2017 DuVine Holiday Gift Guide
Written by Mia LiefeldWe asked friends of DuVine who are experts in culinary, cycling, and travel trends what they’ve been enjoying this year—or what’s at the top of their own holiday wish lists. For the active travelers and foodies in your life, we’ve rounded up the Christmas presents and seasonal gifts that are sure to stand out above the rest.
ASSOS RS.sturmPrinz Jacket | $479
“I’ve tested this jacket from the Alps to the Andes. Impermeable and breathable, it’s my essential layer for keeping my core dry and warm.” – Ernesto Araneda, DuVine guide
A must-have gift for the year-round rider, this rain shell from the cycling apparel experts at ASSOS makes light work of foul conditions like wind and rain.
Available in women’s and men’s, the feature-rich RS.sturmPrinz is smart: it adapts to the current conditions and temperatures by venting sweat and body heat or becoming less breathable to keep your favorite cyclist insulated. Best of all, when the weather clears, it’s light enough to stash in a jersey pocket.
Smoke Perfume Full Moon Rose Body Oil | $48
“This body oil smells like pure love. Gift it to someone or give it to yourself in the name of self-care.” – CJ Frogozo, Instructor at The Class by Taryn Toomey and America’s Most Inspiring Trainer
This gorgeous body oil is a great give-now gift for nourishing thirsty winter skin. Crafted in New Orleans from handpicked organic roses steeped in sesame, rosehip seed, and rose geranium oil, the Full Moon oil can be used from head to toe.
Smoke Artisan Perfume Co. claims this blend can aid in lifting depression (or the winter blues) and fighting inflammation. For cyclists, we recommend warming a bit of oil for a soothing après-vélo ritual.
Copenhagen Wheel | $1,499
“Forget your car—this is the future. I’m driving less because it just feels like a regular bike with a little boost.” – Andy Levine, DuVine founder
For those on your list considering electric assist, the Copenhagen Wheel is a sleek and modern interpretation of the e-wheel, created at MIT in partnership with the city of Copenhagen.
The mission of Cambridge-based company Superpedestrian is to offer compelling alternatives to the car—their Copenhagen Wheel is a practical present for someone growing weary of their bicycle commute, since it gives them 10 times the pedal power and fits on the bicycle they already own.
2014 Genot-Boulanger Clos de Vougeot | $180
“Genot-Boulanger is not a new domaine, but under the watchful eye of Guillaume Lavollée, it’s reaching new heights.” – Carlton McCoy, Master Sommelier and Wine Director of The Little Nell
Our Sommelier on Wheels chose this favorite from his 2017 tour in Burgundy. Genot-Boulanger offers some of the greatest values when it comes to Burgundy—which means a budget-friendly bottle that will still impress an aficionado of vin de Bourgogne.
If you really want to treat the wine snob in your life to a collectible bottle, McCoy also sings the praises of a 1996 Domaine Dujac Les Gruenchers Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru.
Real Food Heals | $23.79
“Food is one of the greatest pleasures in life, and it’s also the foundation of our health. This book is a collection of some of my favorite recipes that celebrate vibrant, seasonal ingredients, nourishing to the soul and the body alike.” – Seamus Mullen, Chef
Real Food Heals was born out of Chef on Wheels Seamus Mullen’s diet-driven transformation following a health crisis. He’s re-writing the rules about healthy food, which makes his book perfect for every kind of cook.
Gift it to someone who wants to change the way they cook and eat at home—the recipes are doable and will leave a lasting impact on long-term health.
Support a Charitable Organization | Any Price
“For those of us well traveled, nothing makes a better gift than giving back. When our partners visit SmartFlyer around the holidays, we often suggest that they donate to the Food Bank New York in lieu of bringing us treats. I think the same principle applies to holiday gifts.” – Michael Holtz, Owner, SmartFlyer
For the person who has everything, philanthropy can be a meaningful alternative to giving (or receiving) a traditional gift.
Arrange a donation in their name to a charity that speaks to their values, priorities, or interests, and watch your holiday dollars go further. Consider an organization close to our hearts, like No Kid Hungry, Best Buddies, Friends of Boston’s Homeless, and MassBike.
FRÉ Defense Facial Moisturizer | $50
“As a naturally fair tour guide ‘under the Tuscan sun,’ I’m constantly applying sunscreen—so much so that my co-guides nicknamed me Mozzarella. A good sunscreen that keeps my skin moisturized, smooth, and blemish-free is a rare find!” – Lindsey Hunt, DuVine guide
We’re fans of FRÉ, a skincare line for active women. Their uncomplicated cleanser, serum, and sunscreen specialize in combatting workout-induced skin damage accelerated by intense exercise, sun, pollution, and other environmental factors.
Hours on the bike can result in a fried face, so we love this sunscreen: it’s sweat- and water-resistant, vegan, and cruelty-free—the perfect protection for weekend warriors and triathletes alike.
Oru Beach LT Kayak | $1,299
“If you’re traveling and/or tight on space, these origami-style kayaks fold up into a backpack and can be transported anywhere.” – Taylor Burk, Photographer
Get ready to take home the title of best gift-giver. Oru kayaks derive inspiration from origami to deliver collapsible boats that fold up to the size of a parcel—after all, the more places you can fit a kayak, the more places you can take it.
For the adventurer in your life who sees a playground in every river, lake, and ocean, the Beach LT is lightweight, sturdy, and stable. The cockpit accommodates paddlers of all shapes and sizes, and Oru stocks certified pre-owned kayaks if your price point starts a little lower.
Marin French Cheese Petite Collection | $28
“Guests on our Sonoma 4-Day tour love these cheeses and often bring them home as souvenirs. The petites are a perfect sampler of several flavors.” – Alice Walton, DuVine guide + California Product Director
We imagine shipping this sampler of triple crème cheeses from Northern California-based Marin French Cheese to far-away family or friends as a thoughtful addition to their holiday table.
They make entertaining super easy—the four-ounce wheels arrive with a wood-handled cheese knife, and range from a tangy Petite Breakfast to the earthy and rich Petite Truffle (which pairs delightfully with a festive pour of champagne).
Mavic UST Wheel | From $799.95
“If the potential for flat tires interferes with your ability to enjoy the ride, tubeless tires alleviate the fear of getting a flat, being able to change it, and worrying whether you remembered your pump and spare tube.” – Tim Johnson, Professional Cyclist
The cycling pioneers at Mavic are bringing UST (a.k.a. tubeless) technology to the serious cyclists on your list with a new line of wheels and tires. Safe and easy to install, tubeless wheels take the “what if” out of long or remote rides—as mountain bike riders have known for years.
Mavic’s wheels are available with disc or rim brakes, so they’re stable on pavement, dirt, and terrain where there’s no bike shop in sight. Our tip: Mavic is offering free shipping on orders placed until December 19!
Skratch Labs Sport Hydration Mix | $19.50
“This hydration mix is packed with electrolytes for effective recovery.” – Dr. Allen Lim, Founder of Skratch Labs
Stuff the single servings of Skratch’s Sport Hydration Drink Mix in a stocking—or be a cyclist’s Saint Nicholas and sneak them into jersey pockets and water bottles. We love how it helps us feel instantly more human by replacing the electrolytes we sweat out on an intense ride or in spin classes.
Want to give the gift of a more aggressive approach to recovery? Imagine someone you love sipping on Skratch while suited up in the Normatec 3 Legs Recovery System. It’s a bonus present for you: absolution of leg massage duty!
