Survive Utah's Holiday Shopping Season With the City Weekly Gift Guide 

December 2022 is here at last, and big, loud, festive gatherings are back! ... Yay?

If you're anything like us, it's been a couple years since we had a real holiday season, with 2020 forever marked by a COVID asterisk and 2021 a scaled-back, tentative step back into new-normalcy.

That ain't this year. This year we're out of excuses and back to full capacity—with germy nieces and nephews; mothers-in-law who insist we should be eating more, or less, or both; office white elephant pools; and fresh election results ready to be debated endlessly by your uncle who does his own "research" online (yes, Virginia, there are Democratic voters in Arizona).

Plus, literally everything is expensive this year, our air quality is entering its net-poison phase, and—you know—it's damned cold outside. But shake the dust off your tablecloths and polish the silver, for in 2022, there will be feasts and fights, parties and packages, carols and criticisms and a cacophony of noise, noise, noise!

If I sound a little Grinchy, I'll own it. I dislike shopping and loathe gift-giving. So, it was with some reluctance (and a little petty griping) that I took on the reins of the 2022 Salt Lake City Weekly Gift Guide, my first since joining this paper as its news editor, and this paper's first since 2019. Luckily, I had a lot of help.

Rather than an exhaustive list of local retail items, we asked our writers to ponder the gift-giving mood of 2022 and look for generous ways to help us get back out into a world we were compelled to retreat from. What's a good gift for friends we haven't seen IRL in years? What gifts help bring people together over a cozy drink or for a game (even if they root for the opposing team), or even a live performance? Which gifts might you treat yourself to and beef up your urban credentials?

We hope these suggestions can supplement, or even inspire, your own ideas. We wish our Utah retailers the best during this critical season and encourage all who read these pages to shop local to the degree you are able. And stay safe out there—these roads are no joke.

—Benjamin Wood

• Mika lee

Where Santa Shops
Ditch the big box store and check out the treats and treasures of boutique shopping.
By Mika Lee

Looking for a locally crafted gift? No, not those from the touristy gift shops where even Santa loses count of how many different fonts you can use to screenprint "Salt Lake City." These featured shops and boutiques have assembled tasteful and compelling gift collections—they have just what you need to create the perfect Utah holiday basket.

• Courtesy Photo

Atelier
In 2017, owners Malinda Fisher and Olivia Henrie opened their doors in downtown Salt Lake City as curators of locally made goods, all in one cute shop. Located on Pierpont, this trendy boutique inspires shoppers to peruse the array of lifestyle items on their shelves. The shop offers the most unique, giftable items for just about anyone.

With something for everyone, it's difficult to choose only a few. "We've created some gift sets this season," says Fisher, noting that selected items are designed to pair perfectly. Options are endless. Why wouldn't your bestie want a self-care gift box? Does your new MIL need quirky serving utensils and a hand-printed tea towel for her rustic kitchen? Atelier is the market for you.

337 Pierpont Ave., SLC, 801-410-0953,
atelierslc.com

• Mika lee

Animalia
A visit to Animalia should be intentional and deliberate. If you've unearthed this shop, you've found a gem on 900 South. Buyers who shop here are conscientious customers who care about quality, character and supporting someone's passion—all while caring for the planet.

Holiday gifts from this shop can be simple yet also impart a meaningful story and be worthy of attention. Animalia gifts are reusable, sustainable and in packaging that's recyclable. "We can adapt to any budget and personality," says Emma, co-founder of Animalia, " ... it's very personal." Check out Animalia and don't forget to bring your food waste to their drop off and your reusable containers to fill with your favorite soaps and lotions.

280 E. 900 South, SLC, 801-521-4425,
animaliaslc.com

• Mika lee

Thyme and Place
The pandemic sparked new and improved hobbies for many of us. Those who discovered their green thumbs while "hunkering down" may now have a weakness for shops featuring all things green and gorgeous. If a plant from a home improvement store simply won't do, Thyme and Place is for you.

Ask Melinda Meservy—plant expert, owner and operator—who has bushels of indoor houseplants at her botanical boutique. She travels to the West Coast to bring leafy pots back for Utahns to enjoy.

Not only do her plants have character, but she offers ornamental accessories to spruce up homes and offices and free gift wrapping for holiday purchases. Redefine your home by planting new roots.

