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You’re a
socially conscious, progressive-thinking human being. Your friends are
all occupying. You’ve transferred your hard-earned dough from a national
bank to a local credit union. But now it’s the holiday season, and
people expect gifts and holiday cheer. How can you put smiles on the
faces of friends and family without also putting money in the pockets of
evil corporations?
Simple:
Buy local. It keeps money in our community and shrinks your ecological
footprint. Even better, there’s no need to spend the day after
Thanksgiving fighting the crowds in a mall to find the perfect gift for
everyone on your list. (And don’t even think about giving up and
grabbing an easy checkout-line gift card—trust us, nobody wants $50 to
Red Lobster.)
We’ve
done some of the legwork for you by highlighting some of our favorite
items from locally owned shops. Whether it’s due to the absence of a
downtown department store or to the high number of free-thinking artsy
residents, it seems there’s a local shop on every city block and tucked
in every charming neighborhood. The person behind the counter is often
the owner, and each store has its own quirky mix of products. If you
want to get a taste of Utah culture, you’ll find it in the local
shops—not in Temple Square, and definitely not in a suburban super mall.
It’s
impossible to feature every locally owned Utah business. For every store
we discovered, there are four we might have overlooked. But we hope
this guide gives you a taste of the range of gift options Utah
businesses have to offer, and a chance to explore new parts of your city
while you’re out.
Everyone | Girls | Guys
Personalized Embosser or Stamp $40-$60
An embosser or stamp customized with the recipient’s initials, name, address or logo makes self-addressing envelopes a breeze and adds a sophisticated touch to books and correspondence. Allow two weeks for delivery after ordering.
Tabula Rasa, Trolley Square, 602 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City, 801-575-5043,TabulaRasaStationers.com
Soleus GPS $100, Garmin Forerunner 610 $400
Runners can be sort of … obsessive. Yours can take the intensity up a notch with a GPS watch. The Soleus 100 tracks speed, distance and calories burned. For total mile-tracking mania, the Garmin Forerunner tracks heart rate, plans routes and keeps track of an insane amount of data—which transfers wirelessly to a computer when in range.
Salt Lake Running Company, Multiple locations, SaltLakeRunningCo.com
Robot Clocks $22.95-$55
So maybe we’re not yet in the age of helpful robot servants, but these little ’bots are always ready to inform you of the time, without you having to ask. They’re available as keychains, necklaces and standing clocks, so you can build your own time-telling robot army.
Cabin Fever, Trolley Square, 602 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City, 801-363-0828, CabinFeverCards.com
LittleEarth Recycled Photo Album $19.95
Don’t let those rad Instagram photos you took on your last road trip languish on your phone. Print ’em out and store them in this recycled-license-plate photo album.
Unity Gifts, 380 E. 1700 South, Salt Lake City, 801-487-4485, UnityGiftsUT.com
Zaggfolio $100
The iPad is the ultimate in convenience—the only thing that could make it handier is a keyboard. This ideal iPad companion is a protective case, easel stand and keyboard, all in one. Why didn’t someone think of this before?
Zagg, Zagg.com
Typewriter Key Accessories $25-$170
These beautiful accessories, fashioned from the keys of vintage typewriters, make a classy, personal gift. Select a pin or earrings with the letter of his or her name, or a bracelet or watch made with a selection of keys from a typewriter manufactured in a special year. Each includes a tag that denotes the model and year of the keys’ original typewriter.
The Library Store, Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E. 400 South, Salt Lake City, 801-524-8238
Queer Desk Accessories $6-$11.99
Sometimes, the only way to relieve the soul-crushing monotony of a desk job is to decorate the hell out of the space between the bland cubicle walls. Give someone the gift of self-expression at work with a selection of Pride-themed desk accessories, from mugs and mousepads to ashtrays and magnetic poetry.
Unity Gifts, 380 E. 1700 South, Salt Lake City, 801-487-4485, UnityGiftsUT.com
KamaSutra Kit $32
Make sure your next weekend trip is more romantic than comedy with the KamaSutra Getaway Kit, which includes honey dust, lubricant, a candle and other intimate items. They’re all under 3.4 ounces and stow securely in a handy travel bag, so there won’t be any embarrassing scenes at airport security or lubed-up clothing when you open your suitcases. Just make sure to follow through with the trip that the gift implies, or you likely won’t be getting to taste any of the French Vanilla Creme Body Soufflé.
