"Wow, it must be fun to get paid to shop!"
That's a sentiment I hear probably once a day during the weeks I'm out and about doing Gift Guide. And it's true. Despite the somewhat-icky feeling of telling people that I've come to their stores in September to write about the holidays, doing the Gift Guide is just plain fun.
Maybe it's because I've always loved presents. As a child, I also spent many months thinking and planning for Christmas. Back then, though, it was planning for my own gifts that consumed me, and I'd spend the purgatory-like months between my February birthday and Christmas poring over catalogues, dog-earing pages and greedily circling products.
Today, I know the adage of "it's better to give than to receive" is cheesy but true, and that there's plenty of gleeful fun in finding that so perfect thing for your co-worker, significant other or parent. Doing the Gift Guide for five years means that my Christmas shopping is done by November, because there's no way not to spend money when visiting our amazing local shops. The only downside is that there are still five weeks till Christmas, but I want to see the looks of delight and excitement on my friends' and family members' faces now.
Of course, it's not all about me. This year, the Gift Guide has ideas from other City Weekly staffers, who've recommended books and albums that would be great under the tree.
The purpose of Gift Guide is twofold. By focusing solely on locally owned shops, we hope to alert you to the delightful and out-of-the-ordinary products that you can't find in a shiny mall or megastore, but can acquire when shopping local, supporting the people and places that make Salt Lake City special. And we also hope to ignite that same gift-giving excitement in you, as you flip through the pages of this guide and discover items that are just right for the people in your life—OK, and yourself, too.
Happy shopping!
—Rachel Piper, editor
Help a friend conquer his fear of snakes (why'd it have to be snakes?) with this creepy bracelet, made from cobra vertebrae and stained with coffee or tea. We can't promise that the wearer of this bracelet becomes ruler over all snakes, but you never know.
Natur, 94 W. 7720 South, Salt Lake City, 801-232-4311, NaturShowroom.com
Comic fans can put themselves in the story with this pocket-size notebook, which comes pre-paneled and provides word-bubble stencils for all the BIFFs, BAMs and KA-POWs anyone could ever need.
Night Flight Comics, 6222 S. State, Salt Lake City, 801-263-1940, Night-Flight.com
It's a fox! It's a deer! It's a ... well, whatever adorable animal face she decides it is, this woodland creature provides plenty of space for essentials like wallet, phone and e-reader, plus a long strap that'll keep the adorable companion close by her side.
Retro Betty, 2821 S. 2300 East, Salt Lake City, 801-467-2222, Facebook.com/RetroBettySLC
Help her imbue her nightly journaling with a sense of nostalgia—or conceal her world-domination checklist in an unexpected place. These hardcover blank books—made by local company Red Barn Collections from the covers of used mysteries, quirky manuals and more—are spiral-bound so they lay flat, and contain a few pages of the original illustrations and text among the fresh paper.
Unhinged, 2165 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-467-6588; 16 W. Center St., Provo, 385-312-1268, UnhingedSLC.com
Nothing takes the buzz out of a night of cocktails at a friend's house like the mixologist realizing she's misplaced her muddler—again. Ensure that the hand-crafted drinks will never end with a gift of the Bar10der, the Swiss Army knife of bartending. The hefty stainless-steel tool contains muddler, knives, reamer, jigger, zester, stirrer, strainer, corkscrew and bottle opener. And they're all full-size and sturdy, so she'll be able to tote the Bar10der along to the tailgate and campground without fear.
The Napsack, $130
You know that kind of camper: After that all-day hike, he gets dinner started and goes for a quick 10-mile run, then, while everyone else drinks beer around the fire, does 100 incline pushups on the cooler. Well, if your significant other is not this guy, then the Napsack is for him. A rugged compromise between a Snuggie, a parka and footie pajamas, the Napsack provides full-body warmth while allowing basic movements, and cinches closed at the bottom so that he can transition seamlessly from sitting by the fire to sleeping by the fire.
The Stockist, 875 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City, 801-532-3458, TheStockistByFresh.com
The grown-up version of a hall pass, a bath bomb is basically a gift of time—even a 20-minute soak will do wonders for the body and soul, whether she's sloughing off negative energy with the black tourmaline Let It Go bomb or getting soft and sweet with Hibiscus Passion.
