Staff Picks: The Alleyway Gift Guide
Hanukkah’s here, and Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Festivus are coming up. Still haven’t figured out what to give? Do not worry, I reached out to the staff and tapped into their expertise. We’ve zeroed in on what's most essential. This guide is all you need for holiday success.
Hanukkah’s here, and Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Festivus are coming up. Still haven’t figured out what to give? Do not worry, I reached out to the staff and tapped into their expertise. We’ve zeroed in on what's most essential. Don’t be stressed; this guide is all you need for holiday success.
2023 Honda Accord
Dylan has recently gone from making and scooping ice cream to selling cars at Lia Honda of Kingston. Dylan says that if you’re looking for a car, get a 2024 Honda Accord and get it from him. He might even be able to put a novelty bow on the roof for you.
Succulents
For those not looking for a new car, Dylan recommends the ever-charming succulent. Their low maintenance nature and variety in shapes, sizes, and colors make them perfect for everyone. They're not just plants; they're symbols of enduring love and resilience.
Heated Blanket
Heated Blanket
Texting me on a cold and rainy day earlier this week, Madison recommended heated blankets. She says heated blankets are an excellent gift, especially during the colder months. They offer the ultimate comfort of warmth and coziness, making them perfect for anyone looking to stay snug.
HEYDUDE Shoes
Santa wears HEYDUDE
Nick's pick is the versatile and comfortable HEYDUDE shoes. “They’re like a mix between boat shoes and slippers and I wear mine everywhere. Best pair of shoes I’ve ever had. So comfortable.” At the time of speaking, Nick was wearing camo HEYDUDEs, but they come in an insane amount of colors and patterns.
Lego Infinity Gauntlet
LEGO Infinity Gauntlet
Antonio's pick is a must-have for that kid of any age on your gift list. He says the set has the perfect build duration – not too long, not too brief – and the finished product looks fantastic. The completed model is not only a striking display piece for any bookshelf but also showcases LEGO's exceptional attention to detail. Known for their consistent quality over the years, LEGO makes an ideal gift.
JBL Bluetooth Speakers
No matter where you need music, no matter your budget, Leo says JBL has what you need. Leo says his JBL speaker is, “the most used gift I’ve ever gotten.” Some are tiny, some are huge, some are waterproof, some can even attach to your key chain. And they come in so many colors. Can’t decide what song to listen to first? Leo’s go to song on his JBL is Us and Them by Pink Floyd.
Nike Sweatpants
Rowan highly recommends Nike Sweatpants as an excellent gift for anyone who values comfort and style. Perfect for workouts, lounging at home, or casual outings, they come in a variety of styles and colors. Their versatility and comfort make them a practical gift that can be used year-round.
Milwaukee Top-Off
Milwaukee Top-Off
Ian recommends the Milwaukee Top-Off Power Supply as the ideal gift. Not just for job sites, he's considering one for each family member. It's a lifesaver during power outages, camping, or road trips, thanks to its AC power outlet, USB-C port, and USB-A port. This practical, versatile tool is a valuable addition to anyone's daily life.
Coyuchi Relaxed Linen Sheets
I feel like royalty every time I get into bed, all thanks to Bosco’s Mercantile. Talk to Laura about a delicious Coyuchi sheet set if you really want to treat someone special or yourself. Coyuchi is the ultimate in year-round comfort. Believe it or not, they get softer with each wash.
Honorable Mention: Harry Potter LEGO Sets
Intending to reach out to one Leo for gift recommendations, my fingers inadvertently danced across the screen to another - a certain Leo from Fletcher & Lu, the culinary gem tucked away on Kingston’s Broadway. This Leo, a purveyor of tastes at the new delicatessen known for its homemade cured meats and pâtés, artisan cheeses, fresh pasta, rotisserie chickens, smoked fish and amazing sandwiches, (and Alleyway pints) offered his gift suggestion: Harry Potter LEGO.
Staff Pick: Jury Duty
This week, Madison recommends Jury Duty.
Ronald, thinks he's in a jury duty documentary but is surrounded by actors thrusting him into bizarre situations. The show blends elements from The Truman Show, The Rehearsal, The Office, and Punk’d. Its unique, hidden-camera approach offers riveting and comedic entertainment.
