Holiday shopping suggestions from In the Loop's Emily Heil and others

Yes, it's an Obamulke -- and this one's touted as a bargain
compared with other versions out there, only $9 plus S&H.

by Ken

As the Washington Post's Emily Heil pointed out earlier this week in her "in the Loop" follow-up to her earlier "Political gifts: The Loop's holiday guide" post, the ivory suede Obamulke is --

perfect perfect for stylishly expressing one’s political leanings at shabbat service . . . and there’s a GOP alternative, too. Slightly kitschier is the yarmulke printed with the phrase “yarMITTkah” for those who favor former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (you can find it on eBay for $21 from the seller cantorscott613).

"This year," reports Emily, "there’s no shortage of swag catering to fans of any of the Republican presidential contenders."

"Take, for instance, this lovely 'Newt 2012' necklace we spied on at CafePress.com. It might not come in a little blue box, but at $19.50, you don’t have to be a hot ticket on the lecture circuit to afford it."

"Opponents of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (and this could include Republicans or Democrats) will love a pair of Romney flip-flop sandals, perfect for showering at the gym -- and displaying one's displeasure at the GOP's frontrunner's somewhat flexible persona.

"There are several models to choose from on CafePress.com, including a pair featuring the word 'No!' on one shoe and 'Yes!'on the other, to another that read 'Flip for Mitt' on one, and 'Flops for Mitt' on the other."

"An extra reusable shopping bag is always handy, and Democrats will enjoy one with a lavish illustration of First Lady Michele Obama on a swing above the phrase 'First Lady of Fabulous.' Actually, this one’s a several steps above a gag -- it’s actually campily stylish and was designed by noted British illustrator Fiona Hewitt."

"And there's something for everyone at noted Washington jeweler Ann Hand. Her shop offers those lovely Swarovski campaign pins that make for a classy alternative to a loud plastic button. Choose from 'Obama 2012,' and all of the top Republican candidates (yes, even Ron Paul!).

"As a broader theme, we continue to note that there are classier options for Republican gifts than their Dem counterparts. For example, the Capitol Hill Club offers GOP merchandise that a member of the 1 percent might like. Cuff links, for example, or a subtle elephant-print silk tie. Or a Limoges box."

"In contrast, Democrats have options that are far more... well, Everyman. Take the tote bags and pink 'Democratic Woman' T-shirts offered at the Democratic National Committee's site.

"They'd be much more at home at the neighborhood bar than the boardroom."

SO WHAT ARE WILLARD INC. ENTHUSIASTS (IF THERE ARE WILLARD INC. ENTHUSIASTS) SUPPOSED TO DO?

That is, if they don't go for the yarMITTkah?

Well, there's this lovely Willard Inc. "Believe in America" T-shirt. And there's a hoodie (sizes S to XXL, blue-on-white or white-on-blue), or a white-on-blue cap, and -- are you ready for this? -- a 28"-by-16" blue-on-white or white-on-blue yard sign.

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