I hadn't focused on the connection between mice and Christmas until "Twas the Night Before Christmas" popped into my head. So while "not a creature was stirring not even a mouse," it's not so at Bissinger's, 32 Maryland Plaza, where "Chocolate Mice Ornaments" are scurrying off the shelf.
The edible ornaments come packaged in a box of 12, $15.
Another popular gift item at Bissinger's is the Christmas Classic assortment above, $42. Solid chocolate Santas (not pictured) for place settings or gifts (click here), are tied up with a bow, 12 for $46. Shipping is still available, but hurry!
Bissinger's, 32 Maryland Plaza, Closed Mon., Tues. & Weds. 10 to 6, Thurs. 10 to 10, Fri. & Sat. 10 to Midnight, Sun. 10 to 8, (314) 367-7750.
AG Jeans has a large selection of men's clothing including a handsome 50/40/10 blend of yak, wool and alpaca sweater made in Italy, $348. The sweater is paired above with "The Graduate," AG's best-selling men's jeans in "Rob" (color), $189.
A knockout 95% wool, 5% cashmere black swing coat, made in Italy, is $648. The lush lining is a beautiful midnight blue.
Also at AG Jeans is a lovely gunmetal grey silk blouse is paired with "Farrah" skinny white leatherette jeans, $235. The jeans are currently on view in AG's window too.
AG Adriano Goldschmied, 36 Maryland Plaza, Mon. – Sat. 10 to 7, Sun. 12 to 6, (314) 361-6161.
froYo, 4663 Maryland, is offering their fabulous frozen yogurt in holiday flavors including non-fat White Chocolate Mocha, Peppermint Chocolate Chip, and White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle, shown with chocolate sprinkles above (and yes, we ate the whole thing!). A gift card to stick in a Christmas stocking or holiday card would be a welcome gift for just about anyone. There's a gift for the giver too: Purchase a $20 Gift Card you'll get a $5 Gift Card free!
froYo, 4663 Maryland, Mon. – Thurs. 11 to 10, Fri. – Sat. 11 to 11, Sun. 11 – 10.
Cassie Buell, proprietor of Cassie's, Fragrance Boutique & Scent Bar, suggested I feature Patience Brewster's set of 8 reindeer for this gift guide. Cassie has carried the artist's line for the past 20 years but this is the last year this popular collection will be sold in retail stores. The artist has informed retailers that in the future, she is only going to sell from her own website.
"Comet" is shown in the photograph above. The 8 tiny reindeer range in price from $31 to $90.
Cassie also carries Papyrus gift bags and tissue for wrapping, $5.95 to $8.95. If you are looking for last-minute Christmas cards check Cassie's selection, There are several lovely cards from Papyrus, $14.95 to $24.95, Borealis Press printed on recycled paper, $14.95, and a local company, Butterfly Publishing, whose Christmas card features cats sporting Santa hats, $15.
Cassie's, 316 N. Euclid, Mon. to Sun. 10 to 6, (314) 454-1010.
You'll always find the latest in hip clothing, accessories, music and books at 10denza on Maryland Plaza, but I narrowed my search to include a lovely paisley dress by Veronica, $99, shown with J. Shoe riding boots, right, $322. There is a large selection of gorgeous leather bags by Hammut at 10denza. The shoulder bag shown above is $145.
A simple necklace shown in the photo above and right is $18.
I couldn't resist photographing a cozy knit black sweater jacket with hood by Renee C, above, $99 paired with soft grey "touch" gloves with leopard trim, $25, and a suede skinny belt with tassel, $15 (there are more colors and styles in a basket…just ask!)
10denza, 44 Maryland Plaza, Mon. – Sat. 12 to 8, Sun. 12 to 5, (314) 361-8053.
I say to myself – or anyone who will listen – how lucky we are to have TWO independent bookstores in one neighborhood! And that one exists solely for lovers of mysteries is rather amazing.
Walk into Big Sleep Books and spend some time talking to proprietor Ed King. He waxes poetic about his merchandise, or if he hasn't had time to read one of his selections, like The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton, above, he will give you a serious review from someone he trusts. By the way, Catton's book won the 2013 Man Booker Prize.
Ed's first choice for a gift that would appeal to any mystery aficionado is shown at the top: Death at the Chateau Bremont by M. L. Longworth. The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton won the Edgar Award and has been optioned for a film, so you know it's a good read. The Man From Berlin by Luke McCollum appeals to Big Sleep's doctor and lawyer clients, as does Then We Take Berlin by John Lawton, a spy novel that takes place at the beginning of the Cold War. Ed describes Lawton as being a "brilliant, wonderful" writer. The books showcased here are in the $15 to $16 range, except for The Luminaries which is $18.
Big Sleep Books, 293 N. Euclid, open every day from 11 to 6, (314) 361-6100. Don't look for current information on the website, technology is not exactly on Big Sleep's radar.
And finally, don't forget a visit to Wolfgang's Pet Stop for everyone you know who is a dog, or cat lover. Gift certificate suggestions and price ranges are shown above.
In the photograph are samples of the pet store's holiday doggie cookies, and accessories that are sure to make your pet's holiday merry and bright!
Wolfgang's Pet Stop, 330 N. Euclid, Mon. to Fri. 7-7, Sat. 7:30-5, Sun. 12-4, (314) 367-8088.
Part IV up next.