Features

Our 2022 Las Vegas Holiday Gift Guide

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Ian Racoma and Christopher DeVargas / Staff

Hang it!

Art prints by Abbie Ren

The proprietor of Downtown gift shop Local Oasis makes delightful cartoon art prints loaded with affirming truths. “I have a great butt,” says one, with a simple drawing of a peach. “I attract massive amounts of happiness,” reads another. It could be talking about itself. Prices vary, abbieren.com.

“Las Vegas World” poster by Rhonda Turnbough

Illustrator Rhonda Turnbough grew up in Las Vegas during the 1990s and early 2000s, and that’s the city fancifully depicted on her poster—the Vegas where you could begin the day at Café Espresso Roma and conclude it at the Huntridge Theater. $30-$50, rhondaturnbough.com.

Art prints by Joy Goldstein

As much fun as it is to hang images of distant lands or fictional worlds in our homes, we sometimes overlook our own beautiful backyard. These dreamy paintings of the Mojave Desert will remind your loved ones how magnificent the familiar scenery truly is. $19, etsy.com/shop/joygoldsteinstudio.

Wear it!

Native American jewelry from Erick Begay

On the hunt for a hidden gem this year? Head to Boulder City, where you’ll find Begay’s stunning pieces, made with traditional techniques like tufa casting and sandcasting. Prices vary, n8tivearts.com.

T-shirt from Depressed Monsters

It’s been a rough few years, but T-shirts with Yeti Yerman’s sympathetic expression can help any giftee feel seen and validated. Need an extra hug? Yerman is available in plush form, too. $40, depressedmonsters.com.

Punk T-shirts from Hardcore Las Vegas

Stride confidently into Vegas’ soon-to-open Punk Rock Museum wearing one of Rob Ruckus’ screen-printed, classic Vegas punk T-shirts. No one will question your bona fides if you’re wearing an Underground Records or Subterfuge tee—and, y’know, have a general idea what those things are. Most items $18, etsy.com/shop/hardcorelasvegas.

Jewelry from Mystic Herbs

Downtown-based maker Marie Valencia makes fun, funky jewelry and accessories out of unlikely materials like rose quartz and canvas—evil eye necklaces, Beetlejuice earrings, an MF Doom keychain. And she packages them using recycled materials, a cool, earthy touch. Prices vary, etsy.com/shop/MysticHerbsShop333.

Drink it!

VCW Wine Club membership at Valley Cheese & Wine

Super stocking stuffer: Get educated in the most delicious way, compliments of one of the Valley’s premier gourmet shops. Every month will bring three or six bottles of wine, a booklet with info and pairing recommendations, and cheese suggestions from VCW owner and cheese expert Diana Brier. $100-$220, valleycheeseandwine.com.

Spices and loose-leaf tea from Sheffield Spice & Tea Co.

Masala chai, peach oolong and herbal teas purveyed from all corners of the globe make great stocking stuffers. Thoughtfully sourced oils, spices and blends add a pinch of premium flavor to any home cook’s gift basket. Prices vary, sheffieldspices.com.

Moonshine three-pack from the Mob Museum

A must-have for booze purists who want an authentic taste of the Prohibition era’s most potent elixirs. Custom-made in the museum’s speakeasy and distillery, the Underground, this trio packs a punch of flavors, from ginger to cinnamon. $26, themobmuseum.org.

Curated case of wines from Garagiste

Whether you’re looking to diversify your palate or expand an already adventurous one, this mystery case of 12 wines, curated by the experts of Downtown’s Garagiste Wine Room & Merchant, will expose drinkers to exciting new favorites. $299, garagistelv.com.

Dark Moon Coffee

For those in need of a little help getting started in the morning, Henderson’s Dark Moon packages its popular Nova Blend—used in its perfect espresso—with notes of baker’s chocolate, berries, brown sugar and lime. $16, darkmoon.coffee.

Pumpkin Boy Stout from North 5th Brewing Company

The latest keg from North Las Vegas’ first brewery pays homage to the season with subtly sweet squash complementing roasted malt, available via growlers in the taproom or in cans upon request. $7 per 16-ounce can, north5thbrewingco.com.

Eat it!

