30 Analog Gifts for People Who Need a Digital Detox
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We've all got a friend or family member who isn’t the best texter, isn't on social media, or isn't all that thrilled that everything seems to be connected to the internet these days. For the phone-notification-hating, captcha-test-spurning loved one in your life, show them you're thinking of them this holiday season in a totally analog way you'd know they'd appreciate.
Check out the rest of our gift guides, such as Gifts for Outdoorsy People, Things Teens Actually Want, The Best Turntables, and Gift Ideas for the Home Chef.
Updated November 2023: We've added several new items, including an acoustic guitar, a not-smart-at-all wristwatch, some 1980s-inspired sunglasses, and more. We've also updated pricing and availability throughout.
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- Photograph: Simon Hill
The Purrfect Card Game
Exploding KittensTell your loved one to put down the solitaire cards; you've got something fresh for them to try out. Exploding Kittens is a favorite game of WIRED's staff for its combination of being simple to learn but hard to master. There's also an NSFW version for $20 and a line of expansion packs.
- Photograph: The Sill
A Bit of Greenery
The Sill Gift CardGiven that winter is fast approaching, many of us will be inside more often and exposed to less greenery. Keep your special someone's spirits up by giving them the gift of a plant-filled home. The Sill's plants always arrive in excellent condition, in my experience, and the company offers care knowledge and a 30-day guarantee on each plant after purchase.
- Photograph: Amazon
Some Backyard Friends
Roamwild Arch Bird FeederMaking some bird friends is more fun than you think. To get them to stop by, you'll have to make your yard inviting, though. That means buying a feeder and some seed. But it's well worth the daily visitors and birdsong. Our very own Medea Giordano raved about the joys of installing a backyard bird feeder and recommends the Roamwild Arch feeder. If you have a nature lover on your gift list, set them up with a gift they'll be able to use year in, year out.
- Photograph: Sweetwater
The Gift of Music
Yamaha FG820 Acoustic GuitarThis is an acoustic guitar that punches well above its weight in sound and build quality. I haven't yet played anything under $1,000 that sounds noticeably better. The solid sitka spruce top is responsible for much of that, and while the sides and back are laminated mahogany, that's to be expected on any acoustic under a grand. The neck plays beautifully and is a joy to use.
Sweetwater is my preferred retailer for musical instruments. The customer service is second to none, and each guitar receives a free setup before it leaves the store, which you'd normally have to pay for on a new guitar with most non-music-specific retailers. If the recipient is on the shorter side, consider the Yamaha FS820 for $300. It's identical to the FG820, except in a more manageable “concert” size, rather than the large, booming dreadnought shape.
- Photograph: USGS
A Year of National Park Access
America the Beautiful Park PassDitching the indoors for the outdoors is a perfect way to go analog. Give that rugged somebody a pass that lets them get into any National Park or Federal Recreational Land without paying entrance fees for a whole year. Certain groups, such as military members and people with disabilities, can get them for free.
- Photograph: Puffin
Keep It Cozy With a Koozie
Puffin Beverage Koozie
- Photograph: Amazon
A Candle That Crackles
WoodWick Large Trilogy CandleCandles are a classic and popular gift, so it can be hard to make it feel special when giving one to somebody. WoodWick candles, made from a blend of soy and paraffin waxes, use a solid piece of wood as the wick that crackles and pops like a real fireplace as it burns. These large Trilogy candles feature three different scents that reveal themselves one after another as the candle burns down. Expect about 160 hours of life out of each candle.
- Photograph: Dan Henry Watches
An Amazing Watch
Dan Henry 1964 Gran Turismo WristwatchYou might not have heard of them, unless you're really into watches, but Dan Henry are excellent watches for the money right now—my favorite. Beloved by watch fanatics, Dan Henrys blend wonderously detailed dials, hands, and cases with dependable, brand-new internals at a decent price. This model draws inspiration from the sub-group of pilot's watches, but if you believe your special someone would have a soft spot for an auto racing, military, or diver's watch instead, check out the rest of Dan Henry's lineup.
