12 gifts that are made to last

During the holidays, companies bombard us with endless attempts to sell cheap and poorly made items. We cannot accept that. This list features durable, well-made items that will last for years or even decades with proper care. Sure, you may have to pay a little now, but the gift recipients will appreciate the gesture long into the future. Throw away the throwaway gifts and buy something that will stick.

Leatherman Bow

Once you have a multi-tool with you, it’s hard to live without it. This high-quality Leatherman comes with 20 different tools, including powerful pliers, both straight and serrated blades, a file, bottle opener, scissors and more. The stainless steel construction and sturdy construction make it so durable that it comes with a 25-year warranty.

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Hundreds of years before companies introduced water-repellent layers for clothing, waxed canvas kept people dry. Chore jackets are as popular as they come in the fashion world right now, but they’re also impossibly versatile. This model is a reissue from the Dickies vault, with brass hardware and a corduroy collar. It has a traditional flannel blanket lining and the patina will make the outside look better and better as you wear it. It occurs in both Gentlemen And women sizes. I recommend combining it with a pair Flex Double Knee work trousers (also available in women’s sizes and styles) for an outfit that is literally ready for anything.

Lodge 10.25 inch cast iron pre-seasoned skillet

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Pans like these have been making phenomenal burgers and perfect pancakes for generations. This Lodge pan typically costs about $20. It comes pre-seasoned and, with proper care, will last virtually forever. Even if you neglect it, 30 years from now you can probably still revive it and sear a steak to perfection. Plus, you have by far the heaviest Secret Santa gift.

Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM, portable wireless Bluetooth speaker

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Portable speakers can withstand a lot of abuse, but Ultimate Ears built these to survive. The IP67 rating means it is completely waterproof, resistant to dust and can survive shock from drops or bumps. However, underneath that tough exterior lies some serious audio courage. It pumps music in 360 degrees and can play for up to 17 hours on a single charge. In addition, the black design matches almost any environment.

CRKT Williams tactical pen

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You probably know CRKT from their pocket knives, but did you know that they also make a tactical pen? This aluminum writing implement has a bead-blasted matte finish that makes it look and feel unique. The advanced ink cartridge inside writes in almost all conditions, even in the cold and upside down. Once the ink runs out, simply replace the cartridge. It’s the only pen you’ll ever need.

Samsung T7 Shield portable SSD

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It’s hard to trust external computer storage, but I use these Samsung SSDs every day for work and I’ve never had a single problem. About the size of a small stack of credit cards, this SSD connects to a computer with a USB-C cable and provides high-speed data transfers to back up cherished memories or important work matters. The IP65 rating means it can withstand dust, moisture, bumps and other nasty little accidents that would ruin other drives.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

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This bag is a legend in outdoor circles. It’s available in sizes 40L, 55L, 70L and even 100L, so there’s a Black Hole for almost every occasion. It’s super heavy. The body uses polyester ripstop with a matte, recycled TPU film laminate to create a super strong bag. The material is also 100 percent recycled, so it is friendly to the environment. To top it all off, detachable backpack straps offer an alternative to normal handles. This bag has truly earned its reputation as one of the best.

HyperX Alloy Rise – Hot-swappable mechanical gaming keyboard

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Dust, crumbs and frequent use all take their toll on our keyboards. This board from HyperX allows you to easily swap out the keycaps, switches, cable, and even the faceplate if they’re past the point of a good cleaning. It comes ready to use straight out of the box and includes a full number pad and dedicated media controls. It feels and sounds great, but you can customize it however you want.

Yeti 34-ounce French Press

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This is like a French press done its bench press. The stainless steel exterior has a vacuum seal to keep everything insulated, while a ceramic surface lines the interior. It holds 34 ounces of water, which is enough for several cups (or one serious caffeine lover). The integrated coffee grounds filter separates the coffee grounds from the delicious coffee, so you can easily throw them away and prevent them from getting between your teeth while drinking. Choose from 10 different color options, then head into the wilderness and drink coffee.

Rtic backpack cooler

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This leak-proof cooler is available in two models: one for 24 cans and one for 36 cans of your favorite travel drink. That capacity includes a full bag of ice to keep you nice and cool while you walk around. It’s completely waterproof, has some very sturdy back straps, and the whole thing floats, so if you drop it off the boat, you don’t have to watch your precious fluids sink to the bottom of the lake.

Smartwool Hudson Trail Slipper

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A cushioned foam sole provides support and slip resistance for your feet, but the real appeal is on the inside. Smartwool has lined these luxurious slippers with soft, recycled wool. It feels great and doesn’t chafe the skin of your feet, even if you walk around with it for a while. Moreover, they are breathable, so they keep your feet warm enough without making them sweat. Choose from four sizes and three colors to get an exact match.

Weber Slate Rust Resistant Griddle

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Outdoor griddles are great for burgers and just about anything else you want to eat at a barbecue, but they have a tendency to rust. Weber has made its Slate grills with a special rust-resistant coating that can withstand the typical moisture levels it will experience year-round. It is a complete griddle with propane connections, adjustable individual burners and a smart grease collection system that makes cleaning easy and quick.

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