Mr. and Mrs. Vance Lauderdale exchange Holiday pleasantries.
This year we wanted to showcase some of our favorite gift ideas in a way that pairs our love of Memphis with the excitement of the season. The iconic Julie Andrews song from The Sound of Music fit the bill for the backdrop with its catchy lyrics and whimsical feel. For any doubters thinking this classic isn’t a traditional holiday tune, The Supremes included it in various Motown Christmas albums, and it fits perfectly for our gift guide. This holiday season we’re inviting you to deck the halls and stuff the stockings with some of our favorite finds.
Plant Hanger | $20
Crafted from beads and handmade ceramic pieces, this plant hanger adds an artsy touch to a basket of roses or any flower arrangement. It’s the work of multitalented Memphian Jimmy Crosthwait, who, working from his home-studio in Eads, is famous for his wall-hangings, chimes, mobiles, and sculptures — not to mention his music and puppetry. Available at The Dixon Gallery and Gardens Museum Store, 4339 Park Avenue, 761-5250, dixon.org
Tote Bag | $36
Hand-painted tote bags and purses by internationally known artist Laurel Burch are just a few of the feline finds at Mewtopia cat sanctuary and retail shop. Also in supply are hand-made cat-themed works by local artist Kim Gardner, from mats and blankets to tote bags and glasses cases. You’ll even find gifts for dog-lovers. Proceeds from all sales support the center’s rescue and care of cats. Available at Mewtopia, 734 Mt. Moriah, 503-9328, mewtopia.org
Cooking classes | between $79 and $109
Give those on your gift list the taste of the town this season. Memphis’ Viking Cooking offers culinary adventures to everyone from utter novices to the most skilled knife-wielders with classes covering everything from soup to nuts and cuisine from Tuscany to Timbuktu. Gift cards are available in any amount. Viking Cooking School, 1215 Ridgeway Rd., Suite 101, 733-3747, VIKINGRANGE.COM
Fiber Wear Scarf | $35 Flax Scarf | $38
These colorful scarves crafted by Memphis artist Aundra McCoy will keep you cozy while adding some flair to any outfit. No two scarves are the same, making this a truly one-of-a-kind gift, plus offering the feel-good bonus of contributing to local creatives. If flair isn’t your forte, try a scarf from the FLAX brand sold only at Loudean’s. Available at Loudean’s, 2174 Young Ave., 722-9681
2009 Cornerstone Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon | $65
Over twenty years ago, local doctors Michael Dragutsky and David Sloas created Cornerstone Cellars, high in the Howell Mountains of California’s Napa Valley. Their rich, robust cabernets started winning awards almost from the start; today, managing partner Dragutsky, along with several Memphis partners, makes a wide variety of different Cornerstone wines, including sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, chardonnay, and syrah. The cabernets remain king, however; vintages from the 1990s are still drinking spectacularly well. Available at Great Wines and Spirits, 6150 Poplar, suite 124, 683-1333, cornerstonecellars.com
Flask | $32
Horse lovers will relish a sip or two from this fancy flask. The decorative art is the work of Germantown’s Catherine Tatum, owner of Classic Legacy. For more than 30 years, Tatum has brought a thematic touch to paperweights, bottle stoppers, letter openers, picture frames, and just about any item where a custom touch might enhance. (Classic Legacy sells wholesale to retail stores, hotels, museums, etc.) Many of the medallions — typically brass findings plated in silver — are reproductions of antiques. Includes four cups and a funnel. Available at Saddles ’n Such, 2135 S. Germantown Rd., 754-7452
Tender Loving Cake | $31.63
Take a bite of this gourmet coffeecake — in cinnamon-pecan or blueberry-sour cream — and you’ll hum new lyrics about your favorite things. Local baker Ed Crenshaw bakes these marvels for Tender Loving Cake, which was founded by entrepreneur and graphic artist Bill Oates. For every cake that’s bought, a pound cake will be donated to the Mid-South Food Bank. Purchase 48-oz. coffeecake directly at Tender Loving Cake, 5041 Summer, 230-8485 or 831-1306, tlc.com, or ship for $11 flat-rate.
St. Blues Cigar Box Guitar | $250
Johnny B. Goode played a guitar just like ringing a bell, and your friends can take the stage with an old-school instrument made from an authentic wooden cigar box. First used in the 1800s, and a favorite instrument of old Delta bluesmen, a considerably more sophisticated version is available from the St. Blues Guitar Workshop. Craftsman Greg Mitchell assembles each one by hand, adding a custom-shaped neck, tuners, and piezo-transducer pickups. Pluck away on three- or four-string versions. Available at St. Blues Guitar Workshop, 645 Marshall, 578-3588, saintblues.com
Flo’s Chow Chow | $8
This year, Felicia Suzanne’s restaurant downtown has been celebrating its tenth anniversary, and, as part of that celebration, local culinary icon Felicia Willett has launched a line of special condiments, all sourced from Memphis-area farmers. Four different products are now offered under the “Flo” label (Flo being Felicia’s nickname when she started working with Emeril Lagasse in New Orleans): bread and butter pickles, chow chow, pepper jelly, and tomato jam. Sounds like a very spicy way to make this holiday season more flavorful! Available at Felicia Suzanne’s, 80 Monroe, Suite L-1, 523-0877, feliciasuzanne.com
A Million Wings | $50
The third in a series of stunning books from Wild Abundance Publishing, A Million Wings takes readers inside the fascinating world of the Mid-South’s most exclusive duck hunting clubs. Step into the private lodges of such beautiful domains as Coca-Cola Woods in Arkansas, York Woods in Mississippi, the Bayou Club in Louisiana, and nine others stretching from St. Louis to the Gulf Coast. Spectacular photography by Lisa Buser blends with compelling stories about the history, traditions, and culture of the clubs, edited by ArtsMemphis president Susan Schadt. Available at The Booksellers of Laurelwood, 387 Perkins Extended, 683-9801, wildabundancepublishing.com
“The Grindfather” Shirt | $25 Flexfit Fitted Hat | $38 | “Sock It To Me” Socks | $12
While this gift doesn’t offer white gowns or satin, the color blue only means two things in Memphis minds: Tigers and Grizzlies. If your idea of holiday festivities includes a trip to the “Grindhouse” to watch the Griz shut out their rivals, then this gift is a slam dunk. The navy and gold shirt is the ultimate accessory to show your friends and family that you not only believe in the holiday spirit but also the Grizzlies, and funky socks and navy hat let you show your spirit from head to toe. Sache, 525 South Main Street, 922-5944, sachedesign.com
Gould’s “Grand Spa Experience” | $415
The ideal way to relax and unwind after the hectic holiday season, this package includes an Island Wrap, Murad signature facial, and hot stone massage combined with a Pure Fiji manicure and pedicure. Add to that lunch and a limousine ride to and from your destination, and you’ve got a a gift so nice you might have to ask for it yourself. Available at any of Gould’s Salon and Day Spa’s seven spa locations including: Park Place Center, Cordova Town Center, Houston Levee Galleria, Peabody Hotel Downtown, Wedgewood Commons Olive Branch, Poplar Plaza, and Germantown Collection. gouldsalons.com
Diamond Ring | (price available upon request)
Mednikow proves that all holidays should be merry and bright with its unique custom jewelry made right here in Memphis. And with the store offering 120 years of experience, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect sparkle for anyone’s stocking. This brilliant custom engagement ring has micro-pave “halo” diamonds around the center and is set in 18-karat white gold. Mednikow Fine Jewelers, 474 Perkins Extended, 767-2100, mednikow.com
compiled by Anna Cox
