Family Gal
She’s the one—mom, wife, sis, step-grandmother and so forth—who does it all. You couldn’t get along without her, so show her you care with these gifts that make it easy to relax and have fun. And they’re still practical enough that she’ll use them, not save them, and isn’t that what you want?
Retro Handbags
LIVING VINTAGE 8745 Chapman Hwy., 577-1545, livingvintage.net
Is she mad about Mad Men? Imitate the look at a fraction of the price with a bag from the one-of-a-kind browsefest known as Living Vintage, just an extra couple miles out Chapman Highway. The prices are just as reasonable on evening bags—you were planning to take her out for a special New Year’s Eve, weren’t you? While you’re there, check out the “cocktail hour” highball sets, mod shirts, charm bracelets, cool retro furniture—it’s all fun. Or spring for a gift certificate and go together to get lost in the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s ($4-$12).
Tickets to Charley's Aunt at the Clarence Brown
CLARENCE BROWN THEATRE 206 McClung Tower, University of Tennessee, 974-5161, clarence-browntheatre.com
With three acts of farce surrounding two sets of would-be lovers depending on “Charley’s Aunt” to chaperone, Brandon Thomas’s old-style comedy is billed as “one of the funniest plays ever written.” Common knowledge tells us the way to a girl’s heart is with humor. Well, first through the stomach, second with humor, and theater tickets never hurt. Perhaps dinner before the show? Show dates run from February 18 to March 7. (Adult tickets range from $22-$27, depending on show date; student and senior discounts available.)
Half-Off Clothing
ALTAR'D STATE 11437 Parkside Dr., 966-8998
Find her something cute and cozy to spend her days in. And half off? Can’t beat that. This cost-conscious choice will make your family gal proud. Recently opened, Altar’d States is a locally owned alternative to the traditional Christian retailer that features designer denim and Christian apparel but also offers free Wi-Fi, music, and a coffee bar.
A Fab Time at Ray's ESG
RAY'S ESG 7355 Kingston Pike, 330-0159, raysesg.com
Her passion for football is apparent (judging by her screams during the last big game) but your family gal can only watch one game at a time in your living room. A pre-paid visit to Ray’s ESG will provide her with more TVs than the local appliance store, and both of you with a chance to enjoy and relax. And just supposing you’re the fan and she’s not so much, Ray’s has a wonderful wine bar within its walls, special promotions like trivia night or karaoke, and a martini variety to suit the connoisseur and once-a-year imbiber alike.
Music from Disc Exchange
DISC EXCHANGE 2615 Chapman Hwy., 573-5710, discexchange.com
She loves to sing in the shower, but that one Mariah Carey song belted at earache inducing levels is beginning to get old. This holiday, give her a new song to sing. Knoxville’s own independently owned and operated record store has been a staple since 1987 and continues to lead the quest to enlighten Knoxville’s musical tastes on a daily basis. Sure, you can purchase a gift certificate, but isn’t half the fun of receiving a new album exploring the unknown? Take the advice of the music connoisseurs at the Disc Exchange and give her one of these all-good selections: The Swell Season, The Swell Season; The XX, XX; Kings of Convenience, Declaration of Dependence.
Laurel Burch Bags, Mugs and More
GREEN EARTH EMPORIUM 4481 Kingston Pike, 588-9882
Green Earth Emporium offers a line by late artist Laurel Burch, whose paintings provide inspiration for purses, totes, mugs, scarves, and beyond. Most products within the line boast the signature Laurel Burch cats, but all are well-made, rich in color, and joyous, creating a perfect “thank you” to the hard-working lady in your life ($10-$43).
New Year's Eve with Frankie Paul
SIDE SPLITTERS COMEDY CLUB 9246 Park West Blvd., 924-5233, sidesplitterscomedy.com
Laugh into 2010 with comedian Frankie Paul. Admission includes party favors and a champagne toast, with music and dancing after the midnight balloon drop, followed by a continental breakfast buffet. Even better, the event offers an open bar from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., so you may want to throw in a designated driver or cab fare to allow for unfettered celebration ($55-$60).
Mysteries from McKay
MCKAY USED BOOKS & CDS 230 Papermill Place Way, 588-0331, mckaybooks.com
After tackling the Mystery of the Keeping Everyone Happy Over the Holidays, she’ll need to take a little mental vacation with a good novel—and McKay has got quite a few to select from. May we suggest an alluring mystery by Elizabeth George or P.D. James? That way, she might focus her energies on solving murders rather than plotting them.
