Welcome to the T List, a newsletter from the editors of T Magazine. For our holiday gift guide this year, we asked readers to send us questions about the hardest-to-please people on their list. Below, our editors answer some of the most intriguing queries we received. (We sent our first batch of responses last week.) Sign up here to find us in your inbox every Wednesday, along with monthly travel and beauty guides and the latest stories from our print issues. And you can always reach us at tmagazine@nytimes.com. To Amuse a Moody Aesthete
"My friend is a late-in-life medical student with a graduate degree in art history. His hobbies include feeling sad on rainy nights, wearing expensive pajamas and reading the same John Cheever stories over and over again. He knows every smoking-allowed dive bar in Philadelphia. He sculls before class, plays tennis on the city courts and has an encyclopedic knowledge of Bill Evans recordings. His favorite things are small, impractical and impossible to find: a paperback edition of Lydia Davis's "The Cows," a pair of hand-painted Qajar dynasty equestrian tiles and a trompe l'oeil pen holder in the shape of a daikon radish." — Michael, Philadelphia; budget: $75 to $100 If I hadn't been hypnotized to quit smoking in 2019, I'd have sworn you were describing me. I, too, love being a sad little cozy snob. Just last night, as Smog played quietly in the background and my dog, whose name is Ennui, slept on my lap, I was reading Elif Batuman's "The Idiot" in a waffle robe and Hästens slipper boots. At the risk of oversharing, I will admit that I was running the hair dryer, which I often use to warm my bare legs and feet. For lighting cigarettes or candles, I'd give your friend one of two lighter holders: a brightly colored plastic sheath from Resin at the Disco or a more opulent option by the New York-based jewelry brand Fry Powers, which comes in 14-karat gold, sterling silver or unlacquered brass and was inspired by the work of the Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti. (Your friend sounds a bit like a Bret Easton Ellis character — a compliment — so the second option might be your better bet.) When I'm indulging in the emptiness of adulthood, I like to rewatch the movies that formed me: earlier this year, the Criterion Collection released Gregg Araki's "Teen Apocalypse" Trilogy — "Totally F***ed Up" (1993), "Doom Generation" (1995) and "Nowhere" (1997) — as a box set. It's the perfect eye roll to everyone and everything. (If he doesn't have a DVD or Blu-ray player, how about a one-year subscription to the Criterion Channel?) For an alternative to a novel, I suggest "Cat Full of Spiders," a guidebook and tarot deck by the actress Christina Ricci. Each of the 78 cards is illustrated with one of her many mordant characters. Finally, since your friend likes trompe l'oeil, I think he might enjoy this 3-D-printed plastic wallet, which the artist Stefan Gougherty has hand-detailed to look like a cuneiform tablet. If that won't impress him, try a hair dryer. (For my money, there's none better than the Dyson Supersonic in Prussian blue.) — Nick Haramis To Impress a Sporty, Fashion-Forward 16-Year-Old
"My 16-year-old goddaughter ideally wants hair products, makeup, clothes, jewelry or 'anything interesting.' She's interested in fashion but is also quite sporty and active. She enjoys reading, history and philosophy, as well as current affairs. I'm always wary about buying for teen girls as some things can be too young or too adult. She has curly 3B hair and likes gold jewelry." — Hannah, Reston, Va.; budget: $5 to $50 Your goddaughter sounds like a bit of a trendsetter, which makes shopping for her all the more intimidating — it might feel like she's always one (or 10!) steps ahead of what you think is the latest, greatest find. I came up with some suggestions that touch on most of the categories she's interested in, focusing on a few newer brands and unexpected pieces. In September, the Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo expanded its sister label, Gu, launching its first shops in the United States. Its