362 E. 900 South, SLC, 385-381-9216,
thymeandplaceshop.com

• Mika lee

Salt & Honey Market
Last-minute shopping is overwhelming, especially when there are several people on your holiday-cheer list. Enter Salt & Honey, the largest local market in Salt Lake City. With rotating vendors, each season brings a unique shopping experience.

Crafts, jewelry, self-care, decor ... treasures for all ages and genders can be found here. The store is sorted by maker/producer and each display is refilled weekly.

With two giant floors of specially handcrafted items, you can get lost for hours pondering which items to purchase for your friends and family (or for yourself!) this holiday season.

926 E. 900 South, SLC (pictured), and at Fashion Place Mall, 6191 S. State, Ste. 1980, Murray, 801-382-9316,
saltandhoneymarket.com

• Mika lee

Jolley's Gifts & Floral
Christmas market dreams are made at Jolley's. If you haven't been to this local favorite, this is a must-stop-and-shop destination for holiday gifts. The vibe is traditional but with just enough eccentricity that you're sure to find that conversation starter.

Every inch of Jolley's is covered in home decor, clothing, books, entertainment and more. The many staff will help you find just what you need for this holiday.

For the "bestest" parents who crave experiences with their young ones, this charming shop offers beautiful advent calendars, cheerful novelty ornaments and candies for stocking stuffers. You, too, will feel like a child on Christmas at Jolley's.

1676 E. 1300 South, SLC, 801-582-1600,
jolleysgifts.com

• Courtesy Photo
• Answer the call of the wild with a dog sled adventure at Rancho Luna.

Out of the Box
Break out of the mold with an atypical gift.
Aimee L. Cook

Gifts are great, but memories can last a lifetime. As you head out to shop for your loved ones, consider the gifts of a new experience, an indulgent night out or a practical improvement. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Chef Katie Weinner's Culinary Classes
Private events and pop-ups, oh my! Throughout the year, private chef Katie Weinner hosts culinary classes/demonstrations and pop-ups for small groups of 4-10 people in an old school-turned-clubhouse. Explore molecular and mocktail gastronomy (Nutella powder, smoke gun fun, fruit caviars), international curries, exotic ingredient tastings (finger limes, edible perfumes, sea asparagus salt) and funky cheeses and chocolates.

Connect at Katiewcook@yahoo.com or message on Instagram @SLCPOP

Dinner in the Viking Yurt
Imagine savoring six courses of fine Nordic dining in a mountaintop Viking yurt. A snowcat-drawn sleigh takes you up 1,800 vertical feet, offering spectacular views of Park City and the mountains at dusk.

Music from a baby grand piano serenades throughout the evening while guests enjoy a thoughtfully executed meal by candlelight—on pewter dishware, naturally.

1345 Lowell Ave., Park City, 435-615-9878, dinner service daily at 6 p.m. Reservations required: thevikingyurt.com

Dog Sledding at Rancho Luna Lobos
Fernando and Dana Ramirez, along with their five children, have dedicated their lives to dogs. Fernando began dog mushing as a kid and has passed his passion onto his own family, who train rescue dogs to become professional racers.

Does a friend or loved one want to know how to drive a dog sled and work with dogs? Give them the gift of the Musher Program. Or you can book a dog sled tour in both winter and summer months.

4733 W. Browns Canyon Road, Peoa, 435-783-3473, lunalobos.com

Work Out Your Rage at Smash It
Yell, throw and break some stuff in a safe environment—wearing safety gear (provided), of course. There is something indescribably therapeutic about demolition and destruction, amiright?

We all know someone who could use the gift of rage release! Fill up the box of smash-ables, pick the tool of choice and let it fly.

1154 S. 300 West, SLC, 801-690-3758; 3109 Washington Boulevard, Ogden, 801-690-0578, smash-itragerooms.com

Outdoor Adventure Tours
In winter months, take a wagon ride pulled by a team of Percheron draft horses through twinkling Christmas lights. In warmer weather, enjoy guided horseback tours (private rides available) or learn how to fly fish with a skilled guide on some of the most beautiful rivers around.

Rocky Mountain Outfitters, 633 W. Soldier Hollow Drive, Midway, 435-654-1655, rockymtnoutfitters.com

Physiq Body Sculpting
Know someone who has an unwanted muffin top or bat-wing arms that continue waving after the wave has ended? Treat them to the non-invasive technology STEP—Sequential Thermal and Electrical Pulse—that with muscle stimulation can get rid of stubborn fat cells through the lymphatics.

