2008 GIFT GUIDE: $20 and Under
The Little Otsu Annual Weekly Planner Volume 3
$20 at Mini Mini Market, 218 Bedford Ave. (at N. 5th St.), Brooklyn, 718-302-9337
Because everyone has that one friend that doesnt have his shit together, get him The Little Otsu Annual Weekly Planner Volume 3. Its filled with dateless weeks and monthly calendars so you can start it any time of the year. The artwork by Minneapolis artist Dan Black will keep your poorly organized pal intrigued as he enters new engagements throughout the year. Write in New Years resolutions, your own birthday and other must-do events before gifting this planner. Use properly and next year that friend will remember to buy you a present.
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Flatterware Collapsible Cup
$12 at Stewart/Stand, 165 Front St. (at Jay St.), Brooklyn, 718-407-4197
For hikers, bikers and the caffeine addicted, Flatterwares collapsible cup is the latest in essential gourds. Made to hold both hot and cold liquids, it can handle coffee in the morning, energy drinks in the afternoon and whiskey all day long! And who doesnt get a kick out of collapsing something? Mother Nature has been trying to get us on to an idea like this for yearscarrying around a Nalgene is painfully passéand thank goodness someone came up with a practical, space-friendly solution. Available in red, blue and green, drinking doesnt get any sweeter.
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Lou Reeds Berlin DVD
$23.99 at Borders, 560 2nd Ave. (at E. 32nd St.), 212-685-3938
Plenty of films and albums have documented junkie love, but to see rock curmudgeon Lou Reeds devastating Berlin album performed live somehow manages to eclipse all other attempts. Filmed at Dumbo wacky shack St. Anns Warehouse during last years sold-out concert, the Julian Schnabel–directed film recounts a desolate musical tale that might be a bit of a downer, but its way more interesting than watching Its a Wonderful Life again.
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Swear Bear
$17.95 at Rickys, 111 Third Ave. (betw. E. 13th & E. 14th Sts.), 212-674-9640
Usually when you press the tummy of a talking teddy bear, it says something nauseating like I love you, Mommy. Not the Swear Bear. It might just be a case of him saying what were thinking, but this adorable little guy spouts off gems like, Eat shit and die, motherfucker! and Nobody loves you, everybody hates you, go fuck yourself. Sure its juvenile, crass and unnecessarybut thats what makes it an ideal gift. Were not telling you to take it out of the box and mix it in with the gifts at the next baby shower youre invited to, but thats our plan.
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Chocolate Bock
$14.95 at Whole Foods, 95 E. Houston St. (betw. Bowery & Chrystie St.), 212-420-1320
Were thankful that we live in a country where anything is possible. Its cold weather time, and its time for a good beer. Can we have a handcrafted, limited edition Samuel Adams beer brewed with special Swiss chocolate? Yes we can! Can we have it now? Yes we can! Americas largest craft brewer always offers one of the winters best seasonal brews, the Winter Lager. This year, its also sharing a brew called the Chocolate Bock, which is perfect for a gift for the beer slut youre sweet on. Its not a sweet beer, despite the name. Brewing with Swiss chocolatier Felchins Grand Cru Sauvage cocoa nibs gives the suds a rich full body with strong malt tones without being overpowering. What pours from the bottle is a big-bodied and extremely smooth-finishing beer that makes the holidays worth celebrating.