The holidays are right around the corner, but the Darby team has been getting in the spirit for months. Outreach for various gift guides kicks off mid-summer when chestnuts over an open fire are the last things on most people’s minds. Now, we’re shifting gears to focus on our wishlists, along with the items we’re most excited to give loved ones this year.
We also want to take this opportunity to reshare our recent blog about how to support businesses in western NC impacted by Hurricane Helene, which includes some great gear options to place under the tree while helping those in need!
Coral Darby, Founder
What I’m giving: The family members that are impossible to buy for are receiving handmade gifts from local artisans who lost so much in the recent Hurricane. #AshevilleStrong. Additionally, my daughters will be getting a restock on BRANWYN Performance Innerwear for their upcoming adventures.
What I’m wishing for: In 2025 I want more experiences. I’m dreaming of a cultural, immersive adventure filled with lots of yoga, good people, and delicious food & wine. Santa, can you please book me an excursion with The Travel Yogi!
Angie Robinson, President + Partner
What I’m giving: My dad called the other day to tell me how if he had a pair of Ombraz sunglasses, he could really sell a lot of them for us in his town. So, I’m going to be giving Dad a pair of Ombraz Classic sunglasses this holiday season, along with a reminder of what exactly we do here at Darby (see Hot Take: No One in My Family Understands PR, but We Use It All the Time).
What I’m wishing for: Two round-trip tickets to Europe and a fun itinerary already planned for my daughter and me for her graduation trip next summer!
Cory Van Auken, VP of Operations + Partner
What I’m giving: The Van Auken household runs on coffee and spending time outside! Our two hooligans have recently gotten into camping, which means Mom and Dad’s need for a fast boil system just skyrocketed. Here you go, Mom, Jetboil’s Flash Java Kit to the rescue.
What I’m wishing for: Outside of Old Town’s BigWater ePDL+ (a guy can dream, right??), I’m looking to upgrade my work-from-home attire to something that’s both comfortable AND stylish. My recent obsession: anything Passenger Clothing makes. I think the Woodland Hooded Half Zip is calling my name.
Suzanne Hermann, Media Relations Director
What I’m giving: My family text thread includes a concerning amount of bird-related conversation, so I think it’s time to get everyone a FeatherSnap smart feeder so we can compare feathered visitors with high-res pics and videos. (If there’s a way to make it competitive, we will find it.)
What I’m wishing for: Cooking is admittedly not my favorite, so a Nine Mile gift card is always appreciated. And just in case Santa is feeling extremely generous this year, I’ll go ahead and add an Old Town Discovery canoe to the list.
Katie Richter, Assistant Media Relations Director
What I’m giving: When I was in Missoula, Montana in October, I had the opportunity to check out the Youniverse, home of women’s activewear brand Youer. I treated myself to the Youer Treasure Dress–a corduroy fleece adventure dress. I love this little adventure dress so much that I’m going to get one for my sister and my BFF, too!
What I’m wishing for: East Fork Pottery — a set of The Coupe plates.
Mindy Smith, Senior Account Executive
What I’m giving: Many of you know how much I love to run and that most of my community is made up of runners and active folks. So this year, I’m gifting race entries to the 2025 Around the Crown 10K so I can watch all of you cross the finish line! (And it doesn’t matter about your pace, age, experience, ability, or gender—they have something for everyone!)
What I’m wishing for: I recently adopted an 8-year-old kiddo and the thoughts of ‘what am I going to provide her with for summer programming’ are a tad overwhelming. So, I’m wishing for some time at Green River Preserve for summer 2025, where she’ll grow, learn, play, and make new friends in a nature-based environment!
Stacy Kline, Account Executive + Affiliate Specialist
What I’m giving: I’m super excited to give the KUIU Attack Pant to both of my brothers who have been obsessed with KUIU for a long time. I’m also planning to gift a couple pairs of Ombraz sunglasses to both my sister and brother-in-law who are big-time adventurers.
What I’m wishing for: Besides wishing for clean water to come back to Asheville ;), I’m wishing for BRANWYN’s new SWAG Hoodie and Jogger so I can achieve the ultimate level of comfort this winter. Hibernation mood, engage.
Jessie LaMacchia, Account Executive
What I’m giving: This year, I’m spreading the love with gift cards to some of our favorite spots in Asheville—shout out to Devil’s Foot Beverage Company and Nine Mile! And for the ultimate stocking stuffer? Farm to Feet merino wool socks. Some of my family members are still rocking cotton socks and I’m on a mission to convert them to the comfy, cozy world of wool.
What I’m wishing for: If you peek at my wishlist, it’s basically just “more vacation.” First stop? A serene getaway at Wildwater Chattooga’s cabins—where the agenda is simple: relax, disconnect, and unwind by the bonfire. I’m also daydreaming about joining one of The Travel Yogi’s upcoming trips to Provence. I mean, who wouldn’t want to eat their weight in cheese, drink wine like a local, and adventure through the French countryside?
Kade Gewanter, Account Executive
What I’m giving: This year, I am gifting the anglers on my list the Vanford A from Shimano as it is a winner with forward-facing sonar techniques. I also plan to pass along a wide array of quality Striker fishing apparel to keep my loved ones warm, safe on the ice, and protected from the sun when on the open water.
What I’m wishing for: I’m always wishing for more G. Loomis GLX Bass rods to round out my collection. Also, I would not be devastated if some seasonings from Meat Church BBQ made their way under the tree.
Abby Harris, Account Manager
What I’m giving: I won’t give away too much in case certain folks are reading this, but this holiday season, I’m leaning towards gifting a Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System, a cute Landmark Project hat, a FeatherSnap Scout Bird Feeder, and some fresh beans from Cooperative Coffee Roasters.
What I’m wishing for: As a huge fan of experiences over things, I’m really hoping Santa brings me an Arctic Adventure trip with the Travel Yogi! Imagine sea kayaking with beluga whales, hikes to various waterfalls and Viking archeological sites, and yoga sessions to soak in the views of the Arctic landscapes. That said, I’ll probably also need a Watershed Ocoee drybag to keep everything dry!
Gordon Brown, Account Manager
What I’m giving: This year, I’ll be looking at gifting some G. Loomis fly rods to the fly fishermen in my family—always a winner for those who love their time on the riverbank. I’ll also be gifting some rugged outerwear from KUIU for the holiday deer drives we’ll be doing up in New York. Have to include some Farm to Feet because everyone loves their socks!
What I’m wishing for: I’d be more than happy to receive the KUIU Super Down Haven for those freezing cold days in the tree stand! I’m hoping Santa has that on his list.
Tim Nooney, Account Coordinator
What I’m giving: My parents are constantly traveling and my sister just had her first child. I’m planning on gifting everyone Fuel Goods gift boxes, so they can stay on top of their nutrition with healthy snack options. I might sneak in a couple of t-shirts from The Landmark Project to share some gifts that give back to conservation efforts. For the stockings, I’ll slip a can of Devil’s Foot N/A Negroni into each!
What I’m wishing for: I burn a lot of calories in my day-to-day training. I’m hoping to get some big bags of Skratch Labs’ Super High-Carb and Recovery Drink mixes.
Want to learn more about the Darby Team? Check out our Hot Takes where Darby Commers share their their thoughts on something important to them.