(Brian Peterson, Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
UNDER WRAPS
Twin Cities artist Laurie Jacobi brings us Oak Laptops blankets, wool pieces patterned like the tree, with an Ultrasuede trim. They're light and compact enough to tote around but a heavyweight at keeping you warm.
$85, lauriejacobi.com
COZY COASTERS
While the classic St. Paul leather company has several gift-worthy items, we're zooming in on J.W. Hulme leather coasters. With stitched edging and packaged in a leather box, they bring sophistication and warmth to any room.
$75, jwhulmeco.com
TRAY-DING UP
After running a boutique in Denver, it was only natural that MarySarah Stokman open a shop after moving to the Twin Cities. Olive Branch, her St. Paul boutique, debuted in late summer with well-curated, quality home pieces. These stylish pine needle trays from Mayan artists come in a variety of sizes and shapes.
Starting at $24; olivebranchshop.co
HEY BUDDY
No need for lavish arrangements. Forage for a few fresh or dried flowers, grasses or foliage for these petite wooden bud vases. The sculptural pieces are the work of Vince Petruccelli, a teacher during the school year and a woodworker during the summers.
Starting at $22; olivebranchshop.co
PICTURE PERFECT
Earlier this year, Rebecca Sansone rolled out The Mustache Cat in St. Paul, a vintage and home goods shop spotlighting women makers. Among gift-worthy items are artist Julie Kunzman's acrylic two-piece frames held together by magnets. Easily swap out prints from the artist ($15 per print) or design your own artwork.
$35 print and frame; themustachecat.com
A LIGHT APPROACH
Candelabras are hot right now. BluDot's on-trend Tally Candelabra comes in down-to-earth walnut, white oak or whitewashed ash. It's the pillar of all branched candlesticks.
$80; bludot.com
SHELF STABLE
At the Shop at Khâluna, chef Ann Ahmed has curated a wealth of home goods that aim to bridge the gap from Minnesota to her native Laos and other Southeast Asia countries. Turn to textures and layers that when used together create a cozy look, and apart keep you cozy. All handmade in Laos, the pillows and wraps are hand-dyed Hmong cotton, the luggage hand-woven bamboo.
Pillows $40-$50 each, throws $150-$165 each, luggage $185; khaluna.com
GOOD TIDYING
Hand-tied whisk brooms make a sweeping statement hanging near a fireplace, kitchen or as a topper to an oversize gift. They're the creation of Elizabeth John, who started Barnswallow Garden growing heirloom vegetables to sell at farmers markets, but has now embraced her cozy side.
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SNUGGLE IN
Four Seasons hotels know luxury, and now you can bring some home. Wearing these soft, fluffy robes feels like being wrapped in a comforter. Shop the downtown Minneapolis hotel's spa or pick them up online.
Kid size $149, adult size $249; fourseasons.com
GLOW UP
Jennifer Miller took over Blue Heron Soap Co. in 2020, using her chemistry background to add a line with zero palm oil and waste. She also added wonderfully scented candles like this one.
$35, blueheronsoaps.com or the Dayton's Project.
FRAGRANT NOTES
Whether bergamot and black tea or orchid and fennel, Minneapolis-based True Hue features a range of notes in its reed diffusers. The result is sophisticated and unique scents.
$24.95, beanandro.com
TOO PRETTY TO USE?
Soaps make perfect hostess gifts, stocking stuffers or additions to your powder room. For something different. gift a heart-shaped lotion bar from Siena Soap Co. It melts on contact with your skin, doesn't count as liquid in your carry-on and oh! the fragrance — cherry, vanilla and almond.
Almond oatmeal bar, blueheronsoaps.com, $9; Lotion bar, $15.50 and Christmas Pine bar, $9.50, both sienasoap.com; soap dish, Bamboo Switch, $5.
THE G.O.A.T.
Goats raised on mother-daughter-run Rapha Farms provide the main ingredient for heavenly-scented lotion, liquid soap and a shave bar that users say makes their skin so soft they never get nicked.
