Eat spay love
Why would you feed your pets anything less than you would yourself? That’s the philosophy of the brand I and Love and You pet foods, which offer a wide assortment of organic, raw, protein-rich and grain-free dog and cat food. Your animals will love you for it … and you’ll love yourself for giving it to them. From about $18.
Available at area Whole Foods, Kroger and Sprouts stores.
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Feed me… with style
Dogs eat from bowls of kibble on the floor — not exactly glamorous. But that’s no reason to treat them like animals. These decorative mid-century modern Phorm bowls from Unleashed Life are functional and elegant, turning even a muddy laundry room floor into a dining event for you pet. $32–$48.
Available at all area Hollywood Feed stores. HollywoodFeed.com.
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The lowest maintenance pet ever
Imagine a fluffy, adorable little pet that doesn’t need to eat, doesn’t poop
in the house … and only sheds a little? Twoolies from Mexico are
one-of-a-kind, handmade wool animals for LGBT parents (and their kids). Available in a variety of colors, styles, ancestral designs and sizes. $40 to $118.
NUVO Dallas, 3311 Oak Lawn Ave. NuvoDallas.com.
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Our pets, our kids
Gays love their pets like members of the family. The folks at DogIsGood.com apparently feel the same way. They have items specifically targeted for Fido’s father and Muffin’s mommy. This clever print pillow says it all. $28.
Available at DogIsGood.com.
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A place called Hope Bird
Acclaimed Spanish designer Jamie Hayon crafted these exquisite gilded porcelain sculptures to symbolize the importance of optimism in an increasingly troubling world. Standing more than two feet tall each, these hand-painted limited edition pieces — available exclusively in Dallas at Cantoni — make a bold statement. $1,129 to $3,619.
Cantoni, 4800 Alpha Road. 972-934-9191. Cantoni.com.
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Giving repurpose to life
To some, pre-owned; to the discerning, “vintage.” Dulce on Oak Lawn takes high-end items for consignment to give you a second bite at some beautiful apples. Among the numerous offerings available: A series of 12 small oil on canvas paintings by artist Jesus Galvan, that will enliven any décor. $58/each.
Dulce Interior Consignment Showplace, 2914 Oak Lawn Ave. MyDulce.com.
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In the bag
You don’t need to be a lady to want a bag as fashionable as this. Whether you’re in need of a purse, a murse or just a laptop carrying case, the hair-on-hide (available in a variety of styles) satchel at Jones Walker works in any situation. Also available as a duffel. $329.
Available at Jones Walker Home, 1531 Dragon St. JonesWalkerHome.com.
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Kitsch in the kitchen
Why drink your daily dose of caffeine from some dull, colorless mug when you can enjoy one of these 11 oz. ceramic creations from Huntees.com? With designs that include camptastic cartoons of The Golden Girls to sexy lumberjacks and hipsters to bitchy Miranda Priestly (“That is all”), you can convey your mood before and after you drink your morning joe. $20.95.
Available at Huntees.com.
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Where my Peeps at?
You probably grew up eating Marshmallow Peeps… and almost certainly just around Easter. But hear this, peeps! Peeps are available year ’round with such flavors/shapes as chocolate doves, Christmas trees, snowmen and more. All are gluten- and fat-free, and most under 100 calories — a perfect stocking-stuffer. From $.99 to $2.49.
Available at all major grocery stores at PeepsAndCompany.com.
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Toys for big boys
Who says all toys are for kids? Certainly not the folks at Alternatives. An extensive collection of gifts for couples — or just the single man or woman on your list who needs some sexual spice — are available, including the Fleshlight Endurance Jack value pack, complete with shower mount, lubricant, cleaner and an easily-disguisable orifice. $109.99.
Alternatives, 1720 W. Mockingbird Lane. SexySite.com.
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Have a nerdgasm
All gay nerds are about to explode waiting for The Force Awakens to open, and while you can’t actually buy a three-beam light saber, you can actually get the gyroscopic Astromech BB-8 Droid seen in the trailer. The remote-controlled toy (ages 4 and up) rolls in any direction and always faces forward — just like in the film. $59.99.
Available at Target stores.
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For the trendiest coffee tables
The German publishing house Taschen has been a leader in high-end, left-of-center coffee table books for decades, and the reputation for both excellence and edginess is well-deserved. From art books celebrating artists like Warhol to comic books, as well as huge tomes collecting the erotic drawings of Tom of Finland or the shocking The Big Penis Book (yup), you can find something for every taste.
