A few weeks ago, I sat the adult children down and told them, in no uncertain terms, I planned to cut back on gift giving this holiday season. Let’s put the money toward a week-long family summer vacation. Making memories through an experience together, I reasoned, is so much more rewarding than a Therabody Theraface Depuffing Wand or Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.
They all nodded in agreement as they covered their mouths to hide their snickering.
The thing is, I say this every year. And every year, they shake their heads yes, only to find as we gather to exchange gifts that I disregarded everything I had said and once again went overboard with the gifts. As members of an interfaith family, they guessed that this year would be more excessive than ever with both Hanukkah and Christmas falling on the same day.
I hope to prove them wrong, though if making selections for this year’s News & Schmooze Annual Gift Guide is any indication, I wouldn’t bet too heavily on the outcome of that week-long family vacation. Maybe more like four or five days.
So without further ado, here are seven offerings for the 2024 holiday season. Why not eight, for each night of Hanukkah, you ask? Like I said, I’m cutting back.
1. Bobbing heads
My husband has many talents but finding the perfect gift for his wife sometimes eludes him. “You’re so hard to buy for,” no other person in the world has ever said except my husband. However, for my birthday this year, he outdid himself. The gift came wrapped like a mummy, and we laughed hard as I kept unwinding the gauzy protective wrap until there it was — a full-on, 3D replica of him and me as (wait for it) bobbleheads, except without the bobbling.
By uploading a full-length picture to youclay.com, you can fully customize a polymer clay bobblehead — or a stationary statue, as my husband chose — of whomever you’d like – you, your family, friends, even your pets. The process, from picture upload to creation to delivery takes roughly three weeks. Prices range from $99 to $789 for 10 bobbleheads (persons and/or pets). The detailing is amazing, even down to the swoosh on my husband’s Nike sneakers. And believe me, never have I looked as voluptuous as I do as a 6-inch-tall bobble-less babe.
2. The next best thing to their pizza
After nearly 70 years, Frank & Helen’s Pizzeria in University City will close its doors for good on Dec. 8. Recently, I spoke to several members of the St. Louis Jewish community who shared fond memories of meals spent there, from family gatherings to reunions with old friends to making sculptures out of the raw pizza dough. For those who want to remember F&H’s for years to come, the Jewish twin brothers at STL Style — Randy and Jeff Vines — have fashioned a commemorative T-shirt bearing a sketch of the beloved eatery created by current owner Patrick Horvath. Proceeds from the unisex T-shirt, in sizes small to 3X and costing $25, will benefit Frank & Helen’s staff. You can visit the store at 3159 Cherokee Street or order online at www.stl-style.com.
3. Dashing through the snow
While you don’t need a one-horse open sleigh to find your way to 7355 Forsyth Ave. in Clayton, you owe it to yourself to check out the new location of dot dot dash, a winsome boutique specializing in women’s clothing and accessories. Previously in Clayton’s Demun neighborhood, the shop reopened last month in this bigger space, though it still boasts an intimate, cozy atmosphere and tastefully inviting displays. Owner Alyson Garland, a member of Central Reform Congregation, and her staff are the kind of salespeople who are more than willing to assist customers should they be stumped about what to give the women in their lives. In addition, reports owner Garland, the new space also includes housewares curated by interior designer Julie Baur.
4. Gone fishing with the alta cockers
I’m a sucker for museum stores. I don’t know what it is about them, but I find them inspiring, especially if I’m shopping for a gift and have no idea what to get.
The St. Louis Art Museum, Missouri Botanical Gardens and Missouri History Museum gift shops are fabulous places to browse for distinctive gifts, but for purposes of Hanukkah-themed, Jewish selections few shops beat the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History Museum Store.
Unless you’re headed to Philadelphia this holiday season where’s it’s located, you can shop the store online at shoptheweitzman.org and find dozens of possibilities at various price points. My favorites: a navy baseball cap emblazoned with the Yiddishism “Alta Cocker” ($25.95) and a Dr. Seuss-like T-shirt that reads “One fish, two fish, red fish, gefilte fish” ($30).
5. Working it out
No one would ever mistake me for a gym rat. Like cleaning the house and going to bed early, exercising is something I do not because I love it, but because it makes me feel better (usually) and it’s good for me. For nearly 20 years, my workout place of choice has been the Jewish Community Center. It’s welcoming, unfussy and convenient, with pretty much all the exercise equipment and classes that any fitness fan would want, not to mention basketball, handball and pickleball courts, indoor and outdoor pools, sauna and steam rooms and much more.
So why not give the gift of better health this holiday season? As part of a special online promotion, those joining the J by Jan. 31 will receive three extra months with a 12-month membership. Just use the code “Jewish Light” to redeem.
6. Remains of the day
Among the more unique gift ideas I stumbled upon is the “Rockets into Roses” collection, whereby Israeli artists create Judaica from actual rockets that landed in Israel.
As the website theisraelboutique.com/category/rocket-art/ explains: “After the miraculous success of the Iron Dome missile defense came the next project: Creating treasures from the very material used to protect the people of Israel.”
Choose among Star of David and IDF dog tag necklaces, menorahs, mezuzahs and interesting sculptural pieces. Prices range from as low as $29 to $2,499 for a limited- edition Rocket Rose Sculpture. This handmade piece, made from Kassam rockets, features four long-stemmed roses coming out of a rocket, symbolizing the idea of growth emerging from destruction.
Proceeds from the sale of these items support Israeli victims of the war against Hamas.
7. JARgon
If you’re looking for something yummy to bring to a Hanukkah party (instead of or in addition to jelly doughnuts) or as a gift for those friends with a sweet tooth, look no further than Jars.
What’s “Jars,” you ask? Imagine your favorite desserts in a six-ounce Mason jar, layered up like a super cute English trifle — we’re talking custards, cakes and toppings galore. It’s all the indulgence, with none of the mess. Founded by chef, cookbook author and all-around culinary rockstar Fabio Viviani, Jars hit Missouri this past August, taking over the old Maggie Moo’s spot in Ladue (8853 Ladue Road, to be exact).
Monica Crooks, along with her husband and a silent partner (who just so happens to be Jewish), have created something truly sweet. At their Ladue store, you’ll find 12 flavors of Jars, including four rotating seasonal varieties. Classic favorites like Tiramisu, Gooey Butter and Red Velvet Cheesecake, featuring vanilla cream cheesecake custard, red velvet cake, vanilla frosting and a homemade red velvet cookie, are always in the mix. And for the holidays? Check out the Peppermint Mocha Eggnog — peppermint and eggnog custard, peppermint bark and blended mocha chips.
Prices range from $6.99 to $9.50, and you can even grab gluten-free options. For parties consider mini-Jars, sold in packs of 12 for $42. Oh, and did we mention the best part? The Ladue location is the ONLY one of roughly 30 nationwide that’s kosher.
