Looking for clever gift? Try museum shops

Go beyond the ordinary in your holiday gift hunt and shop at a museum store. Often overlooked, museum shops offer unique books and clever gifts. Here are some suggested gift ideas from Atlanta-area museum stores.

Atlanta History Center Museum Shop

Face jugs, a popular form of traditional North Georgia folk art, were created by descendants of artists whose work is on display at the center. Artists include Wayne Hewell, Steve Turpin and the Ferguson family. Prices range from $30 to $300.

Other gifts: Collectible reproductions of antique tin toys ($3-$25) or Southern cookbooks. Top sellers include the Atlanta Junior League's "Atlanta Cooks" ($19.95) and "The Swan's Palette" ($21.95), which features favorite recipes from the elegant Swan House, including the curried chicken salad and frozen fruit salad.

Information: 130 W. Paces Ferry Road N.W., Atlanta, www.atlantahistorycenter.com

Booth Western Art Museum

In "Vince Dooley's Garden: The Horticultural Journey of a Football Coach," the former University of Georgia coach chronicles his passion for gardening in his Athens backyard. The 160-page journal includes bold and colorful illustrations by Georgia artist Steve Penley. An autographed copy is $35.

Other gifts: Ansel Adams prints ($22), which are in conjunction with the museum's exhibit of more than 130 photographs hand-printed by the artist. Also, Christmas tree ornaments ($4.95-$9.95), ranging from cowboy boots to a Western Santa.

Information: 501 Museum Drive, Cartersville, www.boothmuseum.org

The Breman Jewish Heritage and Holocaust Museum

Mix whimsy and tradition with a menorah in the shape of retro moped/motor scooter ($50). The enameled metal menorah holds nine candles -- one for each day of the eight-day holiday of Hanukkah, plus an extra candle called the shamas, which is used to light the other candles. Other funky menorahs include a yellow school bus ($62) and fire engine ($62). Shopping for a menorah can occur at any time during the year since some people give them as wedding or Hanukkah presents.

Other gifts: Sterling and Roman glass jewelry from Israel ($40-$90). Also, the new book "Jerry Robinson: Ambassador of Comics" ($35). The comic book artist, writer and historian created the villainous character the Joker.

Information: 1440 Spring St. N.W., in Midtown Atlanta, www.thebreman.org

Carlos Museum Bookshop at Emory

With more than 900 illustrations, “Sacred Symbols: A Visual Tour of World Faith” ($24.95) shows and explains how various symbols from around the world have shaped art, thought and cultures throughout history. Also, look for hundreds of other books on archaeology, mythology and history for children and adults.

Other gifts: "A Brief History of Art" coffee mug ($11.95). The heavy-duty mug features 24 masterpieces -- from Lascaux to Picasso. Also, the "Eye of Horus" pendant and other popular amulets ($9.50) from Greece, China, the Celtic world and the ancient Americas. The Eye of Horus is an ancient Egyptian symbol for wisdom and protection.

Information: 571 S. Kilgo Circle, Atlanta, on Emory campus, http://carlos.emory.edu/bookshop. Free parking on weekends for bookshop.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The Bedol water-powered alarm clock ($25) keeps perfect time without batteries or electricity. Just unscrew the base and fill with water. The clock converts ions in the water to clean energy power. Also, catch the museum's current "Water" exhibit through Jan. 9.

Other gifts: Nature-inspired porcelain trays, jars and trays ($60-$260) in the Franz collection. Also, the "Disappearing Dinosaur Mug" ($10.95): When you pour a hot beverage into the mug, the dinosaurs turn to skeletons.

Information: 767 Clifton Road N.E., Atlanta, www.fernbankmuseum.org

High Museum of Art

In conjunction with the exhibit “Dali: The Late Works,” take home a 2011 wall calendar. The Dali calendar ($13.99) features 12 colorful reproductions by the prolific artist. The Dali exhibit wraps up Jan. 9.

Other gifts: Ringling jewelry dish ($10) by Umbra and the modern Magisso plastic cake server ($18.95). It slices and serves at the same time. Many gifts are already wrapped for your convenience.

Information: 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta, www.high.org. Also visit the on-campus Atlanta Symphony Store for gifts for the music lover.

Robert C. Williams Paper Museum (at Georgia Tech)

The paper bead jewelry ($3.50-$17) is made by Stone Mountain artist Marcia Watt. She marbles the paper, cuts each sheet into precise sizes and rolls the papers into beads for bracelets, earrings and necklaces.