December 4th 2021
ARBITRAGE ANDY GIFT LIST INTRO
It is now that time of year to look at your investments that are down bad and figure out how you’re going to afford Christmas/Holiday gifts for the family. If you are anything like me you wait until the absolute last minute and then scramble or over compensate by spending hundreds of dollars for each gift.
Each year I compile a list of of some of the best gifts and stocking stuffers for financial professionals, market enthusiasts, traders, and people who just like classy and thoughtful gifts. I have provided links and recommendations as to why I like these gifts and in most instances either own or plan to own the listed items. Do yourself a favor and get your shopping done by mid week so you can focus on the tumultuous financial markets that will likely plague us through year end.
DISCLAIMER - If you choose to order through the provided Amazon links I will make a tiny fee (seriously it’s almost not even worth putting in, were talking like $0.05) BUT in my experience sourcing through Amazon at this time of the year saves money and is also the fastest, so hence the plug. I will leave it to you guys to see if there is Arbitrage to be had between offers. In my experience there is, which is why I provide both sources if possible.
Keep in mind when it comes to the clothing selections my style/preferences are very much a blend of Southern Prep with Western flair ( Grew up on West Coast, Went to school in the South). I dress comfortably but like to look sharp at the same time. Won’t be for everyone. I added a few gifts in here for mothers, sisters, and girlfriends as well since most men struggle with this.
GIFTS FOR MEN
PETER MILLAR POLOS - $90 to $125
I am sure some will argue with me but Peter Millar polos are the most comfortable on the market. I wear them all the time in the warm months. Obviously great for golf and yacht shit, but also comfortable enough for casual wear and above all extremely breathable and lightweight. I never regret buying these. Run big in my experience, I am an XXL but can wear XL for Millar.
VARIATIONS AVAILABLE HERE - AMAZON
BARBOUR WAXED HAT - $50.00
I am a huge fan of Barbour being from an Irish/ outdoors oriented family. Yes, it’s WASPY af and yes Barbour enthusiasts take a lot of heat, don’t care. It’ drippy. That being said, this is one of the best hats I have ever had. Comfortable. rugged, and able to withstand a beating and water. I wear mine fishing, shooting at the range, and during cold months. Highly recommend this one for outdoors lovers.
ORVIS VARIATION AVAILABLE HERE - AMAZON (I actually like this one more).
BOSE SPORT EARBUDS - $149.00
I DJ-ed in college. Ask nearly any college male between ages 19-25 and they’ll tell you that they were DJs (standing near the AUX). I actually did, making thousands over 4 years while getting wasted off free drinks comp-ed by sororities and also doing a bit of basic producing. I value good audio and to be frank AirPods and Apple shit in general sucks ass. For starters, it completely lacks bass and mid range crispness. I just grabbed these puppies and use them when running and working out. Comes with a very convenient charging pod, battery life is solid, and they are on sale right now.
SONOS PLAY5- $649.00
While we are on audio - if you are looking to get a nicer gift, look no further than the Sonos Play5. This speaker is absolutely fucking insane. I have had 4 different apartments in Manhattan over the past 6 years and 100% of the time I have received noise complaints from neighbors and building management. This system delivers crisp, intense audio and has insane bass. More than enough for a living room setup for a larger house. I like having the stationary version of my Rockford Fosgate Amp and two 12’’ subs from my high school car at my disposable.
AVAILABLE HERE - AMAZON (Limited Quantity at time of writing this)
LULU LEMON ABC PANTS - $138.00
LULU Lemon hit the nail on the head with the ABC pant, what I consider the most comfortable pair of men’s smart casual pants on the market. When I finally free-ed my family jewels from the tyranny of Brooks Brothers Khakis and ill-fitting slacks they grew in size immensely due to the flexible freedom granted by these pants. I own 5 pairs.
WALL STREET BULL BEAR BRONZE STATUE - $88.00
The perfect gift for a Wall Street employee, financial markets enthusiast, or trader. I have one of these on my desk at home and one in my 1BR in Manhattan. The ultimate desktop morale booster for weathering bull or bear markets. Looks excellent with an original banker lamp as well. Highly recommend. Bunch of variations available on Amazon right now, pick one you like.
AVAILABLE HERE - AMAZON (Most affordable options)
JACK ERWIN DRIVING LOAFER - $145.00
Discovered Jack Erwin when I was a young trader working in Midtown New York. I was tired of destroying my nicer shoes with nights out to Murray Hill and LES, arriving home the next day to see my loafers destroyed with cheap beer and grime. Jack Erwin makes a very solid driving loafer at a nice price point if you don’t have the cash to buy Gucci and Ferragamo recklessly. I am a unit (6’6” 275 pds), so I find mine start to wear down after about a year, but smaller guys shouldn’t have an issue getting 2+ out of them. Currently own 3 pairs, and come in some dope color schemes. Comfortable, sharp, and go with just about everything.
ARCTERYX ATOM VEST - $175.00
Since Patagonia completely separated and divorced themselves from Finance bros in 2019 I have shifted my Vest allegiance to another brand, Arcteryx. This high end brand makes some of the slickest vests and warm wear on the market. Perfect for Vail Colorado, hiking in Big Sky, or winter days out in windy Manhattan. Different colors available on the site and Amazon. Synthetically insulated for unparalleled warmth and size lord vibes.
ASSORTED 2021 VIDEO GAMES - $60.00ish
As we get closer to VR and a new generation of gaming consoles, some gaming brands and titles have separated themselves from the competition. Word on the street this year is Battlefield sucks. So I don’t recommend that but here are some of the titles I will dabble with as a closet gamer. Great for boyfriends, dads, and brothers ladies. While I don’t recommend hours of brainless gaming, if we go into lockdown again these help crush long hours of boredom during cold months.
HALO INFINITE - AVAILABLE HERE
CALL OF DUTY VANGUARD - AVAILABLE HERE
3 GIFTS FOR WOMEN
Fellas here are three gift ideas for the women in your life - everyone will have different opinions here on how much to spend. here are some of the gifts I have gotten historically that are always crowd pleasers.
DAVID YURMAN BANGLE- $395.00
ROLLER RABBIT PAJAMAS - $118.00
Very popular right now.
AVAILABLE HERE and HERE
HYDRO FLASK - $40.00
Great gift for active women who are into working out - keeps water chilled af.
AVAILABLE HERE (probably want to get her something else as well lmao)
I'm going to check out this gift list! I always take forever to buy Christmas presents, and I love getting tips. The gifts for men are interesting. And speaking of gifts, I found a really cool porcelain online shop, they have gorgeous porcelain earrings and a beautiful dinnerware set. https://bontii.com/
Some Amazon links didn't go through. Maybe user error. Got the girl a sling for her hydro flask, good add on gift.