Bose Soundlink bluetooth mobile speaker
It’s not cheap, but it’s absolutely the best. Shown here with an iPhone, the Bose Soundlink can connect to any Bluetooth device, and it keeps six devices in its memory. At less than 3 pounds, and with a battery life of eight hours (an internal, rechargable battery at that), it’s the perfect accessory for a day in Piedmont Park. $299.95-349.95 (varying finishes), www.bose.com
Mighty Wallets and cases
Dynomighty, the company behind these awesome wallets and laptop sleeves, is known for its simplicity and creativity. All products are printed on a single folded sheet of DuPont Tyvek (think Express Mail enevelopes), and the manufacturing process is friendly to Mother Earth. Tons of options in all styles. $13-$26 at Brushtrokes (wallets, laptops and tablets) and Heliotrope (wallets and tablet cases)
GA Voice photo prints
Whether it’s you and your sweetie or an art shot from Pride, GA Voice prints make great unexpected and unique gifts. Almost any photo in any of our online galleries can be made into a print or photo gift. Start at shutterfly.com/pro/gavoice/events. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Check www.thegavoice.com/photos, find your pic and e-mail editor@thegavoice.com (Subject: Photo) and we’ll make it available for you. $4-$30, www.shutterfly.com/pro/gavoice/events
Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation
With all this talk of smart phones and tablets, you’re going to need some extra power for when you can’t get to a power source. Charge up the Mophie, put it in your day bag and forget about it. When your device runs out of juice, plug it in to the USB jack (with the cord that came with your device) and enjoy an ultra-fast charge that should give you a few extra hours. $79.95, www.mophie.com
Fitbit Zip
Know someone with a fitness resolution in the new year? The Fitbit is a tiny (and we mean TINY) activity tracker that counts your steps, calories burned and distance traveled every day. It syncs wirelessly with your computer and several iDevices to help you toward your goal. Earn Fitbit badges for daily, weekly and lifetime achievements. Log your meals, water and workouts. The upgraded model also tracks your sleep and, for those who are brave enough, a scale that keeps you honest. $59.99, www.fitbit.com
Fun and games for the party pro
Table Topics
What’s more important, common sense or intelligence? If you could do something dangerous just once with no risk, what would you do? Keep the conversation with your guests going with Table Topics conversation starters. Each cube comes with tons of questions and each box is themed for appropriate guests: family gathering to girls night out. $25 at Heliotrope
Drink Up!
It wouldn’t be a gay gift guide without mentioning a few holiday cocktail options. From Three Olives S’mores and Pinnacle Whipped vodka to Kahlua Gingerbread, you can make your drinks a new reason for the season. $14.99 – 44.99 at Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits
Drink Up! (Part 2)
You just thought we were done with the liquor. You probably know someone who would love to recieve some specialty liquor like this Smokehead Scotch or this Vixen Vodka. It’s not holiday-centric, but it’ll get you just as tipsy! Scotch $44.99, Vodka at Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits
Wordie Wars
Ok, word nerds, this is the game for you and your crew. Be proud to be the best speller, wordsmith or grammarian in the room as you tackle all manner of word construction and trivia. $24.95 at Heliotrope.
Southern Sweets
If you spent days preparing your holiday dinner entrees, why not grab dessert from Southern Sweets Bakery in Decatur? With vegan and gluten-free options, there’s sure to be something for everyone. www.southernsweets.com
Foodie Fight
What fruit are Amish Paste, Aunt Ruby’s German Green and Brandywine? What cutting tool is made of piano wire? If you and your friends know the answers to these cuisine questions, have a bite of Food Fight: A Trivia Game for Serious Food lovers. $22.95 at Heliotrope.
Highland Bakery
If Mrs. Claus were an Atlanta Rollergirl, she’d look like this neat cookie from Highland Bakery. Known for their incredibly complex and beautiful cake designs, pump up your holiday gathering with something different and delicious like the Santa below. Also, if you haven’t had their cupcakes, you haven’t lived. www.highlandbakery.com
No place like home (or someone else’s decked out in awesome stuff you gave them)
Vintage Chic Home Decor
Take a loved one’s home décor to the next level with this set of European-inspired accessories.
• Wilco 4×6 wood frame, $33
• Wilco Bird easel frame, $26
• European soaps, $4.95-$7.25
• Aquiesse Candles, $20
• Voluspa candles, $19-$25
All from Brushtrokes
Scrabble Accessories
Do your games of Words with Friends turn into “Words with Frenemies?” Share your love of the original crossword game — that would be Scrabble, for those under 30 who’ve never heard — with these smart home accessories. Mugs $11, Coasters (above) $18 (full set), Board towel $8.95 at Heliotrope
To To (and everything in between)
Sock it to me
No need for boring old white socks anymore. Make a statement with this collection by the aptly titled brand “Sock it to Me.” We recommend wearing them with pride, but it’s also fun to sneak them under a pair of dress shoes and slacks. Men’s crew $8.95 at Brushstrokes. Men’s crew, women’s crew and knee-high $8.95 at Heliotrope
Boy Next Door
Midtown’s favorite men’s clothing store has its own athletic label now. What’s sweeter than giving this set of branded workout gear (or um, lazy day clothes) to your guy for when he stays over? Hoodie $59, Ringer T $42, Shorts $35 at Boy Next Door
Dress to impress
Mix this Sea Plane long-sleeve “party shirt” with these Fresh jeans and ta-da! You’ve got two new pieces for your man that work together and separately. Sea Plane shirt $59.99, Fresh Jeans $79 at Boy Next Door
Born this gay wristbands
One size fits all with these “Born this Gay” wristbands from the Human Rights Campaign. Get them for your the bestie you’re taking to Lady Gaga in March 2013.