Cosset Bath & Body, 602 E. 500 South, Trolley Square, Salt Lake City, 801-923-4626, Facebook.com/CossetBathAndBody
Nothing goes better with Game of Thrones than many swigs of ale—just ask the constantly imbibing characters. And he needs a pint glass or stein by his side as he drinks away the months until HBO's series returns—and then, when it does, as he attempts to dull the pain of the latest on-screen death.
Night Flight Comics, 6222 S. State, Salt Lake City, 801-263-1940, Night-Flight.com
Whether she loves the classics or hates 'em, she'll never look at them the same way again after the Mad Libs word-substitution game has had its way with famous passages from The Odyssey, Moby-Dick and others. Even Elizabeth Bennet couldn't have taken the stuffing out of Mr. Darcy's first proposal the way random nouns and verbs can: "In vain I have licked. It will not do. My zoos will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how weakly I admire and chop you."
The Library Store, Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E. 400 South, Salt Lake City, 801-524-8238, SLCPL.org
Want to make an impression on a hard-to-please lady? Tell her you found this mysterious skull of a tiny buffalo on a recent camping trip in the desert, and instead of calling National Geographic, you strung it on a brass chain and gave it to her. Local tattoo artist Taylor Millet sculpts these skulls by hand and then carves intricate details with a needle, so she might believe you.
HoodLamb Tech 4-20 Coat, $215
He'll be able to overcome even the grayest, gloomiest Utah winter day in this hemp and cotton-twill coat, which features a neck guard, detachable fake-fur-lined hood and "fur"-lined hand-warmer pockets. And if a case of mistaken identity leads him to become embroiled in foiling an international kidnapping/terrorist plot, there's a hidden document pocket inside the coat, plus several other secret pockets—even one in the hood. Headphone loops, quick-draw phone pockets and a rolling-paper dispenser will keep him thinking positive even while trudging (or fleeing) through downtown's slushy streets.
SLC Hemp, 1117 E. 2100 South, Salt Lake City, 385-229-4197, SLCHemp.com
Wine drinkers know that half the fun of drinking wine is picking out new varieties based on their labels. Local artist Liz Weller creates beautiful flattened bottles that can be used as serving trays, spoon rests and more—providing an opportunity for wine enthusiasts to break out a bottle any time of day without causing concern among family and friends.
One World Gifts & Gallery, 2166 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-203-0568, OneWorldGiftsAndGallery.com
Nothing says "I admire the majesty of this rare creature" like mounting its severed head on the wall. And now even those who can't afford a safari to Africa can smugly adorn their walls with startlingly realistic big-game prizes that'll be the awe and envy of friends and family.
Evergreen Framing Co. & Gallery Inc., 3295 S. 2000 East, Salt Lake City, 801-467-8770, EvergreenGallery.com
One never really grows out of a love of glitter, but it's hard to find glittery apparel in adult sizes—and probably even harder to truly pull off. All is not lost: The earrings and pendants made by local artist Elizabeth Q (ElizabethQDesigns.Etsy.com) will add just the right amount of sparkle to any outfit, without blinding passersby.
Q Clothing, 215 E. 300 South, Salt Lake City, 801-474-2000, Facebook.com/QClothing
The James Bond of the future will sit down at the bar wearing a leather unitard instead of a suit, then request that his martini be vaporized, not shaken or stirred. Well, the future is here: Inside the Vaportini, liquor evaporates and fills the glass globe with vapors that are then inhaled for an immediate intoxicating effect, without the calories or the burn of bad booze.
The Boozeteaque at E3 Modern, 315 E. 300 South, Salt Lake City, 801-363-3939
Artist and stationer Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Company illustrated gorgeous covers and endpapers for the classics in the Puffin in Bloom series, giving literary heroines Heidi, Anne, Sara Crewe and the March sisters a fresh new look that'll be irresistible to women who grew up with them, and to those meeting them for the first time.
The Children's Hour, 898 S. 900 East, Salt Lake City, 801-359-4150, ChildrensHourBookstore.com
He hasn't yet attained the corner window office, but you can give him the outside world anyway, with an intricate terrarium built by local artist Jodi Mardesich. Her creations run the gamut from simple self-contained gardens to tiny mini-worlds filled with curious details that'll allow him to feel like an all-seeing overlord—even if his desk is in the company supply closet.