Pots spices

Chef Iman Haggag shuttered the only Egyptian restaurant in town, but she keeps the flavors coming with her unique line of dry spices and seasoning blends, including the addictive chili oil Shatta Crisp. Click away and add some flair to any home cook’s pantry arsenal. $10-$15, potslv.com.

BK Brinery pickles at SoulBelly BBQ

Smoked meats deserve the briny blast of pickles to cut through the richness, so assist your barbecue-obsessed giftee with a jar of the good stuff from chef Bruce Kalman’s BK Brinery, available at his Downtown spot or online through Toast and Goldbelly. $10, soulbellybbq.com.

Meal kits & gift boxes from Giadzy

You take your foodie friends to brunch or dinner at Giada on the Strip, and you should, but the celebrity chef’s Giadzy site offers a plethora of kits and gifts with curated Italian ingredients perfect for dinner parties, movie nights, brunch gatherings and more. We’ll take the choose-your-own pasta adventure kit, thanks! $44-$161, giadzy.com.

Mushroom grow kits from Desert Moon Mushrooms

Mushrooms are fascinating foods to grow, and with these kits—ranging in level from beginner to intermediate—anyone can sprout a variety of oyster and lion’s mane ’shrooms in their very own kitchen. $30, order by emailing [email protected].

Rep it!

Vegas Golden Knights Reverse Retro 2022 jersey

Every new VGK sweater has brought excitement and anticipation, but this black beauty—with neon sign-inspired lettering and numbers, glow-in-the-dark capabilities and the simple, clean “Vegas” emblazoned across the front—might be our favorite design yet. $190, nhl.com/goldenknights.

Las Vegas Aces championship merch

If the opening chapter of major league professional sports in Las Vegas was the Golden Knights’ inaugural dream season, surely Chapter 2 is all about A’ja Wilson, Becky Hammon and the Las Vegas Aces winning the WNBA Championship in 2022. Don’t let this year close without picking up a T-shirt, hat or poster commemorating this milestone for that sports fanatic in your life. Prices vary, wnbastore.nba.com/las-vegas-aces.

Las Vegas Raiders knit hats

It’s been a rough season for the Raiders, but true fans stay supportive through highs and lows. And with winter weather here, what better way for a football diehard to show their spirit than with some headware to keep that dome toasty, at the stadium or repping around town. Men’s $28, women’s $32, nflshop.com/las-vegas-raiders.

Las Vegas Desert Dogs hoodie

If you don’t know who the Dogs are yet, you soon will. Pro lacrosse has landed in the desert, and whether your loved one is a longtime fan of the sport or a total newbie, crossed sticks and a cool canine make for an excellent addition to the Las Vegas sports logo collection. Men’s $64, women’s $60, nllshop.com/las-vegas-desert-dogs.

Update a home with it!

Las Vegas city map glasses from Well Told

Our city has developed great breweries, great distilleries—shouldn’t we drink their wares from vessels of civic pride? Well Told offers rocks glasses, pint glasses and wine glasses etched with a map of our Valley. $18-$20, welltolddesign.com.

Las Vegas Candle Company’s pet-friendly Home for the Howlidays Scented Candle

Give the gift of seasonal scents. This candle features nutmeg, chestnut, cinnamon, ginger and more, and it’s made with pure fragrance oils and pure soy wax, so it won’t be harmful to furry friends. $5-$25, lasvegascandlecompany.com.

Teaware from Tea and Whisk

Drinking tea is a timeless enjoyment. Add to the experience with a Japanese gaiwan or a wood-fired teapot. This local shop has plenty of beautiful styles and colors from which to choose. $20+, teaandwhisk.com.

Seed paper cards from the Paper Pulp

How does your garden grow? From discarded greeting cards, apparently! This woman-owned business recycles paper by hand and incorporates dried flower petals, seeds and print designs to make cards and bookmarks that keep giving, once returned to the soil. $3-$8, thepaperpulp.weebly.com.

Read it!

Neon Riffs and Lounge Acts: Las Vegas Writers on Music

This collection of essays—volume 13 of the acclaimed Las Vegas Writes series—puts an ear to our city’s musical legacy, from the Copa Room to the top of the charts. You get showstopping hits from musician and producer Brian Garth, former Le Rêve musical director Tyler Williams, UNLV prof Betty Burston and more. $13, nevadahumanities.org/las-vegas-writes.

