Ask KQ Claus

[muted]

Anyone know of cigars from a new trendy company a millennial connoisseur would like? Not looking for fuddy-duddy old school, thinking of paying 50-100 for a a set, or whatever they are called. Package? I'm an idiot, fine.

[mall walker]

is there anyplace decent to buy not-super-fancy jewelry online? need to get something for a niece, $25-75 range I guess, pendants or earrings or whatnot? I am clueless here

[muted]

is there anyplace decent to buy not-super-fancy jewelry online? need to get something for a niece, $25-75 range I guess, pendants or earrings or whatnot? I am clueless here

etsy

[KQ]

is there anyplace decent to buy not-super-fancy jewelry online? need to get something for a niece, $25-75 range I guess, pendants or earrings or whatnot? I am clueless here

etsy

Yes, etsy!

Ohhh this is pretty:



Aquamarine Raw Crystal Necklace

This company, Uncommon Goods, has some pretty items in that price range. I really like the sea glass pendents at the top of this page:

https://www.uncommongoods.com/jewelr...ry=US&n=60&p=2

[smartyiak]

is there anyplace decent to buy not-super-fancy jewelry online? need to get something for a niece, $25-75 range I guess, pendants or earrings or whatnot? I am clueless here

https://www.alexandani.com/?gclid=Cj...saAq2xEALw_wcB

My wife likes it, the daughter likes it b/c she can pick out charms (is that what they are) on it, and I like it b/c I can please two ladies and not go broke.

[irul&ublo]

Everyone got their act together this year or what?

The ol' KQ Claus has been busy shopping, shopping, shopping!

I can't wait to see what you got me!

[KQ]

I can't wait to see what you got me!

You are so gonna freak when you see what it is!

[mtngirl79]

How about stocking stuffers for men you are not intimate with besides candy.

[Supermoon]

How about sticking stuffers for men you are not intimate with besides candy.

Booze or coffee?

[mtngirl79]

One non drinker. Coffee is a good idea

[PNWbrit]

Harry Potter hood stickers.

[mtngirl79]

Lol.

[SumJongGuy]

How about stocking stuffers for men you are not intimate with besides candy.

Annual membership gift card to Farmer's Only or eHarmony??

[mtngirl79]

Heh.

[MakersTeleMark]

Everyone got their act together this year or what?

The ol' KQ Claus has been busy shopping, shopping, shopping! I did the local thing (we've got some great shops here in town) and a lot online. Now it's time wrap what I've got and kick back and wait for my bounty from online ordering to arrive but in the meantime I may have to do just a tad more shopping for myself because who knows what I like better than me? Right?

And since no one has asked I'm going to throw this out there. Some great gift packs at King Arthur Flour. I rec'd a pizza pack last year and really liked it. I was new to home-made pizza so it was a nice starter kit. I got the 14" pizza pan which I really like. Check it out:

https://www.kingarthurflour.com/essentials/pizza


Maybe pair it with a Pizza cookbook:

The Elements of Pizza: Unlocking the Secrets to World-Class Pies at Home


Also might think about including a silpat for rolling the dough.

I could see you going nuts here: https://www.bobsredmill.com/

[old goat]

How about stocking stuffers for men you are not intimate with besides candy.

IKON stickers, patches, lanyard, hat pin, and map.

[wyeaster]

dear kq claus,

in all seriousness, what would it take for you to make an appearance at alpental?

milk and cookies will be by the chimney on xmas and i will be watching.

i've been a mostly better, almost good boy if you don't count all that stuff i know you know about.

love,
lil spooky

[KQ]

How about stocking stuffers for men you are not intimate with besides candy.

Grill Scraper Stainless Stain BBQ Scraper Long Handle with Bottle Opener, 6mm/7mm Wrench Function Free S-hook, Durable Easy Cleaning Non-sticking Multifunctional,Safe for All Griddle Cleaner


Garrett Wade has a lot of great stuff.

Nothing like a good back scratcher

Home Depot has a lot of neat little flashlights that make nice stocking stuffers. Some that are compact, some that telescope for tight places etc. etc.

AmazonBasics Emergency Seat Belt Cutter and Window Hammer

[MakersTeleMark]

How about stocking stuffers for men you are not intimate with besides candy.

or:

https://www.amazon.com/slp/industria...fe86dbrt6843xm

[KQ]

That pocket monkey is a great idea!

Here's a site for all of you globally minded consumers to consider - I have purchased several items from this site.

Novica

Love the puzzle boxes:

https://www.novica.com/puzzle-box/s/

[Diamond Joe]

I have gotten some awesome presents for my wife as a result of this thread. And she is amazed and like "how did you think of this???" which might be the best part, because I just smile and say something about how sensitive I am, or how much I pay attention to her

KQ, the PJ pants that you suggested from Eddie Bauer were an absolute home run, maybe her favorite pants. She LIVES in those pants sometimes, I swear. I got her some Uggs that were a big hit, I got her a blanket that you suggested that lives on our couch, I got her a leather passport cover she loves, and I bought her a Kate Spade bag that is one of her go-to bags. There have been other suggestions I followed but maybe the biggest piece of helpful advice I've gleaned from your expertise is this place: https://www.origins.com/?gclid=CPjhm...wG2A&gclsrc=ds. You can literally buy ANYTHING from this store and she will love it. When it comes to lotions and moisturizers and whatnot, women just can not get enough..

