W.O.E. 2025 Holiday Gift Guide - Top Picks From Other Brands

Our Favorite Tools & Accessories From The Community

In what has become one of our favorite holiday traditions, we are back with another list of some of our favorite tools and accessories from a diverse array of brands with real ties to the W.O.E. Community. 

While the W.O.E. Shop is still open, we encourage you to check out the items and brands in this dispatch. We are highlighting these tools because we believe in them, think they are cool, and use them ourselves. Nothing you see here is sponsored. So whether you’re shopping for yourself or a watch or EDC nerd in your life, this list is a cheat sheet for a successful holiday gift-giving season, encompassing a wide variety of categories and price points. 

Making a gift guide that contains no products of our own at the busiest shopping time of the year might seem like a strange thing to do, but we don't view anyone in the industry as a competitor and always go out of our way to support small businesses. Some of these companies we have partnered with, others we just respect. If we missed anything, we welcome additional suggestions in the comments section. 

Merry Christmas and happy holidays from W.O.E. We appreciate the support and genuinely couldn’t do any of this without you.

Watches: 

Buying a watch is a highly personal decision, but that isn’t to say there aren’t certain brands and models with broad appeal for anyone subscribing to the Use Your Tools ethos. For some of our top picks for budding watch nerds, check out our Dispatch on some of the best “starter watches” to buy (HERE). If you’ve ever wondered which watch Santa might use for the big night, click HERE. 

We also highlight the following as good places to start.

Tudor Ranger - Dune 36mm - $3,350 to 3,700 

A surprise release at Dubai Watch Week, the new 36mm Tudor Ranger takes up the mantle of watches like the legendary Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016 while also adding a killer new “Dune” tan dial color option. We are big fans of both the new and original versions, and the price point is tough to beat. 

Aquastar Benthos Professional - $1,590 to $1,690 

(Photo Credit: Aquastar)

Coming from a brand trusted by divers during the 70s and 80s, the Aquastar Benthos Professional revives a vintage design with a slimmer 13.7mm thickness, X1 Super-Luminova, and a DLC case option. There are a few variations of the revived Benthos, with the Professional model acting as the least expensive and most straightforward. 

CWC Ti300 - $1,600

We are big fans of CWC, a brand with a long-standing history with our community. The inevitable offspring of CWC’s collaboration with our friends James Stacey and Jason Heaton of The Grey Na To is the Ti300, which brings the titanium version of the Royal Navy Diver case and its FXD-style lugs to the regular collection. The titanium case and fixed lugs make this an incredibly comfortable and versatile watch. 

Arabic Seiko SNKP21 - $170 

A staple in our community, the so-called “Seik-W.O.E.” is one watch that is both incredibly affordable and close to our hearts, distinguishing itself as one of the reasons we got into watches in the first place. At sub-$200 and available on Amazon, this is a great gift for the expert or newbie watch nerd.

Books:

We understand that not all of you read good, but for those who do, here are a few great books that are perfect for under the tree (some of these are mostly pictures, also). We also have more in-depth reading lists on the CIA & traditional espionage (Read HERE) and the Global War on Terror era of SOF/intel (Read HERE). 

Marine Nationale: REGISTRE, Scott Heileson - $120 

Author and collector Scott Heileson’s (AKA @watchistry) second book delves deep into the storied history of the Tudor Submariner and the Marine Nationale or French Navy, covering 175 issued timepieces from around the world. There are some incredible timepieces and real history here.

The Billion Dollar Spy: A True Story of Cold War Espionage and Betrayal,  David E. Hoffman - $20 

A true story from the golden age of Cold War espionage, The Billion Dollar Spy shares the harrowing story of a spy who uncovered the Soviet military research establishment. This was unofficially mandatory reading at the Agency and is an incredible true story.

A Die Hard Christmas: The Illustrated Holiday Classic, Doogie Horner - $21

Doogie Horner’s A Die Hard Christmas: The Illustrated Holiday Classic is cultural evidence of the film’s status as the finest Christmas action film ever made, presented in a way that’s easier to slide into your kid’s bedtime routine. 

A Man & His Watch: Iconic Watches and Stories from the Men Who Wore Them, Matt Hranek - $30 

If the watch nerd in your life is one of the select few who hasn’t already received A Man & His Watch as a gift, do them a favor and pick up Matt Hranek’s excellent collection of stories of watches and the men who use them. 

