Holiday Staff Picks: Have You Been Naughty or Nice?

At Darn Tough Vermont, we believe everyone deserves a gift for the holidays. Naughty or nice… everyone needs socks. But seriously, can’t we all just get along? Isn’t it just easier to be nice? It’s certainly more fulfilling. And fun. Being nice is fun, right?

Maybe a fresh pair of the world’s best socks is all people really need to remind themselves of that. Or maybe they need a hug. Or both. We’ll let you figure that part out. But for now, let’s dive into a very special Holiday edition of everyone’s favorite blog series – Darn Tough Staff Picks.

Noah V.

Position: Knitting Technician

Noah's Pick: Lucky Lady

No, not Kahan. This is the other Noah that lives in Vermont – the one who does Sméagol impressions and knows which Darn Tough socks are the best for gifting. “The Lucky Lady is atop my list for sure this year.”

Like a leisurely ladybug landing softly on your shoulder, the Lucky Lady – a Lightweight No Show – is subtle and barely noticeable on your feet. “It’s the perfect gift for the women in my life,” says Noah, “and like my love for them, it too is Guaranteed for Life.”

When he’s not ripping the disc golf or whipping up batches of homemade red sauce, you’ll find Noah hard at work fixing and repairing our knitting machines. “Every day is different, plus I get to work with the best crew,” he says. “And – like Lucci – I love our product.”

Jessica P.

Position: Site Safety Specialist

Jessica's Pick: Enchanted

‘Safety First’ might be Jessica’s M.O… but before that, she’s a mom (after that, a gym rat). Born and raised in Vermont, she’s no stranger to New England’s harsh winters, “which is why I like taller socks during the holidays.”

Knit from Merino Wool, the Enchanted is an Over-the-Calf (OTC) Ski sock that also performs well off the mountain. “It’s the perfect sock to wear with tall boots,” says Jessica, “and one I know my daughter [shoutout Savannah] will love too.”

When she’s not exercising her green thumb or hiking with the fam, you can find Jessica at one of our three facilities patrolling the floor, likely preaching PPE. “It’s a tough job,” she intends without pun, “but getting to work with this crew is why I love it.”

Alissa L.

Position: Knitting Machine Operator

Alissa's Pick: Blossom

Perks of working for the world’s best sock makers during the holidays? Ask Alissa, and she’ll tell you that – in addition to a lifetime of comfort and joy – it’s “that I get to help my mom add to her impressive sock collection… which I helped build.”

A purveyor of happiness and love, flowers on socks (and this is our unbiased opinion) are way better than real flowers… “but put the two together,” explains Alissa, “and you’ve got a really good gift.” Something Lucas (Alissa’s partner) might want to hear.

So, if you’re looking for a holiday gift that lasts forever and never wilts (nor loses fit), consider the Blossom. Lightweight, soft, and always picked fresh, this Lifestyle Crew – like Alissa – has strong roots to Vermont, “and I love that most about them.”

Dominic S.

Position: Knitting Product Specialist

Dominic's Pick: Gnawty List

Check it all you want… there’s always room on the Gnawty List. And if a beaver stealing a holiday tree isn’t bad enough, imagine getting cotton socks in your stocking. “Luckily for me and my family,” Dom assures us, “we don’t have to worry about that.”

A Production Specialist at our Mill in Northfield, Dominic is as dedicated to his job as he is being a dad. “That’s my motivation,” he says. A Sci-Fi savant and avid gamer, this dude knows not just how to dom-inate a video game – but gift giving during the holidays.

Dom’s pick, the Gnawty List, is an aptly named Lightweight Crew with nothing but good intentions (we promise). “It’s a soft reminder to enjoy the holidays,” says Dominic, which he and his family intend to do by re-watching some of their favorite flicks… like Jingle All the Way.

Barbara K.

Position: Knitting Machine Operator

Barbara's Pick: Bark Avenue

Barbara’s grandchildren (ages 9 and 6) don’t know much about Darn Tough, other than that they love getting ‘Mimi’s socks’ for the holidays. “This is my favorite holiday sock we’ve knit in a while,” says Barbara. “I mean... just look at the color!”

You don’t have to be a dog lover to appreciate the humor stitched into this Lightweight Crew… but who doesn’t love dogs? Especially bougie one’s shopping for expensive clothing. “This sock perfectly describes the holidays and is one my daughter will go crazy over.”

Catch Barbara at the Mill and she’ll likely be helping knit some (if not all) of your favorite socks. Off the clock, though, find her kicking it with the fam and two of her most favorite-est cats – Smokey Hunter and Benson Wurst. “Happy holidays to all…and to all a good night!”