Also, I realized last year that you can enlist the sales people at some stores to help with purchase advice. For example, my wife loves makeup. She LOVES Ulta beauty. Well guess what, the sales girls can LOOK UP HER PURCHASE HISTORY (at least for places like this that have "loyalty" cards, or store-specific credit cards) and then tell you exactly what products she likes, and recommend others based on what she buys. It absolutely blew her mind when she got a present with a bunch of Ulta crap in it last year...

anyhow, thank you KQ Claus. I don't know where I'd be without your present advice

[KQ]

That's great DJ! Keep up the good work and thanks for the heads-up about loyalty card benefits.

[ghosthop]

KQ, I have been getting hints that the lady in my life would like a new winter coat. She's in her mid-twenties and has a job where what she wears will be seen as part of her professional image. Her only specifications were that the coat be at least mid-thigh length, black, and keep her warm through the east coast winter.

I'm a bit torn on style. I know that she would like a down parka but I'm sick of seeing everyone walking down the street looking like they took their styling cues from an expedition to the Himalayas. I was hoping to get her something with wool or another natural fiber.

Sorry for the novel and thanks for any advice. I am mostly interested in styles and brands to be looking at. I can follow with more info if needed.

[KQ]

KQ, I have been getting hints that the lady in my life would like a new winter coat. She's in her mid-twenties and has a job where what she wears will be seen as part of her professional image. Her only specifications were that the coat be at least mid-thigh length, black, and keep her warm through the east coast winter.

I'm a bit torn on style. I know that she would like a down parka but I'm sick of seeing everyone walking down the street looking like they took their styling cues from an expedition to the Himalayas. I was hoping to get her something with wool or another natural fiber.

Sorry for the novel and thanks for any advice. I am mostly interested in styles and brands to be looking at. I can follow with more info if needed.

Burberry makes a love black cashmere coat for just under 4K

Honestly you've pulled a tough one. Coats can be soooooooo personal. Some prefer snug and only wear lightweight tops underneath while others like me are always cold and need room for bulkier sweaters. Most of the wool you will find out there will be a blend which keeps them from becoming too heavy and pricey.

You will need to consider the type of closure – another very personal thing. I prefer straight buttons. Dbl breasted can be a hassle and IMO don’t hang nicely when not done up. Ties can be nice but can also be a hassle when the dangle as they can get caught in things still, some like the snug feeling they get from belted clothing. I would not recommend a coat that only closes with a belt. Toggle buttons add a different kind of flair but are not always user friendly. Zip is less stylish but is more wind proof than buttons. A zipper that zips both ways is a def. plus.

Pockets are yet something else to think about. Side slash pockets are nice for putting your hands in to get warm but if they are too shallow they will be useless for putting things in that you don’t want to lose. Top pockets will hold things best but can be awkward for putting your hands into. An inside stash pocket is always a bonus. Placement of decorative pockets should be considered too. I loath when designers put small useless breast pockets on clothing buy YMMV. For me I like a cleaner look.

All that said, here are some retailers for your consideration:

Ann Taylor has a several that come in black that are 53% wool. When I worked in an office Ann Taylor was my go-to (helped that there was a store in the lobby of my building - HA!). If you are interested in one be sure and read the reviews re: fit.

Black Outerwear - Ann Taylor


Macy's has a rather large selection that I looked at online but the reviews came me pause on more than a few for buying sight-unseen. If you can I would suggest popping into Macy's so you can confirm the quality/weight of the jacket and to get some help from a sales gal who can try them on for you and let you know if they run big or small.

https://www.macys.com/shop/womens-cl...d,Black?id=269

Here is Nordstrom’s selection of black wool/wool blend trench/pea coats in black. Quite a number of good looking coats here:

https://shop.nordstrom.com/c/womens-...Jackets%20%26%

[Meadow Skipper]

KQ, I have been getting hints that the lady in my life would like a new winter coat. She's in her mid-twenties and has a job where what she wears will be seen as part of her professional image. Her only specifications were that the coat be at least mid-thigh length, black, and keep her warm through the east coast winter.

I'm a bit torn on style. I know that she would like a down parka but I'm sick of seeing everyone walking down the street looking like they took their styling cues from an expedition to the Himalayas. I was hoping to get her something with wool or another natural fiber.

Sorry for the novel and thanks for any advice. I am mostly interested in styles and brands to be looking at. I can follow with more info if needed.

I’m getting a fashionable vibe here? Think this might work? Stio also has some other longer town-type jackets:
https://www.stio.com/products/womens-shot-7-down-parka

Or this?:
https://www.patagonia.com/product/wo...rka/28408.html
My wife got one of ^these and loved it.

Also:
https://www.patagonia.com/product/wo...rka/28005.html