Holiday Party Shopping: Nepalese Obama Portraits, Retro Santa and Expanded Gracie Shop at SMMoA

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The holiday shopping parties are revving up around the city, filled with promises of merriment and good deals. And though holly is great and all, it's clear that retailers are hoping you'll deck the halls with new merch. We'll let you know about those of interest, and even if your pocketbook is not exactly overflowing, you can at least grab some spiked punch along the way.

The Santa Monica Museum of Art (Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Avenue) is continuing its holiday festivities beginning today with the expansion of its museum shop (and hours to 11am-6pm), dubbed Gracie X-L, through Wednesday, December 24. Today, from 5pm-8pm, you'll find music, treats, 20% off merch for members and a retro-style portrait with Santa.

In terms of merch, the store is exclusively carrying Barack Obama portraits, painted by folk artists from Nepal, as well as "Pettibon- and Martin Kersels-designed cashmere sweaters and towels, Re-Made in France trays, placemats and bags, Tank Books, Tina Tsang-designed teacups with 24K gold embellishment, jewelry designed by Barbara de Jounge and other artists, 'beast' shot glasses," and other holiday-centric items. Currently, there are also good deals on SMMoA memberships. [RackedWire]