Manscape gift set $80, shave soaps $12; at Maple Grove or St. Paul farmers markets or raphafarmsmn.com
YES, WAY
There's more to hair care than shampoo and conditioner. Nurturing Drops help seal damaged ends and After-Sun Hair Mask moisturizes your tresses. The OWay line — the "O" is for organic — is made in Italy with high-end ingredients but is available locally.
Drops $46, mask $30; Spoke and Weal salon in Mpls., or owayhairproducts.com
GIRL POWER
Created to celebrate the beauty and brilliance of Black and brown girls, Rocky Robinson products are made for kids and teens with low-scent, no phthalate, naturally moisturizing ingredients. True to its positive message, the company has a donation program where buyers can purchase items for girls in need.
Gift sets $25-$40, itsmerocky.com
DE-STRESS
Roll on CBD and essential oils for an aromatherapy boost to focus, relax, elevate or find pain relief. BLNCD sells other CBD-infused beauty products, as well as gummies and water, plus has a new line of THC products.
$25, set of four $80; blncdnaturals.com
BUBBLE OVER
It's named 49M for the approximately 49,000,000 bubbles released upon popping the cork. The Crémant Loire method involves an in-bottle secondary fermentation and long rest that boosts the bubble count.
$19, solovinowines.com
HAVE FAITH
These cards serve as artwork and gentle reminders to be kind to yourself. Artist Jena Holliday takes hopeful words her parents spoke to build her up to do the same for you. Each of the 20 cards is lined, making it easy to pass along the kindness to a friend.
$30, spoonfuloffaith.com
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SOCKS IN THE CITY
Wear your skyline on your feet. Hippy Feet's clever cotton socks let you choose Minneapolis or St. Paul — or both. All purchases from this local company help create jobs for homeless youth.
$19, hippyfeet.com
POLAR CHIC
Find this groovy Night Shrooms duo at sister-owned, sustainability-focused Les Sól on Lake Street in Uptown. The Parks Project clothing they carry is inspired by, and gives a percentage of proceeds back to, national parks.
Trail sherpa, $140; beanie, $40; shoplessol.com
MINNESOTA MADE
Elizabeth John is an avid outdoorswoman who often knits while sitting 'round a campfire or gazing at a lake. The result? Lamb's wool or merino chunky mittens, fingerless gloves, infinity scarves, neck gaiters, hats and more.
$39-$59, barnswallowgarden.com or at Mill City Farmers Market
BLUE BEAUTIES
The sisters who own St. Paul's Atelier957 arrived in the U.S. from Kyiv, Ukraine, 30 years ago. Marina Shimelfarb is the seamstress who eventually launched their Grand Avenue boutique. The shop specializes in statement pieces — like these of-the-moment leather Lofina boots.
$548, atelier957.com
FAN FAVORITES
Dyani White Hawk is best known as a painter and mixed-media artist. She also happens to love earrings and designs limited edition sets (only seven or fewer pairs are made) like these fans on acrylic discs. If purchased from the Walker Art Center gift shop, proceeds support artistic and educational programs there.
$54, shop.walkerart.org or cetanska.com
HIGH TOUCH
Marina Shimelfarb at Atelier957 has an eye for assembling everyday looks as well as the store's signature showstoppers. This combo can top jeans, dress trousers or a skirt. Available online or in the St. Paul shop.
Sweater, $328; necklace, $150; atelier957.com
WOODLAND WONDER
Delina White's wraparound scarves come in several colors and share the traditional Ojibwe woodland pattern she uses in her beadwork. Creating fabric with the design is her way of making it accessible and affordable. "It looks like a photograph. You can see the detail," says White, an enrolled member of the Minnesota Chippewa tribe.
$125, iamanishinaabe.com
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OLD-SCHOOL CHARM
Nougat has never tasted so good. Pastry chef Melinda Norman's Burnt Sugar, named for the process of turning sugar to caramel, puts swirly new spins on classic textures and flavors. Peanut roll, seafoam toffee, Italian Torrone, meringues and more — no need to decide, just pick up a sampler pack. There are gluten- and dairy-free options, too.
