Magnetic’s 2024 Holiday Gift and Gear Guide For Creators, Wanderers, and Last Minute Shoppers

Some people have a unique talent for finding the perfect gift for their special people during the holidays, but unfortunately, I am not one of those people. I rely on gift guides, straight up asking people what they want, and lousy guessing, and I’m batting about 200. Hopefully, these items will fit that creative adventurer in your life, or they might be something you snag for yourself to take on winter weekend fun. 

There is a common theme here; at least, I like to think so. Magnetic’s editorial is about making and doing, getting out into the wild, chasing your dreams, and going left when everyone else goes right. I found some things to complement the life we aspire to for indoor and outdoor activities. So, not to get too fluffy, but hopefully, this is a gear/gift guide that fires you up to live big.

Pelican 1510 Protector Carry On Case – The Ultimate Protection For Your Expensive Gear ($250+)

The Pelican 1510 is made from injection-molded HPX® resin, a proprietary material that’s incredibly durable yet surprisingly lightweight. This case can take a beating, whether tumbling down a rocky slope or enduring the rigors of regular travel. But durability doesn’t have to mean bulky or impractical; the 1510 meets airline carry-on size regulations, allowing me to keep my most valuable gear within arm’s reach. 

The case also features a watertight O-ring seal, which, paired with its automatic pressure equalization valve, ensures my gear stays safe from water, dust, and sudden altitude changes. The case comes with a sheet of foam that you can customize to your gear, and you can also buy more foam if you want to change it up. I’ve decided to dedicate it to my cameras, as I travel with them often and have invested in them. 

The case rolls easily through airports, fits snugly in most overhead compartments (check your plane before you fly through), and gives me peace of mind, so much so that I wouldn’t even sweat it if I had to check this beast. If you travel with expensive cameras, drones, music equipment, computers, etc., check out the complete line of Pelican cases; most pros use them for a good reason. 

Specs That Speak Volumes

• Interior Dimensions: 19.75″ x 11.00″ x 7.60″
• Weight: 13.61 lbs (with foam)
• Crushproof and Watertight: IP67-rated for water and dust resistance
• Wheels and Handle: Stainless steel ball-bearing wheels and an extension handle for smooth rolling

Unleash the Invisible Symphony: The SOMA Laboratory Ether ($115) 

I love this thing; it’s so oddball and whacko that it will surely delight anyone who likes to play with sound, make effects, and source sound from strange field recordings. When you first hear about the SOMA Laboratory Ether, you might think it’s some futuristic fuel or a secret ingredient in a sci-fi cocktail. But no, the Ether is a wildly unique piece of audio wizardry that listens to the electromagnetic whispers of the world around us—and transforms them into sounds you can manipulate. In short, it’s an electromagnetic listening device that’s like handing your music production rig a pair of superhuman ears. 

Imagine the ghostly hum of a streetlight, the chatter of your Wi-Fi router, or the static of cosmic radiation. The Ether takes all those normally inaudible electromagnetic signals floating around us and turns them into sound. Its output is somewhere between a Geiger counter’s frantic clicks and the warbly drones of a dystopian sci-fi soundtrack.

Sonically, the Ether is as unpredictable as a jazz saxophonist after four martinis. You can coax out rhythmic pulses, glitchy crackles, haunting drones, or even alien-like soundscapes. It’s less about precision and more about embracing the chaotic beauty of the unseen. 

The Ether is a super cool/nerdy gadget that music producers and sound designers love. The device generates sonic textures, none of which will ever sound identical; a treasure trove of static, glitchy, humming, and gurgling awaits you. You can connect headphones to the device, which is about the size of a deck of cards, to immediately hear the invisible sounds. Once you find a groove and understand the sounds you can generate, you can run a cable to an audio recorder to capture the magic.  

The Ether isn’t your typical piece of gear. It’s not going to make your next Top 40 hit or beef up your bassline. But it’s a goldmine for experimental sound designers, avant-garde musicians, or Foley artists. So, if you are looking for something weird and wonderful, this might be your gadget. It features headphone outs and can be plugged into a field recorder. Just move around and enjoy the vibrations of your electromagnetic environment. 