versatile yet sporty silhouettes include this cable polo sweater and pleated skort. For a beauty gift that also nods to her athleticism, try the lip serum from Serena Williams's line Wyn Beauty or a sunscreen from the Los Angeles-based brand Prequel that moisturizes skin as well as protecting it. For hair, consider a curl kit — leave-in conditioner, mist and a sculptural pick comb — by Ceremonia, the hair-care company that highlights Latin American ingredients. And when it comes to jewelry that's affordable yet playful and elegant, go for Eye M's hoop earring adorned with an enamel charm, or this ring from Meideya that looks like a splash frozen in time. — Gage Daughdrill To Encourage Confidence — and Sophistication — in an Unpretentious Son
"My 28-year-old son is a handsome yet shy stonemason. He expresses a disinterest in clothes yet enjoys our gifts of mostly construction clothing (Carhartt, Big Ben and Dickies). Gentle cycle on the washing machine eludes him, and dry cleaning would be out of the question. He's crazy about his girlfriend, who is darling and quite glam. I think he should upgrade his appearance to match hers, at least a bit. His apartment is a mess and needs regular cleaning. Hiring a cleaning service for him would be way too controlling, right? As would my wardrobe suggestions, I'm sure. But I'd like him to embrace adulthood in a more confident manner that includes dressing more carefully and maybe having friends over for dinner once in a while. (I know he enjoys cooking and baking.) What's a mother to do?" — Kathleen, San Francisco; budget: up to $500 With his interest in stonecraft, cooking and Carhartt, your son sounds like several guys I know in my North Brooklyn neighborhood — and California, for that matter — so I thought about what they'd want. First up: the Ooni Koni gas-powered pizza oven, which my colleagues at Wirecutter love. It's perfect for someone who's moved beyond baking bread, or just wants to have friends over for a meal that sounds more casual than "dinner party." On that note, every cook needs a good knife; my favorite's the nine-inch one from New West Knifeworks, which looks great and, since it's handmade in America, will perhaps appeal to the mason in him. I agree with you that clothes are harder, but a simple coat that's nicer than one he'd ever buy himself seems unimpeachable: I like the Boa fleece jacket from the Japanese workwear brand OrSlow, which seems in line with his current style. Or try a classic black zip-up from Arc'teryx, a Vancouver-based company that's revered among lots of quietly fashionable folks for its lightweight, waterproof technical fabrics. To rebuild his look from the ground up, you can't go wrong with handsome-but-durable boots — these NN07 x Fracap ones, a collaboration between a Danish and an Italian company, might pair well with his daily wardrobe. And if none of these ideas seem quite right, just get him the cleaning service. He could say he doesn't want it, but what son doesn't lie to his mother? — Kurt Soller To Enhance the Everyday for an Expectant Daughter-in-Law
"My pregnant 31-year-old daughter-in-law is a fifth-grade schoolteacher who likes biking, hiking and outdoor activities. She's not a coffee lover but likes tea. She prefers savory things over sweets. She likes to travel but is restricted with a small child (her other son is almost 3)." — Jane, Minneapolis; budget: $20 to $200 As a mom myself, I'm thinking of gifts that are not only delightful but also genuinely useful to an active mother of two under 3. A portable Bluetooth speaker is essential when I do anything outdoors — the Ultimate Ears Miniroll is a lightweight option that straps on to a belt or backpack and delivers surprisingly good sound quality. Your daughter-in-law can toss it into a bag from Pacific Tote Company, founded by the filmmaker Roman Coppola; the brand offers a wide range of colors and sizes ideal for a trip to the playground or a more far-flung locale. I've been eyeing the Catalina to replace my ancient L.L. Bean Boat and Tote. The tea lovers in my life tend to like those from the Brooklyn-based company Masha Tea, which recently launched a set of refillable tins with bags of five organic varietals — green, mint, black, lemon balm and Earl Grey. They'd be nice to have around after the baby arrives for the inevitable influx of visitors. Add a set of brightly colored enamelware mugs from Crow Canyon, which are durable enough for camping or snack time at home with the kids. — Jamie Sims To Delight a Luxury Shopper Without Spending a Fortune
