City souvenirs found in uncommon places

As the city turns 100, all things Vegas are becoming important ways to commemorate a visit or life here. When browsing the downtown/Strip area for items to ship to friends and family that encapsulate the Las Vegas experience, there are plenty of places to choose from. After all, nothing says Las Vegas like a classic dice clock, which has miraculously stood the test of time, or the newest hot item, the "Welcome to Las Vegas" blinking sign or key chain.

Several large souvenir shops that have been in place for decades -- as well as the mom-and-pop shops that specialize in one type of item, such as T-shirts -- offer many different types of off-the-wall gifts and interesting Vegas-themed items. But don't forget about your local drugstore. The Walgreens on the corner of Fremont and Fourth streets has an abnormally large selection of gifts.

From souvenir shotglasses to T-shirts to the "Welcome to Las Vegas" large or mini-sign, this particular Walgreens has even more goodies than one might find in a casino gift shop. And their prices tend to be a lot more competitive. The plastic "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign that is carried at most local Walgreens retails for $29.99, approximately $10 cheaper than it's sold at other stores on the Strip or even on the Internet.

Robert Saunders, manager of the store, said the unusual location warrants somewhat obscure buying tactics. Things that wouldn't sell at other Walgreens fly off the shelves at this location, and the rule of thumb is to buy things that sport the most well-known Las Vegas logo.

"We have T-shirts that go three for 10 dollars, which is a big seller, baseball caps ($7.99), postcards and a line of shot glasses and mugs for 99 cents," Saunders said. "We also have picture frames and Las Vegas Centennial items."

As far as the unusual, the store carries pewter bottle openers in the shape of scantily clad women and men retailing for $3.99. And who could forget the personalized dice for 99 cents each?

"Basically anything that has the Las Vegas marquee sells," Saunders said while walking past an aisle containing fluffy throw pillows with the famous sign on them, some of which are sold in the shape of a poker chip for $9.99. Even the mouse pads at the store have the sign, and make their way into many a traveler's suitcase at $2.99.

The old reliable souvenir shops continue to flourish. In business since 1981, Bonanza Gifts on the corner of Sahara Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard is one of the biggest souvenir shops in town and has everything from the 99-cent gag gift Rattlesnake Eggs or the light up yo-yo, to dice clocks for $39.99.

"The biggest mover is the 'Welcome to Las Vegas' replica sign," said Lynn Morris, owner of Bonanza Gifts. "We also try to carry as many Las Vegas-made products as possible. A lot of products like the sign and the dice clock are still made in Las Vegas. People also really like used casino cards, and of course poker chips are huge."

Bonanza Gifts also is the largest outlet for Minnetonka Moccasins, and a plethora of gag gifts ranging from the mildly funny to the totally inappropriate.

"We have nasty things in our gag department," Morris said. "We have doggy and kitty poo, bugs in ice cubes, the favorites you loved when you were kids.

"Souvenir means memory, and everyone is looking for that item that will remind them of their trip to Vegas."

Ellen Ziegler is the reporter for the Southwest View. Retail information appropriate for mention can be sent to eziegler@viewnews.com.