We asked Katie’s right-hand man for advice.
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You need to know a couple of things about John Molner, a.k.a. Katie’s right-hand man and co-founder of Katie Couric Media: One, he’s incredibly supportive of Katie in all her endeavors; and two, the man has a keen eye for spotting standout products. Because we’re well aware of how meticulous and thorough he is, we tap him for gift ideas every year.
From the golf course to the office, he’s always sporting something stylish yet comfortable, he stays up to date on the latest wearable tech, and he knows a thing or three about gadgets that simply make life easier. Long story short, he’s got a knack for finding gifts that will bring joy to the pickiest person on your list.
Whether you’re on the hunt for an engaging page-turner or want to give an amateur golfer something that will up his game (but not his handicap), Molner has some ideas. Here are the products he’s planning to give (or add to his wish list) this season, from skincare to clothing.
For more gift ideas, visit our complete 2024 Holiday Gift Guide.
Molner’s Handpicked Gifts for 2024
Whoop 4.0 Fitness Tracker
WHOOP
Give the gift of health and performance with a Whoop membership and band. This innovative wearable tracks sleep, recovery, and strain, empowering recipients to unlock their full potential. Perfect for fitness enthusiasts or anyone looking to enhance their wellness journey, Whoop provides personalized insights that motivate and inspire. It’s not just a flashy offering; it’s an investment in a healthier, more balanced life.
Peter Millar All-Course Vest
Peter Millar
True to its name, this vest is designed for long days on the golf course and the unpredictable weather and thousands of steps that come with them. Crafted from water-resistant fabric, it’ll keep him warm and dry during drizzly rounds, and it serves as an excellent base layer under jackets when temperatures dip. Plus, the sleek design ensures he won’t feel like the Michelin Man.
Quince Italian Leather Slim Money Clip Wallet
Quince
It’s official: Bulky wallets are out, slim ones are in. This one from Quince is made from real leather and can easily hold up to eight cards without becoming an inch thick. There’s a money clip on the inside (instead of a bill pocket) to cut down on volume, and reviewers say the quality is impressive, especially for the low price.
Yesglasses Wall-E Sunglasses
Yesglasses
Not everyone wants to look like Tom Cruise in Top Gun, and we respect that. Molner loves these acetate frames because they’re comfortable on the face and look sophisticated without feeling costume-y like some sunnies do. Plus, if you stealthily snag your recipient’s eyeglass prescription, you can actually get them with custom lenses.
On Cloud 5 Coast Running Shoes
On Running
No matter which workout they favor, these shoes will ensure they’re supported while doing it. You’ve seen John’s box jump on Katie’s Instagram — and he wouldn’t dare attempt it without his power kicks. This version of On’s Cloud shoe is Molner’s favorite because it’s waterproof and doesn’t require fiddling with laces. Molner has no time to waste tying his shoes — he’s got a media company to run!
Bushnell Wingman GPS Golf Speaker
Dick’s Sporting Goods
While golf is meant to be a quiet sport, the silence can be deafening. A little music can help decrease unnecessary stress during their game. This powerful speaker not only puts out serious sound, but it has a built-in rangefinder for almost any local course and magnetically mounts to a golf cart so it won’t get left behind between holes.
Aesop Moroccan Neroli Post-Shave Lotion
Aesop
Listen, we’re not shaming those who still use Aqua Velva as their aftershave of choice, but we guarantee this will be a welcome upgrade. Aesop’s soothing aftershave lotion has a subtle scent, with warm notes of sandalwood and neroli. The elegant formula won’t clog pores or irritate skin and instead helps prevent razor bumps and redness after shaving.
Cotopaxi Nido Dopp Kit
Cotopaxi
Speaking of shaving, if he’s still keeping his toiletries in a plastic bag and tossing it in his suitcase, it’s time to help him get organized. This dopp kit, which is from one of John’s favorite brands, has multiple compartments to stop his toothbrush from mingling with his razor, deodorant, or whatever else he decides to stash in there.
Crossrope Weighted Jump Rope
Crossrope
Molner starts every morning with 10 minutes of jumping rope. He doesn’t use a child’s plaything, however, but instead opts for this innovative version from Crossrope. He calls this one “the best jump rope on the market,” which is a glowing endorsement from Katie’s right-hand man. It costs more than your average rope, but the investment is worth it for the many cardiac benefits of this aerobic activity.
Free Fly Apparel Breeze Pants
Free Fly Apparel
Molner’s a huge fan of these airy pants with built-in sun protection. He’s taken them everywhere — from getaways to the Bahamas to stateside fishing trips. They keep your legs covered but won’t cause you to overheat, even in the summer months. During the winter season, you can see Molner sporting these while running errands and lounging around the house.
Bose Quiet 45 Over the Ear Headphones
Amazon
Blocking out the world all the time isn’t realistic, but everyone can benefit from the occasional quiet moment. These noise-canceling headphones offer peaceful podcast sessions and music-filled moments on noisy commutes, loud airplanes, or other distracting environments. Molner bought a refurbished model, which is a more affordable option that doesn’t sacrifice quality. Amazon guarantees that the pre-owned headphones are as good as new, with no technical differences or major cosmetic flaws.
adidas Golf CODECHAOS 22 Spikeless Golf Shoe
Zappos
Those who follow Molner on Instagram have probably seen him sporting these shoes on the green. Despite being spikeless, they offer incredible traction, even on wet grass. Reviewers and John alike say these offer foot stability through all 18 holes.
“Just the Good Stuff” by Jim VandeHei
Amazon
“I enjoy business and advice books, but there are only a few that’ve stayed with me months or years after I’ve put them down,” John says. “This is the case with a book called Just the Good Stuff by Jim VandeHei, co-creator and CEO of Axios, and before that, Politico. He calls this his ‘no BS secrets to success,’ and his savvy way of offering insights will be relevant to anyone interested in achieving success, either career or personal.”
LISEN Magnetic Phone Car Mount
Amazon
Say goodbye to wedging your hand between the car seat and center console to find your fallen phone. This convenient device magnetically mounts your phone to any car’s air vents, keeping it at arm’s length and making it easy to see the screen when you’re following directions. And if you’re chatting with a loved one on speaker phone, it facilitates easy (and safe) hands-free conversations only.
Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
REI
Packing for winter travel can be a pain when you know you’ll have to haul around a heavy jacket. Instead of a bulky wool coat, Molner loves this lightweight (yet extremely warm) option from Cotopaxi. It can be packed down into a small ball without taking up too much space in your suitcase, and it’s great to throw on for crisp winter afternoons.
lululemon ABC Classic-Fit Pant
lululemon
The best way to describe these slacks? The masculine equivalent of traditional leggings. They’re stretchy, soft, and comfy, but they also look nice enough to wear to work or dinner. They even come in five different lengths and 13 different colors — talk about adaptability.
Twelve South AirFly SE Bluetooth Transmitter
Amazon
Frequent flyers know how frustrating it is to settle into an airplane seat only to see that they can’t watch a movie without plug-in headphones…which they probably don’t have. After all, don’t most of us sport wireless buds, anyway? With this device, they’ll receive the gift of being able to use their favorite noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones (instead of the cheaply made airline earbuds) anywhere they are. The AirFly is a tiny transmitter that plugs into a headphone jack, allowing you to connect wirelessly via Bluetooth on airplanes, at the gym, and more. Simply plug it in, connect your headphones, and enjoy whatever show or movie you want to watch.