"My sister buys herself Birkin bags (I think she has at least 12!) and gets new clothes and shoes for every occasion (think brands like YSL, Chanel, Hermès). When I ask what she wants as a gift, she'll tell me about a face mask that is $500 and think she's asking for something reasonable. Help! I can't keep up and would never spend this kind of money on myself, let alone a family member who can easily afford this stuff on her own. How can I, who doesn't live in this way, ever compete?" — Leigh, Chicago; budget: $150 to $250 Finding a holiday gift for your sister — a self-proclaimed connoisseur of luxury — without compromising your finances might seem daunting, but there are some thoughtful ways you can nod to her tastes without breaking the bank. To get a sense of what's new and exciting, I consulted some of the very houses whose products she covets. This month, Celine introduced its inaugural lipstick: a quintessential Parisian red encased in a refillable gold holder designed as much for display as for function. (You can drop some industry knowledge and let her know that the brand plans to release 12 new shades in January.) Chanel has debuted a perfume case that doubles as a wearable accessory, available with either the classic No. 5 or the fresher No. 5 L'Eau. To match her collection of Birkins, try a customizable Hermès four-pencil gift set, which can be filled with any of the brand's lip or eye colors. This is available only in stores, so head to the Oak Street boutique to place your order or give them a call. For something particularly special, consider going vintage: a decade ago, Hermès made a scented drawer liner, which you can now buy on secondhand sites such as eBay. An avid collector like your sister might find it a delightful surprise. — Angela Koh To Please the Man Who Needs Nothing
"My mother-in-law's boyfriend is a real salt-of-the-earth Midwestern rural man. He's a Virgo, he likes to hunt and trap, watch football and drink domestic beer. He loves his grandkids. He is not techy and takes care of his stuff, so he still has plenty of slippers and wallets and other reliable men's gifts. I'm at a loss on what to get him that I haven't gotten him in the past or he doesn't already have." — Katie, Cleveland; budget: $50 Sometimes it's nice to get someone who seems to have what he needs a nicer version of what he already has, something he may not splurge on for himself. He may already own some Vermont-made Darn Tough socks, but what about a cashmere pair like these, leather gloves that form to their wearer's hands over time, a luxurious but simple knit cap or a well-made Buck 110 knife? You also mentioned that he loves spending time with his grandchildren. You might consider treating him to something he can do with them. They all might enjoy lunch at a favorite neighborhood restaurant or a movie like "That Christmas," a heartwarming new release, or an old classic that he may have seen as a child, like "A Christmas Carol." — Tom Delavan FROM T'S INSTAGRAM
A flower can be much more than a thing of beauty. In T's new Travel issue, we look at 10 countries and regions around the world where flowers play a significant role — in cultural and religious traditions, the economy, politics and daily life. In Peru, a native species of amaranth is prized for its protein-rich seeds. The harvesting of waterlilies in Vietnam's Mekong Delta has become a draw for tourists, while the blossoms decorate homes throughout the country. In Oman, the damask rose is responsible for the country's renowned rose water. Click here to explore all of the places where flowers take on a deeper meaning and follow us on Instagram.