Jack N Jills, 260 25th St., Ogden, 801-392-1800
Murder Ink Notepad $7.99
Right now, someone you know is plotting revenge against their horrible boss or co-worker. They need a nonviolent outlet for their frustration—or a convenient place to jot down prospective alibis—and this notepad is ideal.
Unity Gifts, 380 E. 1700 South, Salt Lake City, 801-487-4485, UnityGiftsUT.com
Alphabet Chocolates $2.89
If you can spell, you can make a memorable—not to mention delicious—gift of these milk- or dark-chocolate letters, imported from the Netherlands. They’re perfect for tucking into stockings, but don’t be afraid to go the extra mile: Spell out the entire name of your dearest chocoholic, or communicate your L-O-V-E to someone special.
Old Dutch Store, 2696 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-467-5052, OldDutchStore.com
Paddywax Author Candles & Diffusers $8-$25
Libraries that smell of fine mahogany are so 2004. Enjoy a leather-bound edition of War & Peace while the air fills with the aroma of blackplum, persimmon and oakmoss—inspired by Leo Tolstoy. Five other scents are available for authors Poe, Austen, Thoreau and others.
The Library Store, Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E. 400 South, Salt Lake City, 801-524-8238
Mousetrap Card Holder $48
This brass mousetrap paper holder keeps tracks of business cards and important notes and will add a no-mercy air to the desk of an office czar—but don’t worry, it’s perfectly humane.
Tabula Rasa, Trolley Square, 602 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City, 801-575-5043, TabulaRasaStationers.com
Vibram FiveFingers $80-$100
Any runner who’s looking to mix up the routine or correct his or her form will be excited to take these for a break-in stroll this Christmas Day. They might look a little odd, but these shoes allow feet to move the way nature intended—without the pain of being totally barefoot. Wearing FiveFingers while running, hiking, walking or just going about the business of the day improves balance and stability and generates less impact on knees.
Sports Den, 1350 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-582-5611, SportsDen.com
Leaning Tower Tea Set $68
Make sure your elegant, tea-drinking friend doesn’t take himself too seriously with this slightly tilted stacking tea set. Two ceramic cups, teapot, lid and metal infuser basket are included.
Tabula Rasa, Trolley Square, 602 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City, 801-575-5043, TabulaRasaStationers.com
Wrapping Paper $3.95 Per Sheet
Wrapping an uninspired present in some unusual paper can go a long way toward salvaging your gift-giving reputation. Choose from stylish paper inspired by vintage, science and science-fiction themes, and the recipient might just forgive you for the Tim McGraw cologne.
Cabin Fever, Trolley Square, 602 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City, 801-363-0828, CabinFeverCards.com
Fairy/Witch Ball $27.50
Protect a friend from evil spirits or a bare foyer with a beautiful fairy or witch ball. Any evil spirits or bad spells are drawn safely into the center of the glass witch ball; the fairy ball attracts luck and good feelings from passing fairies. You can’t go wrong with either one.
Turiya’s Gifts, 1569 S. 1100 East, Salt Lake City, 801-531-7823, Turiyas.com
Stockings $24-$36
While the reindeer-and-glitter-adorned handmade stockings of childhood look charming when hung on Mom and Dad’s fireplace, they look a little out of place in an adult living space. Help someone start a new holiday tradition with these stockings, which retain homespun appeal, but have a fresh, updated look.
Frosty Darling, 177 E. Broadway, Salt Lake City, 801-532-4790, FrostyDarling.com
Enchanted Boxes $12.95-$16.95
These handcrafted trinket boxes, made from linden wood, feature a multitude of vibrant colored and carved designs that are sure to please everyone on your list. Cat lovers, worshippers of Egyptian mysticism, even admirers of leafy plants will be pleased to use these handy keepsakes.