What makes this gift even better? Customers can treat up to four areas of their body in a little more than a half hour.

Femme Moderne Aesthetics, 807 Pioneer Road, Ste. 5, Draper, 801-980-0788, femmemoderneaesthetics.com

Overnight Glamping at Conestoga Ranch
If camping in a covered wagon (up off the ground) or a platform tent is your loved one's most extreme version of "roughing it," then glamping is probably the way to go. The rustic accomodations here have electricity, heat and a private campfire patio.

Views of Bear Lake, an onsite restaurant, nearby hiking trails and complimentary cruiser bikes make this camping overnighter a dream.

427 N. Paradise Parkway, Garden City, 844-464-5267, conestogaranch.com

Hit the Bull's-eye at Rocky Mountain Axe Throwing
Perfecting the art of hitting the bull's-eye is an entertaining way to share a unique experience among friends or a fun twist on a date night.

At Rocky Mountain Axe Throwing, groups of 2 to 40 people can participate via general admission or by reserving any of four axe-throwing bays on the website.

Participants must sign a waiver—in advance—and wear closed-toe shoes to be admitted.

8496 S. Harrison St., Ste. 115, Midvale, 801-890-7855, rockymountainaxethrowing.com

Safer Driving with New Tires
Winter is upon us, which means snow, slush, ice and black ice. Aside from being a cautious and defensive driver, having good all-weather tires is a must for safe driving, with their zig-zag patterns that grip onto icy ground and deliver strong performance year-round. Pricing depends on brand and ranges between $117-$231 for a typical tire.

Shop bargains at discounttire.com

• Benjamin Wood
• Get where you need to go with a Hive Pass, but only if you live in Salt Lake City.

Stocking Stuffers
Essential items for living like an SLC local.
By Benjamin Wood

What do you want for Christmas?

It's a terrible question we're all expected to answer. There are plenty of safe answers to trot out. We always need socks, maybe ties. Gift cards to our regular haunts are productive (and can be found at discount rates on the City Weekly Store site). Or tools, I guess? Jewelry? Fragrances?

But if you're a Salt Laker—or for the Salt Laker in your life—you'll need a little more muscle on the bones of your XMas list. Here are some universally beneficial items for life in our beautiful winter city.

Hive Pass
Regular readers of this newspaper may have noticed my not-so-subtle affinity for public transit. It's hard to remain quiet about a service that improves your life, bolsters your health, strengthens your neighborhood and saves you money in the process. Available only to those who reside within the city's boundaries—real Salt Lakers, if you will—the Hive pass costs roughly the same as a full tank of gas ($42), meaning it need only save you one trip to the pumps every 30 days—and/or a few rounds of paid parking downtown—to offset its cost and start putting money back into your pocket.

Particularly if you live and/or work near a Trax stop—I check but one of those boxes, sigh—you may be kicking yourself for not getting one sooner. An annual Greenbike bike share membership is included and, as an added incentive, I like to imagine that every time a UTA card reader dings, somewhere in the state, a transit-skeptical lawmaker feels a fleeting, but acute, pinprick of pain at the base of their skull.
More information at ridewithhive.com

Neighborhood Map Stickers
Now that you've got a transit pass, you can start freely exploring the nooks and crannies of the city, beginning with your home neighborhood. And to help you remember where exactly your neighborhood begins and ends (I don't know who needs to hear this, but 9th & 9th is not Sugar House) check out the series of stickers ($6 ea.) created by Bryant Heath, who contributes a weekly column to City Weekly when he's not out on foot exhaustively cataloging every square inch of land around him.
Find it at slsees.myshopify.com

Merch by Matt Crane
For a different kind of treasure map, check out the iconic artwork of Matt Crane, who does business online via the nom de Etsy HouseofCattitude.

Crane's city landmark design is second to none and makes for a helluva T-shirt ($20-$25), but his talents go further with re-creations of City Creek Canyon, Gilgal Gardens and the Bobsled mountain bike trail ($10-$20+), or maybe a coffee mug featuring the legendary Fun Time Kidz Care ($11)?
Find it at etsy.com/shop/HouseofCattitude

• Benjamin Wood
• The Fuego pullover from Cotopaxi is a distinctively local cold-weather favorite.

Puffy Coat
For many Salt Lakers, the question is "Should I wear my casual puffy, or my dress puffy?"

