Need gift ideas? Las Vegas Magazine has got your back

This year, shopping for gifts is definitely different. We’re more hesitant about going into stores, and often unsure what type of gift we should be giving. You’ve often heard that it’s the thought that counts, and this year it really is.

First, don’t get hung up on the cost: Individual situations will vary greatly this year, and what is spent will vary greatly depending on the gift-giver. If it’s expensive, nice; if it’s inexpensive, accept graciously and appreciate the time, effort and, yes, the thought that went into it.

Here in Vegas, you have lots of shopping options, both in stores and online. For the cocktail fan, a new ingredient or a new bottle for the home bar may be perfect. One unusual new offering is Electricdust by Wanderlush. It’s a powder that longtime Vegas mixologist Mariena Mercer Boarini developed after using buzz button flowers (from the acmella oleracea plant) in cocktail creations. The flower causes a tingly, slightly numbing effect, which Boarini captured in the powder. She recommends rimming cocktail glasses or sprinkling across food for a delectable sensation. Acclaimed local restaurant Honey Salt is currently featuring the Silver Linings margarita, which uses high-end Casa Dragones blanco tequila and Electricdust on the rim. Festive! Casa Dragones makes an excellent gift itself. Highly drinkable in cocktails and straight, it’s available at Total Wine & More and Lee’s Discount Liquor.

Ellis Island Casino & Brewery recently released its 18th annual offering of eggnog, a favorite of patrons every December. It’s available at Ellis Island and Village Pub locations by the bottle, but you can get also get it by the glass if you need to make sure it’s a good batch.

Perhaps you know someone who loves sweets. Get classic gifts from Ethel M Chocolate Factory; everything is manufactured here in the Las Vegas Valley by the iconic chocolate maker. I’m especially fond of liqueur-filled chocolates, but the chocolate-covered toffee runs a close second. Ethel M stores are in Town Square, at McCarran International Airport, at the California Hotel downtown, at the Ethel M Factory, Gift Shop and Cactus Garden in Henderson, and at ethelm.com.

Handmade gifts may be all the rage, but you don’t always have to make them yourself. Artisan chocolates from Happy Ending Chocolate are handcrafted in Las Vegas. This company became known for the inventive flavors of its ice cream tacos at the Life is Beautiful Festival. Eight- and 15-piece holiday chocolate collections are available.

Two tried-and-true gift options are gaining traction: Subscription boxes and gift cards. Subscription boxes are so much fun. Vegas has one for the coffee fan in your life. The Fergusons Downtown Coffee Roasters Club box is $20 a month, and features 12 ounces of locally roasted coffee, tasting notes and more. Gift cards are also a fabulous idea, and, this year, can help out local businesses that have been having a hard time. I’m quite fond of my beer, and I have reason to believe that someone close to me may have taken advantage of Big Dog’s holiday sale, where you can get $25 extra for every $75 you spend on their gift cards through Dec. 24. Now that is a win-win. Gift cards are also excellent for the procrastinator, and, if specific enough, can seem super-personalized. For instance, you can get bingo gift certificates at Station Casinos. A couple of things that I’ve learned through the years: Match the amount to the store or restaurant, so that your recipient is not left spending a boatload of their own cash to use your gift.

If you are cruising through one of Vegas’ shopping centers, you are sure to find plenty of cool items. As always, the key is not to buy them all for yourself. At Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort, you can give all those Raiders fans something to help show their support for their team, like a ’47 countershade clean up cap ($24.99) at The Raider Image store.

If you know someone who has developed a penchant for cooking during the pandemic, consider a cookbook or gift certificate from one of the chefs or restaurants who have made Vegas famous for its dining scene. This works especially well if you know the person will be dining at the restaurant.

For a nice stocking stuffer, consider Nuage Cotton Candy. This one falls under the heading of, “We do one thing, and we do it well!” Las Vegas couple Laure and Jean-Francois-Thibeault make only cotton candy products, including another perfect stocking-stuffer, packaged to look like Santa’s beard! They use organic cane sugar and all-natural ingredients.

One of my favorite gifts to receive is a note indicating that someone has donated to a charity in my name. In Las Vegas, Opportunity Village, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada and Three Square Food Bank are just a few that serve residents of the valley. Heifer International and Kiva are two that help globally. Just try to match your donation to your recipient’s heart, whether they are passionate about the environment, arts or their fellow man.