Nice Package

City Paper’s annual gift guide

Published: November 23, 2011

People like to complain about holiday gift-giving, but really, how great is it when that special someone (or even just-OK someone) unwraps your present and their eyes pop—actual popping, not just the polite kind? Pretty great, right? Not that we’re saying any of the gift suggestions in this guide to holiday gift ideas 2011 guarantee poppage—your mileage may vary, etc.—but your gift recipient will open your awesome/pretty/useful/fun/possibly even generous bestowal and know that you put some thought into it, which is really the point. Or they’ll know you also read City Paper, and that’s gotta be worth something.

Damn Good Doormats

etsy.com/shop/damngooddoormats, $30-$55

Every year around this time, we come across local artist Spoon Popkin’s hand-stenciled coir doormats and give a dramatic, moony sigh. So far, the subtlety hasn’t worked, so this year we’re spelling it out: We LOVE these doormats, hint hint. Especially the ones with animals. Or maybe the blue wood-grain one. ’Nuff said. If you’re looking for something more message-y, consider the handy keys, pants, dignity doormat or this is a house of learned doctors. Ranging from ironic—say, an Atari Pong graphic—to warm-hearted—leave your worries on the doorstep—to officious—go away, i bite—you’re sure to find the appropriate tone for everyone on your list.                                                            photo: Frank Hamilton