If you've been reluctant to get down with goose down, consider this your personal invitation from Uncle Ben. Both incredibly lightweight and incredibly warm, most puffy coats are collapsible—often into their own pockets—making it an efficient layer you can store in a purse or bike bag and stash away once indoors and out of the cold.

Varieties abound but to really show your local stripes (pun intended) head to Utah's own Cotopaxi for their signature Fuego pullover ($275) or its less-insulated sibling, the Capa ($215). That said, in my experience, it's worth swinging for the extra stuffing, and always remember that sunshine adds 10 degrees and the difference between 33 and 31 is more than just two.
Find it at Cotopaxi, 74 S. Main, SLC, 385-528-0855, cotopaxi.com

Orange Flags
On average, two people died on Salt Lake City streets each month during 2022. And just four streets—1700 South, 1300 South, 400 South and State—contributed at least 11 of those deaths, including that of an 11-year-old girl walking in a crosswalk on Nov. 30, 2022.

That most deadly streets list includes both city- and state-controlled corridors, so there's plenty of blame to go around. While the scale of death and destruction is relatively quantifiable, predictable and preventable, the primary strategy to date has consisted of keeping people out of cars' way (shouldn't it be the other way around?) and asking pedestrians to wave garish orange flags in areas where confrontation with drivers is inevitable.

Sure, there are public flags stashed around town at key intersections, but can you really rely on that to keep you safe? I called around to local hardware stores and couldn't confirm any with orange hand flags in stock, but Marshalls Industrial Hardware on the west side sells orange yard flags with a 21-inch stake for 18 cents a pop. You could buy them in bulk and attach them to anything that might reasonably have to cross State Street: your bike; your scooter; your backpack; your friends; your pets; your children; your grandmother. The potential need is truly endless.
Find it at Marshalls Industrial Hardware, 2210 W. California Ave., SLC, 801-978-0555, marshallshdw.com

• Benjamin Wood
• Be prepared for summer fun with a straw hat from Fisher Brewing.

Straw Hat from Fisher Brewing
Maybe winter's not your jam? No judgment. For the Salt Laker anxiously awaiting spring, stoke the flames of their excitement with Fisher Brewing's straw hat ($38). Come summertime, when the temperatures climb and the inverted smog layer gives way to a mist of arsenic dust, you'll be ready to rock and keepin' it cool with your personal shade-maker, a cozy piece of headwear that sure pairs well with a pint. Cheers!
Find it at Fisher Brewing Co., 320 W. 800 South, SLC, 801-487-2337, fisherbeer.com

• Allanah Beazley
• Utah’s local brewers have plenty of party-ready flavors to try at your next holiday get-together.

Raise a Glass
Local brews to keep things merry and bright.
By Erin Moore

No need to worry about bringing the perfect party beer to your festive events—we've got you covered. Read below to find out about some of the great local brews fit for drinking this holiday season, for which occasions and to get a heads up on what message you'll likely be sending to your loved ones while imbibing.

Gingerbread Big Bad Baptist by Epic Brewing
Dessert beers modeled after actual desserts can be a bit much, but this cookie-spiced beer couldn't be more balanced and palatable. And you'll likely agree, this Big Bad Baptist tastes like "the reason for the season."

When you're drinking it: On Christmas Eve, decorating an actual gingerbread house or the tree, or cutting up paper snowflakes. Maybe to warm up with after sledding, or to cuddle up with while watching Elf.

What you're saying to your family: A sincere and totally unironic "be of good cheer.'" Wholesome vibes only here.
Epic Brewing Co., 825 S. State, SLC, 801-906-0123,
epicbrewing.com

Orange Stick Big Bad Baptist by Epic Brewing
Pass off a big old drink as merely a festive little drink with the Orange Stick-flavored Big Bad Baptist. Epic's high and heavy limited line comes across like a dry, bitter cacao treat here, and is "moreish" just like a bar of dark chocolate.

When to drink it: Crack this open for Christmas brunch—to share. And if you're not on the dark-beer-for-brunch train, get on it.

What you're saying: After a taste of this 12.3% brew, you're going to be feeling the spirit and might start chatting about your favorite holiday things, like actual Orange Sticks and haunting stories like The Little Matchstick Girl (in which orphans get one single orange to share for Christmas), which might lead you to wondering out loud if you shouldn't track down a Victorian orphanage to go do some charity for—like, right now.
Epic Brewing Co., 825 S. State, SLC, 801-906-0123,
epicbrewing.com

Pomegranate Berliner Weisse by T.F. Brewing
Bright, fruity—but complex, craft lovers will adore this sour, and wine fans will appreciate it because it gives off a crisp vibe not unlike some prosecco.