- Photograph: Williams Sonoma
A Reason to Bake
Brabantia Roll-Top Bread BoxNo, we didn't drag this out of a museum. Bread boxes really do help keep your bread (and muffins and bagels) fresher for longer. If you know someone who loves to bake, or just who loves fresh bread, introduce them to this semi-forgotten kitchen marvel. My Brabantia has held up for five years, with no end to its lifespan in sight. The roll top still moves as smoothly as the day I bought it, and I've noticed that my baked goods last far longer in it, where the enclosure keeps humidity levels more stable, than they do jammed into a plastic bag on the counter.
- Photograph: Amazon
Better Coffee
Hario Skerton ProYou could give somebody an electric coffee bean grinder. There sure are some nice ones out there. But as one of WIRED's resident coffee addicts, I stick with the hand grinder. Not only does it take up less room, but there's something pleasant about the quiet and intimacy of doing it manually. I've been using mine for three years, from normal grind for pour-over to coarse grind for French press, and it produces consistent grounds across the board.
I've even dropped it a couple of times onto a hardwood floor, but the thick, heavy glass just bounced harmlessly and laughed at my weak attempt to damage it.
- Photograph: Amazon
Some Puzzle Fun
CubicFun Notre Dame 3D PuzzleThis 3D puzzle for adults is more than just a pretty exterior. It has true inner beauty, too. Once it's finished, the architect can open it 180 degrees to see the finely detailed interior of the 900-year-old cathedral. Its 293 pieces should keep the builder busy for a while. You can also choose different models, like the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany or St. Paul's Cathedral in the UK.
- Photograph: Ray-Ban
An Excuse for Some Sun
Ray-Ban WingsAviators and Wayfarers are great, but help them stand out from the crowd by giving them a dash of the 1980s. The Wings were introduced as a limited run a few years ago, and I'm pleased to see they've since become a regular part of Ray-Ban's lineup. They have the same build quality as Ray-Ban's other metal-framed sunglasses, and they're surprisingly comfortable. With their enormous coverage, they're great for the sunniest of days.
- Photograph: Walmart
A Lego Typewriter
Lego Typewriter KitCombine your special somebody's Lego nostalgia with their longing for the pre-computer days, and let them build their own mid-century typewriter. It won't actually put ink to paper, but the keys do work and the carriage moves left to right as you type, just like a real typewriter. There are 2,079 pieces in this kit, so it's for adults or very dedicated, retro-loving children.
- Photograph: Amazon
A Game for Two
Stiga Tabletop Hockey GameThis gift needs two players. The Stiga Tabletop Hockey series has five players per team, plus goalies—just like a real hockey team, except these are controlled by levers. The retailer Man Cave Game (linked below) has the widest range of teams available, so buy your loved one the team of their choice—and then make sure the second team is your favorite so you can watch your team beat theirs again and again.
- Photograph: Amazon
Warmer Mitts
Zippo Hand WarmerIt's a classic look you've seen on television and in movies. The dashing hero (or villain) flings open a gleaming, polished chrome Art Deco lighter with the flick of a wrist. If you know somebody who doesn't smoke but loves a bit of style, buy them this hand warmer. It runs on refillable lighter fluid (and Zippo's hand-warmer fluid) for up to 12 hours before needing to be refilled.
- Photograph: Amazon
An Artisan Flask
English Pewter FlaskThese artisan flasks are made in Sheffield, a traditional pewter-working city in central England. There are plenty of intricate, Celtic-inspired designs available in various sizes. Whereas steel flasks will turn any strong liquor black after a few days of storage, pewter is less reactive than stainless steel. Still, tell the recipient not to store anything in it for more than a few days.