$12-$55, burntsugar.com and at several local retailers
BRING THE HEAT
Could Firestick Pretzels be as fun as the packaging? Yes, they can. The central Minnesota company, the brainchild of Becky and Randy Tenvoorde, started with the couple's cayenne-laced spiced pretzel sticks (hence the name) and now has 10 flavors, from curry and lime to white cheddar and Bloody Mary. And they know their audience. Another flavor? MN Mild.
$5.99 at Lunds and Byerlys or online at firestickpretzels.com
SWEET TREATS
The shop in an unassuming strip mall doesn't reveal the magic that's happening inside, where sisters Jule Vranian and Hope Klocker create their award-winning Sweet Jules caramels. Opt for the large gift set, a festive box filled with a sampling of the eight original flavors, including bananas Foster and beer and pretzel. Have someone on the really nice list? There's a monthly subscription, too.
Box sets $17-$47, sweetjulesgifts.com
BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL
Some makers are farm-to-table; Terroir Chocolate is bean-to-bar. Josh and Kristin Mohagen source their ingredients and inspiration from places near and far but handcraft their original flavors in small batches in northern Minnesota. Whether your craving calls for cozy cardamom krumkake or fiesty scorpion pepper, it will be prettily packaged with purpose.
From $14, tcchocolate.com
TEA TIMES TWO
Warm hands and hearts with locally crafted teas. St. Paul's Heritage Teas, from Rosemary Williams and daughters Raeisha and Kendra, blends family traditions and recipes into their line of all-natural beverages, which includes more than 25 teas. At Well Rooted Teas, Rachel Banken infuses locally foraged herbs, fruits, berries and more into handcrafted loose-leaf blends that aim to nourish and nurture both people and the environment.
$12, heritageteabeverages.com; $14, wellrootedteas.com
HOLIDAY CHEER
Maybe you're Old Fashioned or have your sights set on Manhattan. Either way, your favorite cocktails now come in stocking stuffer-sized packaging. Cherry-pick your favorites or grab a set of six preselected in holiday cabin packaging and then toast yourself (the Minneapolis distillery has glassware sets, too) for getting at least one thing checked off your shopping list.
Singles from $6, set $40; tattersalldistilling.com
TINY TREASURES
Founder Robyn Frank took what was a family favorite — her mom's signature miniature cinnamon-sugar cookies, each finished with her thumbprint — and turned them into a business that proves good things do come in small packages. Several sizes and flavors are available, including gluten-free and vegan varieties. And while they may be little in size, they are big on flavor.
From $9; at Rosedale's Six for Good and Nolan Mains or online at thumbscookies.com
NEW WAVE COCKTAILS
Yes Cocktail Company's bitter-infused, 100% natural cocktail cubes recently spotted at St. Paul's The Mustache Cat couldn't be more convenient. Mix up a classic by dissolving an old-fashioned cube in a shot of bourbon, add ice, stir and garnish with an orange twist. Or, drop a lavender-lemon cube into a glass of sparkling and all that's left to do is say cheers.
$14 (serves 8); themustachecat.com
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CRUSHING IT
Pair this supersized, Lao-style mortar and pestle with a season's worth of spices. This is one kitchen tool that shouldn't languish in a pantry or cupboard — made of heavy clay, its rustic, industrious look elevates it to shelf status.
$25, khaluna.com
COUNTER CADDY
Spices, herbs, teas, salt — keep kitchen helpers at your fingertips with a trio of lidded jars, spoons included. They're sold individually, so pick up extras to moonlight in other rooms of the house. They can dispense bath salts just as easily as Himalayan salt.
Jars $14 each, base $12, khaluna.com
FUN AND FUNCTIONAL
Jordan and Alex Akens' White Bear Lake company Bamboo Switch is dedicated to helping people live sustainably, and the kitchen is an easy place to start. Complement their light bamboo utensils with ones made of wood from Southeast Asia for an eye-catching array of cookware.
