I decided to assemble a wish list of things I’d like to get this holiday season, all of which can be found around this great city of ours. This isn’t necessarily a ploy to get you to buy me stuff (cough, cough) but I figured if you needed help thinking up something to get your other favorite whiskey-loving Angeleno with a sweet tooth who likes to run, this list might come in handy.
Seven Grand Gift Poker Chips, $7: That’s right, my fave bar has poker chips that serve as gift cards. The Seven Grand guys used to only give these out to their friends and to bands who played at the bar but now you can purchase them for your own buddies. Each chip costs $7 and is good for one well cocktail or beer. Ferget Starbucks gift cards, buy your friends a real drink for a change. Just see the boys at the bar to purchase the chips. These will make fab stocking stuffers.
Boule Atelier’s Macarons, box of 12 for $15: For that gal who treats sugar like a food group, never mind the cupcakes; she’s probably had them all. Instead impress her with something different like these delicate macarons from this hipster-cute patisserie. Pastel colors and unusual flavors like lavender, green tea and rose petal raspberry make cute cookies a hit as a hostess gift.
Zagat To Go Los Angeles Pack 2008 from Kitson, $34.90: Never mind the sequined Converse or that Ugg sheepskin care kit (snicker, snicker) at this Robertson Blvd. boutique, check out this Zagat software that can load onto your giftee’s crackberry, pocket PC or mobile device. Restaurant reviews at her fingertips with free automatic updates for up to a year.
Paint Shop’s House Mix Pedicure, $44: Sure, this luxurious treatment is a bit pricey for a pedicure but look at all the pampering her tootsies will get! A sani soak, shaping and filing, cuticle grooming, power pumice, massage, hot towel wrap, polish and then a slathering of shea butter mixed with cactus oil leaves. If she loves the nightlife as much as I do, her heels are hammered and the balls of her feet sore. She’ll be ahhh-bsolutely grateful for this pedicure.
Customized Woolverette Neighborhoodie, $44.99 and up: This super-soft and warm poly-cotton blend will keep your girl cozy for those low-key nights out. Get it personalized with her favorite saying or her name to make it extra special. The store has a 48-hour turnaround time on most orders.
Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Bourbon from Wally’s Wine, $45.99: Max at Wally’s turned me onto Elijah Craig with the brand’s entry-level 12-year-old. Now it’s time to graduate to the 18-year-old. Described by Bon Appetit as “a whiskey suggestive of a fine cognac” this rich and complex single barrel will please your favorite whiskey drinker.
UCLA Women’s Adidas Track Jacket, $55.95: With the colder weather, your fave Bruin will appreciate this track jacket that she can throw on during those chilly morning Saturday runs with her running group. It’s made out of polyester so it’s breathable and won’t trap in the sweat.
Bar Keeper’s Set of 6 Helen Conroy Glasses, $60: If the girl wants to entertain at home why not have her do it in style with these vintage glasses? Gotta love that black and gold starburst design, so atomic! And maybe throw in a copy of The Bartender’s Black Book, 7th Edition ($15.95), while you’re at it. With 2,500 drink recipes, she’ll never have to leave her wet bar again.
ArcLight Cinemas gift certificate, $75: Who doesn’t love a night at the movies, especially when it’s at the ArcLight? Of course you can get any amount of gift certificate you want but through December 27 if you purchase $75 worth of gc (four passes max) you will receive a free January movie ticket — a gift for the bearer, too!