by Molly Larsen photos by tate carlson
sweet
things
Need holiday gift ideas? Get inspired with these picks from local shops.
It’s here, the holiday season—a joyous time for parties and gatherings, scrumptious eats, spiritual celebrations and, you guessed it, Gifts with a capital G. There’s a good chance that not everyone on your list is easy to shop for. So we’ve compiled a sweet gift guide for every person in your life, at every price point, and completely local with suggestions for whom they might best be suited. Read on—did we mention they’re candy-inspired, too?
1} Men’s Core Quarter-zip Top and T-shirt by Tasc Performance A top for the active yet stylish man, this pullover, available in a variety of colors, is lightweight, anti-odor and easy to care for. The tee is made from organic cotton and bamboo fabric. Perfect for: Dad or significant other. The Foursome, top, $58; tee, $30
2} Beer Ice Bucket A college-age brother (21-plus, of course), beer aficionado friend, Dad or hubby are perfect targets for this 10-inch x 7-inch tote in blue. Perfect for: The men in our lives. Bachman’s, $11.99
3} Headbands Chic, handmade headbands, many from Urban Halo, will keep hair in place when running, zumba-ing or whatever the activity is. Available in several prints and designs. Perfect for: Daughters, sisters or girlfriends. Lillian’s, $14–$16
4} POPS of Color Pet Grooming Simply brushing your dog’s coat and clipping its nails isn’t enough for the holidays! Spruce up that look with POPs of color on the nails or temporary color on the ears and tails. Karen Aldrich at Premier Pets is the only certified creative groomer in Minnesota. Perfect for: Your pet. Premier Pets, prices vary by service
5} Lake-inspired Trinkets With all the true-blue Minnesotans among us, there’s sure to
be one on your list who will love these
lake-inspired wooden block décor pieces. Consider a picture frame or the poignant “Live, Love, Lake” in blue motif. Perfect for: Mom or Dad or Grandparents,. Bachman’s, frame, $24.99; wood-block sign, $7.99
6} Alex Woo Minnesota Twins Necklace If you know someone who is a Minnesota Twins fan, then this pendant necklace will help celebrate their favorite team. Perfect for: The Twins lover. Artelle Designs, $188
Dog photo courtesy of Premier Pets
1} Snoozie Slippers These pink polka-dot slipper sets will please the gather-round-the-hearth crowd, in adult and infant-bootie sizes. Perfect for: Moms, daughters or sisters. Dundee, $9.99
2} Scarf Need a last-minute gift or a quick stocking-stuffer? Pick up a unisex scarf from Dundee, available in a variety of colors. Perfect for: All. Dundee, $9.99–$14.99
3} Ruby Snowflake Earrings Present these gems before NYE, and the recipient will have them just in time to show off. They’ll be perfect for holidays to come, as their snowflake design and ruby red center will complement any winter festivity. Perfect for: Mom, grandmother, significant other or yourself. Artelle Designs, $2,250
4} Dog and Cat Holiday Gift Baskets This cat basket includes two toys, catnip spray, and catnip with treats. The dog basket includes a collar, toy, gourmet treat and holiday cologne. Perfect for: Pet lover, Fido or Fifi. Premier Pets, cat, $10; dog, $15
5} Elements of Relaxation Spa Package Everybody knows someone who needs to slow down and treat herself. Whether it’s your mother or your wife, consider this spa package including a 60-minute customized massage, a 60-minute customized facial, a manicure and pedicure, a hairstyle, makeup application and complimentary lunch. Looking for a different spa treatment? Ask about other options. Perfect for: Wife or mother. New Reflections, Elements of Relaxation, $280.46; customizable spa package, $145+
6} Fleur Sticky Notes These delicately decorated reminders make great stocking stuffers or gifts for coworkers. Perfect for: Girlfriends, college-age sisters, writers or yourself. Bachman’s, $12.99
7} Mirabelle Plum Soaps In an array of floral tones, Thymes-brand soaps, lotions and fragrances will lend a hint of spring to the winter doldrums. Perfect for: Grandmothers, teachers or hostess gifts. Bachman’s, prices range from $12.99–$24.99
1} (More) Lake-inspired Gifts For Mom (or Dad, if he’s the one grilling the fish once they’re caught) the fish oven mitt or potholder is a must-have—or a similar one in an outdoors motif. Perfect for: Lake-lovers, grandparents, Mom or Dad. Bachman’s, $11.99