Dark spoons $6-$15, khaluna.com; light spoons $20 set of five at bambooswitch.com
THROW IN A TOWEL
Artist Maggie Hathaway's Wild Perla has an array of colorful finds, including this whimsical Scandinavian-inspired cotton tea towel (also available in gold). It will brighten even the darkest of winter days, and comes packaged ready for gift giving. Buy several to keep on hand as hostess gifts any time of year.
$13.50, wildperla.com
ROLL WITH IT
Sushi lovers will enjoy having their own sustainable set for two. A pair of sushi mats are wrapped around a cloth case holding serving tools and two sets of chopsticks (all made from bamboo), making it easy to take sushi-making skills on the road. Make it a double date and buy two.
$15, bambooswitch.com
SPICE IT UP
Who wouldn't want to cook like award-winning Restaurant Alma chef Alex Roberts? Alma Provisions, the latest endeavor by Roberts and his wife Margot, carries a curated selection of the restaurant's signature spice blends, including mole chili powder, za'atar, a barbecue rub and chive salt. Timid cooks will be relieved the smartly packaged set also comes with descriptions and suggested uses.
$25, almaprovisions.com
SAY CHEESE
Entertain the sustainable way. This sturdy bamboo charcuterie board will be the life of the party, holding whatever you choose to serve, from cheese and crackers to bagels and lox. It also does double duty by storing its utensil tray underneath, meaning no more tearing apart drawers looking for the cheese knife. Again.
$50, bambooswitch.com
![Magazine gift guide photos. wdat} Minneapolis, Minn. ] Brian Peterson ¥ brian.peterson@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/HESBPZFARUHAG5ROIDZNEYHKDU.jpg?&w=712)
SEEN AND HERD
Molly Yeh, the Midwest's answer to the Pioneer Woman, has debuted a line of kitchen essentials at Macy's, and it's as bright and fun as the author/chef/blogger/Food Network star. Among the items in the Girl Meets Farm collection is this colorful silicone suction plate. Gift this to the tot in your life and parents will thank you — it actually sticks.
$26, macys.com
FAITHFULLY FLORAL
You may know artist Jena Holliday from her murals around Minneapolis, her journals for Target or her children's book, "A Spoonful of Faith." But her whimsical designs and spirited work also includes apparel, prints, hand-lettered inspirational quotes and home decor like this trinket bowl, hand-painted and designed by the artist.
$28, spoonfuloffaith.com
AN ACE OF A GIFT
The explosion in popularity of pickleball has also led to the explosion of pickleball accessories, and Kim Schueller of Burnsville took notice. She curates The Pickleball Court, populated with everything from apparel and tote bags to earrings and these clever coasters, all made by local artists.
COOL IT
It's a stroke of genius in canteen form. Ice cream innovators Bebe Zito now make it easier to take pints of Animal Frossting ice cream to go. These crafty coolers will keep your favorite flavors cool for up to four hours on their own, or up to eight when packed in a cooler. A game-changer for potlucks and movie snacking.
$45, bebezitomn.com
COLORING CULTURE
Pint-size artists can create their own masterpieces, thanks to Minnesota artist Frank Big Bear. But he didn't do it alone — the Anishinaabe artist created the designs, and teens from the Little Earth Arts Collective wrote the accompanying text. The activity pack includes coloring pencils, eraser and a tote bag with a Frank Big Bear design.
BORDER BATTLE
14 Gauge's Jesse Purvey may be from Minnesota, but he's left room in our hearts for other states. Made from 14-gauge steel (obviously), these keychain/bottle openers are durable enough to withstand heavy happy hour use yet small enough to not be unwieldy in pockets or purses.
$12, etsy.com
BOWLED OVER
Let these sturdy yet lightweight bamboo bowls be the workhorse of the kitchen, from morning yogurt to evening ice cream. Use with abandon during party season, too: strategically place snacks, serve dessert or tuck a few holiday treats inside and send them home as party favors.
