Friday September 3, 2010

Gift-shopping in the Twin Cities Guide

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Event recommendations:

No Coast Craft-O-Rama
Midtown Global Market, Dec. 5-6, 2007
This year's event will be the biggest ever, with two days and handmade plush toys, jewelry, posters, cards, clothing, and home dÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â©cor from more than 100 vendors. (Jahna Peloquin)

Store recommendations:

Patina
Various locations
If you want to give something a little bit luxe in an off-beat sort of way, Patina may be your best bet.
Bibelot
Various locations
Very simular to Patina. Great selection of Jewlery. Also carries clothes, handbags and scarves.
Minnesota Textile Center
Hand knit scarves and mittens, felted hats and ornaments, retro embroidered dishcloths, hip purses in Amy Butler fabrics -- A great place to find locally-made apparel, accessories, and homegoods.
Go Home
1408 W Lake St., Minneapolis
In this tiny shop, you'll find clocks, flasks, vases, photo albums, bobbling bottle openers, and a whole host of funky home furnishings.
Lunalux
1618 Harmon Pl., Minneapolis
Appropriately named Minnesota Monthly's "Favorite Store Most People Have Never Heard Of" in 2004, Lunalux is a gorgeous little stationery shop tucked away next to Cafe Lurcat off Loring Park. Go to Lunalux for surprising and delightful treats such as the stapleless stapler, which remains my favorite office product.
Urban Outfitters
Various locations
An old stand-by for folks who are seriously into pop culture. Visit this chain store to find all sorts of nostalgic paraphernalia, like joysticks with Atari games programmed into them and giant coffee-table books about '80s TV shows.
Re-Gifts
1832 E. 42nd St.
No, it's not about re-wrapping the fruit cake from Aunt Dorothy and giving it to your neighbor. Instead this store stocks various gifts made from recycled & reclaimed materials. Perfect for your eco-conscious friends & family.
CorAzoN
204 Washington Ave. N. & 4646 E. Lake St., Minneapolis
Wonderful little gift shop in the North Loop. They carry many pieces of art, jewelry, clothing, etc from local artists, and a great selection of baby gifts, paper products and bath/body products. They are always changing their inventory, so check back often to not miss out on a fantastic gift idea.
Deco Boutique
3007 Lyndale Ave South
A little feel from Paris, Egypt, NYC, Peru, China to our own Midwest. The Deco carries apparel for men and women, handbags, wallets, jewelry, home decòr to dog attire. Retro, hip, classy, funky, and elegant! Free parking in lot next to us.
Electric Fetus
2000 4th Ave S, Minneapolis
Along with a wide selection of music, the Fetus has a large gift section, including novelty products (dashboard Buddha, anyone?) soaps, candles, posters, books, jewelry, incense, and toys.
Evoke Gallery
355 Wabasha St N, Ste 140, St. Paul
Located in the Lowry Building in downtown St. Paul, Evoke Gallery carries fine art and offers framing, photo enlargement, design and print services. They have a unique selection of gifts such as glam business card holders, purses, greeting cards, jewelry, candles, vases, and quirky items like crazy cat lady action figures and a Virgin Mary toast stamp.
Garden Of Eden
867 Grand Ave., St. Paul
The Garden Of Eden offers a veritable cornucopia of lotions, soaps, gels and perfumes to make anyone's day a little fresher (or at least cleaner!). They carry a wide range of ready made products including locally made "The Thymes" soaps, lotions and sprays but you can also personalize your gift with custom scents.
Ax-Man Surplus
1639 University Ave., St. Paul
Even the person who "has everything" won't have this stuff. Electronic tidbits, foam shapes, strange calendars, and great signs to help you find out why you need these random objects. Wait, is that an iron lung???
Sara Cura
1411 4th Street SE., Dinkytown in Minneapolis
Sara Cura is the picture of diverse gifts. They have everything from belly dancing supplies and hula hoops to Barack Obama paraphernalia. A great source of local art and jewelry, it's easy to find a gift for even the pickiest person on your list.

For most of us, buying gifts is never easy. We want to find something thoughtful, beautiful and useful, but everything that comes to mind seems generic and mundane. We could always settle for a gift card, but isn't that kind of a sham invention of the retail industry, less valuable than cash and hardly more thoughtful? Fortunately, browsing through the right store can be a fun cure for "giver's block." The Twin Cities have a number of places brimming with the kind of useful, pretty eclectica that can please the pickiest recipient. Here are some faves recommended by vita.mn users. Feel free to add your own! 
<h2>Event recommendations:</h2><ul><li><a href="http://vita.mn/event_detail.php?event_id=50043">No Coast Craft-O-Rama</a> Midtown Global Market, Dec. 5-6, 2007 This year's event will be the biggest ever, with two days and handmade plush toys, jewelry, posters, cards, clothing, and home dÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â©cor from more than 100 vendors. (Jahna Peloquin)</li><li>

