ReMarkable 2: "No! I don't need another electronic device; I have an iPad and I love my Muji notebooks." That was my defense and will be yours too. However, my friend was relentless, "Trust me, this will change your life....." Well, she was right and the Remarkable 2 is my 2021 most favorite thing. A Kindle is to a book as the reMarkable is to a notepad. It writes and feels like paper, you can create endless notebooks and it syncs with your iPhone and computer. I love always having access to all my notes and there's a 100 day satisfaction guarantee. Don't forget to order the cover and pencil. $521
Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets: I love bed more than anyone. My goal every day is to check enough boxes and reluctantly respond to just enough emails so I can get back in my bed guilt free. Spending nearly half of my life in bed, I'm willing to splurge on comfort. Cozy Earth's bamboo sheets are the the most comfortable on the market and even recommended by my good friend Oprah. $329
Cozy Earth Ultra-Soft Bamboo Jogger Pant: The day after I posted AFT20 (Aarons Favorite Things 2020), my wife gave me this pair of joggers as a Thanksgiving gift. One day after singing the praises of the Vuori Ponta Performance Pant as my favorite thing, it was immediately replaced by the Cozy Earth Jogger. The Cozy Earth Ultra-Soft Bamboo Jogger Pant was the first item on this year's list. I have them in black and grey, and they're the first thing I put on every morning. $109
Vince V-Neck T-Shirt: Here's a fact, the most comfortable t-shirts in the world are made in Peru with Pima cotton; it's just a thing, look it up. So, the most comfortable and versatile in my experience is the Vince T-Shirt (Crew or V-Neck). Throw this on with your Cozy Earth Joggers and you'll be in paradise. These shirts are a little thin, so if you're rocking the man boobs, you may want to look elsewhere. This shirt is also comfortable enough to sleep in. $65
Outerknown Blanket Shirt: Outerknown is eleven-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater's new clothing company. They have great products and my favorite release is their Blanket Shirt. I like throwing this on instead of a sweatshirt; it's soft, warm and versatile. I love this so much that I own three. The biggest problem is picking your pattern—35 choices! In my experience, this shirt runs small, so order one size up. Get Outerknown's Black Friday 30% off site-wide deal early by using code EARLY30. $148
Outerknown Local Straight Fit S.E.A. Jeans: In my opinion, one of the best Pandemic trends is comfort fashion and the death of the skinny jean. If this is news to you, please stop what you're doing and clean out your closet, it's over, no more! With that in mind, it's time to replace your tapered skinny jeans with my favorite & most comfortable jean, the Outerknown S.E.A jean. $128
Air Jordan 1 Mid "White Shadow": I'm not sure how you watch "The Last Dance" on Netflix and not order a pair of Jordan's. I went with the "White Shadows" and can honestly tell you this: I have never had more people comment on anything I've ever worn in my life—"Nice shoes man," "Dude, sweet kicks," etc. I'm not telling you to buy these for compliments, but you've been warned. $210
Surefoot Custom Ski Boots: The inside of my ankles were swollen, filled with fluid—the outside of my feet sore to the touch. My buddy from Jackson Hole recommended "Bootsy" for a custom pair; a grand later and my feet are worse than ever. About to give up skiing because of the pain, a friend suggests Surefoot. I really didn't want to spend another grand on ski boots, but I was willing to give it a try. I went in for the custom fitting, which is kind of weird as they pump hot, liquid foaming gel into your shell. Alas, the solution, relief and a life time guarantee for adjustments if needed. Make sure to add the "heater" option. $1200
Uggs Scuff Slipper: Back to the comfort theme, nothing better than slipping these on after waking up on a cold winter day. I much prefer the slip ons over the Ascots and they're available in twelve colors. $80
Calvisius Caviar Siberian Royal: I don't know anything about Caviar, but for a special occasion my wife served this with creme fraiche, blinis, & diced chives—it was amazing! I have had caviar before and always thought it tasted like sea water or fishy—not this, just creamy & buttery. Obviously, caviar can get ridiculously expensive, but Calvisius is reasonably priced. If you're planning a special evening, splurge a little & you won't be disappointed. $80/oz.