$6 each, bambooswitch.com
MERRY METAL
Learning that Rock N Roll Jewelry was started in Minnesota was music to our ears. Inventor Peter Holmbeck creates jewelry from guitar and drum parts — strings, picks, drum keys, amp plugs — with catchy names like the Bass-let. With rings, bracelets and necklaces, you just may have found the gift for that hard-to-buy teen. Rock on.
$20-$30, rocknrolljewelry.com
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We've come a long way from brown paper packages tied up with strings. By thinking out of the box, gift wrapping will become one of your favorite things.
Handcrafted from invasive jungle vines by Lao artisans, this gift-bearing tote will become indispensable, carting everything from broccoli to books. $40, khaluna.com
Mahogany Ellis-Crutchfield started GiftyWrap after she couldn't find wrapping paper that represented her diverse community. She collaborates with local and global artists for the designs, ensuring everyone feels seen. $12, giftywrap.com
Kallie VanOrsdol makes her Lunar Lotus Designs by hand in her Twin Cities home. Reusable gift bags — available for any occasion — come in three sizes and several patterns, all with ties to complete the package. $10.50-$13.50, etsy.com
Bright ribbon or twine and a little double-sided tape can turn a festive cotton tea towel into one-of-a-kind wrapping and a bonus gift for the recipient. This one's from Maggie Hathaway Rojas' Wild Perla. $13.50, wildperla.com
Micah and Cassidy Rude started Shōr to help eliminate plastics from lakeshores near their Grand Rapids home. The beeswax wraps can cover everything from cans to casseroles and the array of patterns make adorable gift wrap, too. $10-$18, shorproducts.com
Treat your sweetest friends to baked goods nestled in a stylish cake carrier. Try this wooden keeper from Molly Yeh's kitchen line (it has a removable shelf); or find your perfect vessel at kitchen stores or vintage shops. $86, macys.com
Add a festive touch to mantles, doorways, living room walls or office cubicles with this 4-foot upcycled garland by Kallie VanOrsdol's Lunar Lotus Designs. $27.95, etsy.com
Make a statement by sending your seasonal greetings with Wild Perla's hand illustrated greeting cards. (Other occasions available, too.) And don't forget the thank you cards — mom would be proud. $4.25 each, wildperla.com
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Spurred by "Covid guilt," families who stocked up on puzzles, games and craft materials may be finding their homes a bit full. They're increasingly looking to treat their children to experiences.
Minnesota has plenty of long-running, well-known kid-pleasers, such as the Twin Cities' science and children's museums, Mall of America's Crayola Experience and myriad sledding hills. But if you're looking for a few fresh ideas, we've selected five indoor and five outdoor activities that offer novel thrills — and make great gifts.
INDOOR
It's showtime
At Hopkins' Stages Theatre, kids perform "junior" versions of Broadway favorites, condensed and tweaked for a younger audience. "Once on This Island" and "Newsies" are slated for spring. (Each production includes one "pay what you can" performance.) stagestheatre.org,
To see high-flying tightrope and trapeze acts, head to the big top at St. Paul's Circus Juventas, the country's largest youth circus school. Young performers put on original themed shows, packing each dramatic story line with Cirque du Soleil-style aerial acrobatics and other awe-inspiring tricks. circusjuventas.org
Great gaming
Old-school video gamers can play Pac-Man or Donkey Kong at various metro arcades, including Starcade in Rosedale Center, home to the state's largest collection of more than 150 machines from the 1970s-1990s ($15 to play all day). starcade.us
For the latest in video game tech, virtual reality experiences at spots such as Rem 5 VR Lab in St. Louis Park let you slip on a pair of goggles and immerse yourself in all sorts of activities, from throwing punches in a simulated boxing ring to performing ersatz office tasks. rem5vr.com
Build-orama
A veritable Lego-polooza of colorful plastic bricks turn into creative constructions at the Minneapolis branch of Snapology. A range of classes teach kids science and engineering via play, through building programmable robots or creating stop-motion animation videos. Saturday morning Latte & Lego Bricks events give kids ages 5-14 free rein with bricks, train tracks, marble mazes and more while parents relax at Bob's Java Hut next door ($12, includes coffee voucher). snapology.com
