22 Gifts for People Who Love St. Louis [PHOTOS]

1. A St. Louis-Scented Candle
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JD and Kate Dobson are quite likely the funniest couple in St. Louis, and their thriving candle-making business doesn’t just offer candles that smell like the War of 1812 or Nancy Fuckin’ Pelosi (the modifier is theirs) but also one that smells like St. Louis. How does that smell, you ask? We’ll give you a hint: There’s a synthetic toasted ravioli resting on the wax. Who wouldn’t want their house to smell like marinara sauce?

2. A Red Hot Riplets shower curtain
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Anybody can use a few bags of St. Louis’ favorite snack chip as a stocking stuffer, but it takes a giver both generous and genial to get their friends a Red Hot Riplets shower curtain. You know you want to be that friend. This is your year to shine. (You can also buy a Red Hot Riplets flag if you prefer to let your taste in snack chips fly.)

3. A City of St. Louis “Arnament”
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This new Christmas tree ornament — sorry, “arnament” — is a tribute to the city’s refuse trucks, and perhaps their current scarcity is one reason it was a huge hit for STL-Style; the retailer sold out within 24 hours of premiering them online. But don’t worry, they’ll be back in stock soon — the better to gift all your friends with!

4. Mugs and dishes from Place Value Pottery
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What could be niftier than a mug that’s also a map of your very own St. Louis neighborhood — or a candy dish that shows off the Compton Heights water tower? This “functional ceramic art” is made locally by artist Malaika Tolford.

5. A Ted Drewes “Drewzie”
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You don’t need a koozie when you could have a Drewzie from Ted Drewes! Everyone’s favorite frozen custard shop also offers themed shot glasses, mugs and more.

6. Mound City Chronicle photo book
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Photographer Jason Gray made his name by dreaming up Photo Flood St. Louis, which over the course of nine years photo-blitzed each and every one of St. Louis’ 79 neighborhoods, with photographers showing up to capture whatever caught their fancy within each one on a designated day. Gray has now released his first monograph photobook, Mound City Chronicle, and you can see an example of his eye-catching work above. This is a perfect gift for anyone who loves gazing at St. Louis in all its moods — good, bad and everything in between. (We would never say “ugly”!)

7. New shirt from STL-Style
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Dreams come true in St. Louis? They do! STL-Style owners Randy and Jeff Vines report that this brand-new T-shirt was inspired by a 1970s marketing campaign, which, based on the city’s population loss in the 1980s, was maybe not so successful. Even so, we love the retro look — and can always count on STL-Style to make us feel good about living here. Order online, or better yet visit the STL-Stylehouse on Cherokee Street to browse more selections.

8. LoFi St. Louis sneakers
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LoFi St. Louis merch shows you’re one of the cool kids who participates in Cherokee Street’s utterly unique music video festival, now heading into its 11th year (photo above from the 2022 fest). You’re also supporting a great cause — to call this festival DIY is an understatement. Bonus: These kicks are a great alternative to the T-shirts and keychains you might otherwise have to resort to in order to establish your local bonafides.

9. A Steve’s Hot Dog T-shirt
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Everyone loves a good hot dog, and everyone loves Steve Ewing, and that makes these T-shirts from Ewing’s beloved South Grand eatery a no-brainer. Get a Dookie-inspired version or a Pride-inspired version; either way you’ll be the toasted bun of the town.

10. Chocolates from Crown Candy Kitchen
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Sure, chocolates might seem vaguely cliched, but these aren’t just any chocolates — they’re chocolates from one of St. Louis’ most historic, and beloved, restaurants. Crown Candy Kitchen has been an Old North neighborhood mainstay since 1913, and old-timers and youngins alike will thrill to these confections. Stop by in person to get a classic Heart Attack Bacon sandwich along with your chocolate.

11. Mississippi Nights: A History of the Music Club in St. Louis
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The smash-hit coffee table book of the season is Garrett and Stacey Enloe’s tribute to Mississippi Nights, the late, great, much-lamented St. Louis club. Get your music-loving fan a copy today, signed by the authors for that added St. Louis music scene intimacy.

12. A St. Louis puzzle
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By buying this puzzle, you’re not just giving your pal a St. Louis-centered activity for those cold January nights. You’re also supporting a local business. Puzzle Warehouse is proudly based in St. Louis County. There’s also a retail store in south county in addition to the thriving online site.

12. A St. Louis flag
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No local yard is complete without one of these babies hanging from the flagpole. The American flag may seem tainted by the country’s long history of imperialism and discrimination. The gay pride flag might not be your personal brand. But everyone can agree on the St. Louis flag, a banner to being an underdog city in a screwed-up state.

14. A Pappy’s Smokehouse gift box
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Pappy’s is the granddaddy of St. Louis’ thriving barbecue scene — and still going strong. Share your love for a St. Louis original by gifting your beloved a box of sauces and rubs, along with a cool mesh Pappy’s hat.

15. A Big River Running T-shirt
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If you’re into both running and St. Louis, you can’t go wrong with the T-shirt selection at local Big River Running. There are great options for men and women, many of them running themed. We’re especially partial to the nice big RUN that incorporates the Gateway Arch.

16. Anything at Golden Gems
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Led by two self-proclaimed "bad ass babes," Golden Gems offers only products that pass the vibe check. You can get a $5 cool keytag with a witty phrase on it or splurge on one of their STL t-shirts ($38). Not to mention the vast collection of ornaments the shop has curated — Post Malone fans can snag an ornament shaped like the rapper just as easily as a Golden Girls fan can secure a copy of Dorothy, Rose, Blanche or Sophie. Or for the extra naughty, you can get this BDSM gingerbread man. Whatever you buy, you're supporting local (win) and you get some cool shit for your loved one (another win). You can check out the extensive online offerings, but to get to the true experience, visit in person. There are locations on Locust and inside City Foundry.

17. A Gooey Butter Cake
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Russell’s doesn’t just bake some of the best gooey butter cake in St. Louis — it also ships across the U.S. Send a long-lost friend a taste of home with everybody’s favorite sweet treat.

18. St. Louis totes by Union Studio
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Locally owned Union Studio has two locations, in Tower Grove South and Webster Groves, and offers a curated selection of works from 150 local artists. They’ve helpfully divided their online gift guide into five major categories: holiday, gift sets, wedding gifts, baby shower and St. Louis-themed — because loving your hometown is right up there with spouses and babies. If you don’t need a tote, try a gooey butter cake candle — or a print of sledding on Art Hill.

19. A recipe collection from St. Louis’ best chefs via Small Circle
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If the person you’re buying for is a fan of St. Louis’ dining scene but also is willing to pick up a cast-iron skillet and wooden spoon in their own kitchen, this is the gift for them. Locals R.J. Hartbeck and Mary von der Heydt have created a series of short cookbooks that share a curated collection of recipes, with each book featuring a top local chef. Michael and Tara Gallina (Vicia, Bistro La Floraison) are featured, as is Evy Swoboda (the Last Kitchen). Buy one cookbook or all four current volumes — and just hope your friend comes through with a dinner party invite once they’ve perfected the recipes.

20. Sauces from the Fattened Caf
Order online and use code Sawsawan10 for 10 percent off
Give the gift of flavor with Filipino-style sauces from local couple Darren Young and Charlene Lopez-Young. In addition to the regular and spicy barbecue marinades on offer, there's also a spiced vinegar. Grab a set of three for $30 and your recipient's dipping game.