S&S's Holiday Gift Guide  

It's the gift-giving season once again, and we're hoping to make things a little easier for you by sharing some of our favorite items from our own lineup, as well as a bunch of other staff picks from some of our friends and neighbors that we think make for great gifts.

We've organized the list into four sections, the first is all S&S items that staff have recommended specifically for this gift guide — beneath that, we have a selection of various goods from other shops and brands that we've split into "Under $50", "Under $100", and "$100 & Up" subgroups for easy categorization.

Images and item names are all linked to the products/styles mentioned, so you don't have to go hunting if you see something you like. Happy Holidays from the S&S Crew!

Our Top Gift Picks from S&S  

These are the number one jean fit right now and if you, or anybody, is getting a new pair of jeans, these will absolutely not disappoint. We've only got a few sizes left too.

- Elliot Young, Web Manager

These are the best jeans ever. We all have them. I'm not kidding, they look amazing on every single person who wears them. Turns out they perfected jeans in the 90s, who knew?

- Erin Hopkins, Shipping & Returns

The perfect lightweight sweatshirt. No other commentary needed. It's great.

- Erin Hopkins, Shipping & Returns

One of the most comfortable watch caps I've ever tried on. Believe me when I say that I have very high standards for watch cap fit, my head is huge because it houses my big brain.

- Gen Padua, Berkeley Senior Shopkeeper

I have not worn a beanie (mechanics cap) in such a long time due to fit and not vibing with any that I have tried on. This changed my way of thinking and I have to tell myself to stop wearing it. It's just too cozy.

- Preston Torres, Web Designer

Great color, great cut, I think this may be the best looking turtleneck I've seen in a while.

- Gen Padua, Berkeley Senior Shopkeeper

I think nice bandannas make for great gifts, and the reflective trim on these is just icing on the cake. I like the green one best myself, but there are four other colors as well.

- Elliot Young, Web Manager

Never thought I would dig a holster but this one is low-key, well fitting, can hold a phone, or wallet, passport, etc - making it perfect for daily use or for travel if you want to keep your pockets free.

- Preston Torres, Web Designer

If you're a big "unstructured" person like myself, this blazer is perfect. Cropped, wide, and finished with a merino wool, it's the perfect weirdo combination for being relaxed and refined at the same time. Perfect for the avid weirdo clothing lover out there.

- Dion Wan, Berkeley Shopkeeper

Detailing on these trousers are absolutely insane and come with a roomy fit that tapes in a way that doesn't make you feel like you're in a slimmer pant. I think about these trousers often, as the fabric and construction are phenomenal.

- Preston Torres, Web Designer

Winter is here and who wouldn’t want something cozy like the MotivMFG Soviet Cardigan to keep them warm? The sweater is knit from a wool and alpaca blend making it extra cozy and warm. The unisex fit is also a bonus, making it a great gift for anybody.

- Suni Upshaw, Santa Fe Store Manager

I tried these on from our Berkley store and they are amazing. They're beautiful and fit perfect. Very relaxed leg and you can feel the attention to detail put in these. Even though they are women's they fit perfect regardless. Truly more of a unisex cut.

- Dastan Sadykov, Photographer

Everyone is on the hunt for warm knit base layers in the winter, and these are the best that I've come across.

- Dan Cuatt, Santa Fe Store, Sales

BS Denim Pants Wide Straight - 14oz Inidgo

These will be the best fitting jeans you own. Staying true to traditional 5 pocket denim with cotton threads, tucked copper rivets, and a tiny embroidery detail all in black sign fashion. Plus they give you hell of an ass.

- Sam Pilgrim, Tailor and Shopkeeper

 

The Real McCoy's C.C.C. Wool Jacket - Olive

I own this jacket and love it deeply, so that should tell you all you need to know. It’s functional and versatile, and can work in almost anyone's wardrobe.

- Kyle Foxworth, New York Store Manager

This is one of my favorite pieces from the new Motiv selection we have, it's great because the waist size is so customizable and adjustable, that it'll fit like a glove (especially if you're not 100% certain on the size of the person you're gifiting this to)

-  Sam Bickett, Art Director

S&S Wakayama Special Loopwheel Raglan Crewneck Sweatshirt - Black

This is an ESSENTIAL for me in the winter. Last year I bought one for my Dad as a christmas gift, and he hasn't taken it off since.

- Sam Bickett, Art Director

Our Picks for Under $50

Get two of these and stick em on the side of your fridge. It makes a world of a difference. Can you tell I like creative and aesthetic solutions to limited spaces? Or do I just live in a city where free space is a luxury.

- Xavier Aslarona, New York Store, Operations

Denim book from my favorite bookstore Basket Books. Lovingly restored historical photographs of vintage workwear.

