Megan Edwards Edwards

Holiday Shopping Slightly Off the Beaten Path

Monday, November 24, 2008

When it’s time for holiday shopping, few cities are as well-appointed with gift-acquiring opportunities than Las Vegas. For those eager to get everything done in one trip, venues like the Caesars Forum Shops, Town Square, and all the other malls around the valley are ideal destinations. If you’ve got a little more time, or you’re looking for unusual or off-beat gifts, consider these other possibilities.

British Foods, Inc.Photo by Megan Edwards
Florence displays a chocolate-
filled Advent calendar at British
Foods, Inc.

British Foods, Inc.
[Map]

This unpretentious little store in an ordinary strip mall on South Decatur Boulevard has a terrific lineup of comestibles and trinkets from “across the pond.” Stop in for a delightful chat with Florence (if you visit on the weekend) or any of the other knowledgeable (i.e. true Brit) staff members. I picked up a package of Christmas “crackers” and a rum-laced plum pudding, passing up with difficulty a tantalizing array of cookies, candy, teapots, hand-made tea cozies, tea towels, and a variety of souvenirs including authentic-looking London bobby hats. The store also has a nice lineup of frozen foods including bangers and black pudding as well as hard-to-find beverages like ginger beer. Marmite? You bet!

Gift shop at the Springs PreservePhoto by Megan Edwards
The gift shop at the Springs
Preserve features items that reflect
recycling and sustainability

Gift Shop at the Springs Preserve
[Map]

Everyone knows the Springs Preserve is a great place to go to wander through desert gardens or visit the exhibits about water conservation and Nevada history. Less well known is the gift store, which has an excellent selection of books, toys, art and gifts, most of them with some claim to being “green.” Whether it’s a colorful doormat made out of scraps from a flip-flop factory or a charming wind chime crafted from vintage silverware, this is a great place to find a gift for someone who appreciates items that support a “recyclable/sustainable” approach. You’ll also find hand-blown glass, hand-made crafts from around the world, and some really nice tree ornaments. Don’t forget to notice the oversized Gila monster and gigantic rattlesnake lurking under the glass floor in the gardening section. You can also schedule your trip to coincide with the annual “Winter Lights Festival” event that begins on November 28th.

Wynn LVNV
[Map]

Okay, yes, this one’s not only on the Strip but at one of its most lavish resorts. Why do I mention this stunningly beautiful store that looks, at first glance, like it’s only for people who just won big at the baccarat table? Because in addition to all the high end crystal, art, and silver, you’ll find a wonderful selection of opulent-looking gifts with more modest price tags. This time of year, Wynn LVNV has awesome Christmas ornaments and beautiful home décor items that fit into any budget. And of course while you’re walking through the Wynn, you can enjoy some of the most lovely holiday decorations on the planet, absolutely free.

Tokyo DiscountPhoto by Megan Edwards
Tokyo Discount has a wide
selection of Japanese imports

Tokyo Discount
[Map]

This is one of my favorite shops for gifts any old day of the year. Arguably the largest collection of Hello Kitty merchandise anywhere can be found here, but there’s much more. The center aisles of the store are packed with an amazing array of Japanese ceramics. From sake and tea sets to plates, bowls, cups, and saucers, many styles are represented, all at appealing prices. Exotic foods, cookies, tea, and candy make great gifts, as do paper lanterns, kimonos, shirts, cosmetics, and a dazzling variety of toys and knickknacks. Tokyo Discount #1 is on the south side of town in the Silverado district; Tokyo Discount #2 is on the west side at Fort Apache and Tropicana.

Mr. Bill's Pipe & Tobacco CompanyPhoto by Megan Edwards
Dazzling display of hookahs at
Mr. Bill’s Pipe & Tobacco Comany

Mr. Bill’s Pipe and Tobacco Company
[Map]

In search of gifts for the person who has everything—including a few vices? There’s no better destination than Mr. Bill’s Pipe and Tobacco Company. Whichever Mr. Bill’s you enter (there are three in the valley), the first thing that hits you—after the pungent blend of tobacco and incense, I mean—is the awesome full-wall display of hookahs and glass pipes. Next, you’ll probably be impressed by the walk-in humidor stocked floor to ceiling with cigars, although I have to admit I was captivated by a case of carved meerschaum pipes and another of awesome lighters. For those on your list with smoky hobbies, look no further than Mr. Bill’s. From all types of accessories to actual combustibles, there’s something here in every price range, from a $2 pipe to a $700 box of cigars.

Cheesecake & CrimePhoto by Megan Edwards
Cheesecake & Crime mystery
bookstore and cheesecake bakery

Cheesecake and Crime
[Map]

You gotta love a store with a name like that, but at Christmas, you can love it more. Not only will you find the great lineup of crime fiction, graphic novels, and other standout books that make it a terrific place to shop for the readers on your list, you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee while you shop. And—oh, yeah!—the best cheesecake in the valley! Whether you eat it on the spot, wrap it up for Aunt Sally, or plan your holiday feast around it, you won’t find a more delicious selection of desserts anywhere.

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Comments

3 Responses to “Holiday Shopping Slightly Off the Beaten Path”
  1. Linda Lou says:

    Ha! Sounds like Mr. Bill’s would be perfect for the people on my Christmas list who sing, “It’s 4:20 Somewhere.”

  2. Funny you should mention “4:20!” I was writing a piece about Mr. Bill’s a few years ago for the Las Vegas Weekly, and when I was chatting with one of the store managers, he showed me a T-shirt that said something about 4:20. I gave him a blank stare. After he got over his amazement that I didn’t know what 4:20 meant, he kindly explained it to me. So… for those people who are ridiculously innocent, Mr. Bill’s is a great place to get a quick education. I remember they also had a sign on the cash register positioned where the clerks could read it that said, “Don’t call them bongs.” I’m happy to report I DID know what “bong” meant!

  3. Ellen Ross says:

    Megan,

    Yes, I am also a Tokyo Discount fan and I keep going back to the Springs Preserve. Good article on choices for shopping !!!

    Ellen

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