Sure, you can buy that factory-made junk on Amazon, and you’ll be checking the proverbial box as having given something. But don’t you want to buy something a little more unique? Something that expresses you and your recipient’s shared love of St. Louis? Kick it up a notch with these 22 gift ideas, all available […]
Sure, you can buy that factory-made junk on Amazon, and you’ll be checking the proverbial box as having given something. But don’t you want to buy something a little more unique? Something that expresses you and your recipient’s shared love of St. Louis? Kick it up a notch with these 22 gift ideas, all available online for easy holiday shopping.
COURTESY OF OLD VIENNA
2.
A Red Hot Riplets shower curtain
Purchase
online
Anybody can use a few bags of St. Louis’ favorite snack chip as a stocking stuffer, but it takes a giver both generous and genial to get their friends a Red Hot Riplets
shower curtain. You know you want to be that friend. This is your year to shine. (You can also buy a Red Hot Riplets flag if you prefer to let your taste in snack chips fly.)
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COURTESY OF STL-STYLE
3.
A City of St. Louis “Arnament”
Order
online
This new Christmas tree ornament — sorry, “arnament” — is a tribute to the city’s refuse trucks, and perhaps their current scarcity is one reason it was a huge hit for STL-Style; the retailer sold out within 24 hours of premiering them online. But don’t worry, they’ll be back in stock soon — the better to gift all your friends with!
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COURTESY MALAIKA TOLFORD
4.
Mugs and dishes from Place Value Pottery
Order
online
What could be niftier than a mug that’s also a map of your very own St. Louis neighborhood — or a candy dish that shows off the Compton Heights water tower? This “functional ceramic art” is made locally by artist Malaika Tolford.
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VIA TED DREWES
5.
A Ted Drewes “Drewzie”
Order
online
You don’t need a koozie when you could have a Drewzie from Ted Drewes! Everyone’s favorite frozen custard shop also offers themed shot glasses, mugs and more.
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PHOTO BY JASON GRAY
6.
Mound City Chronicle photo book
Purchase
online
Photographer Jason Gray made his name by dreaming up Photo Flood St. Louis, which over the course of nine years photo-blitzed each and every one of St. Louis’ 79 neighborhoods, with photographers showing up to capture whatever caught their fancy within each one on a designated day. Gray has now released his first monograph photobook,
Mound City Chronicle, and you can see an example of his eye-catching work above. This is a perfect gift for anyone who loves gazing at St. Louis in all its moods — good, bad and everything in between. (We would never say “ugly”!)
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COURTESY STL-STYLE
7.
New shirt from STL-Style
Purchase
online
Dreams come true in St. Louis? They do! STL-Style owners Randy and Jeff Vines report that this brand-new T-shirt was inspired by a 1970s marketing campaign, which, based on the city’s population loss in the 1980s, was maybe not so successful. Even so, we love the retro look — and can always count on STL-Style to make us feel good about living here. Order online, or better yet visit the STL-Stylehouse on Cherokee Street to browse more selections.
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THEO WELLING
8.
LoFi St. Louis sneakers
Purchase
online
LoFi St. Louis merch shows you’re one of the cool kids who participates in Cherokee Street’s utterly unique music video festival, now heading into its 11th year (photo above from the 2022 fest). You’re also supporting a great cause — to call this festival DIY is an understatement. Bonus: These kicks are a great alternative to the T-shirts and keychains you might otherwise have to resort to in order to establish your local bonafides.
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COLBY AT MATCHBOX
9.
A Steve’s Hot Dog T-shirtOrder
online
Everyone loves a good hot dog, and everyone loves Steve Ewing, and that makes these T-shirts from Ewing’s beloved South Grand eatery a no-brainer. Get a
Dookie-inspired version or a Pride-inspired version; either way you’ll be the toasted bun of the town.
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MABEL SUEN
10.
Chocolates from Crown Candy Kitchen
Order
online
Sure, chocolates might seem vaguely cliched, but these aren’t just any chocolates — they’re chocolates from one of St. Louis’ most historic, and beloved, restaurants. Crown Candy Kitchen has been an Old North neighborhood mainstay since 1913, and old-timers and youngins alike will thrill to these confections. Stop by in person to get a classic Heart Attack Bacon sandwich along with your chocolate.
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PAUL HILCOFF
11.
Mississippi Nights: A History of the Music Club in St. Louis
Order
online
The smash-hit coffee table book of the season is Garrett and Stacey Enloe’s tribute to Mississippi Nights, the late, great, much-lamented St. Louis club. Get your music-loving fan a copy today, signed by the authors for that added St. Louis music scene intimacy.
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VIA PUZZLE WAREHOUSE
12.
A St. Louis puzzle
Order
online
By buying this puzzle, you’re not just giving your pal a St. Louis-centered activity for those cold January nights. You’re also supporting a local business. Puzzle Warehouse is proudly based in St. Louis County. There’s also a retail store in south county in addition to the thriving online site.
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12.
A St. Louis flag
Order
online
No local yard is complete without one of these babies hanging from the flagpole. The American flag may seem tainted by the country’s long history of imperialism and discrimination. The gay pride flag might not be your personal brand. But everyone can agree on the St. Louis flag, a banner to being an underdog city in a screwed-up state.
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14.
A Pappy’s Smokehouse gift box
Order
online
Pappy’s is the granddaddy of St. Louis’ thriving barbecue scene — and still going strong. Share your love for a St. Louis original by gifting your beloved a box of sauces and rubs, along with a cool mesh Pappy’s hat.
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15.
A Big River Running T-shirt
Order
online
If you’re into both running and St. Louis, you can’t go wrong with the T-shirt selection at local Big River Running. There are great options for men and women, many of them running themed. We’re especially partial to the nice big RUN that incorporates the Gateway Arch.
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RACHEL KUBIAK
16. Anything at Golden Gems
Order online
Led by two self-proclaimed “bad ass babes,” Golden Gems offers only products that pass the vibe check. You can get a $5 cool keytag with a witty phrase on it or splurge on one of their STL t-shirts ($38). Not to mention the vast collection of ornaments the shop has curated — Post Malone fans can snag an ornament shaped like the rapper just as easily as a Golden Girls fan can secure a copy of Dorothy, Rose, Blanche or Sophie
