Love Is Temporary, Leather Is Forever

Published February 14, 2020 12:00AM

These gifts not only last for years with proper care, but over time they also take on a beautiful one-of-a-kind patina. Here are seven of our favorite leather items that make great presents.

Red Wing Heritage Classic Bifold Veg-Tan ($130)

Red Wing shoes are known to last for decades, so you can trust that this wallet will stand up to daily abuse. It’s built from the same vegetable-tanned American leather in the brand’s famous boots. The simple design carries your most important cards but also limits overstuffing with minimal slots. And like a good leather jacket, it will get more supple over time.

Nomad Horween Leather AirPods Case ($30)

A Horween case for AirPods might seem frivolous, but thanks to the soft leather plus a polycarbonate trim, you get a solid dose of protection and can worry less about cracking your case as it crashes around in your bag or lands with a thud on your tile floor. Also, the cases come in multiple colors, so each pod owner in your house can have their own, to cut down on any mix-ups. It’s a thing, trust me.

Billykirk Leather Valet Tray ($40)

After work I used to come home, take my keys out of my pocket, and gingerly place them on top of the bookshelf, trying very hard not to scratch the wood. Now? I come in, throw my keys in this beautiful leather tray, and never worry. And the days of searching for my sunglasses are over. They go in this, too, along with my wallet and whatever other everyday-carry items I need to remember and can’t lose.

Arcade Padre Comfort Stretch Leather Belt ($48)

Thank you, Arcade, for inventing a leather belt that’s actually comfortable. The secret is a piece of stretchy nylon fashioned between the belt and the buckle. With just a touch of give, the fabric makes the belt fit better—it makes for a snugger wrap—and it also allows the Padre to move with your body throughout the day. The leather itself is simple and high quality and looks good with jeans or slacks.

Billykirk No. 495 Camera Strap ($115)

Why buy a $100 camera strap? Because this will be the last camera strap your crush will ever need, no matter how many cameras they go through. They can also be assured it won’t fray and break, leaving their DSLR on the ground in pieces. Even better: each strap is handmade in the United States and comes with equally durable and stunning nickel-plated brass hardware.

Huckberry Leather Coaster Pack ($30)

In college, coasters were overkill. But now we’re all grown up and sick of leaving moisture rings on our coffee tables, so we finally understand their value. This four-pack of simple, Huckberry-branded leather coasters will save your furniture and add a touch of class to any living room.

Bellroy Tech Folio 13-Inch Laptop Organizer ($340)

If your partner is ultraorganized, this is a winning gift. A padded sleeve holds a laptop, while additional pockets organize everything from cords to AirPods to tablets. All zipped up, the case looks professional and is perfect for bouncing around between meetings. Like every other leather item on this list, the Tech Folio will scuff up and change color—in a good way—making it one of a kind.