Turiya’s Gifts, 1569 S. 1100 East, Salt Lake City, 801-531-7823, Turiyas.com
iPhone Covers $8-$12
How can that cutting-edge person in your life stand out from the crowd now that everyone has an iPhone? With an iPhone case, of course—the quirkier, the better. Faux wood paneling or a cassette tape is just the thing, especially now that “cassette tape” has been deemed an obsolete word by the Oxford English Dictionary—which you’ve probably never heard of anyway.
Unhinged, 1121 E. 2100 South, Salt Lake City, 801-467-6588, UnhingedSLC.com
Tea Zaanti Tea Tins $7.95-$9.95
Tea Zaanti carefully selects its loose-leaf teas for their quality, taste and the “purity of the leaf”—meaning they’re often organic or sourced from family-run tea farms. With dozens of flavors, from herbal Raspberry Rose Petal to energizing English Breakfast, these teas will delight a tea aficionado and make converts out of first-time drinkers.
Blazing Needles, 1365 S. 1100 East, Salt Lake City, 801-487-5648,
Blazing-Needles.com
Ceramic Chip & Dip Set $28
Transitioning to adulthood can be difficult—but parting with the cheap partyware you and your friends bought in college shouldn’t be the hard part. Replace your buddy’s tacky sombrero chip & dip plate with this handcrafted ceramic set from local artist Juanita Marshall—it’ll class up his next shindig, and isn’t likely to wear out its welcome anytime soon. Now, about those plastic martini glasses …
Amenities, 312 S. Main, Heber City, 435-654-6493
Out of Print Classic Novel Shirts $28
Maybe you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but who says you can’t judge a person by the books they read? Out of Print’s shirts always make a good impression, and there’s an iconic cover image for everyone on your list—whether they’re into 1984 or Nancy Drew.
Atticus Coffee, Books & Teahouse, 738 Main, Park City, 435-214-7241, AtticusTea.com
Love & Prosperity Candles $9.95
When lit on New Year’s Eve and left to burn all the way down, the bayberry prosperity candle will bestow “abundance, love and good health” upon whomever lights the flame. If your friend is plenty prosperous but wants to find someone with whom to share the wealth, lighting this soft red candle and repeating an affirmation will lead him or her to the love they desire.
Turiya’s Gifts, 1569 S. 1100 East, Salt Lake City, 801-531-7823, Turiyas.com
Colossus 10 Springbar Tent $1,100-$7,000
What better gift to give your family than the gift of survival? The world is predicted to end in 2012, so get ready now with a fully customizable, deluxe Springbar tent that can be loaded with cots, cookstoves and enough guns and nonperishable food (sold separately) to last you through the apocalypse.
Kirkhams, 3125 S. State, Salt Lake City, 801-486-4161, Kirkhams.com
Surprize Ball/Surprize Cornucopia $10.75-$20.50
These festive gifts will make your holiday parties the hit of the season. Guests unwrap the crepe-paper balls to reveal games, gems, vintage-style toys, magic tricks, organic lollipops, fortune fish and quotes hidden in every layer. Each ball contains five prizes; each cornucopia contains 12.
The Queen Bee, 270 25th St., Ogden, 801-791-0241
Snail USB Fan $9.99
Toiling all day in an overheated office will leave anyone feeling physically and mentally like a snail. And nobody wants to be “that guy”—the one who totes in stand fans and small appliances for his desk. But this simple snail fan is discreet and efficient; it plugs into a computer’s USB port and keeps the air and your mind moving quickly.
Feliz Gift Shop, 110 25th St., Ogden
Gift Pouch $10
Good things come in small packages—and it’s especially good when that package can be regifted—er, reused. Tucking a gift card or small present into this pouch eliminates the stress of wrapping and taping, and the worry that your carefully selected tissue paper will just end up in a landfill.
Frosty Darling, 177 E. Broadway, Salt Lake City, 801-532-4790, FrostyDarling.com
CNC Laser-edge Grinder $30-$100
This shiny stocking stuffer will suit the needs of somebody who uses a grinder day after day, year after year. Its laser-cut metal edges will stand the test of time, unlike some cheaper options. Just a hint: It’s not ideal for pepper.
