Ask KQ Claus

[Toadman]

^^ Something from a stationary store for her new office. No doubt there are some nice Japanese shops in Seattle proper.

KQ, I have gifts taken care of for my wife but am thinking of getting her something extra this year. She is about to make a huge career leap but is still wearing professional clothes from when she was a broke grad student. I know she is self conscious about these items but has a hard time wrapping her head around the necessary expense of buying something worthwhile. Her new boss, in addition to her many professional accomplishments, is known nationally for being one of the best dressed women in a male dominated field and my wife will be the only other woman in their department that isn't a junior trainee.

The two things she needs the most are new heels and a new blazer. I am considering paying upfront to have a blazer made for her at a local tailor but don't want to make a mistake. I know these items are personal but if I leave it up to her she is going to keep dragging her feet and run out of time.

Okay, I'm not KQ Claus here but I am married to a very sophisticated NYC gal. Check out this place for ideas. I am told these are the bomb...

https://veronicabeard.com/collections/dickey-jackets

[plugboots]

Get her an appointment with personal shopper at Nordstrom’s downtown.
Then buy her something else.

[KQ]

^^ Something from a stationary store for her new office. No doubt there are some nice Japanese shops in Seattle proper.

KQ, I have gifts taken care of for my wife but am thinking of getting her something extra this year. She is about to make a huge career leap but is still wearing professional clothes from when she was a broke grad student. I know she is self conscious about these items but has a hard time wrapping her head around the necessary expense of buying something worthwhile. Her new boss, in addition to her many professional accomplishments, is known nationally for being one of the best dressed women in a male dominated field and my wife will be the only other woman in their department that isn't a junior trainee.

The two things she needs the most are new heels and a new blazer. I am considering paying upfront to have a blazer made for her at a local tailor but don't want to make a mistake. I know these items are personal but if I leave it up to her she is going to keep dragging her feet and run out of time.

Okay, I'm not KQ Claus here but I am married to a very sophisticated NYC gal. Check out this place for ideas. I am told these are the bomb...

https://veronicabeard.com/collections/dickey-jackets

Hey Ghost - been out of the office scene for going on 15yrs now. ^That link from Toadman looks promising. My suggestions for blazers would be Ann Taylor, Eileen Fischer or for more conservative Talbots. For shoes Nordys is always a good go-to.

If you don't live near B&M stores there are online services that will coordinate entire outfits for you based on your style & needs and ship them to your home. I've not used this service but it might be worth a try and you can buy gift certs: https://www.stitchfix.com/

^Stitch Fix is the personal style service for men and women that evolves with your tastes, needs and lifestyle.

[KQ]

Help me KQ Claus, you’re my only hope.

My brothers’ families and my family draw names each year for one person to give a gift to and I pulled my sister in law. She is always so thoughtful with her gifts so I don’t wanna blow this one.

Price isn’t really an issue for the right thing. About her: 40 yr old mother of two small kids so she’s constantly “on.” Architect. Funny. Loves a good drink/food. Lives in a house with all men (my bro and two small dudes) so it’s dongs everywhere for the poor gal. Doesn’t have a lot of space to herself. They are remodeling their downstairs so in a state of flux and maybe need something for down there. She should have a new office down there when completed.

Anything come to mind?

Noise cancelling headphones? VR headset? Gummies? LOL!

Can you tell us any more about her like:
Has she metioned an interest in a new hobby?
How does she spend her down time?
Does she enjoy spa treatments?
Does she like to put on comfy lounge clothes and snuggle on the couch?
Does she do daily dog walks? There are some great merino clothes and fleece lined tights on the market (WoolX, Orvis, Eddie Bauer)

Is she passionate about shopping local or buying from artisans? Novica is a great place to buy unique gifts that support artist around the world: https://www.novica.com/

For food and drink you might consider King Arthur or Cooks Illustrated. King Arthur has great gift sets. For Cooks I would suggest both a magazing & online subscription.