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Wednesday, November 20, 2024
The T List: Holiday Hotline, Part II
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Wednesday, November 13, 2024
The T List: Holiday Hotline
Welcome to the T List, a newsletter from the editors of T Magazine. For our holiday gift guide this year, we asked readers to send us questions about the hardest-to-please people on their list. Below, our editors answer some of the most intriguing queries we received. We'll send a second batch of ideas next week. Sign up here to find us in your inbox every Wednesday, along with monthly travel and beauty guides and the latest stories from our print issues. And you can always reach us at tmagazine@nytimes.com. To Encourage a Teenager Discovering His Style
"My teenage nephew just turned 13 and lives in a remote town in Australia. He's newly interested in clothes and he's got a pretty clear idea of the style he's into: Ralph Lauren polos, athleisure wear. It feels like a good time to encourage his style. But I'm having a hard time finding anything for this age group that's not plain basics, or eBay (where sizing is a gamble but the vintage styles are great). Can you suggest cool brands for my favorite teen?" — Stella, Sydney, Australia; budget: $20 to $100 Teenagers are tricky to shop for; sizing is a moving goal post, and it can be tough to find affordable pieces with character that don't sacrifice quality. For a young fan of Ralph Lauren, consider a cotton jersey with nostalgic embroidery from the Americana-inspired label Found. Closer to home, the Australian streetwear brand Barney Cools offers relatively inexpensive men's staples like this pair of shorts featuring cargo pockets that extend past the hem of each leg; a drawstring waist should provide a bit of longevity for a growing boy. Accessories could also be a fun way to encourage your nephew's sense of style and eliminate sizing stress. The American men's wear brand Noah's tricolor paisley-printed bandanna would add a pop of color to any outfit (and could offer protection from the sun). For a classic maritime touch, Sperry's hybrid boat shoe-sneakers can be worn anywhere without forfeiting a traditional dockside look. — Jameson Montgomery To Brighten the Home of an Already Colorful Relative
"I need a gift for my niece who's over 60 but identifies as much younger. She's very definite in her tastes and interested in home décor. She likes quirky knickknacks that have sentimental value, especially images of insects, bees and spiders. Her houseplants are small and when they show signs of aging, she throws them out and starts over. She's also interested in colorful cushions, outdoor exercise and cooking Key lime pie. She's hard to shop for because she has a small house and the shelves and walls are almost filled up." — Karen, Bay Area, Calif.; budget: $30 to $50 First, your niece sounds like a woman after my own heart — I, too, love Key lime pie and colorful cushions. For the latter, I often turn to Etsy, which is where I found these kilim pillow covers in various colors from Bahe Kilim, an Istanbul-based company that sources vintage covers in many sizes. These enamel splatter trays by Crow Canyon are the perfect size for a classic Key lime pie and will help keep the pie chilly when it's out of the fridge. To accompany the tray, or as a stand-alone gift, you could also go for this Sabre Paris cake server in the classic bistro style or the more playful one with stripes. For the outdoors, I love the lightness and versatility of the Arc'teryx Mantis 1 waist pack but if your niece is into longer distance hikes, I would suggest the Gregory Nano 16, which she might like in the bright teal or yellow. — Carla Valdivia Nakatani To Bring Comfort and Joy Amid Sickness
"I'm challenged to find a gift for my 84-year-old mother. She's survived for the past four years with inoperable pancreatic cancer. Before her health failed her, she was an avid traveler and enjoyed supporting the educational pursuits of her grandchildren, including sponsoring family adventures to Europe. Now she's confined to her home, the chemo-chair and her bed. Her taste buds have been affected by her treatment, so simple things like edibles are tricky, and gifts that are "permanent" (objects) are just stacked in a house already bursting with her collections. What to buy for the dying that brings joy?" — Katherine, New York, N.Y.; budget: under $100 Your mother is lucky to have a daughter who wants to make her remaining time joyful. Hearing poetry read aloud is one of the few things that makes my grandmother feel connected to the world in her final months. She's Irish and loves Yeats, and he's hard to beat for poignancy and lyricism; I also like jisei, the pithy, sometimes funny parting verses written by Japanese poets and Buddhist monks. Plants can be another source of daily pleasure, and a way to feel in tune with the larger scheme of things. With enough light, potted citrus trees grow well inside, yielding fragrant white blossoms and delicate fruits without much human intervention. For something more practical, a plush robe or a bright wool throw might help your mother feel warm and elegant. Less elegant but more fun: There are companies that allow you to print a favorite drawing, for example one by a grandchild, on a very soft fleece blanket. You might also help her feel surrounded by loved ones by buying a beautiful set of notecards and distributing them among friends and family members — the company Papier allows you to order ones with pre-addressed envelopes — suggesting that they send your mother an update, a memory or just something to make her laugh. — Alice Newell-Hanson To Perk Up Colleagues' Coffee Breaks