Ortofon Concorde Elite MK II Cartridge ($439 single) Editor’s Choice Award 2024 Winner

I’ve been a huge fan of Ortofon Concorde DJ cartridges since I first saw them used by all the hot-shot UK DJs coming over in the 90s. They looked great, were easy to use and, balance tracked exceptionally well, and sounded fantastic on big club systems. The DJ Concorde cartridges have been on my decks so long that I don’t remember using anything besides some early Shure models. 

So when I saw the Elite MK IIs, I was immediately intrigued, and Ortofon graciously sent me a pair to test against my DJ Concorde MK IIs. As of late, I’ve also been going down a HiFi rabbit hole, and if I told you how many turntables are in my house, you might feel embarrassed for me. The Elite MK II straddles the world of HiFi and DJing, and I’ve used it on both my Pioneer PLX-1000s DJ decks and my Music Hall Stealth HiFi turntable, so these cartridges satisfy both applications. The nude elliptical diamond stylus on a rigid aluminum cantilever brings the mind-blowing performance of this cartridge, and you can immediately get the HiFi depth found in cartridges like the 2M Bronze and Black Ortofon models. 

If you are DJing in HiFi bars, smaller rooms with high-end systems, or even at home, these are worth every penny and will deliver rich, full, detailed sound you don’t get from a traditional DJ cartridge. That being said, if you are one for excessive back cueing and like to scratch, these are NOT for you, and I would stick with the wonderful DJ Concorde MK IIs in that case. 

Think of these as precision instruments to get the most out of your vinyl on systems that deliver stunning and balanced sound, like Void Acoustics, Funktion-One, etc. So, if you find yourself just as much a listener as a practitioner, these are the best-in-class cartridges you deserve. 

Sonos Ace Headphones ($449) Editor’s Choice Award Winner 2024

After years of anticipation and plenty of rumors, Sonos has finally dropped its first pair of headphones, the Ace, and they’re pretty damn impressive. The Ace is going head-to-head with headphones like the Apple Airpod Max, Bowers & Wilkins PX7s, and Bose Quiet Comfort series and most definitely holding its own. No, the Ace isn’t a pure Wi-Fi headphone like everyone was anticipating, but they do have some tricks up their sleeve integrations-wise. Sonos chose battery life over Wi-Fi, so these are Bluetooth headphones for the most part, but what sets them apart is the ability to connect to a Sonos Arc soundbar, allowing you to duplicate the surround sound experience inside the headphones, which is a big plus if you are Sonos Arc user looking for that home theater vibe and can’t use your Arc for one reason or another. It’s anticipated that the connectivity and functionality will evolve with updates, so this is just the beginning. 

The Ace is great for longer-haul listening sessions and sits comfortably on your noodle thanks to cushy memory foam and a snug fit that doesn’t make you look like you’re wearing a helmet. The Ace is fantastic for those who are always on the go and using headphones for big chunks of their day with minimal fatigue. Oh, and those memory foam ear cups stick on magnetically, which means you can swap them out if they ever get gross. 

Sonos also nailed the controls on the Ace; they are all tactile. There’s an easy-to-use rocker switch that handles volume and playback, a button for toggling between noise-canceling and transparency mode, and a small power button on the side. 

When you need a break from the world, the Ace goes toe-to-toe with top noise-canceling champs. And if you’re switching over to transparency mode, it feels natural enough that you’ll forget you’re even wearing headphones. Sound-wise, the Ace delivers a tight, clean, and balanced sound for its price point. They’ve got punchy bass without being overwhelming, and the vocals? It is so clear that you might catch details in your favorite songs you missed before. Plus, Sonos packs in support for AptX Adaptive and AptX Lossless for those using Android devices.

Last but not least, the Ace handles your calls quite well – even in noisy spots. Voice clarity is solid, and background noise? Practically gone. And the battery life is a solid 30 hours with ANC off and 24 hours with it on, so you’re covered even for those long travel days. Plus, a quick charge gets you three hours in just three minutes, so no worries if you’re low on juice. The Ace is the perfect all-around headphones for those on the go, who need excellent noise canceling, and want the option to listen quietly at home with Sonos Arc. 