Available at the Taschen Bookstore, inside the lobby of the Joule Hotel, 1530 Main St.
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Have another nerdgasm
OK, so toys are one thing — lifestyle is another. The Dark Lounge Chair from Zuri will make you feel like you’re in the Death Star, ruling from a tufted black seat in Italian leather, with swivel base. Don’t believe me? I find your lack of faith … disturbing. $1,222.
Available at Zuri Furniture, 4880 Alpha Road. 972-716-ZURI. ZuriFurniture.com.
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Let the games begin!
Local gaming company Gearbox has had a hit with the game Borderlands (which includes two LGBT characters), and now Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel gives fans even more to explore in this addictive first-person role-playing adventure. Rated M. $19.99.
Available for PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 at Game Stop. BorderlandsTheGame.com.
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I pity the foos
Designers (and gay activists) Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams are some of our favorite furniture builders, known for their craftsmanship, style and cleverness, as the Monaco Foosball Table illustrates. Beautiful, practical and fun, it will be a conversation piece and source of entertainment for years to come. $3,896.
Available at Mitchell Gold+Bob Williams, 4519 McKinney Ave. MGBWHome.com.
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A little bit of this, a little of that …
Gift shopping can be surprisingly difficult for that person on your list who defies easy ideas. A stop by Lula B’s, then, can salve your worries. There’s something for everyone here, including a one-of-a-kind antique military weapons crate on hairpin legs by Art Junkie. $250.
Available at Lula B’s, 1010 N. Riverfront Drive or 2639 Main St.
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Cheers, queers!
The gays love their drinks, and the life’s blood of the cocktail is certainly vodka. If you haven’t tried Chopin yet (Asia T. O’Hara’s spirit of choice), you’re missing out on a smooth, elegant potato vodka direct from the distillery in Poland. About $30.
Available at Goody Goody, Sigel’s and other area liquor stores.
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Ties to the trans community
Transgender Awareness Week is over, but having a hero in the trans community goes on. Jack Jackson of AllJackedUp.ca celebrates those role models with a specialty bow tie containing the names of leaders like Laverne Cox and Sylvia Rivera.
Get one in a variety of colors. $55.
Available at AllJackedUp.ca.
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Choos me
Women have had access to Jimmy Choo’s footwear for a long time, making gay men jealous of Carrie Bradshaw yet again. But you can relax now — Jimmy’s crocodile-embossed Belgravia black leather sneakers give you that awesome brand in an amazing and fashion-forward look that’s both dressy and casual. $765.
Available at Jimmy Choo, 79 Highland Park Village. JimmyChoo.com.
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Hit the slopes in style
For the ski bum in your life, winter fashion is a must. Heads will turn from the bunny slope to the triple black diamonds in this print fur ski jacket for women from Toni Sailer. $1,379.
Available at St. Bernard Sports at Inwood Village, 5570 W. Lovers Lane. SaintBernard.com.
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Do you hear what I hear?
As much as we love our portable digital devices, we all know that without earbuds, the sound sucks. That’s where Megaboom comes in handy. This wireless speaker blasts crazy-loud and clear, 360-degree sound from a waterproof casing, 20-hour battery life and 100-foot range on Bluetooth. $299.99.
Available at UltimateEars.com.
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The gift of relaxation
Long before the word metrosexual, gay men (and many lesbians!) were enjoying a regular mani-pedi, which is something Tyson Nguyen specializes in. (Dallas Voice readers named him the best at his craft in this year’s Readers Voice Awards.) Well, Nguyen has opened a new salon — Nailed Nail Bar — where you can get treated to elaborate signature treatments (green tea foot bath!), body massages and even complimentary cocktails! It’s a perfect gift to give to your significant other … or to yourself. From $18 and up.
Nailed Nail Bar, 3517 Oak Lawn Ave. 214-526-7133. NailedNailBar.com.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to the following:
Models: Asia T. O’Hara, Jenna Skyy, Nick Stracener.
Santa couture courtesy of Edo Popken of Switzerland, 1523 Dragon St. EdoPopken.com.
Tree provided by McShan Florist, 10311 Garland Road. McShanFlorist.com.
Photography and write-ups by Arnold Wayne Jones.
… And look for additional gift ideas in the coming month, exclusively online at DallasVoice.com.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition November 20, 2015.
