[Department of Commerce]

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2009

By DIG STAFF

If the holidays trigger reverse buyers' remorse (anxiety over gifts you know you'll never get around to buying) for you, dear reader, then we're in the same boat. That boat charts a course in an ocean of holiday denial, in the high seas of overdraft fees. But we've worked hard to help fill this vessel with presents. Yep, there's something in here for everyone—the tech-savvy coworker, the graphics-nerd brother, the tippling-enthusiast "sister" (hey, you're allowed to treat yourself, too). We've thought of the perfect gifts for all of 'em, so you don't have to. Land, ho!

 

VELOPOCKET W/ SHOULDER STRAP BY HAMBONE DESIGNS | $44.99

Straps to the top tube of your bike, and sized to fit the essentials—comes in various colors/patterns. [Greenward, 1764 Mass. Ave., Porter Sq., Cambridge. 617.395.1338. greenwardshop.com]

 

JOLIE BROOCH | $88

We'll say it once, and we'll say it again: For every blazer, there is a brooch. This one just happens to go with everything. [Salmagundi, 765 Centre St., Jamaica Plain. 617.522.5047. salmagundiboston.com]

 

SILK TIE WATCH | $8

A genetically engineered inter-accessories-species hybrid, native to the Jamaica Plain area. [Salmagundi]

 

HAND JOB: A CATALOG OF TYPE | $35

A collection of hand-drawn type from 50 typographers, hand-picked by Michael Perry. Handy. [Grand, 374 Somerville Ave., Union Sq., Somerville. 617.623.2429. grandthestore.com]

 

CARDBOARD MOOSE TROPHY BY CARDBOARD SAFARI | $12-$52

Made from recycled cardboard, this moose is the perfect wall ornament for people who love moose but hate trees.

[Greenward]

 

NIKON COOLPIX S70 | $299

Worlds collide with this camera and its new touch-screen feature. Now if only they'd add a phone to it. bestbuy.com</strong>]

 

WOOD WHALE CUTTING BOARD | $16

Pair this with the trout salt & pepper shakers for a kitchen set that's more "under the sea" themed than your junior prom. [Urban Outfitters, 11 JFK St., Harvard Sq., Cambridge. 617.864.0070. urbn.com]

 

F.ROCK CARRYALL FOR MEN | PRICES VARY

Constructed from 100-percent reclaimed fabrics and leathers from factory scraps, F. Rock carryalls are manufactured in Mass.—one of our favorite year-round must-haves. <strong>frockbags.com</strong>]

 

HANDMADE MITTENS | $80

Rendering eight of our vital appendages useless is totally worth it when your paws look this good. [Passport, 43 Brattle St., Harvard Sq., Cambridge. 617.576.0900. passportboutique.com]

 

SUNDAE JAR | $9

Contain yourself! We know: It's fucking adorable. [Gadgets, 671 Centre St., Jamaica Plain. 617.524.6800]

 

TUFFY OCTOPUS | $16

Almost too cute to hand over to the drooling jowls of your octopus-hungry dog. [Polka Dog Bakery, 256 Shawmut Ave., Boston. 617.338.5155. polkadog.com]

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SWISS CHEESE DOORSTOP | $8.50

This will make you want to institute an open-door policy. Who knew doorstops could be so endearing?

[Black Ink, 5 Brattle St., Harvard Sq., Cambridge. 617.497.1221. blackinkboston.com]

 

EARRINGS BY FOUNDLING | $42

These little beauties are handcrafted from recycled materials, so your lobes will be dripping with style and eco-friendly cred. [Magpie, 516 Highland Ave., Davis Sq., Somerville. 617.623.3330. magpie-store.com]

 

UNUSED COPCO VINTAGE TEAPOT | $85

Designed in 1962, this steel and teak water kettle is an-teak steal.

[Abodeon, 1731 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. 617.497.0317. abodeon.com]

 

LADYBUG SPONGE HOLDER | $8

This holiday season, give the gift of shelter to a homeless sponge. [Gadgets]

 

PANTONE MUG| $14

One argument your significant other can't pick with you, even if he/she/it is a colorblind jerk: This mug is red.

[Black Ink]

 

CLIQUE VASE | $64

It's like a vase in a lamp costume that hugged itself in a surrealist pose.

[Gifted, 53 Dartmouth St., Boston. 603.494.8391. madebymarie.com]

 

SILK-SCREENED TIE BY JES SWITAJ | $34

Do we even need to sell you on this idea? Sharks are badass, ties are badass. You will surely get laid if you wear this tie. [Boutique Fabulous]

 

JUICE PACK AIR BY MOPHIE | $79.95

Possibly the thinnest battery case for the iPhone out there, your main squeeze can no longer use a dead phone battery as an excuse for why they didn't answer your 20 calls. <strong>mophie.com]

 

BRIXTON TEAL CLOCHE W/ FEATHER | $4

Ladies, this hat is simple and classic. It's perfect for church or a hedonistic party. [Salmagundi]

 

GIN & TITONIC ICE CUBE TRAY BY FRED | $8.50

Makes Titanic- and glacier-shaped ice cubes perfect for drowning your sorrows.

[Joie de Vivre, 1792 Mass. Ave., Porter Sq., Cambridge. 617.864.8188. joiedevivre.net]

 

SLIM DATA USB | $25

This USB drive may have been attacked by a rolling pin. Now it's as thin as a business card and destined for your wallet. <strong>toptechproducts.com</strong>]

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MOTORCYCLE WALLET BY TINY | $14

After blowing your income on holiday gifts, your old wallet might trigger hair-pulling or eye-twitching. Time for a new one! [Magpie]

 

CROSLEY CLOCK RADIO SPEAKER | $58

Fuck digital. [Urban Outfitters]

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TROUT SALT & PEPPER SHAKERS | $14

Flotsam and Jetsam got nothing on these guys. [Joie de Vivre]

 

EDWARD GOREY PUZZLE | $17.95

A safe outlet for those holiday homicidal impulses. [Black Ink]

 

EGGLING HERB PLANTER | $10

May lead to confusion among small children ... which just ups the appeal. [Magpie]

 

SPARROW PAPER CLIP HOLDER | $10

We'll find any excuse for another animal-themed gift! [Grand]

 

FLEXICADO | $6.95

For the on-the-go avocado consumer. [Kitchen Arts]