Buona Beef: This meal is a family tradition and probably my (and my friends') favorite. This was introduced to us by my father-in-law's Chicago business partner and we've been ordering it for over twenty years. Spicy, slow roasted Italian beef served on Turano Italian bread and hot Giardiniera—unbelievable! If you're having friends over and want a special and memorable meal, then order this. $109
Drop Stop: My wife went to get my car washed and took everything out, including my Drop Stops. Sure enough, I get the car back and within a day I drop my phone down the black hole between the seat and center console. After yelling at my wife for not reinstalling my Drop Stops, I put them back in their rightful spot and I can sleep again at night. It's comforting knowing your keys, change, & french fires won't find their way into your cracks. Plug the gaps, sleep at night. $25
Catherine Rise Incense Sticks—Palo Santo: If you’re looking to add a life changing routine, then carve out fifteen minutes every morning for a formal mediation; silent or guided, the benefits will be exponential. I’ve burned several sticks of incense in my favorite burner (AFT19), but the hand rolled Catherine Rise Incense sticks are my favorite. Light your incense, set your "Insight Timer" (AFT20), get still, and head off on your day with a grounded perspective. $28
VOTIVO Red Currant Candle: If incense is not your thing or if you’re scarred by your alter boy days, then opt for the VOTIVO Red Current Candle. This candle has been burning in a local shop for nearly twenty years, and every time I walk in, I end up walking out with a candle. This candle comes in a decorative box and makes a great house gift. $28
Premium Tempered Glass Chair Mat: If you’re home or work desk sits on carpet, you absolutely need this. The cracked plastic desk mat is awful. This glass desk mat allows your wheeled desk chair to swivel and roll with ease. Throw out that nasty, plastic, cracked mat and upgrade to the premium tempered glass chair mat. $129
Sunglass Hut Take Care - Care Kit: My sunglasses and spectacles are always smudged. This small kit includes a spray, cloth and a small screwdriver for adjustments. I keep one in my car’s console, bedside table, and backpack (briefcase) for easy access. It's extremely slim, so it fits anywhere. $10
Apple AirPods Max: I still have my Bose QC II and Bose 700’s, so did I really need another pair of over-the-ear headphones? No. I really didn’t and could not justify the Airpods Max, but Apple has a way of making me bend the knee. I finally caved and Airpods Max are now my favorite headphones. The two main benefits are Spatial Audio, which makes sound appear to be coming from outside the headphones and the seamless integration with my other Apple products. $479
Beats Fit Pro: I recommended the Beats Powerbeats Pros last year for working out, but the new Beats Fit Pros are far superior. In fact, I prefer these over the Airpods Pros. They have the H1 Chip for Apple integration, noise cancellation; they don’t stick out, have longer battery life, and unlike the over-ear hooks of Powerbeats Pros, the Fit Pros use a small, inner ear tip that secures the earbud for strenuous workouts. The case for the Fit Pros is also half the size of the Powerbeats Pros and charges via USB-C. $200
Apple AirTags: The Airtag is another Apple product I swore I didn’t need. However, I lost my keys a couple weeks ago and decided to bite the bullet. Like other Apple products, set up is a breeze and I now have tracking devices on my work, car/house, & bike keys. If you are prone to losing items, throw an Airtag on and rest at ease. Pack of 4 for $99.
