I was at a complete loss the other day as I was in Left Bank Books looking for gift suggestions to pass along to my readers. The problem is that the independent bookstore's selection is so broad that it was hard to know where to start. So I looked for books that I considered to be a little more unusual, starting with the grouping above….from left, Sixties Fashion: From Less is More to Youthquake by Jonathan Walford, $45, John Varvatos Rock in Fashion by John Varvatos with Holly George Warren, $60, and The Universe of Peter Max, by Peter Max with Victor Zurbel, $35.
In the cooking section it was hard to miss the trio shown above…Deborah Madison's beautiful Vegetable Literacy cookbook, $40, former CWEnder (during her early high school years) Dana Goodyear's acclaimed Anything that Moves, Renegade Chefs, Fearless Eaters, etc., (read NY Times Book Review here) $27.95, and From Scratch, Inside the Food Network by Allen Salkin, $27.95.
Among the many choices in the newly-expanded children's section, there's a large Christmas selection with titles such as Pete the Cat Saves Christmas, $17.99, a Pete the Cat doll, $16, and Olivia helps with Christmas, $7.99.
Left Bank Books, 399 N. Euclid, Sun. 11 to 10, Mon. 10 to 10, Xmas Eve 10 to 6, (314) 367-3248.
Lori Shifter, proprietor of The Silver Lady, stocks unusual butterfly-wing jewelry, above. The wings come from an Indonesian butterfly preserve where, I learned, the insects live an unusually long 20 to 42 days. The spectacular wings are framed in glass, front and back, and then wrapped in sterling silver. These showstopping earrings are $89, pendants, $68.
The Silver Lady, 4736 McPherson, Sun. 11 to 4, Mon. Noon to 6, Tues. Noon to 6, (314) 367-7587.
At Moris Fashions a Santa-capped mannequin provided just what I needed to suggest a few gift ideas for the man/men in your life. A relaxed-fit, mid-length light heather grey pea coat is $265. The wool-blend fully lined coat also comes in navy. A johnnie-o cotton merino quarter-zip sweater in navy is $98 and is machine washable. The Tallia 100% acrylic scarf is $65, and a 100% cotton "maker & company" plaid shirt in teal, blue and purple plaid is 98.50, see larger image below.
Moris Fashions, 226 N. Euclid, Sun. 12 to 5, Mon. 11 to 7, Xmas Eve 11 to 4, (314) 361-6800.
When I asked Ed King, proprietor of Big Sleep Books, what he would recommend Santa put under the mystery-lovers tree, he wasted not a minute before pointing out Martin Cruz Smith's Tatiana, $25.99 and Michael Connelly's The Gods of Guilt, a Lincoln Lawyer novel, $28.
Big Sleep Books, 239 N. Euclid, Sun. 12 to 6, Mon. 11 to 6, Xmas Eve 11 to 6, (314) 361-6100.
The Q Boutique at the World Chess Hall of Fame was voted the RFT's Best Gift Shop in 2012. Brain teasers for Pre-K through Grade 5 contain 120 brain-building cards, $15.
There are chess sets of every type at the Q Boutique, including an unusual paper set, $14.95.
Q Boutique at World Chess Hall of Fame, Sun. & Mon. 10 to 5, Xmas Eve 10 to 3, (314) 367-9243 x 109.
At Ivy Hill Boutique the shop's favorite little things became my favorites too. They include "echo's" knit cap with built-in headphones, $48, a silver initial ring (sitting on cap), $55, a hot pink Moyna mini-purse, $30, set of 5 brass bangle bracelets, $64, "gum-ball" earrings, $30, and deux lux's "daiquiri" card holder, $30.
Ivy Hill Boutique, 304 N. Euclid, Sun. 10:30 to 5, Mon. 10 to 7, Xmas Eve 10 to 4, (314) 367-7004.
Cassie's carries products from Minneapolis-based Thymes, and at this time of year the Frasier Fir scent seems the best bet. It's fragrance is subtle and proprietor Cassie Buell recommends it for both men and women. Frasier Fir candles are $28 for the medium size, above, reed diffusers are $60, hand lotion comes in two sizes, $14 & $20, and bar soap is $10. Though Frasier Fir seems especially appropriate at this time of year, it's available year 'round at Cassie's.
Cassie's, 316 N. Euclid, Sun. 12 to 5, Mon. 10:30 to 6, Xmas Eve 10:30 to 6 (or until everyone calls it a day), (314) 454-1010.
And finally, a very unusual gift suggestion from Kristie Cromie, right above, of LPhotographie. Kristie is offering three beginner's camera/photo classes at the studio, located at 449 N. Euclid, during January and February. The cost for a four-hour session is $135.
This wraps up my whirlwind tour searching out unique gift ideas in CWE shops. I know I have missed several and want to be sure to suggest you add Relish inside the Great Frame Up at 22 S. Euclid, to your list. Proprietor Bruce Shoults always has a great selection of cards and gifts. Be sure to stop in and do a little, or a lot of shopping. Shop local whenever you can!
Merry Christmas!