- Photograph: Aran Sweater Market
Enjoy the Sweater Weather
Aran Sweater Market Merino SweaterThick, cable-knit sweaters are having a moment right now. After The Banshees of Inisherin and Knives Out, everyone's looking for a warm Irish sweater that doesn't itch like it's made of eyelashes. Aran Sweater Market sweaters are made from 100 percent merino wool, which is pillowy soft, and not at all itchy. There are many designs to choose from, but shipping to the US is $35 (if you add multiple items to the same order, you won't have to pay extra).
- Photograph: Amazon
Race on Real Rubber
Scalextric Ginetta Racers Analog Slot Car SetThere's a lot more skill in slot car racing than meets the eye. The racer has to know exactly when to give the car throttle and how much to give if they don't want to fly off the track and lose the race. Scalextric has started putting computer chips in its digital slot car sets, but this 1:32-scale analog set races like the slot cars of the old days. Best of all, the person you give it to will need somebody to race, and that somebody can be you.
- Photograph: Amazon
A Simple Game of Darts
Winmau Blade 5 DartboardThere's a serene simplicity about darts when you take away the fake noises and blaring sirens of digital versions. Sisal-fiber material is the benchmark for traditional dartboards, and the thin-gauge wire makes bounce-outs less likely. Buy your special somebody some quality tungsten darts for $49 while you're at it.
- Photograph: Amazon
Try Some Tarot (With Cats)
Cats Rule the Earth Tarot: 78-Card Deck and GuidebookTarot is fun, but it can be something of a meditative experience as well. If your giftee is a newbie in the world of tarot, this set comes with a handy guidebook that explains all 78 cards briefly, with enough room for your own interpretations. It goes further too, talking about the Major and Minor Arcana (what makes up any tarot deck), and what the numbers and court cards might signify. We've written in greater detail about this deck here.
- Photograph: Victorinox
A Great Multi-Tool
Victorinox Mini ChampI've tested many, many multi-tools over the years for WIRED (see my Best Multi-Tools guide). The Mini Champ came out on top as the best small tool because it combines typically extraordinary Victorinox build quality with a truly useful range of tools. Anyone can appreciate having a multi-tool like this on their keychain or in a bag.
- Photograph: Amazon
Out of This World
Estes Tandem X Model Rocket Launch SetIf your pal is new to model rockets, they should start with this. It comes mostly preassembled, is easier to spot in the sky, and tops out at “only” 650 feet altitude. It takes some handiwork to build the smaller Crossfire rocket, which can reach an altitude of 1,200 feet. The kit comes with everything your astronaut friend needs, except for engines for $18 and recovery wadding for $8.
- Photograph: Amazon
Bang Out a Tune
Latin Percussion Aspire Series BongosGiving somebody an instrument typically means also gifting them the responsibility to learn how to play it, if they don't already know. But anybody can play the bongo. Several members of WIRED's Gear team (who are gigging musicians) recommend Latin Percussion bongos for the rich sound they produce at a price that won't break the bank. You just might want to buy yourself some earplugs first.
- Photograph: Amazon
Not a Throwaway Gift
Discraft 175-Gram Ultra Star Sport DiscBack in high school, my friends and I would often duck away to a nearby Frisbee golf course for nine or 18 holes of relaxation during lunchtime. Frisbee golf courses are everywhere, and it's a good way to clear the mind during a busy day. Upgrade your buddy's disc from the dusty junk in his garage. A 175-gram disc is a standard weight, so if your friend gets into Ultimate Frisbee instead, it'll serve well for that, too.
- Photograph: Amazon
Try Bullet Journaling
Lemome Bullet JournalBullet journaling is a combination method of journaling and a to-do list. Condensed into a form of shorthand that's heavy on—you guessed it—bulleted lists, the writer can doodle or scribble however they like. The author can then look back at their thoughts and accomplishments over time. These thick pages don't bleed ink through to the other side, and they're smooth and pleasant to write on, especially when using a Uni-ball Jetstream pen for $10. Check out our favorite paper planners for more options.
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