2} Jewelry Tattoos Young adults, especially the little ladies, can feel luxurious without breaking the bank or worrying about losing the real thing. Perfect for: Tweens and teens or any bling-lover. Lillian’s, $14
3} Poo-pourri There’s always that one family member who loves a good gag gift. Poo-pourri has the perfect deodorizing scent for just that: Trap-a-Crap, a blood-orange scent packaged into a camouflaged motif. Poo-pourri is also available in fresh scents like citrus mint and lavender vanilla. Perfect for: Gag gift/white-elephant or host gift. Dundee, $9.99–$12.99
4} One Log Fire Created right next door in Maple Grove, these are a necessity for any bonfire lover or camping enthusiast. Kiln-dried logs light from the inside, and each one burns for up to two hours. Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts, new homeowners. Dundee, $15.99
5} Frost River Bags Made in Duluth, Explorer bags are sturdy and versatile enough for the gym, plane or a camping adventure. Perfect for: Brother, travelers or outdoor enthusiasts. Dundee, $69.99–$139
6} The Secret Garden This beautifully crafted pen-and-ink illustrative book doubles as an activity and coloring book, taking wee ones through a secret garden of tiny creatures, ideal for all ages of youthful artists. Perfect for: Nieces, nephews, kids or grandkids. Bachman’s, $14.99
7} Heston Cuff Links An elegant way to add class and luxury to any man’s wardrobe, these cuff links are available in a circular design, or square with black diamonds. Perfect for: Dad, significant other. Artelle Designs, $250–$550
8} UGG Dakota Moccasin Yep, they are still in style and comfy as ever. Snag a pair for everyone in the family. Gift them on Christmas Eve, and you can have Christmas morning breakfast in matching style. Perfect for: The whole family. The Foursome, $100 //
Where to Get the Goods
Artelle Designs
3555 Plymouth Blvd. Ste. 216
763.559.0044
artelledesigns.com
Bachman’s Floral Gift and Garden
10050 Sixth Ave. N.
763.541.1188
bachmans.com
Dundee Garden Shop
16800 Hwy. 55
763.559.0385
dundeenursery.com
New Reflections Spa
3530 Vicksburg Lane N.
763.559.3185
newreflectionssalon.com
Premier Pets
1115 Vicksburg Lane N. #12
763.473.0144
amoresperrosllc.com
Lillian’s: Urban Market
3795 Pinto Drive, Medina
763.682.3050
lillians.com
It’s here, the holiday season—a joyous time for parties and gatherings, scrumptious eats, spiritual celebrations and, you guessed it, Gifts with a capital G. There’s a good chance that not everyone on your list is easy to shop for. So we’ve compiled a sweet gift guide for every person in your life, at every price point, and completely local with suggestions for whom they might best be suited. Read on—did we mention they’re candy-inspired, too?
1} Men’s Core Quarter-zip Top and T-shirt by Tasc Performance
A top for the active yet stylish man, this pullover, available in a variety of colors, is lightweight, anti-odor and easy to care for. The tee is made from organic cotton and bamboo fabric. Perfect for: Dad or significant other. The Foursome, top, $58; tee, $30
2} Beer Ice Bucket
A college-age brother (21-plus, of course), beer aficionado friend, Dad or hubby are perfect targets for this 10-inch x 7-inch tote in blue. Perfect for: The men in our lives. Bachman’s, $11.99
3} Urban Halo Headbands
Chic, handmade headbands will keep hair in place when running, zumba-ing or whatever the activity is. Available in several prints and designs. Perfect for: Daughters, sisters or girlfriends. Lillian’s, $14–$16
4} POPS of Color Pet Grooming
Simply brushing your dog’s coat and clipping its nails isn’t enough for the holidays! Spruce up that look with POPs of color on the nails or temporary color on the ears and tails. Karen Aldrich at Premier Pets is the only certified creative groomer in Minnesota. Perfect for: Your pet. Premier Pets, prices vary by service
5} Lake-inspired Trinkets
With all the true-blue Minnesotans among us, there’s sure to
be one on your list who will love these lake-inspired wooden block décor pieces. Consider a picture frame or the poignant “Live, Love, Lake” in blue motif. Perfect for: Mom or Dad or Grandparents,. Bachman’s, frame, $24.99; wood-block sign, $7.99
6} Alex Woo Minnesota Twins Necklace
If you know someone who is a Minnesota Twins fan, then this pendant necklace will help celebrate their favorite team. Perfect for: The Twins lover. Artelle Designs, $188
1} Snoozie Slippers
