So much to do. So little time. Where to shop? What to buy? We’ve got you covered. These Carolinas-based retailers have some great gift ideas just waiting to fly off the shelves.
Happy Holigays!
We thought we’d take a day trip over to the White Rabbit, the Carolinas’ favorite gay and lesbian everything store, and pick out a few of our favorite holiday gift-giving items! (Charlotte: 704-377-4067; Raleigh: 919-856-1429)
Bathroom bounty Don’t know what kind of sweater to buy for that special one on your list? Sweet-smelling goodies for your loved one’s bathroom might be a better alternative to that lime green turtleneck.
With rich smells and artistic flourishes, these handmade soaps (and the accompanying towels) are the best bet and bang for your buck. (under $10)
Ornamental queerdom December Diamonds — the delightfully gay way to queer up your holiday decorations — make for a perfect pre-holiday gift giver. Whether for your own tree or a friend’s, these fun ornaments are bound to brighten up anybody’s annual slate of holiday decór. (under $20)
Queervial pursuit A twist on your old favorite, Homogenius is Trivial Pursuit meets Queer Trivia Challenge. How much do you know about gay culture? Beware: You better win or we might have to take away your gay card. ($24.99)
Movie mania Everyone likes a good movie every now and then. White Rabbit has a plethora of LGBT-themed films for your holiday stocking stuffers. Among our faves: “The L Word” Season Five DVD set ($59.99), “The Houseboy” ($19.99), “7 Virgins” (25.99) and “Itty Bitty Titty Committee” ($27.99). Oh, and “Another Gay Sequel” featuring the hot and steamy prince of porn, Brent Corrigan, arrives on store shelves Dec. 9!
In with the old
Walking into an old antique shop is like walking into a time warp. You’d be surprised what kind of cool goodies you run across. Something that looks like it might have been made yesterday and could be on sale at Target might just be a one-of-a-kind original from the 1950s! After our stop at the fabulous White Rabbit, the Q-Notes staff headed over to 1510 Antiques (704-342-9005), right in the middle of Charlotte’s Central Ave./Plaza Midwood neighborhood.
Ornamental classics Need to get into the holiday mood? Like to have a little bit of classic, antique flair? Check out these pretty 1950s-style ornaments just waiting to adorn your tree. ($10)
Fit for a queen Walking into the back of the store, our team noticed a small but colorful little picture. Presumably printed at least as far back as the ’70s, we just loved that little Egyptian diva painting. Perfect for giving a dull side table just that little extra splash of color. ($29.95)
Old school naughtiness Anti-gay conservatives might be wishing for the “old days” when sex was taboo. They forget that people have always enjoyed sex and the beauty of the naked form. We found these four nude paintings just sitting or hanging around 1510 — three men and one fabulous looking woman (we hope she’s single). They’re a bit pricey, we know, but if you’ve got an empty wall and a taste for tasteful nudes, these are perfect for you. ($250-525)
More faves
The election, the aftermath, the protests — we were just so busy. We know how you’ll be feeling in the next few weeks; we’ve done zero holiday shopping ourselves. When you’re making your rounds don’t forget these “family”-friendly Carolinas retailers:
Charlotte’s House of Africa (704-376-6160) is the perfect place to find the most unique and colorful gifts for that person on your list who lives and breathes anything African. From musical instruments to paintings, sculptures to clothing, House of Africa has it all.
Durham’s Hamilton Hill International Designer Jewelry (919-683-1474) and Charlotte’s Morrison-Smith Jewelers (704-332-1605) are our favorite places to find the most exquisite and fine jewelry around. From sparkling diamond rings to gold earrings, both stores are just waiting to help you find the gift your loved one will remember for years to come.
Calloway’s Baskets & Blossoms (704-372-8892) on King’s Dr. in Charlotte offers great holiday gift baskets and bouquets for every party on your social calendar this season. How about a chocolate lover’s basket? Or about one with coffee and cream?
GlasJulz Stained Glass Gallery (336-707-5990) in Greensboro is filled to the brim with outstanding stained glass artwork. Perfect for adorning a kitchen, living room or bathroom window, GlasJulz pieces are both affordable and stylish! Want to give that special someone on your list more than just their very own piece of artwork? Sign them up for one of GlasJulz’ hand-made, stained glass workshop lessons!
If you’re in the mood for specialty, one-of-a-kind gifts, stop by Columbia’s Cloud Nine (888-880-4438). Coffee, gourmet foods, wines, home accents and bath and body products for men and women.
You just gotta love those independent booksellers. Asheville’s got one — look no further than Malaprops Bookstore and Cafe in downtown Asheville (828-254-6734).
For mature audiences only
For gag gifts or special moments, these adult retailers will take care of you:
Adam & Eve, 5309 E. Independence Blvd. #F, Charlotte, 704-567-5515
Fantasy Superstore, 2722 High Point Rd., Greensboro, 336-292-5305
Frisky Business, 1720 US Highway 70 East, Durham, 919-957-4441
Greensboro Video, 725 W. Lee St., Greensboro, 336-275-8366
Highway 74, 3514 Barry Dr., Charlotte, 704-399-7907
Monster Video, 3801 Wake Forest Hwy., Durham, 919-957-1070
Our Place Video, 327 W. Hargett St., Raleigh, 919-833-8968
Video Adventures, 3231 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, 704-399-7187
Video Magic & Mags, 6300 White Horse Rd., Greenville, S.C., 864-294-0022
Gift guide image courtesy of mpd, via Flickr