Southwest Contemporary’s final 2022 gift guide travels to Las Vegas, Nevada, where shoppers can score amazing coffee, miniature neon deserts, and a photo sesh inside a life-sized cabinet of curiosities.
Are you trying to avoid the retail madness on the Vegas Strip? Looking for something outside the big-box art gifts? We got you covered.
Vintage Czech Marionette
Puppetry is not just for kids. Eighteenth-century European composers used marionettes in lieu of opera singers in shows for both adults and children. Find the Punch for your Judy, grab a latte, and pick out a book for your marionette at the Writer’s Block, 519 6th Street, Suite 100, Las Vegas. 702-550-6399.
One-of-a-Kind Artist-Made Goods at Hey Maker
Hey Maker shop owner Ashley Zabarte stocks unique goods as well as works by local artists, including wall hangings, incense, and, at the time of writing, a one-of-a-kind shiitake mushroom mug. Check out the fun gift-buying scene at Hey Maker, 1028 East Fremont Street, Las Vegas.
Miniature Neon Desert
Is your desk in need of some scenery? Merge the neon lights with the surrounding desert with Trevor Ganske’s DIY neon desert kit. His day-glo plexi art can be found on his website or inside Gallery to Go vending machines.
“Racism Is Trash” Tote Bag
Tell us how you really feel while supporting a Black youth-owned business. Designed by fourteen-year-old Kumei, this tote is your new radical stocking tradition, a great sturdy grocery bag, and more. Get it at Tofu Tees inside Fergusons Downtown, 1028 Fremont Street #109, Las Vegas.
Photo Session at the Office of Collecting and Design
The Office of Collecting and Design is almost more of an art project than a gift destination. For instance, guests can purchase a photo session in which they can curate their own exciting layout of miniature and creative objects within a life-sized cabinet of curiosities at the Office of Collecting and Design, 900 Karen Avenue, Suite B-105, Las Vegas. 702-613-8571.
Beaded Earrings from Solecito Beads
These earrings combine retro Vegas with Indigenous beading traditions. Day-glo pink and silver spikes give this neon punk look a future-facing ‘80s revival. Solecito Beads’s glamor-punk aesthetic match with every avant-garde outfit. Purchase one-of-a-kind jewelry directly from artist Sol Martinez.
Self-Care Ritual Box from Deeply Rooted
Everyone is talking about self-care, but how do you do it? Luckily, there’s a care package for anyone on a journey towards wellness. This kit is full of handmade goodies, including candles, journal prompts, massage oil, and a ceramic candle holder. Get yours at Deeply Rooted, 1020 East Fremont Street, Unit D, Las Vegas.
Hand-Picked Ethiopian Coffee at Mothership Coffee Roasters
These locally roasted beans are hand-picked in Ethiopia by skilled farmers and processed with the “honey” method, a unique hybrid process that keeps a natural fruity flavor to the beans. Roasted to a nice medium, it’s a perfect French press or pour-over brew for a long relaxing morning with a blanket. Bring a little of the equator into your cup this winter. Available at Mothership Coffee Roasters, 1028 Fremont Street, Las Vegas, 725-735-4539.
