Ask MetaFilter questions in the shopping category

It's a Secret to Everybody.

Eideteker — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 14:29:18 -0800

I'd like a decent ultraviolet ink pen. I've seen the Dr. Who sonic screwdriver pen, and it seems simultaneously bulky and flimsy. My thought was to get a UV ink refill that will fit this pen. I can find UV ink in bottles, but not in a refill. Maybe I'm using the wrong terms?

Lbhe uryc vf nccerpvngrq.

How do you buy furniture for a retail store?

CommonSense — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 11:39:13 -0800

I need to find places to buy cool/offbeat furniture, but with the durability and dimensions/styles needed for a retail store. I've recently taken ownership of a retail store, and among the many things I'd like to do to rebrand and "re-image" it is replace the boring, standard-issue furniture used in the customer-facing portion of the store. I'd like to replace the display tables, get shelving so that I'm more effectively using the wall space, etc.

But in particular, I'm interested in furniture made from reused/repurposed materials and/or used furnishings that come from other retail stores that have either closed or replaced their furnishings. There HAVE to be places where you can find this stuff, but Google is failing me. I realize that to an extent, I can also get stuff from "consumer" furniture stores, but that isn't always going to address the needs of a retail space very well.

I'd be kind of interested in taking some cues from the Apple store (big, long tables, with shelving along the sides), but without duplicating them outright. (Plus, I'm sure I couldn't dream of affording the kind of furniture they use.) I don't want the place to look as cold and sterile as Apple stores do; dark-colored natural woods/metal/stone made from repurposed old construction/building/carpentry materials, for example, would be one direction I'd be interested in going.

Location is Richmond, VA, although I live in Baltimore, so I can also shop around in the Baltimore/DC area. The product line is computers and accessories, so it would be mostly tables and shelving that I'd need --nothing explicitly "retail-only" like clothing racks, etc.

I need suggestions for a money clip

helios410 — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 04:17:25 -0800

I'm looking for a non gaudy or garish looking money clip (think minimal) that I can find in NYC or on the internets. Any suggestions?

Spongeworthiness in the DF

Anonymous — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 13:58:46 -0800

Are contraceptive sponges currently available for purchase in Mexico City, and if so, where? I'll be visiting my long-distance bf in the DF and will stock up on spongy goodness in the US before leaving, but would like to know if sponges are available locally - in case my luggage is lost, I underestimate how many to bring, etc. (I tried looking this up online and it seemed like the answer was no...I'm hoping someone who is currently there or has been recently can tell me if this is actually the case.) I know I can buy them online, but this is a short trip so that wouldn't work in this instance. Thanks!

Where can I buy a Hakapik?

subtle_squid — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:01:52 -0800

Does anyone know where I might be able to buy a hakapik? I'm not actually interested in hunting seals. I'm just interested in unusual hand tools. There is still commercial sealing going on the world so I'd think someone would manufacture the tools of the trade commercially. If they exist, they don't seem to have a website I can find through Google. Any ideas?

Where iSi-t?

xiaolongbao — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 09:29:09 -0800

Where in NYC, besides the home appliance building at J&R's Park row store, can I buy iSi cream whipper chargers? Prefer iSi, but other brands also potentially acceptable - I need whipped cream for my at-home Starbucks creation ASAP! If you know the rough price I can expect to pay (J&R charges roughly $9.99 for 10), that is a bonus. Thanks in advance!

Where (in Toronto) can I find a warm winter hat suitable for myself: a big-headed person?

cranberrymonger — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 08:24:15 -0800

Where (in Toronto) can I find a warm winter hat suitable for myself: a big-headed person? Please tell me where in Toronto I can find a warm hat that will fit me. Bonus points if it fully covers my ears.

To give you an idea of the size of my head: I can force normal (e.g. from Roots) hats on but they are tight and pull my eyebrows up, making me look perpetually surprised. While good for a chuckle, it does nothing to keep me warm.

I would love to know specific stores and locations where I can shop. I am female but "unisex" styles are fine.

I am very concerned about size/warmth, medium-level concerned about fashion and low-level concern about price.

