What Is the Worst Holiday Gift Ever?

What gift have you received that left you speechless?

There's one every holiday, it seems. That gift that puzzles you, irritates you, embarrasses you, frustrates you. And even if you know in your heart that it's the holiday season and that you should be gracious and thankful, you just want to shake your head in disbelief? Was it the ugly Christmas sweater that you gave to Aunt Margie last year, carefully wrapped and unknowingly (or knowingly) re-gifted right back to you? Was it that set of salt-and-pepper shakers shaped like cheese wedges that your grandmother gave you because she thinks you need a hobby, and shouldn't everyone have a collection of something? Was it the donation made in your name to a charity you would never have wanted to support, but that the giver supports enthusiastically…

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News Nearby

News Nearby: U City Resident Opens Sweet Boutique

Clayton’s newest shop at Maryland Avenue is full of reasonably priced gift items and handmade chocolates.

Naysayers told Kristen Held that the struggling economy was hard on small businesses, but that didn't stop her from opening Sweet Boutique gift shop in Clayton this October. She saw the lack of gift shops in Clayton as an opportunity and decided to fill the need. “I felt like the timing was right. Other areas are just full to the brim with gift shops,” she said. (See related on Patch: Sweet Boutique: Sweet Gifts for the Holidays) Clayton also happens to be close to her new home in University City, which is a good thing as Held keeps the shop open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. She told Patch that she always wanted to open a gift shop of her own and enjoys helping people find the right present. “I always liked giving gifts. I can …

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Ask the Patch Pro: Seeking Local Techies

Patch is looking for experts who can talk electronics and share their expertise this week.

It's the season of giving and chances are, you probably have some fancy technology to cross off your holiday shopping lists. Patch wants to help find the answers to all your questions about Blue-ray players, iPads, smartphones and television sets, but we need a little help.  In the latest edition of "Ask the Patch Pro" we need local experts who can answer readers' questions and offer advice. If you are a local techie or consider yourself an expert and can answer these questions and more, let us know two ways. One: You can leave a comment on this post. Two: You can send an email to jordan.lanham@patch.com. We need experts to answer questions on Thursday, Nov. 29.  Curious as to what we are looking for? Take a look at some of our previous …

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Holiday Guide: Wines to Give and Share

When shopping for wine, visit a local wine shop where experts are on hand to help you select the perfect vintage.

Patch asked three local wine experts what they would recommend for holiday gift giving. We got the same answer three times — “What do they like to drink?” In the world of wine, there’s no one perfect bottle. The best gift wine is given with ample thought towards the recipient. Do they like sweet dessert wines or a bold Cabernet Sauvignon? Would they like a bottle from a far away land, or one from their favorite local Missouri winery? When pushed, wine experts will reluctantly give a few recommendations. But they’d much rather talk with you in person where they can show you around the shop and point out popular or underappreciated wines. Straub’s “The hottest category in wines are pinot gris from Oregon,” said Chris Young from Straub's. He …

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The Sweets Life

Christmas Gifts from the Kitchen

University City Patch's resident foodie shares some holiday recipes.

The Christmas season is upon us. The Loop is decorated with tinsel and lights. Christmas music blares in stores and restaurants. Your calendar is filled with parties on the weekends and school concerts and holiday happy hours during the week. Then there’s the shopping and the wrapping and the exchanging of gifts! This year, one side of our family has elected to give completely homemade gifts. While the details of my gifts are still a secret, I highly recommend you consider homemade gifts this year. Rather than spending money on little trinkets or stocking stuffers that will be appreciated but then tossed aside by your friends and family, why not offer them something they can enjoy immediately whilst appreciating the time and effort that …

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Arts and Entertainment with Jeff Brandt

Blick Art Materials Opens in the Loop

The nationwide art supply chain has moved from Clayton to University City.

Artists of all stripes rejoice! A new art store has arrived in the Delmar Loop. Blick Art Materials has moved from its Clayton location to 6300 Delmar Blvd. in University City. According to Crista Feriozzi, Blick's Director of Store Development, the relocation follows the nationwide chain's decision to move to art and cultural hubs. There just aren't as many students, artists and hipsters walking the streets of Clayton as there are in the Loop. The store, which held a grand opening sale on Thursday, Jan. 6, features a wide selection of paints, brushes, canvases, easels, frames and gifts. "We have over 16,000 items in stock," said Tim Bouseman, Blick's General Manager. "We have at our disposal probably another 90,000 in our warehouse in …

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Myra Lopez

8:51 am on Saturday, January 15, 2011

I haven't been in the store yet, but with a 2 year old I'm sure it's going to be a destination spot.   more ›

Arts and Entertainment with Jeff Brandt

Loop Businesses Offer Out-of-the-Ordinary Shopping Ideas

University City Patch profiles three local businesses offering interesting holiday gifts.

Let's say you're sick of seeing all of the same bland gifts at a big box store. You want to spice up your shopping to make this holiday season one to remember. Why not just take a stroll down the Delmar Loop? These three stores on Delmar offer fun, unusual alternatives to traditional Christmas gifts. Enigma Tattoos Located above Sunshine Daydream, accepts walk-ins for tats and piercings. With a wall full of samples and an open mind when it comes to custom designs, Enigma is no stranger to offbeat Christmas shoppers. "A week or two before Christmas, people will come in wanting to buy their mom, sister, brother, dad or whoever a tattoo," employee Chris Greer said. Wait . . . moms? Even the white picket fence suburban moms who wear mom jeans…

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