Warning: main(/upfront_subnav.php) [function.main]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /mnt/web_prod_share/www-be/columbusalive/content/2006/1123/u-20.html on line 8
Warning: main() [function.include]: Failed opening '/upfront_subnav.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:/opt/lampp/lib/php') in /mnt/web_prod_share/www-be/columbusalive/content/2006/1123/u-20.html on line 8
Pulse
20 for $20
Whether it's a self-imposed limit in your personal holiday shopping budget or a cap agreed to in a group gift exchange, $20 is a nice, round, reasonable number. You can find a lot for it, as we were reminded on a tour through some local shops. If you've got a double sawbuck with a friend or co-worker's name on it, here are a few ideas to get you started.
—Nikki Davis, Chris DeVille, Melissa Starker & Brooke Williams
Andy Warhol print paperweights, $20
Legs Diamond
717 N. High St., Short North
614-228-7484
These paperweights will delight even the choosiest pop lover in your posse. Choose from James Dean, Marilyn, Tomato Soup or Jackie O.
Card cases, $13-$19
Emperor's Newest Clothes
1439 Ida Ave., Grandview
614-486-6800
For the businessperson who's a bit out of the box, this indie fashion retailer carries classic business card holders in retro styles. Larger cases, good for holding cash and ID during a night out, are covered with vintage pulp-fiction paperback art.
Classic block-O hat, $18
Buckeye Corner
215 Easton Town Center
614-416-2827
Woody made it iconic. Now you can make it a gift.
Coffee candle, $16
Europia
672 N. High St., Short North
614-460-3000
Anyone who's visited this Short North wine and spirits shop probably still has a sense memory of its distinctive smell. Chalk it up to the coffee candle, a thick pillar flecked with real coffee grounds that diffuses the smell of rich, caffeinated deliciousness for hours and hours.
December Diamonds "Margarita Gold" ornament, $15
Torso
772 N. High St., Short North
614-421-7663
Collectible ornaments don't exactly scream cool, except for the December Diamonds collection, currently making its annual appearance at Torso. The curvaceous, cocktail-swilling mermaid is a mid-range example; others in the collection range from $10 to $24.
Do Frame, $8
Columbus Museum of Art Gift Shop
480 E. Broad St., Downtown
614-221-6801
For friends who just cleaned themselves out by acquiring a new work of art, forgetting that the cost of framing requires an even greater investment, Droog Design's self-adhesive vinyl Do Frame won't leave them hanging. Featuring a cheeky Baroque-style pattern, the $8 cut-to-measure tape won't stick it to you where it hurts.
Hand-painted shot glasses, $10 each
Galeria Zona Corazon
1198 N. High St., Short North
614-291-9453
A powerful shot isn't a stab in the chest—it just feels like it sometimes. These hand-painted glasses from Texas' Frenzy Art illustrate the sensation. They're one of many colorful gift ideas at this emporium of circus sideshow art and Mexican Day of the Dead memorabilia.
Hangover from Hell cooling eye mask, $14
Beauty First
1735 Olentangy River Rd., Lennox Town Center
614-421-0868
The appeal of this fridge-chilled import from Oscar + Dehn London is best described on the package: "For party animals who need to feel and look good fast, a little piece of heaven—when you feel like hell."
Leather wallets, $15-19
Global Gallery
682 N. High St., Short North
614-621-1744
Whether you're giving or receiving, gals and guys alike can appreciate the buttery soft leather wallets from Global Gallery. Made in Bolivia, the handcrafted unisex wallets come in three shades. They're minimal in detail, high in quality and, most importantly, can more than hold their own.
Message Beans, $16
Collier West
787 N. High St., Short North
614-294-9378
Message Beans are possibly the coolest invention of the last century. Created in Japan, these tiny bean plants come individually in tiny tins, and sprout messages (the lid will tell you which message you're choosing) on the leaf of the plant in seven to 14 days.
Novelty notepads, $3.50-$7
On Paper
737 N. High St., Short North
614-424-6617
A hilarious selection of novelty reminder notepads and sticky pads prove even stationary can be edgy. Perfect for the chronic list-maker in your life.
Plush Rush Creature Design Kit, $15
Wholly Craft
3171 N. High St., Clintonville
614-447-3445
Build a bear—for less! Everything you need to create your own stuffed animal is in one bag.
Pocket electronic games, $16-$20
COSI Store
333 W. Broad St., Downtown
614-228-2674
No pencil? No problem! You can still play Sudoku with this pocket program. Space Invaders and 20Q (20 Questions) are also available.
Porcelain enamel ring, $18
Wexner Center Bookstore
1871 N. High St., Campus
614-292-3535
One of the best things about the unique jewelry selection at the Wexner Bookstore is the wide range of pricing. You can usually find something for under $20 as easily as you can find something over $100—in this case, large porcelain and metal pieces with milky glazes and graphic screened silhouettes.
Pre-bonsai trees, $16
Botanica
1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East
614-645-5927
Surely you know someone who could use a tiny tree which requires special care, and which makes its caretaker feel like a calm, centered master of the universe. The gift shop at the Franklin Park Conservatory has lovely little starter trees available for a very minimal investment.
Ramones shower curtain, $18
What the Rock?
1116 N. High St., Short North
614-294-9428
Give the punk-rock slacker on your list just the motivation they need—a shower curtain that screams, "Hey ho, let's go!" This home decor item commemorating one of the best rock bands ever is not only stylish, it's built to last, made of durable, machine-washable polyester.
Rock 'n' roll belt buckles, $13-$17
Magnolia Thunderpussy
1155 N. High St., Short North
614-421-1512
For the music fan who likes to wear his tastes on his sleeve—or, in this case, around his waste.
Specialized game controllers, $5-$15
Video Game and Music Exchange
1289 Schrock Rd., North Side
614-431-5556
Add a new twist to a kid's boring old system. The selection of pimped-out game controllers includes a SpongeBob model for PS2.
Thai handbags, $18-20
Byzantium
1088 N. High St., Short North
614-291-3130
For the ladies looking to break up the all-black uniform of the colder months, Byzantium's stock of handbags offers a colorful respite. The eclectic, stylish selection of shoulder and clutch varieties comes in hemp fabric, floral cottons and sequins.
Wine tasting, $20
Vino 100
789 N. High St., Short North
614-294-8466
Give a bottle of wine, create a good night. Give the gift of one of Vino 100's many wine tastings, however, and you create a connoisseur. It includes four to five different wine offerings and well-paired appetizers.
November 23, 2006
Copyright ? 2006 Columbus Alive, Inc. All rights reserved.
