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The Best Gifts of 2023

17 Molner-Approved Presents for Everyone on Your List

molners gifts, fly fish, on sneakers, quince wallet, aesop, bose

Graphic by KCM

We asked Katie’s right-hand man for advice.

Products you buy through our links might earn us a commission. We update links when possible, but please note that all prices are subject to change.

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.

$30+ at Whoop

Peter Millar All-Course Vest

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.

$30 at Quince

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.

$69+ at Yesglasses

On Cloud 5 Coast Running Shoes

on cloud 5 coast sneakers

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

bushnell gps 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 moroccan neroli post shave tube

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 nido

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 weighted jumprope

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.

$94 at Free Fly

Bose Quiet 45 Over the Ear Headphones

bose 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

adidas course chaos golf shoes

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.”

$14+ at Amazon

LISEN Magnetic Phone Car Mount

lisen car phone holder

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

cotopaxi 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.

$128 at lululemon

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. 

$35 at Amazon