Aztec Highway, 89 W. 3300 South, Salt Lake City, 801-466-2235, AztecHighway.com
Chums Winter Adventure Pack $32.99
There’s no such thing as too many ski days. But corralling all that gear can leave ski bums feeling wiped out by the time they hit the mountain. Take some of the juggling out of the equation with this specially priced package from Chums, which includes a ski strap, ski carrier, boot tote, retractable pass holder and two kinds of sunscreen.
Chums.com
Epic Beer ($3.29-$11.89 each; tote $2.99)
Like Santa with his sack of toys, you’ll be the hit of the family party when you and your handy tote bag show up with a locally brewed high-point beer for each relative. Consumed responsibly, Epic’s many tasty brews will take the tension out of spending the holidays with your nearest and dearest.
Epic Brewing Company, 825 S. State, Salt Lake City, 801-906-0123, EpicBrewing.com
The Chocolate Conspiracy Bars $8.50-$9
The perfect melding of nutrition and taste, these delectable bars are made from raw chocolate and contain no sugar, augmented fats, gluten, dairy or soy—meaning they can stuff the stocking of even the most dietary-challenged.
The Chocolate Conspiracy, EatChocolateConspiracy.com, and at Craft Sabbath Holiday Boutique, Dec. 4 and Dec. 11, Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E. 400 South, Salt Lake City, CraftSabbath.com
Animal Sponsorship $25
If the animal lovers in your life don’t have the square footage to match the size of their hearts, they can still make a difference in the lives of furry critters. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in southern Utah is home to many rescued animals who aren’t yet ready to be adopted out, due to health or trust issues. Sponsors can view animals’ photos and story online to find the perfect long-distance pet, from dogs and cats to birds, pigs and horses.
BestFriends.org/donate/sponsor.cfm
View Local Gifts for:
Everyone | Girls | Guys
Pikolinos ”Sitges Tall” Boots $250
Sports Den, 1350 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-582-5611, SportsDen.com
CZ Cuff Bracelet $16.95
These ubersparkly cubic-zirconium cuff bracelets are slightly bendy and subtly open-ended to make slipping them on and off pain-free. Icing her wrists has never been so easy.
New Orientation, 1400 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-582-4462, NewOrientation.com
Vintage Chinese Ginger Jars $10.95-$12.95
Chinese ginger jars have been used for centuries to, you guessed it, hold ginger and other spices, but were also traditional wedding gifts with patterns—cherry blossom and double happiness are pictured—conveying specific sentiments. They still make delightful gifts, whether the giftee uses them to store spices, small treasures or simply as decorative accents.
New Orientation, 1400 Foothill Drive, Suite 162, Salt Lake City, 801-582-4462, NewOrientation.com
Iron Fist Purse $62.99, Shoes $54.99
So, the girl in your life never got over her obsession with My Little Ponies, Hello Kitty and other bright-hued ’80s characters. You don’t have to shop in the kids’ section of Target for the accessories she’ll love—Iron Fist’s glittery pink purse and shoes are adorned with ponies, owls and ice cream cones, but with an adult edge.
Blue Boutique, Multiple locations, BlueBoutique.com
Knit Scarf & Hat Set $40
There’s nothing cozier than a scarf that was handmade—but what if you don’t have any crafty skills? The scarves and matching hats at Pleezher Boutique are made locally, in a variety of colors, with “Fun Fur” accents to add colorful flair to dreary winter days.
PleezHer Boutique, 363 E. 3300 South, Salt Lake City, 801-487-2787
Painted Flask $39-$45
Fruit-flavored vodka or fine Scotch—these vibrant flasks will look classy, no matter what’s on the inside.
Mary Jane’s, 613 Main, Park City, 435-645-7463, MaryJanesShoes.com
Little Miss Austen Board Book $10
Indoctrinate them young with this Pride & Prejudice counting primer, which ties vital elements of Jane Austen’s story to numbers 1 through 10. The bright illustrations and cheeky text—written by local author Jennifer Adams—make this book a must for the bookshelf of any current, or future, Austen fan.
