The Eighth Annual Submerge Holiday Gift Guide {Part 2}
By Submerge Staff
It’s your duty as an American to shop. That’s not an opinion, it’s right there in the Declaration of Independence. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. OK, so it doesn’t specifically mention “shopping,” but it’s clearly in the subtext. So, if it’s your duty to shop, why not do it locally? You’ll impress your family and friends with your awesome taste and knack for finding unique gifts, and you’ll also help grow your community’s economy. Double bonus! That’s what the season’s spirit is all about (again, subtext). Please enjoy the following compendium of (mostly) local holiday gift ideas and feel your heart cockles fill with patriotic pride!
Fanny Packs by Avenue Dee at Old Gold
Perfect for everything from music festivals, to hikes, to a night on the town, fanny packs are back, baby! Check out these fun, functional and stylish ones from Los Angeles-based company Avenue Dee, available locally at Old Gold (located inside WAL Public Market, 1104 R Street, Sacramento). Prices range from $30–$34, patterns and colors vary, see store for details.
Smart Balance Wheel from Back to the 80’s Store
The hottest gadget of the season this year is surprisingly not an Apple product, but instead the Smart Balance Wheel ($499) available locally in a variety of colors at the new Back to the 80’s Store (2131 K Street, Suite B, Sacramento). Combine a Segway with a skateboard and you’re somewhere in the realm of what these “hoverboards” are all about. Each one has speakers built in! Connect with your smartphone via Bluetooth and let the good times roll. Includes carrying case and one-year warranty.
Cold Bruer Iced Coffee Maker from Temple Coffee
For the coffee lover on your list: The Cold Bruer ($80) is a simple and transparent way to make delicious cafe-style slow drip cold brewed coffee right at home in as little as four hours. It’s sleek, simple, easy to use and a breeze to clean. Who cares if it’s cold outside? Any true coffee lover will always be down for properly brewed iced stuff! Pick one up locally at Temple Coffee locations (call ahead to make sure they have it in stock) or snag one online at Templecoffee.com.
Handmade Shoes by Benjamins
For the stylish gentlemen out there: These handmade shoes by Benjamins are produced in extremely limited runs and made right here in Sacramento inside the WAL Public Market (1104 R Street, Sacramento). Owner and maker Benjamin Schwartz uses the highest quality luxury fabrics and traditional shoemaking techniques, resulting in some seriously comfortable and visually appealing kicks. Prices start at $195 on up, and he’s currently got about a four-month waiting list (each pair is handmade, after all). All shoes include cedar shoe trees and linen shoe bags.
Adult Coloring Books from Blick Art Supplies
Obligations, stress, work, family, bills, emails, text messages, social media … Phew, life is complicated and sometimes exhausting. When it’s time to unwind, unplug and relax, these Color Me Calm and Color Me Happy adult coloring books ($16.99), available locally at Blick Art Supplies (905 Howe Avenue, Sacramento) or online at Dickblick.com, will help do the trick. Organized into therapeutically-themed chapters, these books were designed by art therapist Lacy Mucklow and artist Angela Porter to help you get coloring and get relaxed. Don’t forget Blick Essentials Colored Pencils ($3.99 on up).
High-Quality American-Made Glass Pipes from Exhale Smoke Shop
Sacramento’s newest smoke shop and glass gallery Exhale is now open on the corner of E and 29th Streets (under Pine Cove Tavern) in Sacramento. Owner Ryan Donnelly only carries glass that is high-quality and American-made, in addition to a huge selection of e-juices, rigs, papers, containers, grinders and more. HVY Glass 12” Bubble Bottom Waterpipe ($220), assorted dry glass pipes range from $10–$90.
Beautiful $10 Bouquets from Nice Stems Flower Shop
While perusing all of the fine local shops inside the WAL Public Market this holiday season (and beyond), you’ll notice an adorable flower stand tucked in the back called Nice Stems, offering a fabulous minimalist selection of flowers sourced from the highest quality locations. Flowers make great gifts! Perfect for one’s home or office. This grab-and-go pre-made bouquet was only $10, and they have $15 and $20 versions too. Individual stems go for around $4. They even deliver anywhere on the grid via bicycle! Nice stems, indeed, and cheap too.
***FOR MORE GIFT IDEAS, CLICK HERE TO SEE PART 1 OF OUR 2015 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE***
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