Nilight Portable Air Compressor Tire Inflator AC/DC Dual Power Sources (79.99)

If you are one for outdoor adventures like off-roading in the sand, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, or mountain biking, then having an electric air pump is essential. The Nilight Portable Air Compressor works with your vehicle’s cigarette lighter or traditional power outlet if you have one; it’s also handy in the garage or with a portable battery. The PSI digital readout will let you know where you are at pressure-wise, and the variety of tips is great for bike and car tires, balls, and blowing up inflatable Kayaks and SUPs in a flash. This is a device that, once you have it, you will never know how you did without it, especially on those labor-intensive inflatables like SUPs. There is also a handy double-beam flashlight built-in, so you can see what you are doing in the dark.

Features: 

Dual Power Inflator: Works with both AC and DC power, allowing use with 12V car sockets and 110V household outlets. It quickly inflates tires at a rate of 22 L/min and can inflate SUV tires in under 2 minutes.

Easy Operation & Auto Shutoff: Simply connect the power cable, attach the air hose, select the inflation mode, set the desired pressure, and start inflating. The pump automatically stops when the preset pressure is reached.

Wide Range of Applications: With three included nozzles, this pump can inflate Schrader valves on cars, SUVs, ATVs, motorcycles, bicycles, and also comes with accessories for balloons and sports equipment. 

Digital Display & LED Lighting: The pump shows pressure in PSI, KPA, or BAR for accurate inflation. It also features LED lights with backup, warning, and flashlight modes for convenience in dark settings.

Topo Designs Global Apex Roller Bag ($359) & Brief Case ($179) 

Colorado’s Topo Designs has consistently created must-have bags for over 16 years, and this year’s Apex Global collection has once again leveled them up a notch on design, durability, and function. I’ve been using a Global Briefcase 1.0 version for years, and it’s still in great shape even after years of use. I took the new Apex Global Roller Bag and Briefcase on a recent trip, and this is my new go-to kit for short to medium-length trips. 

The Apex Global Travel Roller Bag is an upgraded version of the standard roller with a few design and build tweaks for a tougher bag overall. The primary material is a coated nylon ripstop fabric that repels hostile weather like rain and snow and can withstand the rigors of regular travel, even being checked, which I usually try to avoid, but it happens sometimes. The hardware on the Apex Global roller is also built to last, and I love silicone-coated handles on the top and sides for easy grabbing. 

The luggage is fairly lightweight for its size, considering its durability and another perk is that it’s made entirely from 100% recycled materials. The Apex modular system is also pretty cool, allowing all three bags in the collection to work as one rolling unit (30L bag not mentioned here), so you don’t have to have anything on your back. The Global Briefcase hangs on the back of the bag via a clip, and the 30L can slide onto the roller bag handle. There you have it. 

If you are traveling with the roller and in terrain that doesn’t work for wheels, you can strap on the backpack straps and put it on your back. Now, that’s what I call a versatile carry-on bag!

The Apex Global Briefcase picks up where the earlier model left off with a similar form factor and some udpated compartments that I really dig. There is now one master compartment for bigger items like headphones, a light jacket, etc., a tech compartment for iPads/Laptops with a velcro strap to hold things in place, and two separate side pockets for cables, keys, and smaller essentials.

The fabric across the entire Apex lineup is the same with either a blue or black colorway with line graphics. If you are looking for a well-thought-out luggage kit, I would recommend all three or a combination, depending on the type of travel you are doing.  

Rumpl Back Country Puffy Blanket – $149

If you’ve read Magnetic regularly, you will know I love Rumpls packable blankets. Whether chilling at a campsite, stretched out under the stars, or just keeping warm on the couch, this blanket levels up my Rumpl quiver and keeps things toasty in colder temps. The Back Country Puffy is the perfect mid-season transition blanket for temps that hover in the high 30s to low 50s and those of us who want to pack light. Engineered with Rumpl’s SummitShield™ ripstop inner liner, this blanket is built to withstand more heavy-duty outdoor use, such as bumps, scuffs, and moisture. The durable VersaWeave™ 30D poly shell on the outside makes it weather-resistant and adds a nice rugged feel. And with NanoLoft® Insulation, the warmth factor is seriously impressive for something so thin – it’s designed to be Rumpl’s warmest, toughest adventure blanket yet. That claim holds true from my experience in chilly festival fields to breezy mountaintop camps.

