I embarked upon a shopping expedition today with three goals in mind. I achieved one goal successfully. The others…. not so much.
1. Shoes. I need a pair of shoes that are dressier than my hard leather Birkenstock clogs, but which won’t leave me limping. Success. I found two pairs of Clarks today that should do the job. One pair of loafers, one pair of slides. Both on sale. Score!
2. A Dress Coat. My much-beloved, decade-old winter coat is moth food. Sigh. After today’s expedition, I doubt I will find its equal: wool gabardine, zip-out liner, ankle-length, black, trench coat styling. Apparently, current fashion is short, skinny, and ugly. I saw quilts and blankets masquerading as coats, lots of faux fur, and coats that will only keep you warm from the thighs up. Most of the runner-ups are cat hair magnets. (Word to the retailers: If your black flannel coats are covered in stray bits of white faux fur from the next rack over, you might consider giving them a quick once-over with the lint roller. Ya think?) I did see a winter trench by London Fog, but it was only available in tan. Dare I stray from my signature black?
3. Non-electronic, mind-expanding toys for 10-year-olds in the under $10 range. I got nothing here. Nada. Zip. I want at least four toys to supplement the bookstore gift certificates I’m giving the nieces and nephews this year. Apparently I ask too much. Everything is electronic now, and what kid wants a crappy $7 electronic toy when they’ve got a Gameboy in their pocket?
Tomorrow: More coat shopping…..
klingonguy
December 2, 2005 at 1:31amI would recommend an assortment of wooden tops. I have a variety made in different shapes, and they are very fun. Also, consider a gyroscope; an awesome gift. Then there’s the fun of origami. And let us not forget a plethora of close-up magic tricks (if you want to amaze and mystify your friends, what’s better than some slight of hand or coin magic?).
Unlike a pocket gameboy, these are all gifts that engage the mind and imagination while still developing eye/hand coordination. They don’t require batteries. And you can almost guarantee that no one else will get the ids these gifts, and their friends won’t have anything like them either.
allisonstein
December 2, 2005 at 5:52pm“And what did you get, Charlie Brown?”
“I got a rock.”
Nice thoughts, Lawrence. But a wooden top? I’ve got a reputation to maintain. I’m the cool aunt, remember? (But you might be on to something with the gyroscope and the origami…. I used to love that stuff when I was a kid….)