Et Cetera

This year there's no excuse. If the thought of heavy carbon footprints and a fragile local economy don't force you out of Target, then we will. Because the choice locally is huge and, naturally, much more interesting. Here are some of our favorites, in no particular order.

1. FORS Shop for modern amenities

Known for their hip, modern interiors, architects Sonya Sotinsky and Miguel Fuentevilla have launched a new retail venture in front of their design studio. Gifts run from the cheeky, like this Mustachifier pacifier ($10), to the chic. Check out the stainless steel and resin  jewelry by Stubborn, $50 and up.

FORS architecture+interiors, 245 E. Congress, #135 . Tel: 795-9888

2. Yikes

Feeling a little rebellious this Holiday season? Then how about foregoing gingerbread men for Ninjabread men? For that and more grown-up fun, pay a visit to Yikes toy store, 2930 E. Broadway Blvd at Broadway Village. Tel: 320 5669. (Read our profile of Yikes owner Patricia Katchur here.)

 

3. Buster & Boo

We’ve loved Buster & Boo’s vintage typewriter jewelry since we stumbled on it at a Tucson Museum of Art craft fair some years ago.

Husband and wife team Sara and Eric Sacks, based in Tucson, make pieces for women and men, all available via etsy. Price: $22 to $69. We ask you: who doesn’t want to lead a happily punctuated life?

B&B are giving a special offer to 3 Story readers: order via its own website and use code FREE SHIPPING at the checkout, and they will automatically deduct the shipping cost.

4. Catherine Harrison

Tucson artist/weaver Catherine Harrison takes plastic bags and works magic with them. Who’d have thought the likes of a plain old Safeway grocery bag could look so stylish? She cuts them into strips and weaves them together, then adds a cotton fabric lining and clasp to make some striking clutches.

As a special gesture to raise awareness of breast cancer, Catherine has developed a line of custom pink clutches, with half of all proceeds going towards the Southern Arizona Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. You can find them for $32 each on etsy or at the Komen Southern Arizona shop, 4574 E. Broadway, open Monday to Thursday, 9am-5pm. Tel: 319 0155.

 

5. Bon

Just because it's childsplay doesn't mean it can't be tasteful. Go on - turn your kids into sophisticates with these gifts from Bon, the boutique owned by mother-and-daughter team Bonnie and Crystal Flynt. From left to right: Wood bark pencils, $9.50; 3 25-piece puzzles of the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre and the Arc de Triomphe by Vilac, $34; Bronnley triple-milled handmade soap in the shape of a duck, $13.95. Bon is at 3022 East Broadway Boulevard. Tel: 795-2272.

 

6. Augustus Paris Antiques

Amidst the French antiques at Augustus Paris Antiques are vintage accessories to die for, belts, clutches and jewelry for $40 and up. We couldn't resist the handmade holiday snowballs bearing the names of French beauties such as Anaïs Nin and Catherine Deneuve. Priced at $40, each snowball contains a scented soap, candle, and lip balm wrapped in a French cloth and sealed with a vintage brooch. Throw one at someone you love! Augustus Paris is at 2522 E Fort Lowell Rd. Tel: 777-5454.

 

7. Atelier de La Fleur

As well as floral arrangements, orchids and native plant selections, Atelier de La Fleur, the latest addition to the Historic Train Depot downtown, sells unusual gardening tools, and gloves that turn a green thumb into a fashion statement. Find them at 410 E. Toole Avenue. Tel: 548-1338.

 

8. UNICEF Store

Shop an exquisite and diverse selection of textiles, ceramics, jewelry, clothing, sculpture and Christmas ornaments from all over the world at the UNICEF Store (United Nations Children's Fund). Chunky jewelry, silk scarves and stylish recycled totes are fit for the likes of Angelina Jolie and Audrey Hepburn, but priced for the masses.  Proceeds benefit UNICEF and the United Nations Association of Southern Arizona education program. 6242 E. Speedway Blvd. Tucson (520) 327-0314

 9. Phil Smith

For a slice of Americana with a clean-but-funky edge to it, try the mixed media photo collages of Tucson artist Phil Smith. Phil takes photos of everyday objects and buildings, then mounts some of them on foam board for a 3-D effect. He adds wood, wire, paper, stamps, paint, pencil and beads for the final presentation, framed under glass in antique boxes or on canvas. Prices range from $25 up to $500. Buy them direct from Phil by emailing [email protected]

10. Museum Shops

Museums bring you the art and the education. Their gift stores let you take it home with you. That's why, if you're really stuck for gift ideas, we urge you to hit the Tucson Museum of Art, 140 North Main Avenue, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson at 265 South Church Avenue  Tucson. While you're at it, check out what has to be world's most elaborate nativity scene, El Nacimiento, at the TMA. Worth a look at MOCA is an exhibit by Peter Young, who has shown around the world but now resides in Bisbee, AZ.

 

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