Features:

• SummitShield™ Ripstop Inner Liner: Ultimate weather resistance on the inside, perfect for damp or rugged environments.
• VersaWeave™ 30D Poly Shell: Extra durable and able to handle outdoor wear and tear.
• NanoLoft® Insulation: Improved warmth and durability, plus easy maintenance.
• Available Sizes: Choose from 1-Person or 2-Person, making it ideal for solo travelers or sharing.

Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot Review: A Timeless Essential for Any Wardrobe – ($399) 

I’ve always been a big fan of boots that straddle the line between fashion and function and work almost anywhere. The Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot is a staple that does just that and transcends trends, effortlessly blending rugged functionality with authentic style. Whether you’re roaming city streets, trekking through a music festival, or embracing the transition between fall and spring, this boot is your go-to piece for both comfort and timeless charm. What I love about Wolverine is that it’s a brand that has a real story and a long-standing history. Wolverine is an iconic American brand, and the 1000 Mile Boot is a testament to this legacy. 

Like any boot made from leather, there is going to be a bit of a break-in period, but the 1000 Mile Boot was more comfortable than most out of the box. The only thing I would recommend adding would be some comfy insoles to give you a little bit more of a sneaker-like feel. What makes this boot truly exceptional is its craftsmanship, which is what I would expect for a $399 price tag. The 1000 Mile Boot is handcrafted in the USA and designed to last through years of wear, this boot will become a part of you at a certain point. They feature a Goodyear Welt construction — a mark of durability in shoemaking — allows the boot to be resoled, extending its life and making it a true investment. 

(Goodyear welt construction is a traditional method for attaching the sole to the upper of a shoe, using a welt of leather, rubber, or plastic to secure the stitching)

The leather outsole features a Vibram® rubber heal, adding extra traction without sacrificing the boot’s classic look. The Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot’s blend of durability, comfort, and style make this the perfect choice this holiday season. My pro tip is to think of these boots like a pair of raw selvage denim; wear them daily to let them slowly break in. Taking care of the leather is also key, so find your local cobbler, and he will sort you out with the best practices. 

SPECS & TECH

• Handcrafted in the USA, supporting American workers and manufacturing

• Upper made from premium leather from Horween Leather Company in Chicago, Illinois

• Classic leather outsole with a Vibram® heel from Williamsport, Pennsylvania

• Flat waxed cotton laces from Landrum, South Carolina

• Formerly known as the 1000 Mile Original Boot, this refined pattern was recreated from the first Wolverine 1000 Mile boot introduced in 1914

• Time-tested Goodyear™ welt construction is durable, flexible and allows the boot to be resoled for years of wear

Stellar Equipment Men’s Free Light Mid Hood – $159

The perfect mid layer jacket is always an essential part of any three season wardrobe. I like to be outside in shoulder season, as do most outdoors lovers, so Light Mid-Hood is the perfect companion for colder temps and perfect to layer under a shell. 

The Free Light Mid Hood from Stellar Equipment features Japanese fabric and offers understated elegance for mountain living. Stellar Equipment creates timeless essentials for alpine adventures in Åre, Sweden, a hub for the freeskiing community. So hey, if you like tech but don’t like to look overly techy, this is a great solution. 

The secret to this jacket’s perfect mid layer vibe is the fabric. Fieldsensor™ may evoke thoughts of a tactical surveillance device, but in this context, it refers to an exceptionally comfortable and advanced lightweight fleece material. The Free Light Mid Hood is soft, stretchable, and durable, designed to keep you warm during high-intensity activities while effectively wicking moisture away from your body. So if you are skinning up the hill, hiking in the colder temps, or anything that requires physical exerscion, you will love this. Hell, just hiking up to mid town Manhattan from Chelsea can get your heart going, so this applies to anyone who is breaking a sweat in colder weather.  

