Holiday shopping in today’s tech-driven world can be a daunting task, but never fear, iDB is here to help! Using our extensive product knowledge, we’ve put together a series of Gift Guides with great gift ideas for a wide variety of ages, tastes, budgets and more. Today’s guide focuses on EDC (Every Day Carry) enthusiasts.
Fisher Space Pen
Even in today’s digital world, you’re going to wind up needing a pen every once in a while. When that need arises, I like reaching for the Fisher Space Pen. Aside from its cool name and sharp design, it’s also very pocketable (measures slightly longer than the typical car key fob) and can write at any angle, in extreme temperatures—even in zero gravity.
Field Notes Notebooks
In a similar fashion, sometimes you want to write down your thoughts and ideas on actual paper, instead of some journaling or mind-mapping app. That’s where a portable notebook comes in handy, and Field Notes has essentially become the standard in this space. There are a lot of options to choose from, but I like the classic look of the Original Kraft. It measures 3.5″x5.5″, comes with graph, ruled paper and plain paper books, and it’s made in the U.S.A.
Note: if you want to take this gift to the next level, add a leather cover like this one from Newestor. It keeps your notebook protected and adds a vintage-y journal aesthetic that might make you more likely to take your notes with you.
Grovemade Stainless Steel Key Ring
Here is one of my favorite picks for the “I have no idea what to get them” conundrum. It’s Grovemade’s beautiful Stainless Steel Key Ring. It’s fashioned from a solid block of stainless steel, meaning it’s nearly indestructible, and it can be used either as a hook to hang your keys or as a bottle opener. I use mine for the latter, and almost always get compliments on the craftsmanship.
AER Day Sling 2
So where do you store all of this great EDC gear? I’m glad you asked. The Day Sling 2 bag from AER features a handsome, modern design with a small 12.5″x6″x3″ footprint, adjustable shoulder strap for countless carrying options, and more than enough pockets/pouches for storage. Plus, as with all of its gear, AER only uses the best materials on the Day Sling 2: 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon exterior and YKK zippers—it’s virtually indestructible.
Machine Era Slim Wallet
I don’t typically like recommending wallets as gifts—they’re a bit cliche and can be very subjective—but I’m willing to break that rule for the Ti5 Slim Wallet from Machine Era. Made from corrosion-proof, aerospace grade titanium, it makes for the perfect addition to any EDC collection. It can hold up to 7 cards and/or folded cash, it has a built-in thumb slot/bottle opener, and it protects you from data-stealing RFID devices.
Nomad Key
The Key is an ultra-portable iPhone charging cable that can fit on your keychain. I know this seems like one of those gimmicky items you see in the checkout lines at grocery stores, but trust me, it’s far from it. It’s made of durable Dupont polycarbonate, with a flexible TPE rubber middle section, and it’s been certified by Apple to work with its devices. Never get caught without an iPhone charging cable again.
SILCA Italian Army Knife
Here is another great pick for the person you’re struggling to shop for: the Italian Army Knife from SILCA. Despite the name, you won’t find an actual knife blade on here, but you will find just about everything else. I believe it was designed as a bike repair tool, but honestly I use it for everything from adjusting my monitor arm to replacing batteries. It has a heavy, premium feel to it and the tools are just long enough to reach, but no so long that they fold under pressure.
SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive
This thumb-sized device may look like an ordinary USB flash drive, but it has one unique feature: a Lightning connector. So you can plug it into your iPhone or iPad just the way you do your computer and transfer photos, videos and other data with ease. Features include USB 3.0 support, automatic backup and an included app that makes managing your data easy.
Do you have a favorite EDC item that would make a great gift? Let us know down in the comments below! Also be sure to stay tuned as we publish more gift guides in the coming days and weeks.