The Library Store, Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E. 400 South, Salt Lake City, 801-524-8238
PeachTreats Fake Gauge Earrings $20-$24
PeachTreats “fakers” capture the style of attention-grabbing gauge earrings without the commitment of ear gauging. Made from polymer clay, the earrings are one of a kind, in looks that range from the elegant to the funky.
PeachTreats, Etsy.com/shop/PeachTreats, and at Craft Sabbath Holiday Boutique, Dec. 4 and Dec. 11, Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E. 400 South, Salt Lake City, CraftSabbath.com
Pink Champagne Bubble Bath $12.99
Baths can be romantic, but nothing ruins the mood like a cheap jumbo-size bottle of Very Berry Bubble Bath. Enter Pink Champagne Bubble Bath, made with real Champagne and a boost of pheromones to make bath time sexy again.
Blue Boutique, Multiple locations, BlueBoutique.com
Tattoo Purses $30-$100
The lush style of tattoo art doesn’t have to be confined to one’s body. Amanda Powell of downtown’s Lost Art Tattoo paints her unique designs on vintage purses that make a gorgeous gift for someone who loves ink but is too chicken to go under the needle—or for someone who’s simply run out of blank skin.
Miss Amanda’s Army Candy, Etsy.com/shop/MissAmanda63, and at Craft Sabbath Holiday Boutique, Dec. 4 and Dec. 11, Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E. 400 South, Salt Lake City, CraftSabbath.com
Owl Vase $12.95
These sassy glass owls can be used as vases or candy jars, and are a hoot to have around even when empty.
Evergreen Framing Co. & Gallery Inc., 3295 S. 2000 East, Salt Lake City, 801-467-8770, EvergreenGallery.com
Survival Kit ~$76.21
Why settle for one gift when you can give a dozen adorable girly products? Build the perfect at-work survival kit to help her prepare for 5 o’clock cocktails—or freshen up after a late night out. Rice-paper blotting tissues, dry shampoo, eyelash curler, lip gloss, perfume, a mini flask and more are all under $9.
Got Beauty, 900 E. 2100 South, Salt Lake City, 801-474-2090, GotBeauty.com
Pocket Watch Necklaces $28-$32
You supply the watch; she’ll supply the romantic back story. Maybe it was bequeathed to her by a beloved-but-eccentric great-grandmother. Or perhaps it was given to her by a dashing gentleman she met in London, just before he met his tragic end. Either way, it’s a beautiful and fully functional piece she’ll wear and treasure always.
The Queen Bee, 270 25th St., Ogden, 801-791-0241
FarmHouse Fresh Bath Products $29 and up
These body creams and bath products look as though they came straight from the farmhouse pantry shelf, but they’re more than just a pretty package. And with their yummy scents, extreme moisturizing power and none of the bad stuff, they won’t stay on her shelf for long. Natural oils keep skin soft all day, and the sweet, creamy scents are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Hip & Humble, Multiple locations, HipAndHumble.com
Enzo Milano No-clip Curling Iron $119
Not all curling irons are like the giant gold-plated traps your mom used in the ’90s. The unique no-clip design and cone-shaped barrel of this iron can create anything from corkscrew curls to luscious waves. A heat-resistant safety glove and instructional DVD are included.
Got Beauty, 900 E. 2100 South, Salt Lake City, 801-474-2090, GotBeauty.com
Dylan’s Candy Bar Wish Bracelets $14.95
Give the gift of happiness, love, optimism, friendship and sweetness, all at once. Each of these five colorful elastic bracelets with gold charms corresponds to one of five adorable themes. She can wear one—or all five for extra luck—for a boost of positivity.
New Orientation, 1400 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-582-4462, NewOrientation.com
Shannon Hale’s Books of Bayern $18.95-$19.99
Utah author Shannon Hale’s debut novel, The Goose Girl, was meant to be a stand-alone novel, but thanks to Hale’s critical and popular success, three sequels followed. Now, with the release of a special-edition of 2009’s Forest Born with a cover that matches the previous novels, readers at last have the chance to own all of the Books of Bayern in a matching set that’s as gorgeous as the prose inside—the perfect gift for an established Shannon Hale fan, or any lover of enchanting words and stories. All copies at The King’s English Bookshop are autographed by Hale.