Career Woman Accessories, $21-$24
It's impossible for her to decline when asked to take on a new task, and her fast-walking, fast-talking ways somehow aren't enough for people to get the picture that she's got places to go and people to see. Well, even though she can't tell people no, you can provide her with accessories that say it loud and clear.
Got Beauty, 900 E. 2100 South, Salt Lake City, 801-474-2090, GotBeauty.com
Forget the twist-off method—the milk-dunk is, hands-down, the best way to eat an Oreo. And it's a crying shame to waste any morsel with an overlong dunk that sends half the sandwich cookie to the bottom of the glass to turn into mush, but that's near-impossible to avoid—till now. The Dipr cradles an Oreo by its filling, achieving the perfect milky softness sans sticky fingers or fumbled cookies. Give one to your favorite dunker, but don't be surprised if he fills up on Oreos and ruins his appetite before Christmas dinner.
Bloomingsales, 1358 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-583-9117, ShopBloomingsales.com
This appropriately named blanket, made from Australian wool, looks like something that rich college friend of yours would keep in his family's lake house. Well, even not-so-rich friends deserve a big (60 inches by 90 inches) all-purpose blanket that's thick and rugged enough to keep in the trunk of the car for impromptu picnics, and pretty enough to come inside and be on the furniture.
Bohem, 623 S. State, Salt Lake City, 385-202-7517, Bohem.co
The staring eye in this arresting copper ring by local House of Tenebris looks as though it was freshly plucked from a terrified, unworthy supplicant, and its wearer is sure to command respect tinged with more than a little fear. The eye is apparently fake—the kind used by taxidermists for bobcats and other ferocious creatures—but her office minions don't need to know that.
Tempest Couture, 1305 S. 900 East, Salt Lake City, 801-486-1188, Facebook.com/TempestCouture
As utilitarian as it is pretty, this essential tool is both a corkscrew and a bottle opener that looks like it belongs on the desk of an English country gentleman.
Chalk Garden Co-Op, 74 S. Main, Salt Lake City, 801-364-4032, ChalkGardenCo-Op.com
Heading out into the world with a low phone battery is like heading into battle with a broken sword. At some point, the phone screen turns black and vacant, leaving you defenseless, forced to make dull conversation or stare out a window, alone with your thoughts. It's time to protect your loved ones from such a fate. With room for cash and other necessities, this stylish clutch also conceals a powerful battery capable of fully
Evergreen Framing Co. & Gallery Inc., 3295 S. 2000 East, Salt Lake City, 801-467-8770, EvergreenGallery.com
Rainbow Maker, $32
Know a dreamer who's been searching for the rainbow connection? Well, it turns out the rainbows have been there all along. When suctioned to a window that receives full sunlight, this solar-powered spinning crystal splashes the room with color and magic.
The Leonardo, 209 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City, 801-531-9800, TheLeonardo.org
Patterned socks often force one to sacrifice comfort and stretch for style, leaving calves indented and itchy. Portland, Ore.-based Sock It To Me makes its socks extra-stretchy, though, so women and men of all sizes
Retro Betty, 2821 S. 2300 East, Salt Lake City, 801-467-2222, Facebook.com/RetroBettySLC
Dog Ornaments, $24
The most unexpected folks have major soft spots in their hearts for their slobbering four-legged companions. Even the most stoic of men won't be able to resist a smile when he spies a glass ornament on the tree that pays tribute to his beloved breed of dog, dressed in a dapper hat or winter scarf.
Tabula Rasa, Trolley Square, 602 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City, 801-575-5043, TabulaRasaStationers.com
At once quirkier and more educational than the Fight Club and The Fast & the Furious posters sold to every freshman who wanders through the student union, these vintage posters, found in government and education buildings in India, will set his dorm room apart from the rest.
CG Sparks, 454 S. 500 West, Salt Lake City, 801-519-6900, CGSparks.com
What do you call someone who still rollerblades on the weekend? Someone who knows how to live. But it can get even better: The Fydelity "stereobag" fanny pack not only allows for hands-free, worry-free transport of essential items, but also connects to phones or MP3 players to pump those great rollerblading
Blue Boutique, multiple locations, BlueBoutique.com
Knife Earrings, $12
A weapon disguised as an accessory, these tiny pocketknives really snap open and shut for quick-action style changes or street fights.