Outback Nevada: Real Stories From the Silver State by John M. Glionna

The perfect gift for the historian in your life, this book tells the stories of the “diverse, spirited and sometimes quirky people” who reside in the Silver State. The tales are pulled from articles Glionna’s published during his time at the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Los Angeles Times. $28, unpress.nevada.edu.

A Coin for the Ferryman by Megan Edwards

In this novel from a Las Vegas-based author, an elite interdisciplinary team transports Julius Caesar—right before his murder—to 1999. The plan is to have him converse with historians and Latin scholars before returning him to his rightful time, but a kidnapping attempt puts the Roman dictator in danger nonetheless. $18, thewritersblock.org.

Listen to it (on vinyl) it!

Bedrot by Luxury Furniture Store

This synth-laden, moody 2021 LP recalls the dark dream-pop of Drab Majesty, righteously showcasing Vegas’ rising darkwave outfit. $25, luxuryfurniturestore.bandcamp.com.

The Acid Sisters by The Acid Sisters

The Sisters debuted their desert psychedelia with this hazy 2018 LP, which captures the haunting, fuzzed-out essence of the local group. $20, acidsisters.bandcamp.com.

Until the End of Your World by Mercy Music

This intense 2018 offering by Las Vegas’ leading poppy punk outfit pairs raw lyrics from frontman Brendan Scholz with punchy drum work and bright melodies. $20, mercymusicforyou.com.

Have fun with it!

Moxi Rainbow Rider roller skates from Fresa’s Skate Shop

Cruise the neighborhood in style on these color-popping wheels, fit for recreational and beginner skaters. The well-padded boot and adjustable toe stop make every outdoor trek feel like a breeze. $119, fresasskateshop.com.

Papercuts: A Party Game for the Rude and Well-Read from the Writer’s Block

Literary hilarity will ensue with this clever party game similar to Apples to Apples, with a bookish twist. It’s a battle of wits among fellow writers and readers, so bookmark this for giftees who cherish the written word. $22, thewritersblock.org.

Stickers by MaryOnAdventures

When mailing cards and pen pal correspondence, send a little piece of the desert with them. Local artist Mary Felker’s stickers feature whimsical illustrations that reflect the sandstone and vibrant colors of the surrounding desert and southwest wildlife. Prices vary, etsy.com/shop/maryonadventures.

Experience it!

Smith Center’s Broadway series

Treat the theater fanatic on your list to an evening of adventure, melodies and magic. Reynolds Hall will be home to To Kill a Mockingbird, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Frozen, Mean Girls and Tina! The Tina Turner Musical in the coming months. $35+, thesmithcenter.com.

Finger Licking Foodie Tours’ cuisine-focused tours

The first of these new offerings from the local culinary experience gurus focused on the food we’re all obsessed with—pizza. Future events will feature different craveable dishes during a three-hour jaunt to three local eateries. $89-$175, fingerlickingfoodietours.com.

Neon Night Flight Spectacular

Papillon helicopter tours and the Neon Museum team for this illuminating two-part experience. First, take to the sky to see the Strip and Downtown and get all the background on the Vegas of today, then a tour of the Boneyard and its historic signs will fill in the blanks on the Vegas of yesterday. The immersive A/V presentation “Brilliant! Jackpot” at the museum caps the night. $169, papillon.com.

Las Vegas Pop Culture Walking Tours

Fremont Street has a lot going on, from classic neon signs to giant art pieces to packs of roving Elvii. Local historian Richard Hooker brings all those elements together with an entertaining and informative two-hour tour—and it even comes with a complimentary cocktail. $35, lasvegaspopculturetours.com.

Lost Spirits Distillery tour

Explore a labyrinthine, steampunk-ish otherworld where holograms sing, magicians and circus performers entertain and kind folks hand you shot after shot of delicious, small-batch rums. You might even learn a bit about the fascinating scientific means by which that artisanal hooch is made. $49-$89, lostspirits.net.

Illuminarium

Take a dazzling journey into space or observe the world’s most exotic animals in their natural habitats with this buzzed-about Area15 attraction. Perfect from the whole family during the day, or adults ready for a partylike atmosphere at night. $24-$45, area15.com/experiences/illuminarium.

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