A collapsing home market, tumbling retail forecasts and an icy mood in stores this holiday season: We say meh.
We bet you’ll still go shopping despite the grim news. And so Good Life brings you gift guides all week tailored for the people on your list.
We start with a look at items meant to please the young and the hip, those late teens and 20-somethings who sneer at sweaters and socks.
Check back each day for suggestions on cool culinary treats, toys for toddlers, outdoor items and more. Herald Writer Andy Rathbun
“Wall and Piece,” by Banksy ($23)
What: The words adventurous and daring get tossed around in the art world all the time, but with graffiti artist Banksy, they ring true. Take the time he broke into the London Zoo and spray painted “We’re bored of fish,” in the penguin pen. Now that’s adventurous. That’s daring. And funny.
Upside: This collection of Banksy’s work — mainly photographs of his subversive spray painting — will be a hit in the dorm.
Downside: It could inspire the recipient to take up a little vandalism of their own.
Scene It? Seinfeld ($40)
What: Just in time for Festivus, the popular DVD board game Scene It? delivers a “Seinfeld” edition.
Upside: The makers of the game unlocked the vault for their latest edition, with clips, puzzles and trivia questions based on all nine seasons of the sitcom.
Downside: The game may prove a loved one knows far too much about double dipping, mansierres and yada-yada-yada.
Small Tote from Sally Spicer ($60)
What: Sally Spicer, the popular bag designer, offers a 9-inch deep number that includes a cell phone pocket, magnetic snap closure and waterproof lining.
Upside: If dragonflies bug your woman, don’t worry; Sally Spicer lets you apply any of its 21 patterns to the bag. And if she’s already got a tote, you can use those same patterns on items like a coin purse ($18) or small clutch ($32).
Downside: The cloth bags don’t hold up as well as a leather tote.
The Sopranos: The Complete Series ($400)
What: Often called one of the greatest TV shows in history, “The Sopranos” gets issued in a deluxe boxed set.
Upside: Just consider the stats: 86 remastered episodes bulked up by 3 1/2 hours of new bonus material, which includes an interview with creator David Chase by Alec Baldwin, all delivered in a black linen box and packaged with 16 pages detailing the show. Are you salivating yet?
Downside: The 10-pound set costs Soprano-sized dollars, but is unavailable in that high definition, bada-bing format, Blu-ray.
Spore ($50)
What: Will Wright, creator of “The Sims,” returns with a computer game that was in development for nearly seven years.
Upside: “Spore” takes the formula behind “The Sims” and knocks it up a notch, as players create life, evolve it, establish tribes, build civilizations and sculpt worlds.
Downside: Critics rave about “Spore,” but gamers gripe. On Amazon.com, it holds the lowly score of 1 1/2 stars based on more than 3,000 user reviews.
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