CREATIVE KIDS
Kids’ Uggs
Keep your kids’ feet toasty in ever-fashionable Uggs. Made from genuine shearling, these miniature versions of the popular cold-weather footwear are great for romping around during a Minnesota winter. Sizes in newborn–youth size 7. More Kids Shoes, $20–$150. Little Feet Children’s Shoes, 12981 Ridgedale Dr., Minnetonka; 952.546.3188; littlefeetkids.com
Sort and Snap Toy
Spend hours of learning fun with Sort and Snap Color Match puzzles, perfect for ages 2+. Kids can work on their colors by matching the bright snap caps to 10 different double-sided picture panels. $20. Creative Kidstuff, 1135 Wayzata Blvd. E, Wayzata; 952.249.1707; creativekidstuff.com
A Good Read
On a cold, blustery winter day, what could be better than cuddling up with your little one and a good book? Charlie Leonard, owner of the Bookcase in Wayzata, recommends picking up the new Hamster Magic by Plymouth’s own favorite children’s book author Lynne Jonell. This whimsical tale follows the adventures of Celia and her hamster, who just happens to have wish-granting powers. $12.99. The Bookcase, 607 Lake St. E., Wayzata; 952.473.8341; bookcaseofwayzata.com
One-of-a-kind Pottery
The Paint Pot has something for every little Van Gogh-to-be. Kids (and adults!) can choose their item and paint colors, and spend the afternoon working on their own unique masterpiece. The talented staff glaze and fire your artwork for pickup within seven days. Average cost is $24. The Paint Pot, 3545 Plymouth Blvd.; thepaint-pot.com
LADIES
Chocolates
Chocolate really is the way to a woman’s heart, especially when they’re from Painted Turtle Chocolatier in Plymouth. Owner Patricia Godfrey recommends the chocolate-dipped potato chips or caramel pecan turtles, festively packaged in a decorative holiday bag. And for the true chocolate lover, Painted Turtle’s scrumptious truffles come in packages of two and four, the perfect size for a stocking. Potato chips, turtles and two-truffle box, $6.95; four-truffle box, $12.95. Painted Turtle Chocolatier, 10100 6th Ave. N. Ste. 106; 763.550.9475; paintedturtlechocolatier.com
Jewelry
The lady in your life will love customizable Trollbeads from Tesa Jewellers. Create a dazzling silver bracelet with options of a huge selection of individual silver and Murano glass beads, some even boasting Swarovski crystals for an extra special touch. $36 for bracelet, beads start at $25. Tesa Jewellers, 3525 Vicksburg Ln. Ste. 400; 763.537.3144; tesajewellers.com
Pampering
Chances are that after the busy holiday season full of shopping and entertaining, Mom is due for a bit of pampering. Voted best pedicure in the Best of Plymouth 2010 readers’ survey, Hair for All Seasons is sure to give mom the bit of R and R she’s been craving. Purchase a $100 gift certificate and receive a free signature pedicure, or purchase a $200 gift certificate and receive a free signature pedicure, manicure and eyebrow wax. And mark your calendars, because this special is only available on black Friday, November 26. Hair for All Seasons, 4190 Vinewood Ln. N. Ste. 108; 763.559.1886.
Hair for All Seasons is hosting a holiday customer appreciation party from 6 to 10 p.m. December 2, offering savings on retail products , as well as service and product giveaways, and each attendee will receive valuable coupons.
Gift of Art
The Paint Pot’s gift cards are in and of their own right miniature pieces of art. Set for any price. The Paint Pot
Wine Accessories
Not only does Vino 100’s Plymouth shop offer nearly 120 artisan-crafted wines at or below $25, but the owners also sell a wide variety of wine accessories and tasty wine-inspired gifts. The Vinturi Wine Aerator is the perfect stocking stuffer for any wine lover, allowing the wine to breathe instantly as you fill your glass. Or consider a good read with a good glass of wine: Their Last Suppers. This book shares the favorite foods and drinks of famous historical figures from Abraham Lincoln to Marilyn Monroe, including lots of facts and recipes. And for an after-dinner treat, we love Vino 100’s mini bottles of Brent’s Liqueur sauces (think chocolate raspberry or amaretto), great for drizzling over your favorite holiday dessert. Vinturi, $35; book, $19.99; sauces, $8.50. Vino 100, 3225 Vicksburg Ln.; 763.559.5525; vino100plymouth.com
GENTLEMEN
Beer
Treat Dad to a nice cold brew from Vinifera Wines and Ales. Try the seasonal Christmas Ale from Great Lakes Brewing Company, flavored with hints of honey and spiced with fresh ginger and cinnamon. Or if he fancies himself something of a beer connoisseur, check out Vinifera’s basket of craft beers. Cheers! $10 for craft beer basket plus the price of select beer. Vinifera Wines and Ales, 1400 County Rd. 101 N.; 763.473.0008
Outdoor Garb
Deerskin chopper mittens and Smartwool socks from The Foursome are a great addition to any man’s stocking. The classic 100 percent leather chopper glove comes with a removable lambs-wool liner for extra warmth. And you can’t go wrong with Smartwool’s itch-free, incredibly soft socks made of naturally breathable fibers that wick the moisture away. $18.95 for socks, $32 for mittens. The Foursome, 3570 Vicksburg Ln. N.; 763.473.4667; thefoursome.com