"I'm looking for a gift for all the colleagues in my office. We're a group of six people — five men, one woman — in the finance industry, ranging from 20s to 60s. We all work from home. Everyone has worked for us for 10 to 20 years. We've been giving presents twice a year and are running out of ideas. We've given tech, clothing and sports equipment. We like the presents to be useful and something they wouldn't buy themselves." — Stephanie, Short Hills, N.J.; budget: $100 to $200 Given you all work from home, without the industrial-size coffee machine that typically comes with an office, I suggest getting your co-workers a neat, new kettle to liven up their morning caffeination routines. Fellow's smoky green or matte black electric kettles are especially sleek, and Great Jones carries a version of the pour-over pot in a striking electric blue. For a pop of color at a lower price point, the MoMA Design Store has an electric kettle from Bodum that comes in a sunny lemon yellow. Throw in a container of Dado Tea's balhyo black matcha, which is sourced from small growers in South Korea, so your colleagues have something fresh to prepare using their new pot, and a kitchen timer from Alessi — the designer Michael Graves's Pop Art-inspired windup model from 1992 is still sold today — to ensure the brew is just right. — Coco Romack To Surprise the Friends Who Like Finer Things
"I want one gift that I can get my three friends in Brooklyn for the holidays. They're women, ages 30 to 33. They're challenging to shop for because we're at the point in our lives where we can afford any midpriced item that we want. If it's easy to buy online (i.e., at a major retailer) and practical, it wouldn't be the right gift because odds are they've seen it and if they didn't get it themselves, they don't want it. So, it needs to be a totally crazy, impractical, luxury gift or difficult to obtain. They love clothes, art, home goods, their dogs, friendship, experiences." — Mo, Los Angeles; budget: $75 to $100 As a lover of impractical gifts, I'd be delighted to receive a pea pod-shaped drawer pull from the Los Angeles home company Block Shop. It's sold at Petra, the shop created by the Sight Unseen co-founder (and T contributing editor) Monica Khemsurov, which specializes in eye-catching home hardware, so even if your friends aren't the farm-to-table types, they might appreciate a wiggly sky blue D handle or a chrome spiral knob. I also love the idea of giving each of your friends a bottle of wine you've enjoyed together sometime in the past year, but since an increasing number of women are sober curious or participating in Dry January, you could go for an inventive (and no less luxurious) nonalcoholic alternative. The Norwegian brand Villbrygg makes one that sparkles like a pét-nat and has notes of marzipan without being too sweet. Pair it with a Champagne glass that telegraphs celebration no matter what's in it. Ichendorf Milano makes one with a curving stem of snowbells, while the Copenhagen-based Akua Objects' blue-accented Noam glass is handmade in the Czech Republic and doubles as a dessert dish. — Ella Riley-Adams FROM T'S INSTAGRAM The New York Steakhouse That's Served Everyone From Theodore Roosevelt to Liza Minnelli
On West 36th Street, a few blocks from the clamor of Penn Station and Madison Square Garden, a brown awning with white lettering beckons diners into Keens Steakhouse, a fixture in midtown since 1885. New York was well ensconced in the Gilded Age when Albert Keen, a producer who ran the Lambs Club, a hangout for theater folk, set up his namesake restaurant (originally called Keen's English Chop House) in the middle of Manhattan. It too was frequented by thespians, writers and composers, many of whom worked nearby. Theodore Roosevelt was another patron — the white clay churchwarden pipe he smoked at Keens is on display in the restaurant's front hall near the maître d's stand, along with pipes smoked by other regulars, including "Buffalo Bill" Cody and Babe Ruth. (The collection runs to about 90,000, many of them hanging from the ceiling of the main dining room.) Too delicate to travel, the pipes reserved for members of Keens's Pipe Club were stored at the restaurant so that when a customer returned, his or her — Dr. Ruth Westheimer and Liza Minnelli were honorary members — pipe was delivered to the table. "I remember when I first came to Keens," says Bonnie Jenkins, the restaurant's general manager. "It was like opening a secret door to New York's past." Click here to read Reggie Nadelson's full story about the longstanding steakhouse and follow us on Instagram.
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