If you’re looking to stuff a stocking with something a little more special than a sixpack (not that there’s anything wrong with a sixpack, hint-hint), Joe Sixpack has just what you’re looking for – from bottle openers to worldwide travel.
For openers
There are a million different, very cool bottle openers out there, for beach sandals, dog collars, smart phones, TV remotes and more. Most breweries sell them online, and you can even order custom key chain openers from Vistaprint.com, starting at $3.74 each. I like the simplicity of DropCatch, a wall-mounted opener whose embedded magnet catches caps before the hit the floor. From $65.
For your Joe Sixpack
He (or she) will be happy with almost anything with hops – but look for a special gift pack. Corsendonk Christmas Ale comes in a boxed sixpack 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 will show your where you live. $36 for set of four.
For a DUI-free New Year
Breathometer connects to your smart phone 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 at brunch. 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 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 at the Gap.
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 backseat. Growler on Board is a light-weight, insulated “Beer Transport Unit” 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 and holds either 32-ounce or 64-ounc bottles. $15-$20.
For bottles by bike
Carry this simple canvas sixpack 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 360, 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 (Space Invaders, 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. Rooms are filling up now. 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 guided tour led by an expert. Philadelphia Urban Adventures shows off the best of the city’s bar scene with its two-hour Philly On Tap tour. Beer and snacks included $35.
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