Gift ideas for everyone out there in Budgeteerland

A is for …

Agreed, the locally produced board game where no one loses. Or wins. Say what? You simply play Agreed and, at the end of the rounds, you will have hopefully gained “a little bit of enlightenment.” The game, the brainchild of Two Harbors transplant Steve Benson, forces players to agree on one of two quotes in each round, deciding which one is more meaningful or beautiful. Eight notable quotes (the original setup comes with 400 sayings from 16 well-known authors or “sages,” such as Mother Theresa and Gandhi) line the playing field and one quote is eliminated each round until there is one supreme slice of wisdom. Quotes advance to the next “round” only after all the players involved come to a consensus. Learn more at AgreedGame.com.

B is for …

The brews you better be old enough to use. In the always-fascinating “Land of Amber Waters: The History of Brewing in Minnesota,” Doug Hoverson covers all the big names in the field, in and out of Duluth. But it’s the little details that make this photo-packed book shine, like the fact that our lovely little city is actually responsible for inflicting Olde English on the world.

C is for …

Chico Bon Bon, that funky monkey. In “Monkey with a Tool Belt and the Noisy Problem,” Duluth illustrator Chris Monroe’s beloved primate is back for another kid-approved (mis)adventure. Available at most local booksellers.

D is for …

Bringing some delicious edibles to Christmas dinner. A few miles south of town you’ll find the family-owned Green Pastures Dairy, which stocks local shelves with various meats and cheeses. See www.greenpasturesdairy.com or look for the Hedquist family seal at Whole Foods on Fourth Street.

E is for …

Eschewing the mainstream entertainment industry for locally produced gems. If you never make it out to shows, the Electric Fetus carries practically any disc you could bless someone’s ears with, whether it be Cars & Trucks’ “Mere Mortals” or the Marc GartBAND’s “I Am a Fool for You” — and local cinema can be consumed courtesy of the line of DVDs at www.4trackfilms.com.

F is for …

Fueling the fire. Know a Dylan diehard? Well, there’s plenty of memorabilia concentrating on Duluth’s most famous native son out there this holiday season. From Bobby’s own products, like the much-talked-about holiday album “Christmas in the Heart,” to well-put-together books like “Highway 61 Revisited: Bob Dylan’s Road from Minnesota to the World,” you shouldn’t have to look very hard for any little wannabe harmonica slingers on your list.

G is for …

Getting your nature on with a state park gift card. “Ideally, we think people will give Minnesota state parks gift cards to their children or grandchildren with a promise to take them fishing or canoeing or snowshoeing,” said Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Mark Holsten in a press release. “The memories of spending time together will last a lifetime, and the experience will help introduce the next generation to the fun of outdoor recreation.” Best of all, the cards — which can be purchased at (866) 857-2757, StayAtMNParks.com or at any of the parks — can be redeemed for just about anything offered at the parks (including vehicle permits).

H is for …

The fabulous new Hell’s Kitchen recipe book. “Damn Good Food” is to cookbooks what Hell’s Kitchen is to restaurants: a tempting, delightfully insane and delicious place to linger. In “Damn Good Food,” food critic Ann Bauer reveals chef Mitch Omer’s walk on the wild side — which has been going on for decades now — along with a collection of 157 recipes from Omer. Recipes range from the very popular Hell’s Kitchen huevos rancheros to homemade lasagna noodles to his mother’s chicken divan and his dad’s caramel-pecan rolls. While the recipes are tempting, it’s all the painfully honest and highly entertaining stories about a brilliant and mentally unstable Omer that make this cookbook a keeper. (It will also make you want to eat at Hell’s Kitchen more often, on the off chance Omer will be thundering around the restaurant that night. By the way, Hell’s Kitchen in Duluth will become Hell Burgers in January, but Mitch and Cyn Omer will still be part of the ownership equation.) Buy your copy of “Damn Good Food” at Hell’s Kitchen at 310 S. Lake Ave. in Canal Park.

I is for …

Ice skating, be it at the Heritage Center on Wednesday nights, the DECC from 11 a.m. to noon on Mondays or any of the many outdoor rinks — including Bayfront Festival Park, where you can skate in the lights of Bentleyville — that are open when the weather permits. All you need are warm clothes and a pair of skates — which are plentiful at both new and used-sporting goods stores — and maybe a helmet and knee pads.

