Are you looking for a unique, one-of-a-kind gift for the holidays for that special person -- or, perhaps you have someone on your list that's impossible to buy for. The Fort Worth City Store may be just what you need. In fact, you can buy things there that getting most any other way could land you in jail!

How about a full-size, real honest-to-goodness city fire hydrant? If you've got a suitable way to carry the 225-pound hunk of steel away, and $150 you can buy a fire plug that's been retired from service in the City of Fort Worth. Employees at the Fort Worth City Store report on a woman customer who purchased two of them, had both loaded into the trunk of her Lincoln and headed off bouncing down the road. Perhaps a pickup truck would be more appropriate if you're planning to buy multiples. For liability reasons, the fire hydrants are painted in a variety of colors, including one that resembles the 102nd Dalmatian.They won't leave the store in the customary red color -- but, once you own it, you are at liberty to paint it in any color scheme you choose.The fire plugs are "gutted" with all internal parts removed, and that cuts down somewhat on the weight. When you think about it, $150 for a 225 pound fire plug -- that's only 66 cents a pound!

If you're looking for used, authentic street signs, the Fort Worth City Store can take care of you there, too. If there's a street in Fort Worth bearing your name, there's even a chance you could buy a used sign with your name on it for just $10. The long, green street signs that have been replaced are offered for sale for $10, regardless of their length. And, you can buy other street signs as well. This 35 miles per hour speed limit sign is available for only $25. Or, how about this survivor of the Fort Worth Tornado that at one time instructed drivers they could make a left-hand turn only when the arrow gave them permission. It's a steal at $10. Not only a sign...but, a sign with a story! Of course, signs are available on a first-come, first-served basis and for "used" signs, no orders are taken.

But, perhaps you are in the market for a specific sign that is not likely to be available from "off the street". No problem, the crew at the City Store can make signs to order -- like this "Horse Crossing" sign. You can also have your name inserted into "No Parking Except For" signs; have a sign made that specifies "Reserved for BMWs" or "Reserved For My Corvette". Custom street signs cost $43, while custom traffic signs vary from $48 to $68 depending on the size and dimensions of the sign.

Brenda McKinley, store manager of the Fort Worth City Store, reports two weeks prior to Christmas, their sales have exploded in time for the gift-giving season. She said in a single three-day period, the store made over 50 custom signs, plus selling the "retired" signs and other merchandise. She said one father had a custom street sign done to give a teenager for Christmas -- I FORGOT PLACE. He said that is what he hears most often from his teenager, so he wanted to immortalized that saying with a street sign.

But, the store sells more than signs and fire plugs. You can get coffee cups from the Fort Worth Fire Department, Fort Worth Police Department and with the City of Fort Worth logo (featuring Molly the Longhorn). Cups will cost you only $9, and they're good, heavy Texas-sized ceramic mugs.