Product Details: 

Fabric: Fieldsensor™ – High-insulation moisture management fabric. Made in Japan.

96% polyester, 4% elastane.

Highly Breathable

Fixed hood with double fabric for extra warmth.

One zipped chest pocket.

No shoulder seam for better comfort when wearing a backpack.

Colors: red, white and black

Men’s Free Light Mid Hood $159

ABSENTE & Grande Abesente Absinthe: ($50-$90) – A legendary spirit for legendary parties!

When I was younger and starting to explore the world of spirits beyond shitty vodka and cattle feed brew, there was one spirit that was mysterious and shrouded in urban legend. There were stories of hallucination and other ridiculousness that stirred the pot, but alas, Absinthe was not easily found in the US back then. Now, as a more seasoned adult, I realize that this was all nonsense and that while the legend is fun, the spirit is just a fantastic botanical creation from France. 

Nicknamed “The Green Fairy,” this legendary beverage has captured the imaginations of artists, writers, and bon vivants for centuries. ABSENTE Absinthe is a brand that perfectly blends tradition with modern refinement and stands out as a testament to this spirit’s enduring allure. With a history steeped in the traditions of Provence and an innovative approach to flavor, ABSENTE Absinthe offers an unforgettable journey for the senses for those who love the flavor of anise, think Ouzo or Sambuca with a lot more punch. 

Absinthe is the perfect gift for the guy who fancies cocktails and loves mixology; after all, the pour is part of the fun here. Absinthe drinking is as much about the ritual as it is about the taste. 

The preparation of ABSENTE Absinthe enhances its aromatic complexity and visual appeal with it’s magical green color. Here’s a simplified guide to the traditional French method:

1. Choose Your Glass: Use a traditional absinthe glass or stemmed tumbler.

2. Measure the Absinthe: Pour one ounce of ABSENTE Absinthe into the glass.

3. Set the Slotted Spoon: Place an absinthe spoon over the rim with a sugar cube on top.

4. Drip Ice-Cold Water: Slowly drip cold water over the sugar cube to dissolve it and mix with the Absinthe, creating a cloudy “louche” effect.

5. Adjust to Taste: Typically, use a ratio of 3 to 5 parts water to 1 part absinthe.

This preparation process is a multisensory experience, enhancing the enjoyment prior to tasting. You can drink it straight, but it can be too intense for some. plus this way is a lot more fun at parties. So if you are looking for the perfect gift that will surely delight any lover of spirits, I highly recommend either bottle. 

The Big A## Calendar – The ultimate analog scheduling tool for busy music and creative professionals ($49.99)

Now, this might seem like a weird gift, but if you or any of your friends need a hand with organizing your schedule, this is a godsend. If you are a DJ, work at a label, or are in any profession that has a busy annual schedule, you need this on your wall!

If you’re a record label manager, a DJ, a marketing professional, or just someone with a monstrous schedule, the Big A## Calendar or Big Ass, if you want to lose the hash marks, for 2025 is 100% the tool you didn’t know you needed. This isn’t just a calendar; it’s a full-on command center built to wrangle every gig, launch, drop, and deadline in your world. If you’ve ever felt like your digital calendar is a “blink-and-you-miss-it” situation or doesn’t give you that full “at a glance” look at the whole picture, this wall-sized beast is going make life a little easier from here on out and help you stay on top of your 2025 planning.

The Big Ass Calendar is, yes, very big and is something perfect for a conference room or space where you and your team might gather. We’re talking about a calendar that owns your wall and, honestly, a bit of your soul in a good way. At 3 feet by 4 feet, it offers a bird’s eye view, or for you producers, a “global” view of your year with plenty of room to mark down album drops, artist release parties, social media campaigns, and that PTO trip to Mexico. Imagine seeing the entire year’s strategy spread out in one place, not just in a pocket-sized screen swipe.With this calendar, you get to see it all—every deadline, every week of tracking analytics, and every final edit for those “save-the-date” posts. The Big Ass Calendar is available every year, so start a tradition of organization this season.