Cry Havoc: A Tom Reece Thriller, Jack Carr - $30 

Serving as a prequel to former SEAL and best-selling author Jack Carr’s Terminal List series, Cry Havoc introduces Tom Reece, father to future protagonist James Reece, as a young Navy SEAL in the jungles of Vietnam. As always, there is some real watch spotting in the latest Carr book. Check out our Dispatch article and video on the newest Carr series HERE. If you haven’t read a Carr book, we recommend starting with The Terminal List.

Vickers Guide: AR-15, Volume 1, Larry Vickers & James Rupley - $150 

For anyone remotely interested in firearms, the Vickers Guide series from Larry Vickers and James Rupley is beautifully photographed and bolstered by comprehensive research. You may recognize James' name; he is a friend and partner in the upcoming W.O.E. coffee table book (stay tuned).

Knives: 

Some of the best EDC advice I can offer is to always carry a knife, whether it’s an inexpensive folder or a premium US-made fixed blade. There is no better gift from one man to another than a knife… except maybe a watch (see above).

Winkler Belt Knife - $350 

Starting with a premium option, Winkler’s Belt Knife is manufactured in the United States and includes multiple sheaths, enabling a variety of carry scenarios for tactical settings or the great outdoors. Winkler’s blades often sell out, so check out the website to see what is available. You can’t go wrong. 

Leatherman Wave Alpha - $200 

I believe all men should have a multi-tool within arm's reach at pretty much all times. I keep one in my car, desk, and go bag and use it more than any fixed blade. The Leatherman vs Gerber debate is as old as time, and I use both.

A premium version of Leatherman’s legendary multi-tool with G10 scales, 16 integrated tools, and a MagnaCut blade, the Wave Alpha is perfect for the EDC nerd that firmly believes in the Use Your Tools ethos. Again, there are plenty of options from Leatherman, and bonus points if you can find an old used one.

Spyderco Atlantic Salt - $160 

Despite our love for premium fixed blades and folders, there is a place for more affordable knives in your tool kit. I carried a Spyderco Tenacious for much of my time at the Agency and still do to this day.

To change it up a bit, W.O.E. team member Ben Lowry is a former Coast Guard guy and commercial diver who swears by the Spyderco Atlantic Salt, a corrosion-resistant folder with a blunt tip and an integrated shackle breaker for marine settings. 

Flashlights: 

Another key piece of equipment that should be in everyone's EDC is a capable flashlight, because it gets dark every single night. 

It ain’t cheap, but the Surefire E2D Defender earned its place in my EDC thanks to its 1000 lumens, toothed bezel, and durable aluminum construction. While there are plenty of cheaper options on the market, this is a buy once, cry once type of purchase.

Community:

This section is for brands and items that don't necessarily fit anywhere else but definitely deserve your support and attention. 

Ad Patina - Prices Vary 

The best in the business when it comes to sourcing, curating, and framing advertisements, both vintage and modern, Ad Patina is a great option for a watch enthusiast looking to complement their collection with something for the wall.

Bad Art Nice Watch - Prices Vary 

North Carolina artist Bryan Braddy combines his passion for watches with his love for art in Bad Art Nice Watch, producing custom paintings portraying a watch of your choosing in a novel, fun way. You send him a picture of your watch, and he paints it. It’s really that simple.

TGN Vintage Corduroy Collegiate Hat - $28 

We are longtime fans of The Grey NA TO podcast produced by our friends Jason Heaton and James Stacey, and this new hat is the perfect “if you know, you know” nod to the squad. 

Field Ethos The Everything Mug - $165 

If $165 for a mug seems like a lot, it’s because it is, but we still appreciate Field Ethos’s solid copper 25-oz mug for its unapologetic ridiculousness and ability to be used as a weapon, if needed. What do you get a man who has everything? An expensive, heavy copper mug.

Clothing: 

We may not be fashionistas, but clothing is another core aspect of your EDC that deserves as much scrutiny and attention as everything else you trust. 

Relwen - Quilted Tanker - $318 

A jacket I have been wearing for years, the Relwen Quilted Tanker has that balance of looking casual while still being refined enough for a work meeting, all built to an exceedingly high standard. I have both the black and green, and it is my go-to. 

Flint & Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket - $300 

Flint & Tinder’s US-made trucker is waxed for water resistance and complete with flannel lining for a rugged jacket warm enough for most of the winter months, unless you live in North Dakota or somewhere else ridiculous. 