The King’s English Bookshop, 1511 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City, 801-484-9100, KingsEnglish.com
Hansel From Basel Tights $34
Summer may have sundresses, but winter has tights. A spirited set of legwear can make all the difference on a cold day, in both toastiness and style. Find tights of every color, pattern and warmth factor.
FRESH, 870 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City, 801-532-3458, Fresh801.com
Marvel Comics Shoulder Bag $43.95
Even if she doesn’t know the Green Goblin from the Green Lantern, she’ll appreciate the eye-popping colors of this purse, featuring a collage of Marvel Comics covers. With plenty of pockets and a roomy interior, it can double as an overnight bag for when she’s out saving the world.
Cabin Fever, Trolley Square, 602 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City, 801-363-0828, CabinFeverCards.com
Handcrafted Sheep Measuring Tape $10.25
A measuring tape is a must for most crafts, but they have a habit of “disappearing”—usually to be found later, under a pile of half-finished home-improvement projects. Atone for past losses with a gift of a brand-new, flexible, 5-foot retractable measuring tape. The shear cuteness of these woolly sheep ensures that they’ll remain safely where they ought to be.
Blazing Needles, 1365 S. 1100 East, Salt Lake City, 801-487-5648, Blazing-Needles.com
Scarves $28 each or 2/$35
Yes, scarves are an integral winter accessory, but after the long walk or Trax ride to school, that warm woolly scarf can start feeling like an itchy albatross around her neck. Help her switch it up with a fancy floral or patterned scarf that’s light enough to be worn all day, but still provides protection from the chill of uninsulated classrooms.
Olive & Tweed, 608 Main, Park City, 435-649-9392, OliveAndTweed.com
Randoms Gift Card Earrings $8 each or 3/$20
Dangly? Check. Colorful? Check. Handmade and recycled? Check. These earrings, made from gift cards, are definitely Claudia Kishi-approved—Google it, guys.
Green the World, 143 25th St., Ogden, 801-781-3931, GreenTheWorldStore.com
Bento Boxes $2.99
It takes practice to eat with chopsticks—but it’s totally worth it when she gets to show off her hip, healthy lunch in the office break room. The aesthetic of the bento box is based on compact cuteness and encourages slow, thoughtful eating. Each layer of the stacking box can be filled with the lunch component of her choice—traditionally, rice or noodles in one, bite-size vegetables in the other. Chopsticks are stored in a tray under the lid.
Feliz Gift Shop, 110 25th St., Ogden
Bird Journal $12.50
This blank book features a cloth cover and lovely brown paper. Best of all, the journal’s pages will lie flat while she pours out her thoughts and ideas during a serious writing session.
Blooms & Co., 357 S. 200 East, Salt Lake City, 801-355-0434, BloomsAndCo.com
Heat-proof Flat Iron Case $20
This pretty bag is lined with heat-resistant material, so she can be ready to go as soon as she finishes straightening her hair—no more waiting for the flat iron to cool down before throwing it in an overnight bag. It’s a time-saver everyone can appreciate.
Blooms & Co., 357 S. 200 East, Salt Lake City, 801-355-0434, BloomsAndCo.com
Hobo Wallet $100-$148
You can’t put a price on a wallet that is both beautiful and functional. Hobo wallets have a multitude of pockets for credit cards, cash and even smartphones. She won’t even have to carry a purse—the better to show off the beautiful Italian leather.
Got Beauty, 900 E. 2100 South, Salt Lake City, 801-474-2090, GotBeauty.com
View Local Gifts for:
Everyone | Girls | Guys
Holder Hand $25
This disembodied hand can be a sinister yet helpful member of his household. Position the pages of a book between the thumb and pinky finger to make it a handy reading companion, or set it on a table or shelf as a place to leave keys.
Blooms & Co., 357 S. 200 East, Salt Lake City, 801-355-0434, BloomsAndCo.com
Big & Easy Bottle Brew $7.99
Homebrewing is all the rage, but maybe your guy just doesn’t have the time. He can still feel like a champion brewer with these bottles, which don’t require any equipment or work beyond adding a yeast capsule to the bottle and waiting 10 days. Varieties include pilsner, red lager and Mexican cerveza.
