Unlike the many other gift guides fighting for real estate under your wonderfully-scented Christmas tree this year, we don’t have some crazy intense, high-tech list of innovative items that’ll impress your friend who likes cars that drive themselves and socks that tell you the time. That’s not really us (unless the socks help us answer emails, too). What we do have is a nice list of really good friends—many of who grew up down the street from Whalebone—that are putting out some pretty awesome products in the world, and we’d be doing Christmas 2016 and you a disservice by not showing them all a little spotlight and love.
We’re talking fuzzy soft crewnecks that you’d be more than okay with being photographed wearing, minimalistic accessories that will up your game for 2017, swimwear for girls who are ready to be fallen in love with and a few other assorted goods that live in their own category of awesome. Mostly stuff we’ve tested ourselves and would sporadically recommend to anyone within shouting distance on the street. Luckily we’re on the internet and don’t have to shout. Here’s what we’re talking about:
Montauk Brew Co. | Crewneck Sweatshirt
Some of you are familiar with Montauk Brew Co. because you like to do things after work that involve fine adult refreshments and good friends (see: social life). Brew Co.’s crewneck is pretty much the official home team uniform for people who champion the aforementioned lifestyle and have an affinity for great beer. We should also include that in the event of a national beer drought, wearing this sweatshirt grants a 54% chance at rear entrance access to Brew Co.’s emergency beverage supply in Montauk. Worth a little more than $50, in our opinion.
Bones: $50
Get Yours: Here
Martenero | Edgemere Watch
The Edgemere is a nautical-themed watch inspired by classic marine, chronometer style watches. It’s available in four distinct colorways, so whether you’re looking for something bold and colorful or something that’s a little more subtle, Martenero has the perfect model for you. Pretty sure it’s named after Edgemere St. too—which is the current frontrunner for our team’s unofficial list of “Favorite Streets of 2016.”
Bones: $550
Get Yours: Here
Red’s Outfitters | Rankin Sunglasses
Red’s is on a never-ending quest for the perfect pair of sunglasses. We’d like introduce you to their Rankin frame. Handmade in Italy from luxury-grade, eco-friendly acetates and celebrating classic American design, the Rankin is the solid pair of sunglasses for your next adventure, or if you’re lost and want others not to notice your wandering eyes (technically still an adventure). Timeless, versatile, understated yet unmistakable.
Bones: $195
Get Yours: Here
Whalebone | Arrows Hoodie
Our signature Arrows design freshened up on premium hoodie that’s soft as heck + warm as fudge. The hood itself is designed to protect your head from rain, snow or any unfavorable weather conditions on their way. Can also be used to hide your identity from paparazzi and nearby exes.
Bones: $60
Get Yours: Here
Kaileigh Swim | Georgica Top + Napeague Bottoms
Kaileigh Swimwear is a locally owned and created bikini brand located in Montauk, NY. Inspired by the local beach culture, the Georgica top—a sporty fixed halter top with twisted back straps—is the perfect bikini top for any beach day activity. The Napeague Bottom is the perfect cheeky bottom, with laser cut detail. Both styles available in Lifeguard and Palm/Stripe colorways. We are not liable for any guys falling in love with girls who wear this swimsuit, but we are happy for you and will attend your wedding.
Bones: $88 per piece
Get Yours: Here
SWIM WITH SHARKS | Varsity Crew Sweatshirt
An incredibly soft and relaxed unisex style,the SWIM WITH SHARKS midnight black pullover sweatshirt features a classic crew neck and long raglan sleeves. Wearing it may give off the vibe that you do not have a fear of ocean-dwelling predators. Which is kinda cool if you ask us. Because we think sharks can be a bit scary. Feel like Mick Fanning knows what we’re talking about.
Bones: $60
Get Yours: Here
True&Co. | Crochet Lace Cut Out Bodysuit
This True&Co. bodysuit mixes old school boudoir vibes with new school bohemia. A perfect treat for you, the lady in your life, or any lady who likes to feel like a rocking babe. Floral lace, an open back and cut outs looks gorgeous with jeans or on its own. Feel amazing every damn day.
Bones: $88
Get Yours: Here
FIN Montauk | Gold Dipped Big FIN
Each FIN Montauk piece has spent 30 million years on the bottom of the ocean and is collected 200 feet below the surface of the Atlantic. They are then brought to the surface and dipped in 18kt gold or silver. Each piece is one of a kind, and a portion of sales go to shark conservation groups.
Bones: $350 – $650 (depending on size and rarity of shark tooth)
Get Yours: Here
Orlebar Brown | Roc Pool Photographic Mid-Length Swim Shorts
All Orlebar Brown shorts not only come with the 5-year OB guarantee but also increase the likelihood of good times, frequent compliments, epic vacations, and general happiness in your near future by 120%. These colorful shorts are artfully tailored with a capture by Slim Aarons—one of the photographers with the most attractive lifestyles in the history of attractive lifestyles. Grabbing these is a cannonball in the right direction.
Bones: $345
Get Yours: Here or stop in the East Hampton Store at 55 Newtown Lane
Cuater | Stretch Belt
Cuater accessories is an action sports brand that focuses on high-end quality belts. Their interwoven stretch belts require no holes as it allows you to punch through where you see fit (which changes every day for us based on where the team agrees to eat lunch and if the usual ordering of 43 appetizers is involved). Expanding and contracting to your daily lifestyle as well as meal plans that are out of your control, the Stretch Belt allows for maximum comfort.
Bones: $39.99 – $49.99
Get Yours: Here
Real Surf Trips | Costa Rica Package
Give the gift of tropical sunshine this winter and head down to Costa Rica. Real Surf Trips offers accommodations on fleek (think multi-bedrooms palaces with pools) + year round surf camps at their Playa Negra and Playa Avellana locations. Travelers can have a personal chef on-site, a private driver and access to a wide range of breaks for beginners and pros right out front and through chartered boat trips. Looking out the window of our NYC office right now and this sounds like the call.
Bones: $1295 – $2195 (depending on package preferences + length of stay)
Book Yours: Here
WETSOX | Therms (Split-Toe)
Getting in and out of a wetsuit + boots is the most agreed upon pitfall of surfing through winter. These bad boys are a long-needed game-changer. WETSOX designed ’em so that you can slip in and out of a wetsuit and boots in less than five seconds, not to mention get some bonus foot/leg warmth and extend the life of your gear.
Bones: $32.99
Get Yours: Here
Of Sea and Sand | Scented Candles and Diffusers
An easy way to make sure your Christmas present doesn’t stink this year + guarantee the holidays are #lit. Of Sea & Sand is a solid all around gift for mom, grandma, that girl you’ve been dating for three weeks who still expects a gift, and even your unaware-of-his-body-odor brother. Handmade in Montauk using only the best scents to invoke fond summer memories all year round.
Bones: $24 – $36
Get Yours: Here