When to drink it: Peppy, pink-ish and festive, it's perfect for a pre-dinner event on Christmas Eve when people are first gathering and need to loosen up their lips.

What you're saying: With that first-drink glow, it says how much you love and appreciate the people sipping alongside you—your night has just started, and all your friends are here.
T.F. Brewing, 936 S. 300 West, SLC, 385-270-5972,
tfbrewing.com

Imperial Mole Porter by Bewilder Brewing
A richer take on Bewilder's Mole Porter, this version is aged in tequila and mezcal barrels, richly spiced with traditional mole spices, including chipotle, cinnamon, cacao, vanilla and mulato and pasilla negro peppers. And in about the same amount of time it takes you to read that label, you'll find each flavor blooming onto your palate.

When to drink it: As quickly as the cinnamon starts to tickle your sinuses, you'll be wanting to put on some party music and turn a gentle holiday gathering into a real banger.

What you're saying: "Mole was made to be brewed into a beer."
Bewilder Brewing, 445 S. 400 West, SLC, 385-528-3840,
bewilderbrewing.com

Triple Brett Oak Aged Dark Lager by T.F. Brewing
Aged on Montmorency cherries, this delightful lager carries a slightly musty fruitiness that's somewhere between cider and orange natural wine, thanks to the spike of tart cherry essence. It's just begging to be paired with a charcuterie board at your New Year's Eve party. This fantastic limited release really is the star of the show—or rather, the Christmas tree.

When to drink it: When you need to pop a cork off something at the strike of midnight!

What you're saying: If this does end up being your cork-popper for the evening, you might be past the point of saying anything clever. So raise your glass and say something silly and joyful, like "here ye' beer ye!'"
T.F. Brewing, 936 S. 300 West, SLC, 385-270-5972,
tfbrewing.com

• Matt Pacenza
• Find your favorite team’s colors at Castro Sports in the Valley Fair Mall.

Holiday Hoops
Celebrate the success of local teams or cheer on your World Cup favorites.
By Matt Pacenza

Terrific gifts abound for the sports fans on your list. A great experience is always a great present, so let's start with tickets for a pair of surprising Utah teams.

Utah Jazz Tickets
Last summer, after several years of disappointing playoff losses, the Jazz unloaded quicker than a poorly paid, double-parked Amazon truck driver. New team boss Danny Ainge traded star center Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves and dynamic shooting guard Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Jazz fans lamented the losses, but in return, the hometown team received seven first-round draft picks, plus a collection of role players who might, just maybe, be useful now if you were feeling optimistic.

Well, kids, optimism was warranted! Most professional prognosticators picked the Jazz to have one of the worst records in the NBA this year. Wrong! The new-look Jazz roared out to a 10-3 record to start the season. The team has come back to Earth lately—14-12 at press time—but remains an explosive, high-scoring squad, led by new coach Will Hardy and Finnish big man Lauri Markkanen (aka Lauri Bird.)

Catch a Jazz game! However, you might want to skip the merch. The Jazz underwent a "rebranding" this season and the resulting yellow, black, white and purple jerseys are unspeakably bad. Garish colors, huge letters, unimaginative design. Come on, Jazz. You clearly can pick a coach and a lineup—now, let's pick a graphic designer.

Utah Jazz, Vivint Arena, 301 S. Temple,
utahjazz.com

UofU Women's Basketball Tickets
Last year, the Utes made their first ever Pac-12 championship game and landed their first berth in the NCAA tournament in 11 years. This year, the Utes are even better.

The team has blasted out to a 7-0 start, beating a trio of major conference teams, including a 46-point whipping of the Oklahoma Sooners at home. The young women Utes are currently ranked 15th in the nation, and will soon begin competition in the always-strong Pac-12, which currently has five teams ranked in the top-25 nationally.

The Utes play in the University of Utah's Jon M. Huntsman Center, a gem of a building, with great seats available for modest prices. ($10 a game for adults; $5 for teens and seniors.)

Utah Utes, Jon M. Huntsman Center, 1825 S. Campus Drive, SLC,
utahtickets.com

International Soccer Jerseys
It's time to sing the praises of Utah's least-appreciated shopping destination, the Valley Fair Mall. If you haven't been to this old-school shopping center in West Valley City, you're missing out.