What to get for the man who has a green thumb/happy feet?

lackutrol — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:37:43 -0800

Gift ideas for a person with different interests than me: gardening and dancing... Person in question is my Dad (don't worry, we usually exchange presents after Christmas). He's not a big reader but spends a huge amount of time on his garden (flowers mostly) and likes to go dancing with his girlfriend (I am under the impression they do a bunch of different kinds of dance). He's in his 60s. I am kind of clueless on both areas of interest. He lives in the Seattle area, if that makes any difference.

Good Bay Area Car Dealers?

blapst — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:34:00 -0800

Looking for Bay Area car dealers who are not straight-up horrible. Just moved to Oakland. Want to trade in my old car for a certified pre-owned. Leaning towards a 2006-2008 Jetta, but would consider other sedans and hatchbacks in same price range.

Sadly, all the Yelp reviews for dealers in the area are uniformly the most negative reviews I have read about anything. Don't love the idea of buying off Craigslist (as was suggested in a similar thread) -- anyone know of any remotely decent dealers in SF/East Bay/Marin?

Happy Feet slippers around Austin?

sentient — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:21:42 -0800

Where can I buy Happy Feet slippers in or near Austin, TX? Alternatively, where can I buy other fun/novelty slippers for kids in or near Austin? Hoping to luck out on this one. Is anyone aware of where Happy Feet slippers are for sale in Texas, ideally within an hour by car of Austin, TX?

The slippers look like cartoonish oversized sneakers, and I've seen them in other states in mall kiosks.

The website doesn't list locations, although an article [pdf] about the company says that there are 190 locations in forty states.

I tried the 800 number and got voicemail (large volume of holiday calls, etc.), and I emailed them to ask. No response so far. The website's "Live Chat" feature is offline as of this post.

Has anyone seen them? Any tips? I'd like to get them today!

As a backup, what places in Austin definitely sell fun/novelty slippers in big kid sizes? (Animals, paws/claws, giant-and-fluffy, look like other stuff, that kind of thing.) Thanks!

Best place to buy a stylish winter jacket in NYC?

zavulon — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:57:42 -0800

Best place to buy a cool-looking, yet still warm winter jacket in NYC (pref. SoHo area)? I'm looking to buy a stylish winter jacket.. Something like this http://www.asos.com/Men/Jackets-Coats/Cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=3606#state=Rf107%3D1080&parentID=-1&pge=0&pgeSize=20&sort=-1

Not too expensive. Where can I buy something like that in NYC, preferably SoHo area?

Can I get the newly released "Belkin Bluetooth Music Receiver" anywhere online or in Boston by Wednesday?

Perplexity — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 19:40:43 -0800

Can I get the newly released "Belkin Bluetooth Music Receiver" anywhere online or in Boston by Wednesday? Thanks! I would like to buy this "Belkin Bluetooth Music Receiver". It's out of stock at both apple.com and belkin.com. Can I get one of these anywhere online or in Boston by Wednesday?

Best way to sell diamond wedding ring?

MultiFaceted — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:01:13 -0800

What is the best, most profitable way to sell my wedding/engagement ring? I'm a little leery of eBay or Craigslist. I think I'm approaching the stage where I'm emotionally ready to sell my engagement/wedding ring (it is one piece). I've thought about having it made into a different piece of jewelry, but can't really think of anything that I want to wear (and therefore have it remind me of the whole nonsense) and I honestly don't think I want it around any more. I've already purchased a ring to represent my new phase of life, and there's only one diamond so it can't become earrings. I also have two sentimental necklaces from my parents that I always wear, and I don't need another one. Plus, the idea of paying off some debt is more attractive than sentimentality at this point.

The diamond is a little over .75 carat princess cut set on a flat cigar band of white gold. There is an anniversary band with channel set diamonds (they're small) soldered onto either side of the band to make the complete set (so, two identical anniversary bands total). I have the appraisal with all of the relevant details downstairs. I'm thinking we paid around $4000 or $5000 thousand for the whole thing (typing that makes me want to throw up a little 'cause I wound up using the settlement from my car wreck to pay off my own ring...fantastic, no?).

