When it comes to inexpensive local crafts, The Octopus and the Fox is about as nifty and comprehensive as it gets. Featuring more than 60 New Mexico arts-and-crafters, the boutique has everything from felt-lined zia bracelets made from beer cans ($20) to popular recycled sweater cat dolls with button-eyes ($18) made by co-owner Belita Orner. And with a stock of screen-printed tees, girls’ dresses and knitted sweatbands with animal ears, there are as many treats for the kids on your gift list as the adults. (And animals, too; sewn catnip toys feature cute kitty faces.) In fact, just about everything at the store is cute and cozy, even felt Frankenstein and vampire dolls. There’s also a full supply of organic body goods, and don’t miss the awesome volcano and dinosaur wall art. Plus, the recycled-parts earrings made with bug wings and Plexiglas are bound to turn someone into a happy pixie.
Dressed To Kill Clothier
Dressed to Kill Clothier is about as big-city hip as it gets when it comes to men’s fashion in Burque. Running the gamut from dressy-casual to custom suits and sport coats, owner and industry vet Steven Keator’s space next to Hotel Andaluz is equipped for movie stars and aspiring Dwyane Wades alike. The prices fall between retail stores like Ralph Lauren and high-end designers, so it’s not exactly cheap, but if you’ve got cash to spare and your man needs a little New Year’s flair, DKC more than likely has what you need. A black paisley Luchiano Visconti jacket made of velvet ($395) is both cold-weather friendly and Tom Brady-esque. And Ironman and Spider-Man cufflinks ($55) by Jonathan Wachtel are chic and guy-friendly bling. DKC also carries shirts from the original Kiwi rugby company, Canterbury of New Zealand. You’ll also find quite a bit of the paisley, purple and gray that’s big this season
The Market @ 610
Until Black Friday, the large, indoor flea markets that populate East Nob Hill had yet to make their way Downtown. That changed with the addition of The Market @ 610. Boasting 12 vendors (and looking for more), the owners of Effex Nightclub opened this new and used free-for-all in a long-defunct space. One booth, Nonny’s Cupboard, offers "eclectic metaphysical" incense, oils, candles and books. There’s also a heavy metal CD vendor hidden in the back, and a huge room full of beautiful new and antique wooden furniture, as well as lots of other curios. Need a life-size cutout of Emile Hirsch from Speed Racer ? They’ve got it. Fitted hats, jewelry and holiday gift baskets? Check. And you can order Christmas trees from Mora.
