Presence and Presents

It's been an entire month since we last connected — a pause that reminds us of the importance of presence in a season often overwhelmed by the pursuit of presents. As the year's final weeks unfold and conversations buzz with end-of-year intensity, we're going to try our best to weave in moments to slow down and reflect.

In the spirit of the festive season, my wife and I have curated a list that goes beyond mere gift-giving. These are treasures that embody true presence and connection: artisan-crafted goods from all around the world, bubbling over with craftsmanship, excellence, and undeniable soul. Someone’s hands made most of these items with great care and presence. What a gift! More than just items to wrap and exchange, these are stories, traditions, and connections waiting to happen.

Enjoy!

Eyewear

We must start here, because we are obsessed with collecting handcrafted eyewear, particularly when we travel. Take a break from Luxottica-owned brands and check these beauties out instead.

Oliver Goldsmith: Did you know sunglasses (“SunSpecs”) were invented in England in the 1940s? This is the father of modern fashion eyewear. Learn the fascinating history here. So many icons.

Native Sons: Designed and fabricated in Japan, steeped in a strong heritage of quality and impeccable design.

Fora: Based in Lisbon, an amazing combo of Portuguese craftsmanship with a timeless, Scandinavian sensibility.

Manufacture Alpine: Handmade in France, will transport you right to the Alps.

Moscot: This outstanding American brand has been around for over 100 years, serving up classics and modern twists. The charming, neighborhood-y stores can be found in major US cities, Europe and Asia.

Homey Things

UnHide Marshmallow Blanket: Cruelty free, maximum cozy. You will not want to share. Each individual in your household, including pets, will likely need their own. These go on sale pretty frequently, so if you want to steal one for less, subscribe to their promo emails.

Kinto: Refined Japanese lifestyle brand we’ve been using for years. We love the Ripple mugs, in pink, of course. The cast amber glass collection has been on our wishlist for awhile now…

Dolan Geiman: Contemporary Western mixed media artist based in Denver. His vintage paper collages are a featured favorite in our home. Holiday prints are very giftable!

Catan: The best board game we know.

Maison Games: Santa has been shopping here this year.

Palo Santo Decor: Based in Scottsdale, this female-founded brand offers mindfully-made, handcrafted goods created in collaboration with Master female artisans of Oaxaca.

We’re obsessed with Incausa incense. The is the DANK…no patchouli going on here, promise. Barratt Riley & Co candles are perfection - palo santo is a favorite scent, but we are excited to try others soon (thanks, Santa!)

To Sip

Athletic Brewing: Now THIS is fantastic alcohol-free beer. It truly tastes like the real thing, minus the hangover. Our go-to is the Run Wild IPA, and we’ve ordered all of the seasonal offerings, available only online.

St. Agrestis: Based in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, this amaro distillery makes premixed negronis (even a boxed “fountain” version!) and the Phony Negroni, a zero-proof option that is simply outstanding.

St Germain: Nothing says European summer like a St. Germain spritz. When pool time returns, this glass carafe with pre-measured marks for spirit and bubbles and makes “spritzing” super easy and extra classy.

Beauty & Wellness

Vertically-integrated Argentinean brand Fueguia 1833 takes craftsmanship to an unparalleled level, creating astoundingly unique limited edition fragrances. Their stores - more like art galleries - are veritable feasts for the senses. If you can visit one, we highly recommend!

“Clean beauty has never been so dirty” - genius! Heretic Parfum is another all-natural, small batch perfumer, based in LA. Recommendation: Dirty Hinoki.

Maison Louis Marie is family-owned, clean, sustainable, all the things. Recommendation: No. 04 Bois de Balicourt.

Based here in Arizona, clean beauty products by Kypris Beauty are divine. Fave product of the moment: Lip Elixir Balm. For men, look no further than Caldera + Lab for complete skincare.

Upgrade your mouthwash game with Olas Wellness - this product is super refreshing and comes in pretty packaging. Sells out frequently!

To complete your wellness routines, consume chocolate. There are literally no bad choices on the menu at Wei of Chocolate. Try a chocolate meditation - just relax while a piece of this chocolate bar melts away. You’re welcome!

Experiences

Flower Bar, based in Old Town Scottsdale, is our favorite florist in town, and they host fantastic hands-on workshops. Not local? A lot of florists are offering similar workshops these days, which make a truly great gift!

Animas Valley Institute immersive retreats - go meet your soul in the wild.

Andrew Harper delivers intelligent and unbiased luxury travel content via its subscription membership service. Editors anonymously visit luxury hotels and assign ratings. If you self-plan travel, or want to cross reference with other platforms, we’ve found this to be a fantastic and reliable barometer with lots of inspirational travel content.

One&Only Mandarina: Our go-to long weekend getaway just outside of Puerto Vallarta, Mandarina is an upscale eco-chic retreat to chill out, eat well, and be immersed in nature. Unique spa offerings are a highlight, and the adults-only pool cantilevering over the ocean is iconic. Andrew Harper Rating: 97

Culinary

Roe Caviar: We haven’t tried this yet, but have ordered for our holiday celebrations. It’s really tough to beat caviar and french fries. If you have a great source, please share!

Oxomoco NYC: Shameless plug…OXOMOCO, our wood-fired Mexican restaurant in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, was just awarded a Michelin Star for the fifth year running! It is such a special place, and we are so proud of the entire team! If you haven’t tried it yet, we hope you can visit the next time you’re in NY, and are happy to assist with reservations. Cheers!

Wearables

One Golden Thread: We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, we love the Tree pants.

Campomaggi: Italian luxe leather goods for men and women, with a worn-in, not-trying-too-hard vibe. The quality is excellent.

Artibiana: Exquisitely beaded mini crossbody bags designed and crafted by indigenous communities in Colombia. Discovered at the Mandarina Boutique!

Cariuma: Good-looking, crazy comfy and consciously-made sustainable sneakers from Brazil. Fave style: Salvas

Imogene + Willie: We discovered this American-made brand at Stag Provisions for Men (a spot for cool, casual menswear, btw) and now we fight over who gets to buy which graphic tee. We end up twinning a lot.

Lastly, I want to share W Kodak Jewelers. Founded by Woodrow Kodak nearly 50 years ago, the company is well into its second generation of ownership under Bradley and Creighton Kodak, who have been my friends since college. If you need a diamond, a watch, or fine jewelry of any kind, the Kodaks run a top-notch operation with an impeccable reputation of service, quality, and value.

We hope you feel inspired and get to savor some sweet moments with loved ones this season. Have a fantastic holiday.

Chris, Kaycee & Team ATLAS