I'd like to get as much out of it as I can so I can pay off the debt that I was left with after the divorce. What's the best avenue to sell it? Independent jeweler? Some other source? I am OK with separating the diamond from the rest of the gold...whatever works. I just don't know who to approach or how to get the best deal. If eBay or Craigslist is the answer, how can I make sure I don't get scammed (I am willing to take a lower price to avoid the scammers)?

I live in Missouri, so I can get to St Louis, Memphis, or Little Rock, AR with relative ease. Any other questions, just ask and I'll answer in the thread.

Skull mug in person?

albrecht — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:55:06 -0800

Where can I buy a skull-shaped mug in the New York or Dallas areas? I was recently struck with inspiration for a Christmas gift idea, but it requires a mug in the shape of a human skull, something like this or this. I don't have time to wait for an online order to be shipped, so I need to buy it in person. I'll be in NYC and the Dallas area in the coming days. Does anyone know of any stores that might have this sort of thing?

Halloween and Thanksgiving have come and gone, but I'm still mad about pumpkins

Ms. Saint — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 21:22:01 -0800

Where can I find pumpkin for cooking in (or near) Alameda, CA? I am visiting my friend, and I really want to make a recipe that requires a pumpkin -- canned pumpkin will not do. We've tried Safeway and (on a lark) Trader Joe's. However, my friend had just moved to the area, and she's never cooked with pumpkin before, so she has no idea where we could get one.

Any ideas? I'm willing to entertain suggestions anywhere in the Bay Area.

I already know what I'll use as a substitute, in case you wonder Mefites can't help me out... I'm just really hoping I can find an actual pumpkin.

Photos + mats = holiday cheer

asuprenant — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:57:01 -0800

Where can I buy mats for 13 x 19" photos in Chicago? Lastminuteholidaycraftfilter: where can I buy these mats in Chicago?

http://www.dickblick.com/products/savage-value-priced-pre-cut-single-mats/

I'm looking for white 18 x 24" mats with 13 x 19" openings. The Blick stores in Chicago don't carry them in stock, though. Where can I find them?

Where can I buy beard care products in New York?

235w103 — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:54:58 -0800

Where can I buy beard care products in New York City? I'm growing a winter beard, and would like to get some beard care products, as seen on this site. But I hate online shopping (I'm an instant gratification guy) and was hoping I could just swing by some store in the New York City area and pick up some stuff. Do any hairy New Yorkers have a good source for beard conditioners, etc?

Where's the best place to buy classical CDs in Winnipeg?

Johnny Assay — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:56:27 -0800

Are there any good brick-and-mortar places to buy classical music CDs in Winnipeg, MB? I'm flying up to Winnipeg to visit my family for Christmas this year. My current plan is to buy gifts for them at brick-and-mortar stores in the days leading up to Christmas. I'm hoping to be able to buy a classical CD or two as a gift for my sister; however, I'm not sure where the best place is to go to do this.

My go-to place for classical CDs in Winnipeg used to be the downtown A&B Sound; they had a huge selection in all genres, especially classical. Unfortunately, they closed down years ago. I know that Winnipeg's not a huge city, but there's got to be enough old-fashioned classicophiles around to allow at least one store to stock more than a few dusty old copies of Beethoven 5 and "Tchaikovsky's Greatest Hits" — right? Or am I stuck with what's available at the HMV locations in St. Vital or Polo Park?

Dear Santa,

simbiotic — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:04:02 -0800

Where can I buy a "pink dinosaur bathrobe" and slippers for a little girl? It can be a print of dinosaurs or one with the hood that makes her look like she's a dinosaur or dragon. She is a tall 5 year old with size 11 feetsies.

Sewing it myself is not out of the question if you know of a good pattern.

I'm near L.A. but would prefer to order online.

Fuzzy lined sweatshirt for Christmas!

NHlove — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:57:49 -0800

Bought a beautiful fuzzy lined sweatshirt as a gift, got wrong the size, now they are sold out. Any replacement ideas? I bought my mother (age 53) this for Christmas, but when it came in the mail it seemed too small and they are sold out of nearly every size. I have been searching through all the normal stores I shop at and then some for something similar. I've already checked out Banana Republic, Land's End, L.L.Bean, Macy's, Nordstrom, Kohl's, JCPenney, Ann Taylor Loft, Bloomingdale's, J. Crew, and more. What am I missing? This doesn't seem like an unusual item, so surely there must be something similar out there somewhere...