Natur, 94 W. 7720 South, Salt Lake City, 801-232-4311, NaturShowroom.com
Inspired by vintage advertising graphics, this Portland, Ore., husband & wife duo create flashy flasks for every taste under the sun and everyone on your holiday gift list: cowboys, roller-derby girls, disenfranchised 20-somethings, unicorn lovers, even heavy drinkers who need a different flask for each liquor.
Cahoots, 878 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City, 801-538-0606
Gurgle Pot, $5.99-$39.99
The sophisticated lines of these fish pitchers belie their dinnertime antics. When used to pour, the pot makes a loud, goofy gurgling sound that'll break the ice on even the stiffest table.
Evergreen Framing Co. & Gallery Inc., 3295 S. 2000 East, Salt Lake City, 801-467-8770, EvergreenGallery.com
Originally exchanged between sweethearts during World War II, these tiny art deco picture frames can provide a colorful way to display the multitude of nephews' and nieces' school pictures—or a not-too-narcissistic way of giving your own photo to a loved one with a special message.
CG Sparks, 454 S. 500 West, Salt Lake City, 801-519-6900, CGSparks.com
Cabin Fever, Trolley Square, 602 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City, 801-363-0828, CabinFeverCards.com
Crazy Crewnecks, $59
These print-on-demand sweaters (and tanks, and adult onesies, and blankets, and socks ...) are made by a Utah company, but have made it around the world thanks to the adoration of celebrities like Katy Perry. There's a Beloved crewneck sweater for everyone on your Christmas list—from Cousin Tanya, who'll rock a Nicolas Cage-inspired crewneck with an ironic smile, to Uncle Dale, who'll be tickled pink to express his earnest love of space llamas.
BelovedShirts.com
Hanna Utah calcite—also known simply as orange onyx or honeycomb onyx—is found only in the Uinta mountains and, according to legend, has the power to soothe the mind. Well, there's no doubt that the bright, translucent stone—which looks like it's made out of orange segments—has the power to beautify the home or office in the form of carved wine holders, candle covers and canisters. Quarry Orphans—left-behind pieces of the onyx—provide companionship and good luck, and come complete with names and genders, like more grown-up versions of Cabbage Patch Kids.
One World Gifts & Gallery, 2166 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-203-0568, OneWorldGiftsAndGallery.com
No one collects coffee pots, but teapots' design and form have transcended their function—which is why tea lovers often end up with more teapots than they can possibly use. Well, since these teapots aren't designed for use, there's no reason not to add one to the shelf of a tea lover.
TeaZaanti, 1324 S. 1100 East, Salt Lake City, 801-906-8132, TeaZaanti.com
He's gotten by since high school with the same scruffy backpack, but now that he's got a real job, shoving laptop and papers willy-nilly into his bag isn't going to cut it. This one-of-a-kind leather bag, dyed by hand in Salt Lake City, will instantly bump him up a few notches on the office totem pole—both for his new city-slicker style and his mad organization skills, made possible by the bag's inner wool-felt pockets.
Fullgive.Etsy.com
With their sturdy leather construction and crochet lace trim, these Victorian-style ankle boots are up for any situation, from running errands to the center of London to pairing with a vintage dress for a beautifully bohemian afternoon of lounging in the garden.
Matryoshka Pepper Grinder, $29.95
According to statistics, 99 percent of engaged couples put a pricy stainless-steel pepper grinder on their wedding registry, and 99 percent of those couples don't know why they need someone to buy one for them, nor can they justify why everything on their registry is stainless steel. So, if you're going to drop dough on a pepper grinder, it might as well be one that's fun to look at.
Cahoots, 878 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City, 801-538-0606
Book lovers have it rough: epic series with no resolution in sight, not enough time to read all the books they want, and far from enough space to store all of their beloved tomes. You can help a friend with that last problem, at least. Umbra's Conceal shelf is an ingenious way to manage many books—up to 20 pounds per shelf—and adds a touch of mystery to the wall, as the books look as though they're floating in the air thanks to a tricky clip that makes one of the stacked books its base.
Two Dancing Cats, 1790 S. 1100 East, Salt Lake City, 801-485-0554
The Man Barber in Provo gets rave reviews for its classic haircuts and straight-razor shaves. Every service comes with a splash of The Man Barber's signature aftershave, which well-coiffured gents can now also get at home, packaged in a corked bottle that'll add beauty and class to the morning routine.
