Prison-themed presents

February 23, 2009 11:53 AM

Help me think of prison-themed presents for a Down by Law screening party.

My best friend is turning 35 next week, and we'll be having a screening of one of his favorite films, Down by Law, and an accompanying Italian-themed potluck. I'd like to make him a gift bag with prison-themed presents (soap on a roap, a shank, etc.) or gifts related to the movie. Any ideas?

posted by lunalaguna to media & arts (15 answers total)

Stuffed rabbits.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 11:55 AM on February 23, 2009

That is, assuming you've already seen the movie...
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 11:55 AM on February 23, 2009

ice cream
(what cool papa bell said)
posted by brevator at 11:58 AM on February 23, 2009

You must serve ice cream, of course. (You scream, we all scream for...)
posted by dr. boludo at 11:58 AM on February 23, 2009

And while not movie-related, a make-your-own Pruno kit consisting of oranges, ketchup, fruit cocktail, sugar, and a Ziploc bag would make anyone's prison stay more tolerable, I think.
posted by dr. boludo at 12:02 PM on February 23, 2009

The frak? No file-in-a-cake suggestions?
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 12:11 PM on February 23, 2009

ice cream
an 8 ball
Jack/Zach name tags
Lounge Lizards/Tom Waits CD
posted by mizrachi at 12:16 PM on February 23, 2009

Cigarettes but no matches.
Cards.
plastic comb.
hairnet.
jaguar Keychain.
45 records.
buckle creeper shoes.
tiny memo pad with pencil.
posted by dirtdirt at 12:52 PM on February 23, 2009

All good suggestions. How about a flask, or a half pint of cheap bourbon or whiskey? A rabbit's foot would work if you can't get the full rabbit.

Tom Waits' Rain Dogs is the most appropriate of his albums to pick up, as it has Jockey Full of Bourbon.
posted by Kafkaesque at 1:03 PM on February 23, 2009

Tiny rope ladders made out of dental floss.

A while back there was this thing on either Discovery of Nat Geo about someone who had managed to escape prison with a rope ladder made out of dental floss. I can't remember how much, but there was a whole whole lot. I think the ladder was some ten metres long. I said he escaped, I think he was caught just after using the ladder, but still.
posted by bjrn at 1:39 PM on February 23, 2009

Haven't seen the movie in so many years, but as a fan of prison dramas generally here are my suggestions:

Sock full of unopened food/soda cans or rolled quarters (for hitting!)

Toothbrush with handle sharpened down to a point (for stabbing!)

Picture frame made out of folded empty cigarette packets.

Porn!

Little hand mirror for sticking through the bars to see the guy a few cells down.

Orange coveralls.
posted by scratch at 1:48 PM on February 23, 2009

Toothbrush or plastic combs (both popular for making shanks)
Small mirror
Needle and ink (for tats, naturally)
posted by quin at 2:53 PM on February 23, 2009

Make sure to add Irma Thomas to your soundtrack.
posted by desuetude at 3:17 PM on February 23, 2009

Leave of Grass "You Like-a Walt Whiiitman?"
A pair of capped pointed shoes (of the kind that Ellen Barkin throws out the window in the opening sequence, and which Tom Waits spends a few moments putting on as he retrieves his belongings from the street.)
A plaid hunting jacket bought from a thrift store (of the sort that Zach and Jack exchange in the closing scene, as they go off to meet their separate destines).
handcuffs "Hook 'em up. Hook 'em real tight..." RIP, Rockets Redglare.

This is also one of my very favorite movies (as if you couldn't tell)...
posted by Chrischris at 4:22 PM on February 23, 2009

Food: ham and good eggs.
posted by RogerB at 6:11 PM on February 23, 2009