J is for …

Supporting the Junior League of Duluth’s efforts to rebuild Playfront Park, our fair city’s busiest playground. The $100 personalized, engraved bricks (up to three lines of text) up for grabs are a great way to give a lasting gift — not just to your loved ones but to your friends and neighbors. They are available at www.juniorleagueduluth.org.

K is for …

Kids. Any family with young children would certainly appreciate an annual membership to Lake Superior Zoo, Great Lakes Aquarium, Duluth Children’s Museum or all of the above. Just two trips to the aquarium for a family of four and a family membership pays for itself. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to visit these places without feeling like you have to stay long enough to get your money’s worth, regardless of how bad the weather or the behavior? Costs for basic family memberships start at $70 for the aquarium and $55 for either the zoo or the museum. Go on; support these worthy organizations and your favorite family at the same time.

L is for …

Lights. Take a loved one on your own holiday lighting tour. Do it on the cheap, in your own car with a Thermos of hot chocolate and a bag of iced animal crackers, or leave the navigating to a limo driver. We’ve even included all the addresses of this year’s entrants to the Budgeteer’s holiday lighting contest on Page 5, so all you have to do is pick your houses and plan your route. Don’t forget to stop at Marcia Hales’ house at 3739 Minnesota Ave. — her address isn’t listed because she won the Masters competition so many times we had to give her a lifetime achievement award.

M is for …

Making the most of your money. For every dollar that is donated to Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, enough food for five meals can be allocated for distribution to needy Northland families — talk about making a difference! And, really, does little Johnny really need another Transformer? Learn more at www.northernlakesfoodbank.org.

N is for …

It’s not too soon to start thinking about New Year’s Eve plans. As always, there are way too many options to list here — from Rubber Chicken’s holiday revue (See next page) all the way down to the DSSO’s Broadway show at the DECC — so give the gift of a night on the town with your sweetie when you know it can be fully enjoyed. You know, when the in-laws are long gone.

O is for …

Ornaments, etc. Local artist Gary Lundstrom has a lot of different products available at www.greatlakesgiftsandgallery.com or, if you’re in the neighborhood, he opens up his studio at 630 N. 56th Ave. W. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday through Tuesday during the holiday season.

P is for …

Plopping your kids (or pets) down for a family portrait. In this age when everything, no matter how trivial, is recorded for the ages instantaneously via Facebook mobile uploads, take a second to think about what makes houses homes: Is it state-of-the-art electronics with superfast Internet speeds? No, it’s a fridge full of your relatives’ ugly mugs and mantles sporting timeless, real — maybe even professionally shot — framed pics of your loved ones. Even if this route takes a little more effort, and maybe even a little more money, it’ll be worth it.

Q is for …

Quenching your thirst with a Brewhouse Growler. If your get-togethers aren’t in the key of Big Boat Oatmeal Stout (or any other of the joint’s classic brews), try a root beer Growler on for size. See www.growlerstogo.com if you’re not heading down to Fitger’s anytime soon.

R is for …

“Rent” and the other great productions the Playhouse is staging at the Depot during its 2009-2010 season — for which tickets are still available. Order them through the box office by calling 733-7555. On the subject of season tickets, don’t forget about all the other fine performing arts organizations in the Twin Ports, like the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra.

S is for …

Sharing with your loved ones what you already know: Duluth’s Downtown Waterfront District is a great place to do some shopping. The Greater Downtown Council is now offering one-size-fits-all gift cards for these businesses (they are accepted anywhere Visa cards are). Order online at www.downtownduluth.com or, if you wish to avoid the shipping-and-handling charges, stop by the GDC offices at 5 W. First St.

T is for …

Transpersonal children’s books. Well, transpersonal children’s book, as in UMD professor Bud McClure’s “Divine Daisy,” which is probably the first of its kind. A boy is all dejected when his older brothers go off to college, so his parents get him a dog. The boy loves this dog with all his heart, and not just because it’s a loyal, loving friend to him: The dog, Daisy, also has a special connection with the bunnies that inhabit the nearby woods. All is great, grand and wonderful until … well, I don’t want to give any more away, but I can say that the book features spectacular, restrained drawings from UMD alumna Ginny Maki.

