Shopping: Man-cave and guy stuff for the holidays
Last year, I bought my brother a blow-up holiday Darth Vader he could add to his front lawn display. It’s back up again this season, so I know the force was with me.
This year, two young guys new to the family are receiving slim books filled with 2015 sports trivia. They debate sports all the time, so I knew I was on the right track.
Buying gifts for men can be a challenge. While I was out Tuesday working on this column, I came across some ideas that might help:
Gordman’s in Fairview Heights: The sports trivia books for guys I mentioned above, plus other topics like entertainment and TV, are $7.99 each. Camouflage outdoor items made by Totes, in the same section as the books, include a cap lamp, foldable utensils tool and a multi-tool flashlight, each also $7.99. Look for them at the back of the store near luggage and kids clothes.
Guitar Center in Fairview Heights (next to Gordman’s): I stopped in to get a gift card for a ukelele-playing great-niece and found cool music-themed playing cards for $5.95, from Elvis and the Grateful Dead to The Beatles and AC/DC.
TJ Maxx in Fairview Heights: Guys who enjoy any kind of beer will like the sturdy canvas carriers that hold a six-pack, with room for a bottle opener. They’re $4.99 each with a couple designs. I’d buy one, then head to World Market or Bed, Bath & Beyond and pick up some cool craft beers to fill it. Check Here Today in Fairview Heights as well (near Old Navy); they often have a wide variety of beers, too.
Spencers at St. Clair Square: Fugly holiday sweaters right at the front door are decorated with glittery puffy snowballs, a cat with bells on his collar, a tree with garland and more. All on a sweater meant for a man. They’re kind of expensive, at $65, but right now they’re 25 percent off.
Target and Kohl’s: This one is for the prankster in the family. Fake advertising on gift boxes will cost you $4 to $8, depending on the size. Think of something nice you can hide inside a box that says “Earwax Candle Kit.” The ads are very realistic and come in several hilarious themes.
Bed, Bath & Beyond: Technically, this one’s for the dog — and the owner who has to contain the winter mess his pet brings in the house. The Muddy Buddy Paw Mat is microfiber chenille and traps water, dirt and mud. The 21-by-30-inch rug is $24.99.
Other holiday stuff
Dance St. Louis: To celebrate its 50th season, Dance St. Louis is offering three shows for $99 if purchased by Dec. 15. The shows are in 2016 with seats located in Orchestra, Parterre Center and Dress Circle at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. To place an order, call the Dance St. Louis box office at 314-534-6622. See http://dancestlouis.org/event/50th-season-holiday-special/ for more information.
Michaels in Shiloh has colorful, holiday-decorated, Chinese-takeout containers that are just the right size to hold a handful of holiday cookies, candy or fudge. Each is 99 cents.
Pier 1 Imports in Fairview Heights has vintage-style 6-foot-long garlands of red, green and white felt snowflakes for $5.99.
Deals in Fairview Heights has fun sheets of Santa, reindeer and Christmas decorations for the refrigerator. The snowflakes, animals, trees, ornaments and more are flat, full color and magnetized. Kids can just punch them out of the sheet and arrange and rearrange on the fridge door (or metal door or locker). Just a dollar a sheet with about four different ones, each with about a dozen figures/objects.
This story was originally published December 3, 2015 at 4:51 AM with the headline "Shopping: Man-cave and guy stuff for the holidays."