$6, www.hrc.org
Naughty or naughty?
Has Atlanta’s burger concept craze finally made its way to the undergear of the city’s gay male population? These Frank Dandy underwear might make your mouth water either way. Or, opt for the simpler (and maybe sexier) “Rock the World” trunks by BONBON. Dandy Frank, $27 at Brushstrokes. BONBON, $32 at Boy Next Door
Boccia Titanium ID watch
These Boccia Watches are all solid titanium, not titanium plated. They come in most of the colors of the rainbow and they’re built to last. The strap is made of rubber, which means it’s good to go wherever you do. $145 at Worthmore Jewelers
Old World luxury for him or her
If love is timeless, this hand-braided leather necklace with Tahitian or freshwater pearl and shipwreck coin is a close second. The coin is a “geniuine 8 reales cob piece of eight, salvaged from the treasure ship Consolacon that sank in the year 1681.” Fancy! $279 – $1,850 (coins vary) at Worthmore Jewelers
A little early for the major bling
Jewelery is almost always a great gift, but who’s to say you’re ready to drop a Ben Franklin or two on the person you’ve just started dating? Check out the Liberty Beads at Boy Next Door ($55) or this Tram watch by TOKYObay at Heliotrope ($89).
Pets love presents, too!
Leather embossed crystal studded collar
Your pooch will be the talk of the dog park with this studded collar. It comes in a variety of colors and is sure to bring out the inner queen in any pup. $30.99-$85.99 at Pet Set
Monkey Business dog wear
When the weather outside is frightful, these warm pajamas and sweaters are delightful! In several sizes, $14.95-$34.99 at Pet Set
Harry Barker dog accessories
Made from bamboo fiber and rice husk, the Harry Barker Bamboo Dog Bowl is eco-friendly and sturdy enough for the roughest four legged friend. The durable, 100 percent solid color hemp bone toys should last just as long. Something for the softer side? Tell your pup he or she is number one with a Harry Barker Collar. Bowl: $10-$14, Bone: $11, Collar: $16 at Brushstrokes
Stuck on you
Subtly tell someone you love that her relationship with her cats has gotten out of control, or choose from tons of other pet-pride options. Five magnets for $4.99 at Pet Set
Sweets & Treats
Deactur’s Taj Ma-Hound offers a variety of dog treats that look good enough for an owner to eat: doughnuts, cookies and even dog-friendly cakes. Paw cookies $9.95 at Pet Set, or check our www.tajmahound.com
Harry Barker’s Country Bacon bone-shaped biscuits are as healthy as they are tasty: no wheat, corn, soy, salt, sugar or artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Sounds delicious… for your puppy. $12 at Brushstrokes.
Into the woods holiday decor
Deck the halls
Left to right: Reindeer votive by Tag. $6.99. Go vintage-modern with your holiday cards and décor. Woodland animals $16.00 (per box), Deer $12.99 (per box).
Ornaments: $6.99-$12.99 at Heliotrope
For the kids (and their really cool parents)
Chill, baby pacifier
“Keep your kid calm and cool” takes on a new meaning when it comes from the geniuses in the kid’s department at Fred. $11.95 at Heliotrope
Limited Edition Marc Jacobs for HRC t-shirts
These organic cotton t-shirts, both special editions limited to only 200 each, put a subtle gay twist on the age-old kid tactic of asking first one parent, then the other, to get what they want. Benefits HRC. Sizes 6 months – 4T, $35, www.hrc.org
Book and HRC t-shirt by Todd Parr
Todd Parr’s vibrant picture book “It’s OK to be Different” is a whimsical ode to diversity of all sorts. Pair it with his “Be Who You Are” t-shirt, designed to raise funds for the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBT political group. Book: $6.29 (paperback), $14.39 (hard back) at Charis Books and More. Shirt: Sizes 2T – Youth Large, $19, www.hrc.org
Customized Paxton boy doll
“Boys need dolls too, and this one is the coolest ‘best bud.’” The cuddly friend is 18 inches tall with a hand-embroidered face. You pick the colors for skin, hair, eyes and clothes. $67, www.craftsburykids.com
Shwings shoe wings
Let your favorite kids know you believe they can fly with Shwings, available in multiple color combinations. $13.98, www.shwingsonline.com
Makedo “Find and Make” kits
These awesome kits bring recycling to a new level of fun. Kits come with directions, stickers and cool reusable fasteners; kids supply recyclables like empty cereal boxes, cups, etc. Here’s a robot ($10.95), but there are tons of kits for all sorts of creations: planes, space pods, flowers, playhouses and more. www. mymakedo.com
Featured local retailers
Boy Next Door
1447 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309
www.boynextdoor.biz
Brushstrokes
1510 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30324
www.brushstrokes.us
Charis Books & More
1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307
www.charisbooksandmore.com
Heliotrope
248 West Ponce De Leon Ave.
Decatur, GA 30030
www.heliotropehome.com
Highland Bakery
655 Highland Ave. #10, Atlanta, GA 30312
www.highlandbakery.com
Pet Set
• 2480 Briarcliff Road #3, Atlanta, GA 30329
• 976 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309
www.thepetset.com
Southern Sweets
186 Rio Circle, Decatur, GA 30030
www.southernsweets.com
Taj Mahound
707 East Lake Drive, Decatur, GA 30030
www.tajmahound.com
Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits
• 2161 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30324
• 5877 Buford Highway, Doraville, GA 30340
www.towerwinespirits.com
Worthmore Jewelers
• 500 Amsterdam Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30306
• 117 East Court Square
Decatur, GA 30030
www.worthmorejewelers.com