Unhinged, 2165 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-467-6588; 16 W. Center St., Provo, 385-312-1268, UnhingedSLC.com
That "Keep Calm and Eat a Cupcake" and "Wish It, Dream It, Do It" stuff is just not going to cut it: She's stuck in a job with horrible co-workers, and her family situation is straight out of Arrested Development. Short of taking out a hit, the only way to help the situation is to let her know that you understand and remind her that she's not the problem with this cheery wooden sign bearing the motto "It's not you, it's them."
Hip & Humble, multiple locations, HipAndHumble.com
Sherlock Holmes knew he couldn't rely just on his lightning-quick mind to solve crimes and fight scoundrels. He also employed a self-defense method that was all the rage in Victorian England, and those tricks have been preserved through time so that the amateur sleuth in your life can learn to overcome assailants with the aid of their coat, cane, umbrella or even bicycle.
Knitty Kitty Winter Underwear, $26.99
Though they're probably not the kind of thing Grandma would churn out with her needles, knitted panties do exist. Made with super-soft yarn, they might help your always-chilly significant other stay warm—but the fun patterns will make her look so cozy-sexy that you'll be tempted to blast the heat so that she'll strip down to her skivvies.
Blue Boutique, multiple locations, BlueBoutique.com
Know someone who can't sleep after they see a spider or fly out of the corner of their eye? Give them peace of mind with this salt gun, which kills bugs of all kinds without damaging windows or walls. The salt won't splat the bug, so there's no gory mess—just glory.
Planet Fun, Clark Planetarium, 110 S. 400 West, Salt Lake City, 801-456-7827, ClarkPlanetarium.org
The perfect accessory for a summertime pickup game (short shorts required) or a winter indoors playing NBA Jam, these socks honor NBA greats like Hakeem Olajuwon, Larry Bird, Shaq and, of course, Stockton and Malone (who come as a pair, natch).
FICE Gallery, 160 E. 200 South, Salt Lake City, 801-364-4722, FICEGallery.com
Your friend paid a pretty penny for top-shelf bourbon—then mixed it with a store-brand mixer, defeating the whole purpose. Open the door to a bright new world of cocktails and fancy virgin drinks with a pretty bottle of Sugar House Libations syrup, infused with high-quality ingredients like local fruit and herbs—no high-fructose corn syrup here. Each bottle comes with a booklet of recipes, so he can create taste-bud-tickling masterpieces with that pear-ginger or strawberry-thyme syrup in time for Christmas cocktail hour.
Mod a-go-go, 242 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, 801-355-3334, Modagogo.com
Now she can feel like she's on her honorary stool at her favorite Utah bar even when she's at home in front of the TV. Upholstered with a colorful collage of photographs by local artist Stephanie Swift—aka Pretty Little Pixel—the chair pays homage to bars and music venues of the past and present like DV8, Port O' Call, Zephyr Club and Bongo. A matching TV tray featuring the Cotton Bottom's sign is also available—garlic burger not included.
Evergreen Framing Co. & Gallery Inc., 3295 S. 2000 East, Salt Lake City, 801-467-8770, EvergreenGallery.com
These unicorns and cats certainly have impressive mystical powers—harness them to save a coffee table from water stains, or from the boringness of blah, colorless coasters.
Iconoclad, 414 E. 300 South, Salt Lake City, 801-833-2272, Facebook.com/Iconoclad
You had to sell the private jet and the beach villa, but when work stress gets him down, he can still enjoy some of the relaxing benefits of your past South American vacations with a few pounds of mesmerizing kinetic sand. Made from 98 percent real sand plus a secret binding ingredient, kinetic sand doesn't spread, clumps together, isn't sticky and can be used to create mess-free desktop sandcastles.
The Gilded Branch, 2327 E. 3300 South, Salt Lake City, 801-759-4160
Yeah, she likes to go out and party without a big bag weighing her down—but her inner organizational freak can't stand dealing with the clutch-created mess of crumpled bills and loose credit cards and I.D. These leather wallets, available in a rainbow of vibrant colors, keep cards and cash secure and snug and are slim enough to fit into skinny jeans or the tiniest of clutches. The only mess will be from the broken hearts she leaves on the dance floor.
