Great Gifts
December 2009
By Melissa Colgan
From original coffee-table books to cashmere baby cardigans, vintage toys to a fashionable clutch, we scoured the Twin Cites for great ideas that no one will expect but everyone will love.
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Kiddie Classics
In our era of Nintendo Wii, there’s something sweet and simple about a stocking stuffed with toys. Retro Hall of Fame set ($19.95, also comes with classic Crayola crayons and Silly Putty), from General Store of Minnetonka, 14401 Hwy. 7, Minnetonka, 952-935-7131, generalstoreofminnetonka.com
Photo by Craig Bares
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For Fifi or Fido
Gone are the days of drab pet bowls and plastic chew toys. These brightly colored pieces are as functional as they are attractive. Wool Ringzee ball ($9) and turquoise and gold dot bowl ($12), both from Lulu & Luigi, 3699 Joppa Ave., St. Louis Park, 952-929-1200, luluandluigi.com
Photo by Craig Bares
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Clean Desk Club
With enough heft to function as a paperweight, plus a chrome-plated magnetic core, this metallic bird makes office organization chic and easy. Chip magnetic paper clip holder and paperweight ($57), by Alessi, from the Walker Art Center Shop, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-375-7633 shop.walkerart.org
Photo by Craig Bares
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Cook's Corner
Crafted from recycled melamine with a fun confetti finish, these kid-proof bowls are great for family baking sessions. Recycled melamine mixing bowls ($34.95), from Goodthings, 218 4th St., White Bear Lake, 651-426-8006; The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, 763-494-9255, seegoodthings.com
Photo by Craig Bares
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Guest Bath Updates
Moisturizing bars of soap, a scented candle, and bath salts make for an elegantly appointed guest’s lavatory. Tokyomilk soaps ($11.50 each) and Mercury glass candle ($16), both from Rick Rack, 3413 W. 44th St., Mpls., 612-746-4160, rickrackliving.com. Lavender bath salts ($10.99) by J.R. Watkins, available at select Target stores, target.com
Photo by Craig Bares
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Baby Cakes
Gorgeous, soft, and snuggly, this cashmere sweater set and complementary booties keep baby warm all winter long. Newborn cashmere cardigan ($88) and hat ($36), both from Oscar & Belle, 2812 W. 43rd St., Mpls., 612-216-3738, oscarandbelle.com. Felted wool lamb booties ($75), from Style Minneapolis, 4501 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-377-3331
Photo by Craig Bares
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Holiday Clutch
A silk and grosgrain clutch in silver-gray makes an elegant stash for lipstick and a fold of cash. Clutch ($104), by Laura Nelli, from Juut, seven metro locations including Gaviidae Common, 651 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-332-3512, juut.com
Photo by Craig Bares
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In a Snap
For the fickle fashionista, a pair of classic ballet flats with interchangeable snap-on decals. Liz ballet flat ($64.99) and snaps ($11.99 each), by Lindsay Phillips, from Live, Laugh, Love, 5019 France Ave. S., Mpls., 612-455-3302, livelaughlovegifts.com
Photo by Craig Bares
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Hats Off
It may be cold and gloomy outside, but that’s no reason to lose your sense of humor. Bear hat ($28), by deLux, from Karma, 867 Grand Ave., St Paul, 651-291-1997, karmashops.com
Photo by Craig Bares
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All Booked Up
A hardcover coffee-table book is a much more interesting and longer-lasting hostess gift than a bottle of vino. Jacques Garcia: Decorating in the French Style ($75); The Well-Lived Life ($50); Valentino: Themes and Variations ($75); and Preston Bailey Celebrations ($60), all from Victory, 3505 W. 44th St., Mpls., 612-926-8200, shopvictory.com. Performance: Richard Avedon ($75), from MartinPatrick3, 121 N. 1st St., Mpls., 612-746-5329, martinpatrick3.com. Exceptional Treehouses ($40) and New York City Museum of Complaint ($60), both from the Walker Art Center Shop, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-375-7633 shop.walkerart.org
Photo by Craig Bares
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Lovely Gloves
Long gloves in a rich jewel tone are perfect for a coat with bracelet sleeves or one of this season’s capes. Faux leather gloves ($58), from Picky Girl, 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-698-4107, pickygirlmn.com
Photo by Craig Bares
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Warming Trend
The weather outside may be frightful, but this cozy sweater with its rich mustard color and warm cable-knit structure is totally delightful. Mustard yellow sweater ($78), from Shorty’s Loft, 4590 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park, 952-473-0404, shortysloft.com
Photo by Craig Bares
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Holiday Baubles
Deck the arms with cuffs aplenty. Orange cuff ($75) from Victory, 3505 W. 44th St., Mpls., 612-926-8200, shopvictory.com. White and gold cuff ($162), from Soleil Brulé, Gaviidae Common, Mpls., 612-339-0062, soleilbrule.com. Wooden cuff ($9) from O’Day Cache, 919 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-339-4977, odaycache.com
Photo by Craig Bares
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Toys for Tots
Handmade from a variety of natural woods and finished with linseed oil, this wooden wheeled elephant and magnetically attachable domino-filled cart bring simplicity to playtime. Soopsori Ecowooden elephant with cart and domino-shaped blocks ($26), from the Walker Art Center Shop, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-375-7633 shop.walkerart.org
Photo by Craig Bares
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Tick Tock
Interchangeable fabric bands add style to a classic, easy-to-read face. Timex watch face ($30.95–$44.95) and bands ($25 each), from MartinPatrick3, 121 N. 1st St., Mpls., 612-746-5329, martinpatrick3.com
Photo by Craig Bares
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The Write Stuff
Add elegance to your jots and scribbles with a refined, flip-top notepad and Swarovski crystal–topped pencils. A6 notepad ($12 each) and Strass Swarovski crystal pencils ($72 for 12), all from russell + hazel, 4388 France Ave. S., Mpls., 952-279-1360, russellandhazel.com
Photo by Craig Bares
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