Union Station Fermentation, 274 25th St., Ogden, 801-392-9772
Soccer Scarves $26
Your boyfriend’s a huge fan of that European soccer team no one else has ever heard of. Help him introduce Tottenham Hotspur into conversation more smoothly with a club scarf. Soccer Plus can order almost any team’s scarf and will give 10 percent off to City Weekly readers who mention Gift Guide.
Soccer Plus, 2020 S. 700 East, Salt Lake City, 801-486-4449, SoccerPlusSLC.com
Nike & Saucony shoes $78-$92
The very definition of pumped-up kicks, sneakers from Nike and Saucony will help him dominate the action—both on the court and in the clubs—with a color and style for every mood, outfit and athletic activity.
FICE Gallery, 160 E. 200 South, Salt Lake City, 801-364-4722, FICEGallery.com
Comics Back Issues (prices vary)
You’ve sat with your significant other through hours of comic-book movies in recent years, all leading up to the release of The Avengers in 2012. Stock up on back issues to pass the time until May 4, and you’ll both fully appreciate the movie’s winking references to past characters and plots.
BlackCat Comics, 2261 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-461-4228, BlackCat-Comics.com
Pocket Watches $19.50
Help him to both improve his punctuality and express his personality with a vintage pocket watch. Is he a playful risk-taker who always comes out on top? He’ll love a watch that displays poker’s unbeatable royal flush. Maybe he’s a loner—a wolf or engraved semi-truck will show that you understand and appreciate his solitary lifestyle.
Unhinged, 1121 E. 2100 South, Salt Lake City, 801-467-6588, UnhingedSLC.com
Documents of Freedom $5
Give your favorite teapartyer his cherished rallying points to display prominently in his home or office. Choose from the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence or the Gettysburg Address.
The Library Store, Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E. 400 South, Salt Lake City, 801-524-8238
Leather Journal $35-$146
Whether you’ve got a friend who’s secretly working on a novel or just needs a place to scribble down ideas for his next band name, make sure he does it in style with a leather journal. Rough-edged pages add depth to lines of experimental poetry, and a fancy tie keeps said poetry under wraps.
Tabula Rasa, Trolley Square, 602 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City, 801-575-5043, TabulaRasaStationers.com
Upcycled Creepy Toys $10-$40
Hey, it’s Ken! … with the body of a puppy. And there’s a My Little Pony, with the face of Optimus Prime. Any guys who rooted for neighbor-kid Sid over Woody in the original Toy Story will love these twisted toys, which local crafter Rez makes from discarded playthings and resin, glue and paint.
Craft Sabbath Holiday Boutique, Dec. 4 and Dec. 11, Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E. 400 South, Salt Lake City, CraftSabbath.com
Onion Sports: The Ecstasy of Defeat $21.99
The noble sports reporting from the nation’s—nay, the world’s—greatest satirists is collected here in one impressive volume, including classic stories such as “Sports Community Mourns Death of Old Bald White Man With Glasses” and “Confusing 24-Player Trade Sends You, Scottie Pippen To Utah Jazz.” A must-read for sports fans with rudimentary to extremely nerdy levels of sports knowledge.
The King’s English Bookshop, 1511 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City, 801-484-9100, KingsEnglish.com
Game of Thrones Card Game $39.95; Monthly Expansions $9.95-$16.95
The success of HBO’s Game of Thrones has brought being a fantasy nerd into the mainstream. If someone has watched all the episodes and read all the thousands of pages of George R.R. Martin’s series, they can take it to the next level with a strategy game. Have no fear, it can be played in the length of a single episode.
Game Night Games, 2030 S. 900 East, Salt Lake City, 801-467-2400, GameNightGames.com
Goorin Bros. Cock Hat $25
Elegant stitching in the front and a mesh party in the back—just because the trucker hat’s heyday is over doesn’t mean there isn’t room in his closet for this sly hat, which sports a proud embroidered rooster.
