If you're looking for a perfect gift for the yoga enthusiast, or anyone who enjoys a run or walk in the park in any weather, check out lululemon's "totally cozy" selection, shown above and described below.
Shown from lower right is the "Totally Toasted Toque," available in green, magenta and black, $52; middle front, "Totally Toasty Neckwarmer" with pocket zipper in pink and blue, $78; and three versions of a Yogi Crew Sweater with tiny heart pattern, far left, in black, pink, and a great-looking two-tone black and grey style, second row far left, $118; second row middle, black and grey striped Pranayama scarf, $98.
In the back row from right, "After Asana" sparkly socks in cream or black, $48, "Blissed Out Gloves," $38, "the towel" in microfiber, $38, and water bottles: the "Purist" is $18, and a glass version is $28. You'll also find "mind & body kits" shown filled with merchandise in back row. The bags, which I would describe as large cosmetic bags, come in metallic pink, plum & magenta, or simply black, $58.
lululemon, 26 Maryland Plaza, holiday hours: Mon. to Sun. 10 to 8, Xmas Eve 10 to 3, (314) 454-6857, [email protected], facebook.com/lululemonmaryland.
Relish Cards and Gifts, inside the Great Frame Up at 22 N. Euclid, has a treasure trove of inexpensive gift ideas for all ages. Far left, handsome "Mad About Style" men's scarves are $9.95 to $16.95, and shown in the back, men's ear muffs, $5.95 (only two pair left). Left, striped "Mudpie" smart screen gloves with bow are $10.95, and a pair of gold gloves with rhinestone trim convert to mittens, $16.95. Front, colorful ankle socks are $2.50 each and Logo Loop monogrammed initial headbands are $14.95.
For infants, a box of 3 "Big Top Booties," right, are $13.99, and a gift box of Baby Dry Goods Mary Jane socks in red and white are $9.95, other colors are available. In back middle (barely visible) is the Very Hungry Caterpillar String Along, 10 books & 1 lace for ages 3 & up, $18.99.
There are clever wind-up board books too, $29.95. Shown above is the Train Book, others include a Tractor and Busy Bug Book, above. Relish also stocks the Pirate Book, not shown.
Who could resist this face or the patterns used for Elephant Ear Pillows shown above? There are several other patterns available for this "Mom-designed, Chiropractor-inspired" product, $22.95.
Relish Cards & Gifts, 22 N. Euclid, Mon. to Fri. 10 – 7, Sat. 10 – 6, Sun. 12 – 5, (314) 367-9333.
This wraps up my gift guide for 2014. As I sign off from this endeavor, bleary-eyed and somewhat exhausted, it occurs to me that while we often wish we had more retail in the neighborhood, there already is a wide variety of merchandise to choose from within several blocks. I hope I've given you some helpful thoughts, but the shopkeepers are certain to have many more. Please, shop local and support our neighborhood businesses!