Item number one on my fantasy Christmas list is the SmartKat ($5,995 to $7,995; ). What could be cooler than a packable catamaran that’s ready to sail sans tools in 20 minutes? With inflatable hulls, a carbon mast, hard-anodized aluminum components, white dracon sails, and no small parts that will go missing, the 14-foot-long, seven-foot-wide SmartKat weighs in at less than 100 pounds when fully inflated. This little baby heels just like a Hobie and can fly up to 12 knots. If you get becalmed, the three-HP motor will putter you back to the harbor.
On the practical side, since 70 percent of my body heat escapes off the top of my head, I always love a cute hat. Chaos has some awesome lids, most of which look like Grandma knit them for a supermodel. I like the Missy ($24; ), a 100 percent fleece-lined acrylic hat with a large chunk hand-knit weave. Their Madge 2321 ($26) is a fun, retro pom-pom style with a turned-up cuff. Lucy’s Running Cap ($24; ) wicks moisture and keeps your head and ears warm and dry on winter workouts. The ponytail loop in the back makes sure that it stays on heads with big hair (like mine).
Ole Henriksen Muscle Comfort Soak ($48; ) is a leg savior. The simple sea salt and eucalyptus formula turns your bathtub into a five-star spa. To get the cleanest possible shave for that festive New Year’s bash, add the Clean Shave ($28), a lightly foaming gel made of aloe, cucumber, and eucalyptus.
New for spring, REI’s Expedition -20 degree down sleeping bag ($399; ), is a personal favorite because it will come in very handy on my Hanesbrands expedition to Mount Everest this spring (check it out at ). With 700- and 800-fill power goose down, a waterproof, breathable shell, and a double zipper to regulate body temperature fluctuations, Santa should hand one out to Sherpas every year.