Still searching for that special something for that special someone? You’re in luck. Downtown Phoenix is full of creative gifts that you’d be strained to find anywhere else. Choose from food and drink, a pair of jeans, or tickets to an incredible day – here are 12 holiday gift ideas from the staff of the Downtown Phoenix Partnership.
Happy shopping!
18 year ‘Traditional Balsamic’ from Urban Olive Oils, $20 – Anna Consie, Communications Manager
This very rich, very thick balsamic is great for every person you know who claims Italian heritage. It’s from Modena, Italy –  the place for balsamic vinegar – and is a steal at $20. It’s great for salads, sauces or drizzled on ice cream (seriously). The best part of gifting this vinegar? The lovely staff at Urban Olive Oils will let you sample every olive oil and vinegar in the store, which is a surprisingly fun way to spend an afternoon.
Cartel Coffee Lab Gift Set, prices vary – Brandi Porter, Community Editor
The folks running things over at Cartel Coffee Lab know a thing or two about brewing the perfect cup of coffee, and now you can too. In honor of the holidays, the boutique coffee shop has put together a special holiday gift set. Each specialty coffee brewer purchased comes with a bag of filters and two samples of their specialty coffees. At $30, $35 or $40, each bundle is a bargain and sure to impress even the most persnickety of coffee addicts. They also have the items available for individual sale, in case you aren’t into giving gift sets.
The Tamale Store at Phoenix Public Market, $28/dozen – David Stevenson, Marketing Coordinator and What’s Happening Editor

These Tamales are better than your abuela’s. Made with fluffy massa, fresh meat and cheeses, authentic Mexican spices, and no lard, these yummy holiday favorites can also be shipped directly from the kitchen to your family. They arrive in a Styrofoam cooler wrapped in an insulated freezer bag with gel ice packs to ensure they keep cold. They last 7 days refrigerated upon arrival, although my family in Washington State steamed and ate theirs immediately.
Charming Charlie, prices vary – Dan Klocke, Vice President of Development
If you’re a guy who happens to know the color of your significant other’s clothes, Charming Charlie is the best place to find her some matching accessories… Alternatively, let the sales people tell you what’s best. They take you right over to a table covered in accessories, and tell you (the dumb guy) exactly what she’ll need. Lo and behold, by the end of this nightmare adventure you’ll have the perfect matching accessories for that special someone.
Lawless Denim, prices vary – Chuck Padilla, Downtown Phoenix Ambassador
I recommend a pair of custom handmade jeans from Lawless Denim at CityScape. Round off the look with a handmade belt or hat, and you’ve got the perfect present. How bad*** and hot would it be to get a pair of jeans tailored to fit your body?
Pedicure from Downtown Phoenix Salon, $48 – Nicole Friedrichs, Controller
I would love to receive a gift certificate for a pedicure from the Downtown Phoenix Salon. They have exceptional services and staff, and just a few steps away from the office. It’s the perfect way to break up the monotony of the day!
Commemorative Glassware from Hard Rock Café Phoenix, $10-$25 – R.J. Price, Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Not only does this iconic restaurant boast bodacious burgers and a full slate of live music, but they also have a hip gift shop that sells glassware, commemorative rock T-shirts, hats, pins and collectables at all price points.
And this holiday season you can join Hard Rock Café in the fight against global hunger and poverty by purchasing limited edition Imagine There’s No Hunger merchandise like scarves, bracelets and T’s. [pic of bracelet]. Head over to Hard Rock Café Phoenix this Friday for the Imagine There’s No Hunger benefit concert featuring local wailers Whiskey’s Quicker.
Arizona Science Center membership, $150 – Sara Anderson, Events Manager

I love to gift experiences, so I bought the Explorer Membership package to the Arizona Science Center for my niece and nephew – BONUS – the membership comes with guest passes, discounts on several activities throughout the year, and three passes to the Planetarium… I guess it’s pretty much a gift for me as well!
Hanny’s gift certificate – Ray Cabrera, Program Manager – Operations
I love getting gift certificates to Hanny’s. It’s such a great atmosphere, especially when they decorate for the holidays.  They happen to serve my favorite pizza and cocktails, so hopefully whoever I give the gift certificate to will be just as giving as me – and share!
Arizona Latino and Cultural Arts – Jane Hart, Executive Assistant
If you are looking for unique and handmade items for that quirky, fun friend in your life – we all have one – Arizona Latino and Cultural Arts (ALAC) is the place to go!  They have a ton of unique items, and many them are made right here in the Valley by local artists!
Tickets to Crescent Ballroom – Terry Madeksza, Vice President – Operations
The best kind of present is the present you can experience! With a great selection of local, indie and big-name performances, as well as great food and drinks, a pair of tickets to Crescent Ballroom would make the perfect holiday gift for any music lover in your life.
Urban Outfitters – Samantha Jackson, Community Services Director
I brought my family downtown to CityScape for the tree lighting ceremony and my daughter, who is almost 13 years old, went into Urban Outfitters and FELL IN LOVE.  I could buy her any of the fun stuff they have in there. The kitty slippers, the mini walkie radios (conveniently in a set of two) or the beaded pouch that looks like pepperoni pizza. The best stocking stuffers ever!