Something to consider - do you know how she feels about "things?" I only ask because of late I've had to clean out my mother's apartment and downsize her to a studio in assisted living and have become accutely aware of lifes superfulous junk. It's actually quite sad. It used to be I would go into a store and see things I like and buy them with much joy. Now I see them as something that someday will be boxed up and tossed.

[MakersTeleMark]

Help me KQ Claus, you’re my only hope.

My brothers’ families and my family draw names each year for one person to give a gift to and I pulled my sister in law. She is always so thoughtful with her gifts so I don’t wanna blow this one.

Price isn’t really an issue for the right thing. About her: 40 yr old mother of two small kids so she’s constantly “on.” Architect. Funny. Loves a good drink/food. Lives in a house with all men (my bro and two small dudes) so it’s dongs everywhere for the poor gal. Doesn’t have a lot of space to herself. They are remodeling their downstairs so in a state of flux and maybe need something for down there. She should have a new office down there when completed.

Anything come to mind?


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A nice fountain pen and some ink sets for when she gets off the keyboard and wants to write something meaningful?

[Art Shirk]

Noise cancelling headphones? VR headset? Gummies? LOL!

Can you tell us any more about her like:
Has she metioned an interest in a new hobby?
How does she spend her down time?
Does she enjoy spa treatments?
Does she like to put on comfy lounge clothes and snuggle on the couch?
Does she do daily dog walks? There are some great merino clothes and fleece lined tights on the market (WoolX, Orvis, Eddie Bauer)

Is she passionate about shopping local or buying from artisans? Novica is a great place to buy unique gifts that support artist around the world: https://www.novica.com/

For food and drink you might consider King Arthur or Cooks Illustrated. King Arthur has great gift sets. For Cooks I would suggest both a magazing & online subscription.

Something to consider - do you know how she feels about "things?" I only ask because of late I've had to clean out my mother's apartment and downsize her to a studio in assisted living and have become accutely aware of lifes superfulous junk. It's actually quite sad. It used to be I would go into a store and see things I like and buy them with much joy. Now I see them as something that someday will be boxed up and tossed.

First, sorry to hear about your mom and appreciate your perspective there.

And now that you mention it, I think an experience is definitely the way to go for her. It’s not a “thing” to consume for a bit before it fades. She needs to have some of her own time. I’m going towards a day at the spa to herself.

And finally, I feel like we need a standardized form we need to fill out for you. The service you provide, deserves a proper intake process and context.


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[::: :::]

Architect

Clutch pencil & sketchbook

Maybe brass? Live metal patinas nicely in the hand. The big blunt pencil is great for loose sketches
https://www.thepencompany.com/en-us/...-pencil/14039/

Canson artist series 8x8 wirebound sketchbook

https://www.dickblick.com/items/cans...RoCeHkQAvD_BwE

[Art Shirk]

Clutch pencil & sketchbook

Maybe brass? Live metal patinas nicely in the hand. The big blunt pencil is great for loose sketches
https://www.thepencompany.com/en-us/...-pencil/14039/

Canson artist series 8x8 wirebound sketchbook

https://www.dickblick.com/items/cans...RoCeHkQAvD_BwE

Awesome stuff! Would never had known what to get in this universe. Thx dude!


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[basinbeater]

Yo. I'm looking at getting my wife a cricut maker 3. She likes to make lots of designs for our kids schools, flyers, posters, tshirts, etc.
I think she would enjoy a maker thingamajig. Is the 3 the right unit? Do I want the subscription? (I really don't want another subscription!)

[KQ]

Yo. I'm looking at getting my wife a cricut maker 3. She likes to make lots of designs for our kids schools, flyers, posters, tshirts, etc.
I think she would enjoy a maker thingamajig. Is the 3 the right unit? Do I want the subscription? (I really don't want another subscription!)

First off, I have no experience with these machines but I am familiar with their application. Based on what she likes to do I think she'd love it as would the kids.

