In seeking to figure out what tech CEOs might like for the holidays, we stumbled upon something interesting: They by and large do not want all of the paraphernalia most commonly associated with Silicon Valley. Logo-embroidered Patagonia vests, Yeti mugs, and remote-controlled electric skateboards are the items tech execs either possess in surplus or have intentionally avoided or tossed. What they do want, according to those we spoke to? Experiences — things that force the tech execs to disconnect from their devices and, in the words of Cuyana co-founder Shilpa Shah, “make them feel like the human they are.”
A Reset at a Benedictine Monastery
Among a certain set of hard-core Silicon Valley execs, the “dopamine fast” is a popular way to increase focus and productivity. By abstaining from stimulants such as social media, TV, podcasts, certain foods, and sex, proponents of the dopamine fast attempt to “reset” the brain’s pleasure circuits. The ideal place to do that? A monastery. Mike Del Ponte, a CEO coach and former CEO himself, often recommends giving tech execs the gift of the experience of a retreat at the New Camaldoli Hermitage, a working Benedictine monastery situated in the Santa Lucia Mountains above the Big Sur coast. “It’s the complete opposite of the tech executive’s life,” says Del Ponte, who has stayed there on two different occasions. “I love chanting with the monks. I love waking up when the stars are still out.” Visitors to the hermitage can reserve a room with simple furnishings, eat nourishing vegetarian meals, hike on a trail surrounding the monastery, and commune with the monks who live there. Silence and contemplation are actively encouraged. “No one can reach you, and no one’s even talking — and I love that,” he says.
Three Days at Rally-Car School
Two years ago, when VP Kate Bergeron turned 50, she took a couple of friends and her daughter to DirtFish, a rally-car school and track located in Snoqualmie, a town just east of Seattle, where they drove rally cars for three days to celebrate her birthday. It was an experience that came highly recommended by at least three of Bergeron’s colleagues, many of whom were car enthusiasts who had gone to DirtFish multiple times and raved about it afterward. Rally-car driving involves racing on closed dirt roads one car at a time. At DirtFish, a 315-acre “multi-terrain driving playground,” visitors learn to drive Subaru rally cars on a variety of courses — no prior experience needed. Bergeron liked being able to unplug while still doing something challenging and thrilling. “You can’t be in the car and be checking your phone,” she says.
Psychedelic-Concierge Services
The use of psychedelics among tech execs is not exactly a secret — Elon Musk allegedly uses ketamine; Sergey Brin has reportedly taken mushrooms. But for the hallucinogen-curious who have yet to be invited to an MDMA party via Signal, it can be difficult to figure out how to start. Which is why a founder might appreciate a gift card for a psychedelic-concierge service. Five years ago, when Sara Ellis Conant, co-founder of a)plan coaching, started experiencing depression and anxiety, she reached out to psychedelic concierge Kaia Roman. Roman suggested ketamine for its ability to offer the “mind expansion of ayahuasca without the purging,” says Conant, who was pleased with the outcome. Roman says her services are useful for people who have heard of the potential benefits of psychedelics and want to try them safely. Thus, if the executive you are finding a gift for has mentioned feeling interested in — but also confused by — psychedelics, this might be ideal. It might still be even if they haven’t. “Tech executives are optimizers,” says Conant. “They generally want their own body and brain to work very well.”
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
