Go-go gift guide
By Wade KwonIf you’re like us, your shopping has been done for weeks, and you can kick back with some hot cocoa and a good book.
But if you’re still in the hunt for the right Christmas gift, fear not. We can toss a few suggestions your way.
Tickets are almost a no-brainer. Almost. Your recipient likes music, so get a pair of concert tickets (symphony, rock, country, and don’t forget club dates). Your recipient likes dance, so try the ballet or Rennie Harris Puremovement at Alys Stephens Center on Southside. Movies? Get a theater gift certificate.
We’d normally shy away from gift cards, but you’re down to the wire. At least get one that can be used everywhere.
A magazine subscription ain’t sexy, but it can be the gift that keeps on giving for 12 months. Since the issues won’t be arriving immediately, be sure to buy the latest issue and wrap it with a note saying more are on the way. For the domestic goddess, we love Real Simple. For the hipster, Found Magazine or Paste. We can even suggest a poker magazine, All In. Tip: Hunt around online for a really good deal.
Maid service is a real help for busy folks — not a hint that they should clean up that pigsty they call a living room. Google Local lists several cleaning services in the Birmingham area.
While we’re focused on home life, how about cooking lessons? Even experienced cooks can learn a new dish or three. We like Franklin’s Homewood Gourmet, whether as part of his regular lessons or a private class for you and your friends, meal included.
And for the love of all that is nondenominationally correct, absolutely don’t give:
- calendars;
- coupons for a “night that’ll rock your world”;
- fruit of the month;
- T-shirts;
- your garage band’s “wicked” CD;
- gag gifts, or gifts enclosed in a box for a better store (i.e. tube socks in a Saks container).
And if you’re really down to the wire, CVS is open Christmas Day. But you’d better buy something soft — for when your sweetheart hurls it at your thick head, you grinchy cad.
For when Santa forgets your Xanax …