Prometheus Design Werx Orion Merino Hoodie - $370 

Our friends at PDW are known for doing the absolute most, and the Orion Merino Hoodie is a great example. Made from Italian merino wool, it features thoughtfully designed pockets and other features that will appeal to the EDC crowd. This is a great base layer for pretty much any activity.

Patagonia R1 Air Fleece Crewneck - $100 

For a more technical look, Pata-Gucci’s R1 Air Fleece Crewneck takes the basic concept of a sweatshirt and elevates the design and materials for a capable piece of gear that still comes off casual enough. 

Backpacks & Bags: 

Another core aspect of EDC is how you choose to bring all of your tools with you. The answer, at least for us, isn't usually cargo pants... 

The Brown Buffalo - Conceal Pack 21L - $295

With a well-thought-out design, relatively small overall volume, and many technical features, the Conceal Pack 21L from Brown Buffalo is a great option for anyone who wants a streamlined EDC without an overtly tactical appearance. They do have camo options if you want to telegraph that you are a quiet professional, but mine is the solid black, and I love it.

Sandstorm - Canvas Sylvester Work Bag - $225

A bag I use every time I travel, the Sandstorm Kenya Canvas Sylvester is manufactured in Kenya from recycled safari tent canvas and with premium leather accents. This particular bag is big enough for a laptop, documents, and accessories. Backpacks are cool, but at some point, we all have to grow up and get a man purse.

Evergoods CIVIC Panel Loader - Waxed Canvas - $380

Designed for a streamlined yet capable EDC, the waxed canvas version of Evergoods’ popular Civic backpack adds a touch of refinement to what is too often a category dominated by black or olive drab Cordura. This is another good option in addition to the Brown Buffalo.

Accessories: 

In intel work and gift giving, sometimes it's the little things that have the biggest impact. 

Roka Barton - $195 

Built for a casual look while concealing technical features to include grippy nose and temple pads, Roka’s Barton sunglasses have become my go-to for pretty much anything. They ain't cheap, but nothing good is these days.

Tactile Turn - Deep Sea Seasonal Release - $160

Manufactured in the United States by our friends at Tactile Turn, the Deep Sea pen is constructed from titanium with an ocean-inspired Cerakote coating, a bronze toggle, and an old-school deep sea diving helmet laser-engraved on the clip. I actually don’t have this one, but I have many other pens from Tactile Turn in the rotation and swear by them. 

The Observer Collection Piecekeeper - $30 

Every watch nerd understands the pain of setting your precious timepiece’s bracelet directly onto your laptop. The Piecekeeper from The Observer Collection solves the problem with an elegant stick-on piece of high-end Italian suede. 

This is a product I wish I had thought of, and I use it on my laptops. The Observer Collection has some other really cool designs for the discerning gentleman and even knuckle draggers like me.

Leather Works Minnesota No. 5 "Coral" Saddle Tan - $85

From one of our earliest partners, this US-made leather cardholder from Leather Works Minnesota offers five slots while being exceptionally slim and stamped with a cool coral-inspired texture. 

Firecracker Farm The Brick - Adjustable Hot Salt Grinder - $90

Everyone says that W.O.E. is a hot sauce connoisseur, and it's true. For anyone who appreciates heat in a non-hot sauce format, Firecracker Farm’s Hot Salt is an excellent option that is available in a wide array of premium stainless steel and glass grinders. This is another fantastic small business that I always enjoy supporting.

Tabasco - $3 (Priceless)

If you didn’t know this was coming, you probably should have. Three bucks for the world’s finest hot sauce. Enough said. Snag a bunch of the mini bottles from Amazon and throw them in as stocking stuffers. Thank me later.

Final Thoughts 

At the end of the day, this guide isn’t really about stuff. It’s about the community surrounding the gear we choose while living our best lives in accordance with the Use Your Tools ethos. Whether it’s a $3 bottle of hot sauce or a fixed blade made by hand in the United States, the value comes from the people behind these projects and the shared obsession that brings all of us together. 

If one of these picks finds its way under a tree or into your kit, we hope it sparks another year of adventures, good conversations with like-minded individuals, and well-used tools that earn their place in your everyday life. 

From all of us here at W.O.E., Happy Holidays, and always remember to Use Your Tools. 

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