My suggestion would be to stop in at a local fabric/craft store like JoAnn, Hobby Lobby, Michaels etc. and speak to a clerk about the current model and options.

If that isn't something you can do go online to their site and read through the reviews. Don't forget to check for a FAQ section too. Amazon might also be a resource for reviews.

And I hear you about subscriptions. I wanted to get some trail cams for my property down by the river. Thought it would be cool to sit in my nice warm house and look at pics of animals strolling by on my phone but then I learned I'd need a subscription to access that and it put me off. Still thinking about it. Guess that's the way of the world now. I just need to come to terms with it.

[irul&ublo]

And I hear you about subscriptions. I wanted to get some trail cams for my property down by the river. Thought it would be cool to sit in my nice warm house and look at pics of animals strolling by on my phone but then I learned I'd need a subscription to access that and it put me off. Still thinking about it. Guess that's the way of the world now. I just need to come to terms with it.

You might see someone shooting their baby

[liv2ski]

All adults in the family. They were told to buy what they want, give it to me to wrap and there will be a check in the package to offset all/some of their expense. I fucking scored this year

[riser4]

I need a pour over kettle for my son. Not super expensive and fine if it comes after Christmas. I got him a 3 cup chemex for under the tree.

[Meadow Skipper]

I need a pour over kettle for my son. Not super expensive and fine if it comes after Christmas. I got him a 3 cup chemex for under the tree.

Stovetop or electric? Either way, get a gooseneck one. That’s critical. I suggest going local on this one, but here are a couple examples from Amazon to either use for comparison or just buy.
Stovetop:
https://www.amazon.com/MROCO-Goosene...6JJ/ref=sr_1_6

Electric:
https://www.amazon.com/Bodum-Goosene...M6L/ref=sr_1_5

Caveat: I know, I know - I’m not KQ, not close by any measure, I’m just kind of core about my coffee gear.

[riser4]

Stovetop or electric? Either way, get a gooseneck one. That’s critical. I suggest going local on this one, but here are a couple examples from Amazon to either use for comparison or just buy.
Stovetop:
https://www.amazon.com/MROCO-Goosene...6JJ/ref=sr_1_6

Electric:
https://www.amazon.com/Bodum-Goosene...M6L/ref=sr_1_5

Caveat: I know, I know - I’m not KQ, not close by any measure, I’m just kind of core about my coffee gear.

Sorry, I forgot to specify stovetop and lead free borosilicate glass and NOT made in China.

[Meadow Skipper]

Sorry, I forgot to specify stovetop and lead free borosilicate glass and NOT made in China.

Details.

But those were “not super expensive.” Just get the fucking gooseneck one.

[riser4]

Details.

But those were “not super expensive.” Just get the fucking gooseneck one.

Lol

[RShea]

First off, I have no experience with these machines but I am familiar with their application. Based on what she likes to do I think she'd love it as would the kids.

My suggestion would be to stop in at a local fabric/craft store like JoAnn, Hobby Lobby, Michaels etc. and speak to a clerk about the current model and options.

If that isn't something you can do go online to their site and read through the reviews. Don't forget to check for a FAQ section too. Amazon might also be a resource for reviews.

And I hear you about subscriptions. I wanted to get some trail cams for my property down by the river. Thought it would be cool to sit in my nice warm house and look at pics of animals strolling by on my phone but then I learned I'd need a subscription to access that and it put me off. Still thinking about it. Guess that's the way of the world now. I just need to come to terms with it.

RE trail cam and subscriptions. Most of the cameras have gone to cellular data plans or some cloud based viewing subscription. But there are still some cameras that allow a local memory storage card- SD Card usually that can be used without subscriptions. But of course you have to retrieve the memory card and switch it out and then go through the card and stored footage (many of course are motion activated and only record when it detects some sort of motion. Other option is if you can set one up close enough to be on Wifi- then something like a Wyze outdoor camera can be used- SD card also in them as an option.