Here’s a very specific thing Chris Graham likes to do every day: shop the clearance section of his favorite stores. He rarely buys anything, but if he receives an email about a deal, he will diligently check the links and read all the details on every item.
He is an email marketers worse nightmare: he will click those links, but he’s not going to buy anything.
He also loves to watch movie trailers, even for movies he will never, ever see. It’s a good thing he’s cute, because none of this makes sense to me.
If you’re shopping for a partner who also confuses you most of the time, here’s what I’m suggesting. These are things that make my little weirdo happy.
Disclosure: affiliate links used

Nespresso Machine (link)
You’ll notice this theme as you work your way down, but coffee is Chris Graham’s lifeblood. We have a BUNN coffeemaker (we actually just got a new one after seven years with our old one) that makes our daily coffee, but my husband requires more than just a pot of coffee most days. Enter: the Nespresso machine.
Cotopaxi Pullover (link)
If you see Chris Graham in public this winter, I’d bet money he’s wearing one of these pullovers. He’s got a few and loves them enough to keep buying more even though they’re a little pricey. (Side note if you like to shop for yourself while shopping for others: Cotopaxi has the most amazing hip packs [fanny packs?]. This bag just makes me so happy.)
Apple Music Subscription (link)
I think if I ever cancelled our Apple Music subscription, someone would file for divorce. I’m very serious.
Specialty Chip Variety Pack (link)
For Father’s Day this year, we ordered this sampler pack of chips. If you have someone in your life who loves to try new foods or flavors, this would make a fun stocking stuffer. We paired this with a random variety of unique bottled soda for the perfect afternoon snack.
Death Wish Coffee (link)
This is extreme coffee for extreme coffee people. Be careful.
Matthew Reilly Series (link)
This is a series Chris Graham consumed. If you know a reader who enjoys sci-fi adventure, this would be a good series to gift. Bonus: You don’t have to wait for anymore books to come out—the bane of my existence—because it wrapped this year.
Solar Charger Power Bank (link)
This is for anyone who spends a lot of time outside or away from electricity. Or someone who just likes to be extra prepared at all times.
Waterproof Dry Bag Set (link)
If you spend any time on the water, you need a dry bag set. We use it for canoeing/kayaking, plus the beach or pool. I took the smaller cell phone holder on my cruise in October and it was handy for excursions.
Pocket Flashlight (link)
I don’t care how many flashlights you have, you probably need another one. Chris Graham carries this pocket one at work and, I’m sure, uses it daily.
Pocket Work Light (link)
I just said you can never have enough flashlights, so here’s a cool one that has a magnet on it. You can use it for camping, working on cars, home remodeling…the possibilities are endless. As someone who spent a significant amount of my childhood holding a flashlight up for my dad to see into the engine of a car, this could be life changing for the right person.
Rolling Ball Organizer (link)
Okay, technically, I ordered this and love it, but that’s only because I love organizing and cleaning up messes while my life partner loves chaos and piles. I got this rolling ball cart for our garage and every time I walk out there, it makes me happy. This one holds all the balls you’ve got around the garage, plus it has a few baskets for smaller stuff (tennis balls, jump rope, orange cones, etc.) and hooks on the side.
Armor Car Cleaning Wipe Kit (link)
Do you know someone who loves to clean their car? Or maybe just someone you want to send a very specific message to about how dirty their car is? Car cleaning kits are the way to go. Give these out of the kindness of your heart or to be passive-aggressive, it’s up to you.
Embarrassing Stoner Pullover (link)
I can’t believe I’m telling the world wide web about this, but ’tis the season. For YEARS—probably 10 or more—the love of my life has wanted a knit Mexican-style pullover. If you grew up in the 90s, you know exactly what I’m talking about. They should have stayed there, but they did not. Chris Graham is clean and sober, but in his soul, he’s still a dirty stoner kid. While I was in Mexico this fall, he texted me and asked if I’d pick him up a pullover. He knew I couldn’t say no; I was on a not-cheap trip with a friend for a week while he stayed home. The least I could do was bring him his stoner hoodie. So I did. I picked one up from a street vendor in Costa Maya and lugged it back home. He has not taken it off since. He’s probably wearing this right now as he proofreads this for me before I publish.
East Fork Mug (link)
Following our coffee theme, these mugs are rustic and beautiful. We really don’t need anymore coffee cups, but that’s not your business.
Gerber Mini Pocket Knife (link)
Nothing more of a flex than whipping out your pocket knife anytime someone has an issue. This is the one Chris Graham carries all the time. He also loses it all the time, so good thing they’re inexpensive.
Blackstone Grill Accessories (link)
If you need a gift for someone with a Blackstone, this grill accessory set is fun. In the summer, we try to cook on ours as much as possible. That lid is good for veggies or breakfast stuff. We don’t have a spatula set yet, but that would be a good idea too.
Black Converse Sneakers (link)
I know this isn’t the case for everyone, but Chris Graham likes to wear a pair of shoes until they fall apart. He has to be bullied into buying a new pair. Adding new shoes to the list, if you too, have someone in your life who hates to buy new shoes for themselves but really needs them.
Bucket of Bungee Cords (link)
A bucket of bungee cords? Hell yes. There’s always a need to secure something down and nothing more fun than showing off an extensive bungee collection when the time calls. Total dad stuff.
State Park Pass (link to Indiana SP Pass)
I’ve linked to the Indiana state park pass, but, you know, buy one for your state, not mine. That seems silly to say, but I’ve been on the internet long enough to know that I have to. We’re buying two state park passes this year: one for Chris and our family and one for my dad who is retiring and will have a lot more time for adventures. This would be a good gift for young families too!
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