Fullgive.Etsy.com
He sunk all his money into fancy camera gear in 2010—trouble is, so did everyone else, and that engagement-session work doesn't pay the bills like he thought it would. At least this travel mug that looks like a fancy camera lens will help him save face until the day he can again afford to buy fair-trade coffeehouse coffee.
Owl Stack Mugs, $29.95
You'll truly fulfill the definition of a housewarming gift when you show up to a holiday party with this set of four bright owl mugs. They're ready to do double duty as vessels for soul-warming beverages and as a whimsical piece of kitchen décor, as they form a full image when stacked.
Hip & Humble, multiple locations, HipAndHumble.com
It's the next-best thing to having an actual human skull in the house! Hamlet wannabes will appreciate the largest skull, carved from a solid block of wood and fitted with teeth carved from domestic water-buffalo bone. And smaller skulls (the smallest is carved from a deer antler) still provide plenty of delight for fans of the macabre.
Natur, 94 W. 7720 South, Salt Lake City, 801-232-4311, NaturShowroom.com
You've taken the plunge and moved in together. Everything is going great! It's made you closer! No complaints! Except ... her baffling inability to close lids. You can barely stand to look at your formerly pristine sink now that it's constantly covered with a mysterious goo formed of an unholy combo of lotion, toothpaste and ... hair stuff? Before you throw her and her legions of oozing tubes to the curb, diplomatically gift her this handy little bathtub, which she'll see as a cute accessory and you'll appreciate as the savior of your sink—and your last nerve.
Tabula Rasa, Trolley Square, 602 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City, 801-575-5043, TabulaRasaStationers.com
A person who still handwrites letters in this day and age is a person who knows the value of a personal touch. And whether he's writing a note to thank the dentist for his latest cleaning or a coded message to be hand-delivered to a secret lover, it doesn't get more personal than closing the letter with a wax seal in his signature color and mark.
The Library Store, Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E. 400 South, Salt Lake City, 801-524-8238, SLCPL.org
Devotees of the to-do list know the deep pleasure of checking off a list of tasks one by one. Heighten that sense of satisfaction by personalizing a pad of high-quality paper with the name or initials of your favorite anal-retentive list-maker, printed in a beautiful font and color.
The Write Image, 2205 E. 2100 South, Salt Lake City, 801-485-1909, Twio.com
Your pal got you and your friends addicted to craft cocktails, but it's tough to scrape up the cash to hit the newest neighborhood speakeasy every night. Replicate that experience even in a friend's dank basement apartment by dimming the lights and getting him a few quirky old-fashioned glasses featuring dapper gentlemen bears, cats or humans, made in Los Angeles by Spitfire Girl.
Unhinged, 2165 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-467-6588; 16 W. Center St., Provo, 385-312-1268, UnhingedSLC.com
It might not be the most mature thing to be afraid of the dark, but there's nothing wrong with an adult being afraid of tripping over something in the dar—what was that noise?! Ahem. Anyway, these nightlights cast a sophisticated glow that'll light one's way safely to the bathroom without stubbed toes, or allow for a safe drift into dreamland.
Evergreen Framing Co. & Gallery Inc., 3295 S. 2000 East, Salt Lake City, 801-467-8770, EvergreenGallery.com
You can't shake a stick these days without hitting a cat accessory or cat meme—and someone who rolls her eyes at "lame cat people." Remind folks that cats aren't just cartoonish fluffballs beloved by Internet commenters with this gorgeous coffee-table book, featuring photographs of Hollywood stars alongside their no-less-glamorous feline companions and co-stars.
Tabula Rasa, Trolley Square, 602 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City, 801-575-5043, TabulaRasaStationers.com
A scent can define a person—become part of them, an essential characteristic as recognizable as their features. Inkling Scents crafts a wide range of perfumes and colognes that range from spunky to sophisticated, and the fragrances are locally made with oil, not alcohol, so that they sink into the skin instead of evaporating. And just as there's sure to be a scent that delights your beloved, so is there a style of packaging that will do the same—Inkling Scents are available in roller-ball bottles, stainless-steel flasks and inkwell & quill sets.
Q Clothing, 215 E. 300 South, Salt Lake City, 801-474-2000, Facebook.com/QClothing
Whether she needs a tea service for a village-wide garden party or a single cup and saucer, you'll find the perfect pattern in the back room of Booze"tea"que, which is crammed with stacks of pretty teacups, sugar bowls and creamers ready to be mixed and matched.