Park Thrills
A day of trampolines and ropes courses inside is just the thing when parks and backyards are covered in ice. Some indoor adventure parks, like Urban Air's locations in Coon Rapids and Plymouth, offer a few novel thrills, including a "Sky Rider" zipline-like ride that soars and zigzags above the other park attractions. (All-day passes are $26.99 to $41.49 depending on attractions; $11.99 for those 5 and under). urbanair.com
Or Play trampoline dodge ball in the special bouncy courts at Zero Gravity Trampoline Park in Mounds View. (Tickets start at $11.99 for 60 minutes). zerogravitymn.com
Go-go-golf
Kids can play mini-golf year round at a few fabulous spots in the Twin Cities, including the Mall of America's two courses (it's $19.99 for a pass to both Moose Mountain Adventure Golf and Rock of Ages Blacklight Minigolf). mallofamerica.com
At the epically wacky, artist-designed course at Can Can Wonderland in St. Paul, the 18 holes have putters dodging a twirling tornado, sending their ball through a waterfall and banking off cozy crocheted afghan-covered furniture. (Cover charges vary depending on day of visit; golfing fees are $13 for kids under 12 and $15 for 12+) cancanwonderland.com
OUTDOOR
Terrific Tubing
Compared to sledding, snow tubing offers a more cushioned descent — and a towrope assist to get back up the hill. Among the many snow tubing sites around the state, those at ski resorts offer the longest, steepest runs. Some have nighttime events with colorful light shows projected onto the snow, including Northern Lights at Buck Hill in Burnsville (buckhill.com); Starlight Tubing at Wild Mountain in Taylors Falls (wildmountain.com); and Glow Tubing at Spirit Mountain in Duluth (spiritmt.com). Most hills have age and height restrictions.
Ski Season
Learning how to ski or snowboard can give kids more ways to enjoy winter — and several metro parks offer equipment rentals and lessons. For cross-country skiing, Minneapolis' Theodore Wirth Regional Park has 14 miles of trails and snow-making capabilities to extend the season. loppet.org
In St. Paul, the Como Park Ski Center supports a 5K cross-country loop and "Mount Como," which has multiple towropes, a 100-foot vertical drop, and a Friday night special of a lift ticket and rental for $20. skimtcomo.com.
The Three Rivers Park District offers an expansive cross-country trail network throughout, as well as two downhill sites, Hyland Hills in Bloomington and Elm Creek in Maple Grove, which have several bunny hill options, some with "magic carpets" for an easier ride back up. threeriversparks.org
Dogged adventure
Gliding at high speed through the deep snow, pulled by a powerful team of dogs that clearly delight in their job — dogsledding offers a wintertime thrill unlike any other. In Minnesota, we're lucky to have many options to get a taste of this northern sport, including Points Unknown near Grand Marais, where a "Taste of the North Woods Dog Sledding Experience" ($165 for kids 5-12, $209 for adults, kids must ride with a participating adult) includes feeding post-sledding treats to the beautiful Hedlund Huskies and petting them, a major highlight for any young animal lover. points-unknown.com
Llama llove
Visiting a llama farm — and taking one of the sunny, gentle creatures for a walk, brushing them and giving them an all-important hug — is a surefire way to brighten anyone's day, any time of year. Carlson's Llovable Llamas in Waconia books visits through the winter months and their animals are so docile, even a toddler can walk them on a lead ($16 per person, babies under 1 are free). carlsonsllovablellamas.com
Super Snowmobiling
For kids who really like to cruise, snowmobiling is a fun option — and many Minnesota resorts offer rentals and guided trips. Age limits vary, but many allow minors to drive as long as they are accompanied on the snowmobile with an adult. For smaller kids itching to get behind the wheel, there's a rental mini-snowmobile (for kids less than 90 pounds) and specially designed "Kitty Cat Snowmobile Track" at Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake near Brainerd ($20 for 20 minutes). craguns.com
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