It attracts the most diverse crowds you'll find anywhere in Utah, and has more locally owned shops than chains. You can get your quinceañera dress, visit a tailor, go to the movies and pick up affordable gifts for the sporty folks in your life, with several shops selling sneakers, caps and jerseys.

For futbol merch, you have to check out Castro Sports, a locally owned shop in Utah for the last 14 years, which has made its home in the Valley Fair Mall for the last seven. The shop is owned by the Castro family—father and son—whose offerings include jerseys for the international teams currently competing in the World Cup, teams like Brazil, Mexico and the USA, as well as famed European squads like Barcelona and Arsenal, Major League Soccer clubs like Real Salt Lake and popular Mexican teams like Club América.

You'll find all of that here, and much more, for prices that are shockingly reasonable, with many jerseys available for less than $30. The senior Castro, who declined to give his first name, told City Weekly, "We try to maintain fair prices." Go visit them.

Castro Sports, 3601 S. 2700 West, West Valley City, 801-966-9010

• Courtesy Photo
• Salt Lake Film Society’s Broadway Centre Cinema is Utah’s home for independent film.

This Christmas, I Gave You My Art
Give the gift of creativity to find holiday peace.
By Scott Renshaw

There are many different ways to address tensions between family members over the holidays, but do you know what one of the most effective can be? Sharing an experience together—and it helps when that experience is shared in silence.

That's where the gift of the arts comes in. Whether sitting in a theater together, finding a book that keeps someone engrossed or heading to an exhibit, you can support the creative community of Utah while also supporting your own emotional health. Here are a few pointers in the right direction.

Movies: The pandemic broke the "going out to the movies" habit for a lot of people, but two hours of silence in the dark has both aesthetic and pragmatic value. Salt Lake Film Society (slfs.org) offers multiple tiered options for annual membership to their Red Carpet Club, including $60 for multiple admission and concessions discounts, $600 for several free admissions and guest discounts, and $1,500 that includes complimentary admission for two to any regular screening plus VIP events. If your gift recipient's cinematic tastes run to the more multiplex conventional, Megaplex Theaters (megaplextheatres.com) offers gift cards for purchase in any amount for use at its multiple Utah locations whenever that perfect new release turns up.

Live Performance: The live theater scene in Utah is extraordinary—and so extraordinarily varied that it's almost impossible not to find something that folks can enjoy together regardless of their other differences. Pioneer Theatre Co. (pioneertheatre.org) is among those that offer gift certificates in any amount, good for five years from the date of purchase (subject to seating availability). If you already know that something on this season's calendar looks appealing—like maybe A Christmas Story: The Musical or the Stephen Sondheim revue Putting It Together—you can buy tickets now from $46 - $72 per seat. Hale Centre Theatre (hct.org) also offers gift certificates for performances at its Sandy-based theater, and the offerings include family-friendly favorites like Newsies, Elf: The Musical and the annual holiday production of A Christmas Carol.

For other companies offering tickets for upcoming productions, try Salt Lake Acting Co.(saltlakeactingcompany.org), Plan-B Theatre Co. (planbtheatre.org) and Pygmalion Productions (pygmalionproductions.org).

And for an even wider range of options, ArtTix (arttix.org)—the ticket-selling arm for Salt Lake County facilities including the Eccles Theater, Rose Wagner Center and Capitol Theatre—also offers gift certificates in any amount, which can then be used for options like dance, Utah Symphony, touring Broadway productions and music headliners.

If you really want to lighten the mood, give the gift of comedy. Wiseguys Comedy Club (wiseguyscomedy.com) offers gift certificates in $25 increments, good for tickets to their roster of great touring headliner comedians, plus food and drink while enjoying the show.

Literary: Never underestimate the power of a great book to provide serenity, whether for yourself or for others. The King's English Bookshop (kingsenglish.com) remains one of the great locally owned booksellers, and a great place to place an order if you already know what that person on your list is looking for. If you prefer to keep things more open-ended, you can get a gift card for a value from $10 - $200, which never expire or lose value. Weller Book Works (wellerbookworks.com) is a similarly fine location to order the books you have in mind; for gift purposes, you can order an online code to make a purchase through their website. If you know someone who might like to be surprised, and you want to make an even more concerted effort to support the local arts community, check out the League of Utah Writers (leagueofutahwriters.com) to find out about Utah-based writers and shop from their online store.