Unhinged, 1121 E. 2100 South, Salt Lake City, 801-467-6588, UnhingedSLC.com
Ceramic Mugs $15
This manly, rustic mug—handcrafted by local artist Juanita Marshall—is just the thing for tipping back ink-black coffee or steeping yerba maté when he doesn’t have a gourd handy.
Amenities, 312 S. Main, Heber City, 435-654-6493, AmenitiesHomeDecor.com
Upcycled record bowls $9.99-$19.99
Just another reason vinyl is better than CDs—we’ve never seen a CD used as a cool catch-all bowl.
Green the World, 143 25th St., Ogden, 801-781-3931, GreenTheWorldStore.com
Pocket Cuffs $25
It’s always seemed a little unfair that girls have to lug around purses, while guys need just a wallet. The scales are about to be tipped even further: Guys can tuck cash, I.D. and a key into the snap pocket of this cuff bracelet, and they’ll be good to go—no pants required.
Frosty Darling, 177 E. Broadway, 801-532-4790, FrostyDarling.com
Oakley Sunglasses $110-$140
Oakley sunglasses’ high-quality polarized lenses make them some of the best sunglasses around, and the unique hues of these limited-edition Oakley Frogskins will set visions of Sour Patch Watermelons dancing in his head.
FICE Gallery, 160 E. 200 South, Salt Lake City, 801-364-4722, FICEGallery.com
New DC issues $2.99
DC Comics relaunched its entire line this year, starting each character at issue No. 1 and giving everyone from Batman to, um, the Blue Beetle new origin stories and foes. It’s the perfect time to get that childhood comic lover back into the DC universe.
BlackCat Comics, 2261 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-461-4228, BlackCat-Comics.com
Yur Buds Performance Fit $30
Ear buds are nothing new—and they’ve never been perfect, before now. These ergonomic buds nestle securely in the ear and won’t dislodge during strenuous activity, so athletes can enjoy their runs—and their tunes—without fumbling with cords.
Salt Lake Running Company, SaltLakeRunningCo.com
Storage Jars $29.95-$33.95
He won’t have to be a meth-cooking high school science teacher to appreciate this glass storage jar. Its chemistry-inspired design and airtight lid make it a great place to store anything, without worrying about the harmful chemicals found in plastics.
Aztec Highway, 89 W. 3300 South, Salt Lake City, 801-466-2235, AztecHighway.com
Habibi $35
Craig Thompson’s 2003 coming-of-age graphic novel Blankets is on the shelf of virtually every graphic-novel reader. The recently released Habibi, tells the story of two slave children and the bond that links them through the years in a world of fear, lust and greed. Epic in size and scope, it’s already been heralded as a masterpiece.
The King’s English Bookshop, 1511 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City, 801-484-9100, KingsEnglish.com
Organic Face Cream $22
Guys get dry skin, too, but whether it’s laziness or fear of the moisturizer aisle, it seems they never bother to buy their own. Help your guy out—and put an end to him poaching yours—with some totally organic face cream, made from shea butter, rosehip-seed oil and vitamin E.
Bubble & Bee, BubbleAndBee.com
Vintage Belts $8-$12
A nifty vintage belt will tie together any ensemble. And with belts in a myriad of colors and materials—leather, woven, studded, snakeskin—you can give him one to wear every day of the week.
Unhinged, 1121 E. 2100 South, Salt Lake City, 801-467-6588, UnhingedSLC.com
Custom Messenger Bag/Backpack $75-$250
Buying a messenger bag or backpack off the rack requires compromises in style and function. With Velo City Bags, he can customize every last detail of his messenger, from which side it sits on to the number of pockets to the entire color scheme. Velo bags are extra-durable and water-resistant, so he’ll be able to happily sling it over his shoulder on a daily basis for years to come.
Velo City Bags, VeloCityBags.com, and at Craft Sabbath Holiday Boutique, Dec. 4 and Dec. 11, Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E. 400 South, CraftSabbath.com
Bottle Tumblers, Matching Set of 2 $45
The top-shelf liquor connoisseur who’s currently on a beer (or soda) budget can take solace in these classy tumblers, made from actual liquor bottles.
Charlotte’s, 1085 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City, 801-333-3773, Charlottes.biz
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