I liked this at Gap, but the colors are too plain.

Thanks in advance, I know I am picky! I just feel awful that I found the perfect thing and now it's gone!

I am looking for:
-zip-up sweatshirt
-comfy fit
-warm, fuzzy lining
-petite size
-pink, purple, or blue, maybe jewel tones?
-no huge logos or anything, something small might be okay

Other historical works like 1776?

kingjoeshmoe — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:13:43 -0800

I'd like to buy a book or books for someone who really liked 1776, by David McCullough, but who now wants to know more about the Revolutionary War. I'm looking for both (a) other books that expand on the time period of the revolutionary war in the same breezy style (the book, as implied by the name, stops at the end of 1776), and (b) books about other historical periods or persons that she might like. She's a fan of biographies and politics as well, and also a fan of Toni Morrison.

I'm not interested in buying other books by David McCullough, because I think someone else might buy her one of those, and I don't want to get the same book.

Last, as this is for a gift, I'm perfectly open if you think there's something else she might like that is not strictly a book. This is not my area of expertise. My books have dragons on the cover. Any help?

gift for drummer who has everything???

dublin — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:06:13 -0800

Please help me find a noise making gift to give to a drummer. my husband is a professional drummer/percussionist who lives, breathes and eats music. he collects anything (and i mean ANYTHING) that makes noise and has literally put it to use. kitchen utensils, decorative metal bowls, children's toys, turkey calls. i would love to come up with something that would surprise him. he just bought himself wind wands, which i was mad about - that would have been the perfect unusual thing. does anyone have any suggestions? i know this is a crazy request. i am too uncreative to come up with anything. :(

What to get for a future Naval officer for Xmas?

timetoevolve — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:41:58 -0800

What can I buy for Christmas for my best friend who will soon be in her third week of Navy OCS? My best friend is currently an indoctrination candidate at the US Navy Officer Candidate School. She will apparently have some leave during the holidays (although I'm unsure of how much) and will be staying with us in the DC area for a few days. The trouble is, I have absolutely no idea what to give her for Christmas.

Normally, I would buy her high-end makeup or something flashy/fancy/cashmere, as she's a pretty glammy, luxury-loving lady otherwise, but I've been told that she can't wear makeup until the last two weeks of the program (and I doubt she'd have the time). I was thinking hand-knit socks or something for warmth, since the facility is in Rhode Island, but I don't know if that would be permitted with her uniform. I'd prefer to get her something she could use now, but if that's not possible, whatever I do give her would have to be able to withstand a few weeks' stay in the trunk of her car during January in New England. Edibles are also an option, although I think she's concerned about maintaining her weight (and she can't consume any caffeine at the moment).

Can y'all help a best friend out? Anyone who has gone through OCS, what would you have wanted? (Please assume that I know nothing about any military restrictions.)

Best wet shave soap for sensitive skin?

HopStopDon'tShop — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:14:54 -0800

MenShavingFilter: what is the best soap I can use for a wet shave given that I have very sensitive skin? Preferably available in a store in Montreal, but at least available to order online for delivery to Montreal. No further explanation seems necessary other than to say that I have read through a number of threads on this topic and it's probably made me a little more confused than anything (so, with all due respect, please don't link to previous threads on similar topics). When I don't wet shave I'm a big fan of the King of Shaves line - both because it seems great for my skin and because I can actually see my face, rather than suds, when I'm shaving.

Most rugged MP3 player?

Endure You Are Not Alone — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:01:00 -0800

In search of an MP3 player that can take a beating... I'm looking to get an MP3 player for a family member who does a lot of construction / home improvement type activities around the house.

Important things:
1. Can take falls, scratches, etc. (!!!)
2. Fairly simple and not too small buttons
3. We considered the iPod shuffle, but we think it will be too small and get lost / thrown in the wash, so a bit bigger than that. Largish wallet sized is OK

HD size and the interface software aren't a big deal, so it's OK if they are not that great.

Another option is if you know of a great case for say an iPod nano that would make it rather rugged, that would work too. I've used the silicone sleeve type cases before and I don't think they would cut it.

Thanks!