By Kristi Casey Sanders
We’ve done some window-shopping at our favorite arts organization gift shops. Here are our recommendations for books, music and more to spark the creative side of those on your gift list.
For kids
Love the dancing panda in Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker ? Pick up a plush version ($20-$40, depending on size) at the Atlanta Ballet Store (AB).
Going on a long road trip over the holidays? Transform the car into a karaoke bar with the All American Car-I-Oke or Christmas Car-I-Oke book and CD set ($14.95) from the ASO Symphony Store (ASO).
A Fox Theatre coloring book ($4), available at the Fox Theatre gift kiosk (FOX), lets little ones replicate the fanciful details of Atlanta’s Theatrical Treasure.
For teens
Great Performances ($10) profiles some of the great artists and rock bands that have graced the Fox Stage. (FOX)
Pick up a “Here Comes Treble” T-shirt ($19.95) for mischievous music lovers (and one for yourself). (ASO)
Dance lovers will swoon to own a pair of painted ballet shoes that were worn by an Atlanta Ballet dancer in a show and decorated by a local artist ($250). Each one-of-a-kind pair is painted with a theme inspired by the show in which they were worn. (AB)
For grown-ups
Hand-painted, Russian-style nesting dolls tell the stories of the great ballets such as The Nutcracker , Romeo & Juliet and Swan Lake ($240). (AB)
The Robert Shaw Reader ($42.95) presents a collection of the influential choral conductor’s letters and notes about music history and analysis, philosophy, inspiration and practical advice. The NPR Listener’s Encyclopedia of Classical Music (19.95) is a comprehensive book and CD set covering terms, theory, history, works, composers, venues and performers from a cappella to Zukerman. (ASO)
Silk scarves printed with violins or embroidered wool shawls ($45-$200) are great gifts for women who like to make dramatic entrances. (ASO)
Pen-and-ink-drawings of a December evening at the Fox Theatre ($20) are signed by the artist and suitable for framing. And decorative pillows made from authentic Fox Theatre upholstery ($75) are a great way to bring a local icon into the home. (FOX)
Small items/stocking stuffers
Secure a bit of history with Grammy Award-winning ASO recordings Golijov’s Ainadamar and Del Tredici: Paul Revere’s Ride/Theofanidis: The Here and Now/Bernstein: Lamentation from Jeremiah . Or, purchase new releases Brittania or Oceana . Celebrate 60 years of beautiful music making with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra 60th Anniversary CD. All are $17.75. (ASO)
Atlanta Ballet signature nutcrackers ($30) depict four main characters from the Nutcracker ballet and come with brass nameplates. (AB/FOX)
Ballet-themed Christmas ornaments ($15) and porcelain Fox Theatre ornaments ($25) add artistic flair to family Christmas trees. (AB, FOX)
The Fox sells several small items, including magnets ($5), engraved writing pens ($8), a Fox belt buckle ($40) and lapel pins ($5). (FOX)
Looking for Christmas tunes? Christmas at the Fox ($15) features Larry Douglas Embury playing Christmas songs on “Mighty Mo,” the Fox’s fabulous pipe organ. Also available are ASO recordings Many Moods of Christmas , Angels on High , Songs of Angels ($17.75) and Handel’s Messiah ($27.95). (FOX, ASO)
Where to find it:
Atlanta Ballet Boutique (AB) Four locations. Midtown: Open daily 4-7:30 p.m., Sat from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; 1400 W. Peachtree St., 404-873-5811 ext. 101. Cobb Center at Powers Ferry Landing: Open daily from noon-7 p.m; 2000 Powers Ferry #G4, Marietta. Buckhead: Open daily 12-7 p.m., 678-213-5000; Chastain Square Shopping Center, 4279 Roswell Rd., 404-303-1501. Fox Theatre lobby: Open before, during and after Nutcracker performances in the lobby; 660 Peachtree St. NE., Atlanta.
ASO Symphony Store (ASO) Open Wed.-Sun. 12-5 p.m. and during evening ASO concerts; online shopping also available. Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta, 404-733-4345.
Fox Theatre Gift Kiosk (FOX) Open during performances at the Fox; online shopping also available. Fox Theatre lobby, 660 Peachtree St., 404-881-2119.