U is for …

Understanding that your pooch isn’t a pet but a bona fide family member. A number of homemade dog treats are now available for purchase in the Northland, from Amazing Grace in Canal Park to Joni’s Barkery in Ely (and, bless those treacherous roads, online at www.jonisbarkery.com). And, while we’re on the subject of everybody’s best friends, the local outfit Dog Booties also carries a line of products for your canine companions.

V is for …

Vintage, baby! Such a premium is placed on never-been-touched, wrapped-in-plastic products, and that’s really a shame because A) our economy is still recovering from the Great Recession, B) some items, like, say, an autographed copy of John Updike’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel from 1981, “Rabbit is Rich,” are hard to come by new and C) the Twin Ports’ secondhand scene is growing leaps and bounds. The latest recycled-retail wonderland? Superior’s Earth Exchange. Check it out.

W is for …

Window shopping. Big-box retailers are fine and all, but you miss out on all the small-town charm that comes with hitting up the Zenith City’s myriad local shopping opportunities and checking out their holiday-themed storefront displays.

X is for …

Finally finding the darn “X” button. Chester Creek Technologies offers a number of specialized computer keyboards, including a large-key VisionBoard for those with less-than-stellar eyesight.

Y is for …

Yelling obscenities at every other page of Carl “Gator” Nelson’s “Packers ‘Verses’ Vikings,” a poetic take on the fabled rivalry from the heart of Morgan Park. Get a taste at www.packersversesvikings.com.

Z is for …

Zinema 2, Duluth’s only independent movie theater. Don’t come here for Hollywood blockbusters; the films are more eclectic and the audiences are smaller (by design, that is, as the theaters seat 98 and 66 people, respectively). Zinema 2 plays a mixture of first-run indies and classics. Check out the upcoming movies at ww.zinema2.com or just stuff a stocking with a gift certificate, available any day of the week after 4 p.m. at 222 E. Superior St.

And, in case you missed it, here’s last year’s holiday shopping guide — otherwise known as “The (Mostly) Local Guide to Last-Minute Gifts” — which was published Dec. 21, 2008, in the Duluth Budgeteer News and compiled by Matt Perrine and Jana Peterson:

A is for ...

Art supplies. Bohemia Arts, 22 N. First Ave. W., is offering deep discounts — 25 percent and higher — on most of its art supplies and gifts (excluding art and consignment items). Call ahead at 722-2919 to make sure the shop is open, as business hours have changed of late.

B is for ...

Babe the Blue Ox, with whom you’ll become a lot more familiar if you read “Legends of Paul Bunyan” before giving it to any wide-eyed children on your list. Harold W. Felton first collected these much-circulated stories years ago, but the University of Minnesota Press felt it was high time to repackage them and honor the heritage of “Minnesota’s favorite lumberjack hero.” With contributions from such luminaries as Carl Sandburg and Robert Frost, you’ll see why this decision was made.

C is for ...

Cod, fish with firm flesh and soft fins — something Minnesota resident Eric Dregni, a fourth-generation Norwegian-American who moved to Norway more than 100 years after his great-grandfather moved to the United States, would be able to tell you. “In Cod We Trust: Living the Norwegian Dream” is Dregni’s story of his family’s year-long sojourn in Norway. In short, conversational chapters, Dregni brings the reader along as he and his wife, Katy, figure out why their neighbors refuse to greet them, how to eat fermented fish (with the help of 80-proof aquavit, that’s how) and many ways that life in Minnesota and life in Norway is the same and even more ways that it’s different. An engaging read for anyone who’s ever yearned to go back to the old country. Published by the University of Minnesota Press, this hardcover book retails at $22.95 and is available in most local bookstores.
—JP

D is for ...

Donations. Consider spending your holiday bonus on an area non-profit — like Life House for Youth, which accepts PayPal donations on its Web site, www.lifehouseduluth.org.

E is for ...

Explorations, downtown Duluth’s leading resource for fun-and-educational toys. Stop by at 201 W. Superior St. or visit www.explorationsduluth.com to learn more about this unique store.