These pink polka-dot slipper sets will please the gather-round-the-hearth crowd, in adult and infant-bootie sizes. Perfect for: Moms, daughters or sisters. Dundee, $9.99
2} Scarf
Need a last-minute gift or a quick stocking-stuffer? Pick up a unisex scarf from Dundee, available in a variety of colors. Perfect for: All. Dundee, $9.99–$14.99
3} Ruby Snowflake Earrings
Present these gems before NYE, and the recipient will have them just in time to show off. They’ll be perfect for holidays to come, as their snowflake design and ruby red center will complement any winter festivity. Perfect for: Mom, grandmother, significant other or yourself. Artelle Designs, $2,250
4} Dog and Cat Holiday Gift Baskets
This cat basket includes two toys, catnip spray, and catnip with treats. The dog basket includes a collar, toy, gourmet treat and holiday cologne. Perfect for: Pet lover, Fido or Fifi. Premier Pets, cat, $10; dog, $15
5} Elements of Relaxation Spa Package
Everybody knows someone who needs to slow down and treat herself. Whether it’s your mother or your wife, consider this spa package including a 60-minute customized massage, a 60-minute customized facial, a manicure and pedicure, a hairstyle, makeup application and complimentary lunch. Looking for a different spa treatment? Ask about other options. Perfect for: Wife or mother. New Reflections, Elements of Relaxation, $280.46; customizable spa package, $145+
6} Fleur Sticky Notes
These delicately decorated reminders make great stocking stuffers or gifts for coworkers. Perfect for: Girlfriends, college-age sisters, writers or yourself. Bachman’s, $12.99
7} Mirabelle Plum Soaps
In an array of floral tones, Thymes-brand soaps, lotions and fragrances will lend a hint of spring to the winter doldrums. Perfect for: Grandmothers, teachers or hostess gifts. Bachman’s, prices range from $12.99–$24.99
1} Lake-inspired Trinkets
For Mom (or Dad, if he’s the one grilling the fish once they’re caught) the fish oven mitt or potholder is a must-have—or a similar one in an outdoors motif. Perfect for: Lake-lovers, grandparents, Mom or Dad. Bachman’s, $11.99
2} Jewelry tattoos
Young adults, especially the little ladies, can feel luxurious without breaking the bank or worrying about losing the real thing. Perfect for: Tweens and teens or any bling-lover. Lillian’s, $14
3} Poo-pourri
There’s always that one family member who loves a good gag gift. Poo-pourri has the perfect deodorizing scent for just that: Trap-a-Crap, a blood-orange scent packaged into a camouflaged motif. Poo-pourri is also available in fresh scents like citrus mint and lavender vanilla. Perfect for: Gag gift/white-elephant or host gift. Dundee, $9.99–$12.99
4} Heston Cuff Links
An elegant way to add class and luxury to any man’s wardrobe, these cuff links are available in a circular design, or square with black diamonds. Perfect for: Dad, significant other. Artelle Designs, $250–$550
5} UGG Dakota Moccasin
Yep, they are still in style and comfy as ever. Snag a pair for everyone in the family. Gift them on Christmas Eve, and you can have Christmas morning breakfast in matching style. Perfect for: The whole family. The Foursome, $100
6} The Secret Garden
This beautifully crafted pen-and-ink illustrative book doubles as an activity and coloring book, taking wee ones through a secret garden of tiny creatures, ideal for all ages of youthful artists. Perfect for: Nieces, nephews, kids or grandkids. Bachman’s, $14.99
7} Frost River Bags
Made in Duluth, Explorer bags are sturdy and versatile enough for the gym, plane or a camping adventure. Perfect for: Brother, travelers or outdoor enthusiasts. Dundee, $69.99–$139
8} One Log Fire
Created right next door in Maple Grove, these are a necessity for any bonfire lover or camping enthusiast. Kiln-dried logs light from the inside, and each one burns for up to two hours. Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts, new homeowners. Dundee, $15.99
Where to Get the Goods
Artelle Designs
3555 Plymouth Blvd. Ste. 216
763.559.0044
artelledesigns.com
Bachman’s Floral Gift and Garden
10050 Sixth Ave. N.
763.541.1188
bachmans.com
Dundee Garden Shop
16800 Hwy. 55
763.559.0385
dundeenursery.com
New Reflections Spa
3530 Vicksburg Lane N.
763.559.3185
newreflectionssalon.com
Premier Pets
1115 Vicksburg Lane N. #12
763.473.0144
amoresperrosllc.com
Lillian’s: Urban Market
3795 Pinto Drive, Medina
763.682.3050
lillians.com
