My Christmas Wish List

The holidays aren’t all about presents. But … they do play a big part. Here’s my wish list of what I’d like to see under the proverbial tree* come Christmas morning. (*There’s no actual tannenbaum gracing my living room, as I don’t have a car, axe, or the motivation to make that happen at this point in my life.)

Ibex Shak Freestar Zip Up
I’m a carless commuter, which means that there are times during the winter when I have to just hop on the trusty, old bike and suck it up. So, having good gear is a must. This (soft!) wool zip-up from Vermont-based Ibex is a perfect mid layer: it’s thin, warm, has thumb holes, and is machine washable. I want it! $155, Ibex, 303 Newbury St., Boston, 857-277-1932, ibexwear.com.

Recycled Glass Necklace
I’m loving shades of yellow at the moment — and this glass beaded necklace would give any one of my four (boring) LBDs a much-needed dash of pizazz. I need it! $320, M. Flynn, 40 Waltham St., Boston, 617-292-0079, mflynnjewelry.com.

Abner Jay, Folk Song Stylist
I will never quit Abner Jay. The Georgia-born folk singer (who passed away in 1993) sang soulful, bluesy songs throughout the South in the ’50s and ’60s, but only recorded one album. Two more were released posthumously, including Folk Song Stylist — but finding it on vinyl can be difficult and expensive. For me, this is the musical equivalent of a Birkin bag. $200, amazon.com.

Art from Patch NYC
I’ve been pining after Don Carney’s art for two years. Retro subjects (tobacco pipes, fedora hats) + woodblock-style illustration set in vintage flea-market and antique frames = total eye candy. I have to have it! Prices upon request, 46 Waltham St., Boston, patchnyc.com.

Transparent Canoe
Canoeing is one of my favorite outdoor endeavors, and with all the lakes and rivers in New England, there are plenty of local places to paddle. Spotting native turtles, fish, and aquatic flora would be effortless with this baby. Is it summer yet? $1,475, clearinflatablekayak.com.