- James Sterling Pitt, Online Customer Support

Aesthetically pleasing organizing tools bring me so much joy. The Toyo Toolbox Y-350 is a steel Japanese tool box that works well in the home or studio, you can use it for tools, art supplies, make up, the possibilities are endless. Our local outdoor gear shop, Tourist, sells a wide variety of Toyo offerings.

- Suni Upshaw, Santa Fe Store Manager

A must have read for anyone interested in clothing history, this book pays homage to the Black icons who made Ivy Style what it is today.

- Mari Jacobson, Operations Manager

Area Ware Kaleido Napkins

Adding some color to your life is never a bad thing!!

- Xavier Aslarona, New York Store, Operations

My absolute favorite lip balm. Get a 4 pack. Great for a stocking stuffer or a Hanukkah gift.

- Micah Gibson, Santa Fe, Sales

 

I just think it's a funny lapel pin / embellishment and like that it comes in brass or silver. It caught my eye after visiting this store with my partner and have been thinking about it (and the store) since.

- Elliot Young, Web Manager

This is what my apartment smells like, and my apartment smells amazing. Be a good person, and buy your loved ones these incense for the holidays.

- Kyle Foxworth, New York Store Manager

I just read this book myself and it was a very enlightening and energizing read. It's only about 150 pages long and very well-written, another member of staff is actually borrowing my copy to read right now, and I've got a few other people who have asked if they could read it next.

- Elliot Young, Web Manager

Our Picks for Under $100

Lichen NYC Hangi.Tutti by Alvaro Ucha Rodriguez

This piece of metal is so utilitarian while also being so pretty. No fluff about it, the whole design makes an impact on your everyday life.

- Xavier Aslarona, New York Store, Operations

These technically retail at around $120 but you can always get one on a sale. Just super handy for any situation, and I’m pretty shocked at how often I use it in my daily life. My partner got one for me years ago and I think of her every time I pull it out.

- Charlie Dargan, Online Customer Service

Some of the most interesting vases I've seen in a while. Everything is created with recylable (corn I believe??) materials and will add an interesting look to your home.

– Sam Bickett, Art Director

Everyone needs cozy house shoes this time of year, and easy to get the right size as a gift.

- Jeremy Smith, Co-founder

Aēsop Aromatique Hand Balm Trio

We vastly underestimate how grateful people with dry hands (me) are to receive something like this.

 

- Dion Wan, Berkeley Shopkeeper

I discovered Brigitte Tanaka at an eclectic store up in Truchas, New Mexico called Eight Million Gods. Having an embroidered organza tote really helps me romanticize my trips to the farmers' market.

- Dan Cuatt, Santa Fe Store, Sales

The perfect gift for a friend who loves denim and cooking!

 

- Dan Cuatt, Santa Fe Store, Sales

According to MoMA, this light if for kids, but I don’t think there are any restrictions on Snoopy. 

- Charles McFarlane, The Copy Guy

Super strong and affordable flashlight from REI, which is a few blocks down from us. Just a good thing to have and a nice present for anyone.

- Dastan Sadykov, Photographer

Our Picks for $100 and Up

Rare items for the kitchen are always a nice gift for someone who loves to cook. The Hi-Iro Donabe, from Tenzo in Santa Fe, is my dream cooking vessel, designed in Japan by Homeland and handmade by Matsusho, an 8th-generation pottery kiln making traditional Shigaraki ware. The Donabe is super versatile, perfect for cooking and serving soups, stews, hot pots, and rice.

- Suni Upshaw, Santa Fe Store Manager

Not exactly the Lofgren USNs, but a close second with zero discomfort.

- Matthew Martinez, New York Shopkeeper

These guys from 242 are friends of the shop and are just a few doors down. Super chill sweatpants that are great for lounging around the house, staying cozy and fresh. Or stepping out and simplifying and outfit.

- Dastan Sadykov, Photographer

Another left field choice, most people don’t bother to get themselves a nice throw pillow - or floor pillow.

- Jeremy Smith, Co-founder

This one is pretty New York City only focused. but if you're based here, I’d imagine this is the best holiday gift you could give anyone haha! Luxury and relaxation at its finest.

- Kyle Foxworth, New York Store Manager

Why else? Because I love bags!

- Micah Gibson, Santa Fe, Sales

 

 

This one is for the Paraboot heads that missed out on ordering a pair from us! Another good friend of mine, Jerry Harris, runs a local clothing shop in Berkeley just down Telegraph Ave from our old location and is now stockng Paraboots!

- Gen Padua, Berkeley Senior Shopkeeper

The best packing cubes around, and throwing on a sling makes them into a handy around town bag.

- Jeremy Smith, Co-founder

By Charles McFarlane

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