of our adventureteering. It adds a the equivalent of a second trunk's worth of space for a Yeti cooler, for bikes, for luggage, for Kiddo CWD8. And since Mrs. CWD won't let me get a truck9, this is the best I can do for Home Depot or transfer station runs.
That’s it folks. Hopefully you’ve already got your shopping done and this is just some eye candy for you, but if not, I hope it’s useful. We’ll return next week with your regularly scheduled food programing and sophomore-level philosophy discussions!
And then we’re in the true doldrums of winter.
If things go dark over here for awhile, you probably can guess why.
Our GDP thanks you!
Rather, wood pellets.
Flatten?
A (hopefully successful) hunting season post coming early next year.
Ha, just kidding — I don’t do that!
Just kidding!
Or vintage Defender or Landcruiser.
Don't get me anything this year...or any year...my gift is spending time with you, Mrs. CWD, Baby CWD #1, Scout, and all the Future Baby CWDs. That's always an experience!!
But, if you do get me a gift, I'll accept the Vintage Defender.
However, my current SUV is a big honkin' 2016 Yukon, and will be vintage eventually, so the Defender is not really necessary. Plus it's a little small. And I don't like yellow, which seems to be the raging color for that model.
I'd rather have the 100 pound box of licorice (red only) instead of the car. Asa and Jem do not need the liver treats--they would prefer a hiking experience.