Experiences: Many of Utah's museums, galleries and arts organizations offer unique ways to share an experience, with plenty of options for time commitment and personal tastes. The Leonardo (theleonardo.org) offers several variations on its "Art Through Experience" immersive shows, on topics ranging from Van Gogh, to the Italian Renaissance, to the Impressionists; tickets are $17 - $30 per person for the hour-long shows that teach about the works of legendary artists while surrounding you with their images. Utah Arts Alliance's Dreamscapes (utaharts.org/en/dreamscapes) also provides an immersive arts experience at their Sandy location, including imaginative physical and digital creations; tickets are $14.99 - $19.99 per person. The Utah Museum of Natural History (umnh.utah.edu) presents permanent exhibits with remarkable history about the peoples, animals and environments of this state throughout its existence, plus fascinating short-term exhibits like the current Angkor: Empire of Cambodia; all are included in admission ranging from $14.95 - $19.95.

Here's to finding joy and comfort in the beauty, insight and laughter that comes from art. And to finding unexpected connections when you share that beauty, insight and laughter with others.

• Erin Moore
• Ease the culture shock of traveling for the holidays by bringing along your favorite foods, games and distractions.

Home for the Holidays
Traveling this season? Don't skimp on self-care.
By Erin Moore

Going home for the holidays can be stressful—not just because you're removing yourself from your everyday routines but because you're inserting yourself somewhere ... different.

If you're traveling this holiday, one thing to bring alongside the gifts you're packing for others is the means to care for yourself. Drawing from my own experience visiting a boring, small town for the holidays, I've got some tips on how to cope by taking the comforts of home along for the ride.

Bring Your Personal Flavor
Relying on food prepared by others for several days at a time can be a challenge. Maybe your grandma is trying to feed you dubious leftovers, or your mom keeps forgetting that vegetarians don't do chicken broth. Whatever it is, being your own person means you have your own habits and preferences, your own ways of doing things.

So bring your favorite snacks to give your stomach a sense of something familiar or volunteer to bring ingredients for a dish you know you'll at least love at the holiday dinner, and make enough so you have some leftovers to sneak from the fridge later. When yours truly goes home, I bring the kitchen sink of ingredients—nice bread for snacking and breakfast toast, a reliable case of craft beers to keep me out of my parents' stash, even my own garlic and my own knife. It just feels good to have your stuff, your flavors.

Find Your People
We're all guilty of typecasting one another—it's human nature to reduce each other to stereotypes. It's especially easy to do with far-flung family members, such as your redneck uncle, your fitness freak SOL, your climber-bro cousin ... the list goes on.

But pause for a moment—they've got those ideas about you, too. So, surprise them. Dodge the "how's work, family, dating, life?" questions and cut right to the cool stuff. At my family reunion, I revealed that I had a new interest in foraging mushrooms, and it turned out my cousin who wears cowboy boots and has three kids has sparked the same interest in wild foraging. Instead of suffering through pleasantries, we talked about herbs and medicinal fungi.

Treat your family like strangers worth getting to know even if it feels like you know everything about them.

Get Outside
Whether you're visiting your childhood home or your family has moved somewhere new while you've been off doing your own thing, if you're in someone else's home for the holiday, treat it like a trip and be a tourist there. Even if it just means walking the neighborhood and exploring a park, treating even your hometown like a new place can help shake off stress.

Are there hikes in the area you've meant to do but never got around to? If your family lives in Utah, chances are there's some hidden wonder within a 20-minute drive. When I'm at my childhood home, I always make a point to visit the hot springs that are currently super Instagram famous—and just minutes from my parents' place.

Make Light of It
If you're starting to really get bored or antsy, start a secret little drinking game out of family cliches with a cool sibling, cousin or a partner who knows your fam well enough. Every time someone complains about the thermostat's temperature, take a swig. Your mom hollering for your dad to come fix something? Drink. A piece of local gossip is brought up? Big drink. Or, bring your family in on the fun and ditch the drinking.

Hallmark holiday movies are perpetually on my mom's TV over the holidays so, this year, I'm bringing down some homemade Hallmark trope-themed bingo cards and inviting everyone to play while we watch one (or three). This could be used for any number of traditional holiday movies or shows, and it's much more engaging than just sitting and watching TV.