F is for ...

Fish — as in the definitive book on the matter, called, not surprisingly, “The Great Minnesota Fish Book.” It’s the perfect coffee table book for a fisherman. Think Roger Tory Peterson’s guide for birds, only in a huge hardback packed with exquisite drawings of fish ... who knew an orange-spotted sunfish was so darn pretty? Each fish is listed by name and they are grouped in order of game fish, rough fish and little-known fish by author Tom Dickson, a Minnesota native and former public information officer for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Don’t look for fish stories in this one — it’s packed with factual information. Suggested retail price: $34.95; published by the University of Minnesota Press.
—JP

G is for ...

“Gooseberry Falls to Grand Portage: A Walking Guide to the Hiking Trails in Minnesota’s North Shore State Parks.” Besides sporting the most descriptive title ever, Ron Morton and Steve Morse’s handy little book will make any nature lover’s day.

H is for ...

Homegrown. Support the Twin Ports’ expansive music festival by purchasing the first two volumes of “Homegrown Rawk and/or Roll.” The first compilation was curated by festival founder Scott “Starfire” Lunt, and Giljunko/Little Black Books frontman Mark Lindquist was behind the selections of the recently released No. 2. Find ’em at the Electric Fetus, or both are $9 at www.duluthhomegrown.com.

I is for ...

IM Imports. Garfield Avenue’s import furniture and accessory store is going out of business, so stop by for fire-sale prices on some unique items.

J is for ...

Jerky. While Wild Joe’s Beef Jerky is based out of Cincinnati, it was worth bending the local rule to include this company’s mouth-watering treats. Order online at www.wildjoesbeefjerky.com. Not a carnivore? A Whole Foods gift certificate is probably a better bet.

K is for ...

Ken Buehler. According to local publisher and author Tony Dierckins, there is no better bet for any railroad buffs on your list than “Delivered with Pride: A Pictorial History of the Duluth, Winnipeg & Pacific Railroad” by Jon A. Severson, published by Superior’s Savage Press (www.savpress.com).

L is for ...

Local music. From the Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank’s “One for the Time Capsule” EP (Mayor Don Ness’ pick for Northland album of the year, by the way) to Rachael Kilgour’s recently released debut, there’s something for everyone. If you’re unsure of what to buy for the hipsters on your list, stop by the Fetus and ask the clerks for some sage advice. Or, while it’s a little less personal, gift certificates always get the job done.

M is for ...

Mix tapes. With today’s economy, there’s no better time to revisit the most sacred of arts…. Kidding aside, mix tapes (on CD or USB memory stick or what have you) make for great stocking stuffers and, unless it’s a collection of death metal tracks with your ex’s name written all over it, usually come from the heart.

N is for ...

New Year’s Eve galas are fun, no? Rubber Chicken Theater’s first annual Holiday Comedy Revue is on the way, and Brian Matuszak and company will be staging two special New Year’s Eve performances. Tickets for these shows, staged at 7 and 9:30 p.m. at the Proctor Area Community Center, are $21.50 for adults and $16.50 for students and seniors. Click on www.rubberchickenenterprises.com for details.

O is for ...

Ornaments. While the Christmas-shopping window has closed for Snoodle ceramicist Tonya Borgeson’s Unicornucopia creations, Gary Lundstrom’s annual fund-raiser ornaments are still available. Portions of the proceeds from this year’s creation, the patriotic “Home of the Free Because of the Brave,” benefit Veterans’ Memorial Hall in the Depot. Visit www.greatlakesgiftsandgallery.com to order online.

P is for ...

Peace of mind. Give your relatives a Tour Duluth ticket and they’ll be able to see the ins and outs of the Zenith City without having to worry about driving, folding/unfolding maps, etc. Complete details at www.tourduluth.net.

Q is for ...

Quantum mechanics, a topic largely avoided in “…And on the 7th Day, God Rocked,” 4 Track Films’ new-to-DVD mockumentary (about a Christian battle of the bands, no less) that Budgeteer staffer Rose Case called “an intelligent, witty take on the absurd that would make the Coen Brothers proud.” Order it from www.4trackfilms.com for $20 and get its soundtrack for only $5. While you’re there, pick up “Newton’s Disease,” Jason Page and Carrie Boberg’s 2007 classic, or get free shipping on pre-orders of “White Man’s World,” the local filmmakers’ latest.