Have you seen it? What did you think? Wrote a comment with your favorite reality shows. We'll share your response with the staff.
Staff Pick: Gladiator
This week, Nick recommends Gladiator.
Rotten Tomatoes user Grant R. says, "One of the best movies ever made. So fresh. Russel Crowe is amazing."
Have you seen it? What did you think? Comment your favorite movies. We'll share your response with the staff.
Staff Pick: Love Island
This week Madison recommends Love Island.
CBS's LOVE ISLAND, a summer series based on the global hit phenomenon, features single "Islanders" in a Las Vegas villa for dating, romance, and relationships. Islanders couple up every few days, risking elimination if single. Challenges, new arrivals, and twists add drama. Viewers influence events and choose the winning couple for love and a cash prize.
Comment with your favorite reality show. We'll share your response with the staff.
Staff Pick: Emmental
This week's pick comes from Caroline. Caroline says Emmental is your cheesy bestie. Fondue, quiche, cheese boards, and don't get her started on paninis, she recommends it all. If you're feeling all healthy and stuff, pair it with some sliced apples or pears.
Need cheese? Check out The Corner Counter in Red Hook.
Reply with your favorite cheese and your other recs. We'll share your response with the staff.
Staff Pick: The Notebook
This week Ian recommends The Notebook. He says, "Had me shook."
What do you recommend? Reply to this email your your picks and we'll share them with the staff.
Staff Pick: Behind Closed Doors
This week Madison recommends Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris.
From the book: Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace. He has looks and wealth; she has charm and elegance. He’s a dedicated attorney who has never lost a case; she is a flawless homemaker, a masterful gardener and cook, and dotes on her disabled younger sister.
Though they are still newlyweds, they seem to have it all. You might not want to like them, but you do. You’re hopelessly charmed by the ease and comfort of their home, by the graciousness of the dinner parties they throw. You’d like to get to know Grace better.
But it’s difficult, because you realize Jack and Grace are inseparable.
Some might call this true love. Others might wonder why Grace never answers the phone. Or why she can never meet for coffee, even though she doesn’t work. How she can cook such elaborate meals but remain so slim. Or why she never seems to take anything with her when she leaves the house, not even a pen. Or why there are such high-security metal shutters on all the downstairs windows.
Some might wonder what’s really going on once the dinner party is over, and the front door has closed.
What do you recommend? Comment your picks and we'll share them with the staff.
Staff Pick: Love on the Spectrum
Ian recommends Love on the Spectrum. It's a show that follows the romantic experiences of young adults who are on the autism spectrum. The show provides a sensitive and insightful portrayal of their journey to find love and navigate relationships. It aims to raise awareness about autism and challenges the stereotypes surrounding people with autism. The focus is on personal growth, emotional connections, and understanding, rather than the typical reality TV drama.
Staff Pick: One Piece
This week's staff pick comes from Ian who recommends One Piece. Picture a world brimming with colorful characters, epic battles, and boundless imagination. Follow the charismatic and determined Monkey D. Luffy as he leads a group of misfit pirates, the Straw Hat crew, on a daring quest to find the elusive treasure known as the "One Piece." Along the way, they'll encounter mythical islands, fearsome foes, and forge unbreakable bonds that will tug at your heartstrings.
Ian says the sailing is a little unrealistic, "a ship like that would need way more than three sailors." Nevertheless, One Piece is this week's staff pick.
What do you recommend? We'll share it with the staff.
Staff Pick: Buddha Bowl
This week's staff pick comes from Madison who recommends Buddha Bowls, a new restaurant coincidentally located in the same building as Alleyway. The menu includes create-your-own bowls with greens, protein, grains, and other toppings as well as signature bowls including the Sweetie Potato, Southwest Chicken, and Greek Salad Bowl. Madison especially likes the Southwest Chicken Bowl.
Buddha Bowls is owned by the same people who own Bluestone Coffee Roasting Company, who also, coincidentally, are my Dad and Stepmom.
What do you recommend? We'll share it with the staff.