The clock is ticking faster and faster. You missed Cyber Monday and you're out of gift ideas for that homesick Clevelander who is so far away for the holidays.
Have no fear; Fresh Water is here.
We've put together a quick list of shippable 216 classics that will delight any Cleveland expat, whether they're across the state or across the country. The best part of this roundup is that someone else will deal with the boxes, tape and wrapping. You don't even have to wait in line at the Post Office.
1. The best beef jerky you will ever order in your jammies
Michael Symon once described J & J Czuchraj's beef jerky as "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" on the Food Network's show of the same name. He buys a chunk every time he's at the West Side Market from one of their two stands, J & J Meats or Czuchraj's Meats (yes, they are both the same vendor). But you don't need to schlep over to 25th Street to ship an order of this oh-so-Cleveland delicacy to the meat lover on your list. Shop online and select from eight types of jerky, from beef to bison with a couple of chicken and turkey stops in between. If jerky's too quirky, other options include homemade smokies, smoked kielbasa and sausage.
2. The Guardians of Traffic
Yes, you can send a homesick Clevelander the Guardians of Traffic. No, the process will not involve defacing public property and an 18-wheeler. Just click on over to zJayne's shop and select one of her mini drawstring bags (use them to stow jewelry or as the perfect 216 accessory), or a reusable dryer sachets (filled with irresistibly fragrant organic lavender). Both are adorned with everyone's favorite stone men, which are holding bicycles instead of vintage vehicles (!). All items are made from 100 percent recycled tee shirts proprietor Jane Pierce purchases from area thrift stores (don't worry, they're thoroughly laundered).
3. A delicious dichotomy
Mix one part caramel popcorn with one part cheddar cheese popcorn and watch nonstop hand-to-mouth action until the tin is empty. Everyone craves Dichotomy Corn, this popular salty/sweet mix from Campbell's Sweet Factory. Order a box of bagged corn or a tin. Give your order some variety. Available flavors range from Beer Cheddar to Vanilla Butternut.
That you're supporting a homegrown Cleveland business makes it that much sweeter ... or saltier ... or both.
4. Earl Scheib, The Ghoul and Gold Circle
If you have an old school Clevelander on your list, Home Shirts has the world's most perfect gift. Yes, really. Where else can you buy a Zayre or Richfield Coliseum tee shirt or a hoodie festooned with the Lawson's logo? The oodles of options range from quirky to classic. Try a TV Guide ad for John Lanigan's Prize Movie or a simple Halle's logo. The recipient will think it's 1985 (or even earlier—remember the Barons?) all over again.
5. A nice Bordeaux
We're not talking about the kind of Bordeaux that has fruity notes and comes with recommended pairings. Who can figure any of that out anyway? We're talking about the gorgeous confection from a Cleveland institution—Malley's. Their Bordeaux candies are crunchy buttery chunks of English toffee and almonds covered in chocolate and then rolled in chopped almonds. It's no wonder these are designated as a "Founder's Favorite."
Anyone who harbors soft memories of Malley's will melt over a gift of Bordeaux. Order by the box or peruse their other selections. If toffee's not your giftee's top choice, hop on over to Sweet Moses—not the Gordon Square mainstay, but their online shop—and order a miniature solid chocolate Cleveland icon: the Terminal Tower in milk, dark or white.
It may not last, but you can call that a sweet little piece of Cleveland.