Apple MagSafe Duo Charger: If you have an Apple Watch and an iPhone, you'll want this. This folds into a compact clamshell and is great for traveling. It will charge your iPhone and Apple Watch simultaneously and the watch disc pops up so you can view your watch face. I keep mine in my briefcase as I use it exclusively for travel. $129
Apple MagSafe Charger: I have replaced all of the old, big, bulky wireless chargers in my house with the small, clean, Apple MagSafe Chargers. You will spend a lot less time playing around with the phone confirming it's charging; when you drop your phone on this little disc it magnetically sucks your phone in, emits an audible and visual confirmation of a successful connection. I highly suggest placing an inch of double sided scotch tape underneath and adhere it to the rear of your bedside table so you're showing minimal cord. $34
Anker Nano USB-C 20W Charger: Apparently Apple is trying to save the environment (really profit margin) by not shipping charging bricks, so all you get when you order Apple products is the cord without the brick. So, you will need to buy a charging brick separately for nearly every Apple product (even iPhones) mentioned above. You will also need a minimum of 20W; this Anker Nano Charger is 3X faster than your old charger and 50% the size. Trust me, you will need these come Christmas morning. $17
VENO Reusable Grocery Bags: I'm being dead serious when I say I've never been complimented more on anything I own than these shopping bags. When I get up to the cash register there's a 50% chance the cashier or the bagger comments on these bags. They form into a solid box shape with a removable bottom that allows the bags to neatly fold. You can fold and fit all of the bags into one. A shout out to my Jersey wife for this recommendation. Be the envy of the check out line with these grocery bag bad boys. $24
Withings Body Cardio Wifi Scale: If I had a dollar for every time my wife and I said, "We'll start our diets on Monday..." My body seems to have a "new normal" and that's +10 pounds. The Withings Scale fat shames me every morning and reminds me of my crappy BMI and body fat %. This scale syncs with Apple Health so you can track your weight's peaks and valleys. I'm starting my diet on the Monday after Thanksgiving, you? $150
Formula 1 Drive to Survive: My wife hates sports, to the point I have to put in earbuds to enjoy a game without her yelling at me to turn it off. A friend of mine suggested a Netflix series about Formula 1 and I told him I had no interest. Again, he persisted and said, "just trust me." I acquiesced and started the series. Something crazy happened along the way—my wife started to watch. Not only did she watch, she now can't wait for race weekends; she has her favorite team and driver and is all in for a trip to Austin or Miami for the two, 2022 tour stops. 10 teams, 20 drivers representing 15 countries all competing in the highest class of International auto racing. If this show can convert her, then I guarantee you'll be hooked. Check out the trailer: Formula 1
Simplehuman Sensor Mirror Trio Max: Have something in your eye? Want to make sure you've plucked all that gnarly, old man nose and ear hair? Just feel like staring at your face and contemplating your existence? Well, this is the best product for all of that. The mirror automatically illuminates when you get close, has a 5x magnified mirror on one side and a 1x and 10x view on the other. $350
OptiVISOR Headband Magnifier: If you're done looking at yourself in the mirror and would rather focus on others, then grab this professional grade magnifying headset. My wife and I are sometimes like grooming monkeys, picking at each other. "Honey, I feel something on my scalp, can you check it out." Don't let your dermatologist have all the fun, throw these on and have at it. These also come in handy for digging out slivers, checking serial numbers and examining jewelry. $51
Simplehuman Rechargeable Liquid Sensor Pump: Touch-free was a big trend before COVID, now it's huge. I don't care, I'll touch anything (except my face) and I respectfully decline alcohol wipes offered by flight attendants. However, this hand soap dispenser is just cool; I like it because it keeps conformity throughout my house— I use the same liquid refills (different scents available) and it comes in really handy in the kitchen when your hands are covered in oil after lubing up that piece of Steelhead trout. $70
Hazel Hygiene: Philips One: Not ready to replace my daily Oral-B IO Series 9, but for travel, this toothbrush has a permanent spot in my toiletry kit. $25 Eucalyptus Shower Spray: Spray this into your hot shower and be instantly transported to a high-end spa. Very relaxing and provides sinus and congestion relief. $28 Piksters: My dentist said if I could only floss or Pik, she prefers I Pik. I like to keep one in my pocket just in case. $20 Vaseline Lip Therapy Stick: Vaseline is always the best if you have chapped lips. Finally, it's available in stick form. Comes in multiple flavors: $7
