Santa Joe's beery merry gift ideas
Joe Sixpack has just what you're looking for.
IF YOU'RE looking to stuff a stocking with something a little more special than a six-pack (not that there's anything wrong with a six-pack, hint-hint), Joe Sixpack has just what you're looking for, from bottle openers to world travel.
For openers: There are a million different, very cool bottle openers out there, including some on beach sandals, dog collars, smartphones and TV remotes. Most breweries sell them online, and you can order custom key-chain openers from Vistaprint.com, starting at $3.74.
I like the simplicity of DropCatch, a wall-mounted opener with an embedded magnet that catches caps before they hit the floor. From $65.
For your Joe Sixpack: He (or she) will be happy to get anything with hops - but look for a special gift pack. Corsendonk Christmas Ale comes in a boxed six-pack with a glass; $21.95 at the Foodery (2nd and Poplar, Northern Liberties, 215-238-6077).
In Bucks County, the Beer Store (488 2nd Street Pike, Southampton, 215-355-7373) carries more than a dozen gift sets, including a 22-ounce bomber of Troegs Mad Elf with a glass, $25.99, and Lindemans Framboise and Pomme with a fluted glass, $15.99.
For the ring bearer: Neighborhood Map Coasters not only save your coffee table from water rings, their attractive, laser-engraved Philadelphia neighborhoods show off where you live. $36 a set.
For a DUI-free New Year: The Breathometer connects to your smartphone with an easy app to estimate your blood alcohol level. Even tells you how long you'll have to wait till you're "back to zero." $49.
For the morning munchies: Beer pancakes take off the edge. Make a batch with the new Joe Sixpack Beer Pancake mix. $8.
For the walls: Beer isn't just a craft, it's fine art - at least in the form of BeerColors, decorative art prints painted with real beer. Each painting comes with a certificate of authenticity, naming the beer used in the artwork. How about a pretty puffin in Anderson Valley El Steinber Dark Lager? From $60.
For the modest: If your boyfriend isn't going to wear pants around the apartment, at least dress him up in a set of decent Beer Boxers, printed with bottles. $9.99.
For the tap dancer: A home bar isn't complete without an impressive lineup of tap handles, but who can keep up with an ever-changing selection of ales and lagers? Tap Boards are chalkboard tap handles. Just drink, erase and repeat. $39.99.
For the green thumb: You think beer grows on a tree? Well, yes, as a matter of fact. Grow Your Own Beer Tree is a hops-growing kit. Just add water. $8.37.
For growlers by car: Worst part of filling those handy half-gallon growlers for draft beer to go? Getting them back home without rolling around in the back seat. Growler on Board is a lightweight, insulated "Beer Transport Unit" that holds three big bottles in an upright position. $29.95.
For growlers by bike: Make your bike buddy's next tour de beer a snap with a Growler bike cage. Attaches to the down tube on most bikes; holds 32-ounce or 64-ounce bottles. $15-$20.
For bottles by bike: Carry this simple canvas six-pack toter into the deli, fill it with bottles, then wrap it over the top tube. Guaranteed to fit between even heavy-gauge thighs. $57.19.
For the gamer: Forget Xbox One. What the ultimate home bar requires is the Dreamcade Kegerator 60. It's an arcade machine with a 60-inch HD screen, a built-in fridge, two cup holders, three taps and 140 classic games (like "Space Invaders and "Street Fighter"). Beer not included. $4,999.
For the world traveler: Belgium is Beer Mecca, and there's no more fun way to experience it than on a river cruise. Check that - there's no more fun way to experience it than on a river cruise with Joe Sixpack. I'll be leading an expedition to Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp and the Netherlands in March 2015. Beer and meals included. $2,617 if booked by Dec. 31, 2014.
For the local traveler: An expedition to the bars of Center City is a learning experience on a tour led by an expert. Philadelphia Urban Adventures shows off the best of the bar scene with its two-hour Philly On Tap tour. Beer and snacks included; $35.