The Booze"tea"que at E3 Modern, 315 E. 300 South, Salt Lake City, 801-363-3939
There's nothing cozier than a soft sweatshirt—and now heads can also experience that bliss. These locally made beanies, upcycled from sweatshirts, are reversible, meaning the wearer can wear it day after day without arousing scorn.
Unhinged, 2165 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-467-6588; 16 W. Center St., Provo, 385-312-1268, UnhingedSLC.com
Your wife has lost her voice, but not her need for unwavering fealty and obedience from her employees. Thanks to the Airzooka, just because she can't shout doesn't mean she can't command their attention. When the Airzooka is fired at the required flunky from up to 20 feet away, it sends a harmless blast of air that'll ruffle his hair and disturb papers on his desk, letting him know silently but effectively that he's been summoned.
Planet Fun, Clark Planetarium, 110 S. 400 West, Salt Lake City, 801-456-7827, ClarkPlanetarium.org
Eating healthy is challenging enough without having to pull a sad plastic bag of baby carrots out of the break-room fridge. But she'll be the envy of the office when you fill these on-the-go veggie-shaped snackers with sliced veggies and her favorite dip.
Hip & Humble, multiple locations, HipAndHumble.com
Unless she goes into the Witness Protection Program and has to change her name, this is perhaps the one piece of jewelry that she'll be able and proud to wear at any age, at any time. Unique without being gaudy, the bronze medallions also available to order from local jewelry maker Katie Waltman in every letter of the alphabet—your time has finally come, Quintana and Uma.
Katie Waltman Jewelry, 962 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City, 385-227-8977, KatieWaltman.com
A side effect of watching Starz's new show Outlander is developing a desire to go back in time to the Scottish highlands and meet an attractive clansman. Edinburgh Castle will get your significant other halfway to being as attractive as Jamie Fraser, with a Fraser clan kilt pin inscribed with the motto Je Suis Prest, and lambswool clan scarves in the authentic MacKenzie tartan.
Cosset Body Butter, $20
A tiny amount of this rich butter goes a long way on even the driest skin, thanks to its all-natural makeup: oils from avocado and macadamia nuts, and cocoa, shea, mango and kokum butters.
Cosset Bath & Body, 602 E. 500 South, Trolley Square, Salt Lake City, 801-923-4626, Facebook.com/CossetBathAndBody
The ladies in your life know that one of the few, few benefits of "surfing the crimson wave" is that no security guard will dip his fingers into a pile of tampons. You can further her exploitation of men's squeamishness with these shot holders, disguised as realistic-looking tampons, complete with wrappers. If beer is more her style, the bottle of sunblock is perfect for music festivals or pool time.
Cabin Fever, Trolley Square, 602 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City, 801-363-0828, CabinFeverCards.com
Know someone who snoozes till the last possible minute of the morning, then rushes out the door looking unkempt and frazzled? Give her a reason to slow down for a minute with a glittery Sweetlocks hairbrush, which provides the double-whammy benefit of detangled hair and a soft, fruity fragrance that's activated during brushing. The suitor she's been avoiding will never know that she didn't actually stay home to wash her hair the night before.
Bloomingsales, 1358 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-583-9117, ShopBloomingsales.com
Your roommate the gadget king is a great asset when you're in desperate need of a charger, but you're sick of detangling the snarls of cords to find the headphones he borrowed, or tripping over his laptop/camera/iPad chargers when you get up from the couch. Make his life (and yours) easier with the Recoil Winder, a Park City-made product that keeps cords of all sizes accessible but contained. Just pull to extend the cord for charging; when you're through, the Recoil retracts the cord back into place.
RecoilWinders.com
Fingerless gloves will allow her fight off the cold while retaining the dexterity needed to fight crime. And these colorful hand-knit gloves even provide their own sound effects.
Weapon Ties, $28.99
There seem to be two kinds of ties: serious corporate-stooge ties, and silly corporate-stooge-on-casual-Friday ties with patterns of cartoon ducks or baseballs. These noir-ish ties are perfect for the man who doesn't fit in either box but who still has occasion to tie one on—maybe to complete his onstage look for his new death-folk band.
Blue Boutique, multiple locations, BlueBoutique.com