R is for ...

Retellings, like local author Lise Lunge-Larsen’s take on “The Adventures of Thor the Thunder God.” It is a great book for kids who play with action figures or anyone who enjoys a little mythology. And who does myths better than the Scandinavians? They even have a man and a woman emerging from the armpit of the first (and very short-lived) giant, named Ymir, as part of their creation myths. In her book, Lunge-Larsen retells the Thor stories from her native Norway. They are wonderful and strange stories that kept my 6-year-old twin boys rapt at bedtime (a feat in itself). I believe it is a combination of great illustrations (by Jim Madsen of Provo, Utah) and good storytelling, plus the odd mix of heroics and humor that seems somewhat unique to Norse mythology. Like in the story of how Thor’s magic hammer, Mjolnir — which crushes whatever it hits and always flies back to Thor’s hand, boomerang-style — was stolen from under his pillow when he was sleeping. Heroic enough, yes? Well, Thor got the hammer back by dressing up as a female goddess. Then there’s the fact that Thor’s carriage is pulled through the sky by two goats named Toothgnasher and Toothgrinder. My kids highly recommend this selection. Too bad for my dad — a man who named at least one radio-controlled glider Mjolnir — for whom the book was originally purchased.
—JP

S is for ...

Scott Lunt’s Starfire Screen Printing Co. on Fourth Street — why not stop in to see what T-shirts are hot this season? Also available: Tote bags he and Chris Monroe collaborated on for her annual Christmas show, which, unfortunately, was held last weekend….

T is for ...

Tickets. Give the gift of a night out by buying passes to the Northland’s myriad arts organizations, from the Playhouse to the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra.

U is for ...

University of Wisconsin-Superior English professor Anthony Bukowski, who has two new books out: a revised edition of “Twelve Below Zero” (published by Duluth’s Holy Cow! Press, www.holycowpress.org) and a collection of short stories, “North of the Port” (Southern Methodist University Press).

V is for ...

“Violet Days” creator Chris Monroe’s new(ish) children’s book, “Monkey with a Tool Belt.” The Duluth illustrator’s sense of humor translates well to a narrative for the young’uns. Available from local booksellers.

W is for ...

What everyone else is reading — courtesy of Northern Lights Books & Gift’s 2008 bestsellers list: Greg Mortenson’s “Three Cups of Tea,” Arnold Alanen’s “Morgan Park,” Anita Zager’s “Duluth: Gem of the Freshwater Sea,” Joy Dey and Nikki Johnson’s “Agate,” William Kent Krueger’s “Thunder Bay,” Roger LeLievre’s “Know Your Ships 2008,” Carol Bly’s “Shelter Half,” Margi Preus’ “The Peace Bell,” Per Petterson’s “Out Stealing Horses” and Bob and Dan Lynch’s “Lake Superior Rocks & Minerals.”

X is for ...

X-communication. Tony Dierckins’ local publishing house has a number of titles with broad appeal available now, from his own “Crossing the Canal: An Illustrated History of Duluth’s Aerial Bridge” to Jim Heffernan’s collection of Duluth News Tribune columns, “Cooler Near the Lake.” More at www.x-communication.org.

Y is for ...

“You’re welcome.” What you’ll be saying after you give any out-of-town beer aficionados/Duluth expatriates on your list a Growler and, as if on cue, they start kissing your feet. While you might think it’s weird to give someone alcohol for Christmas, remember this: There’s only one Fitger’s Brewhouse in this world, and brewmaster Dave Hoops’ award-winning creations are only available in our fair city.

Z is for ...

Zoo membership! Membership to Lake Superior Zoo starts at $35 (for individuals) and includes a host of additional benefits beyond regular zoo admission here in town, like free or reduced admission to more than 140 zoos around the country. Visit www.lszoo.org or call 730-4900 for details.

Tags: budge a and e, arts and entertainment, gift guide, holiday shopping, expanded editions, duluth, budgeteer, christmas, 2009, 2008