</ul>
<h2>Store recommendations:</h2><ul><li><a href="http://www.patinastores.com/index.cfm" target="new">Patina</a> Various locations If you want to give something a little bit luxe in an off-beat sort of way, Patina may be your best bet. 
</li><li><a href="http://shop.bibelotshops.com/">Bibelot</a> Various locations Very simular to Patina. Great selection of Jewlery. Also carries clothes, handbags and scarves. 
</li><li><a href="http://www.textilecentermn.org/">Minnesota Textile Center</a> Hand knit scarves and mittens, felted hats and ornaments, retro embroidered dishcloths, hip purses in Amy Butler fabrics -- A great place to find locally-made apparel, accessories, and homegoods. 
</li><li><a href="http://twincities.citysearch.com/profile/5583897/minneapolis_mn/go_home_furnishings_gifts.html" target="new">Go Home</a> 1408 W Lake St., Minneapolis In this tiny shop, you'll find clocks, flasks, vases, photo albums, bobbling bottle openers, and a whole host of funky home furnishings. 
</li><li><a href="http://lunalux.com/" target="new">Lunalux</a> 1618 Harmon Pl., Minneapolis Appropriately named Minnesota Monthly's "Favorite Store Most People Have Never Heard Of" in 2004, Lunalux is a gorgeous little stationery shop tucked away next to Cafe Lurcat off Loring Park. Go to Lunalux for surprising and delightful treats such as the <a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/item/item.jsp?itemId=12633">stapleless stapler</a>, which remains my favorite office product. 
</li><li><a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/index.jsp" target="new">Urban Outfitters</a> Various locations An old stand-by for folks who are seriously into pop culture. Visit this chain store to find all sorts of nostalgic paraphernalia, like joysticks with Atari games programmed into them and giant coffee-table books about '80s TV shows. 
</li><li><a href="http://www.re-gifts.com" target="new">Re-Gifts</a> 1832 E. 42nd St. No, it's not about re-wrapping the fruit cake from Aunt Dorothy and giving it to your neighbor. Instead this store stocks various gifts made from recycled &amp; reclaimed materials. Perfect for your eco-conscious friends &amp; family. 
</li><li><a href="http://www.corazononline.com/">CorAzoN</a> 204 Washington Ave. N. &amp; 4646 E. Lake St., Minneapolis Wonderful little gift shop in the North Loop. They carry many pieces of art, jewelry, clothing, etc from local artists, and a great selection of baby gifts, paper products and bath/body products. They are always changing their inventory, so check back often to not miss out on a fantastic gift idea. 
</li><li><a href="http://www.thedecoboutique.com/index.htm">Deco Boutique</a> 3007 Lyndale Ave South A little feel from Paris, Egypt, NYC, Peru, China to our own Midwest. The Deco carries apparel for men and women, handbags, wallets, jewelry, home dec&amp;ograve;r to dog attire. Retro, hip, classy, funky, and elegant! Free parking in lot next to us. 
</li><li><a href="http://www.electricfetus.com/">Electric Fetus</a> 2000 4th Ave S, Minneapolis Along with a wide selection of music, the Fetus has a large gift section, including novelty products (dashboard Buddha, anyone?) soaps, candles, posters, books, jewelry, incense, and toys. 
</li><li><a href="http://www.evokegallery.com/">Evoke Gallery</a> 355 Wabasha St N, Ste 140, St. Paul Located in the Lowry Building in downtown St. Paul, Evoke Gallery carries fine art and offers framing, photo enlargement, design and print services. They have a unique selection of gifts such as glam business card holders, purses, greeting cards, jewelry, candles, vases, and quirky items like crazy cat lady action figures and a Virgin Mary toast stamp. 
</li><li><a href="http://www.gardenofedenstores.com/">Garden Of Eden</a> 867 Grand Ave., St. Paul The Garden Of Eden offers a veritable cornucopia of lotions, soaps, gels and perfumes to make anyone's day a little fresher (or at least cleaner!). They carry a wide range of ready made products including locally made "The Thymes" soaps, lotions and sprays but you can also personalize your gift with custom scents.</li><li><a href="http://www.ax-man.com/">Ax-Man Surplus</a> 1639 University Ave., St. Paul Even the person who "has everything" won't have this stuff. Electronic tidbits, foam shapes, strange calendars, and great signs to help you find out why you need these random objects. Wait, is that an iron lung???</li><li><a href="http://www.saracura.com">Sara Cura</a><a href="http://www.ax-man.com/"> </a>1411 4th Street SE., Dinkytown in Minneapolis Sara Cura is the picture of diverse gifts. They have everything from belly dancing supplies and hula hoops to Barack Obama paraphernalia. A great source of local art and jewelry, it's easy to find a gift for even the pickiest person on your list.</li></ul>

created by matt on Nov. 20, '06 at 10:05 AM
last updated by kitalooclef on Dec. 4, '08 at 1:05 PM

[edit guide]

Comments

posted by sopheava on Nov. 19, '07 at 1:25 PM

This is so hokey, but I was at Barnes & Noble this weekend and ended up with gifts for about 6 people (and a few things for myself as well). Good ol' Barnes & Noble, gotta love 'em.

posted by beagle28 on Nov. 21, '07 at 11:37 AM

Shopping online is an easy way to get good, unexpected gifts. I like www.Delight.com.

I also like the store Gather in the 50th and France neighborhood.

posted by CorvetteSpecialties on Nov. 28, '07 at 3:11 PM

While you're doing your shopping, please remember those in need. Corvette Specialties in Blaine is collecting new, unwrapped toys for Alexandra House, a local shelter. www.corvettespecialties.com Drop off anytime during business hours. Thank you!

Besides Corvette parts, we've also got great gift ideas in all prices whether you own a Corvette or just like them - and for all ages. Corvette lunchboxes, garments, lamps, signs, clocks, wall decor, floor tiles and much more!

posted by tapqueen on Dec. 3, '07 at 3:31 PM

Sephora-there's one at MOA and one at Ridgedale (or if you'd rather not brave the malls- www.sephora.com). They have everything beauty from affordable to high-end cosmetics. Perfect for the love-to-groomers in your life.

posted by alexism on Dec. 4, '07 at 1:56 PM

There's also a little Sephora inside JC Penney at Eden Prairie Center. While you're at EPC, check out the best-kept secret of the department store world: Von Maur. Over half my wardrobe comes from their sale racks.

posted by kitalooclef on Dec. 4, '08 at 12:30 PM

Don't forget Sara Cura. It's a funky gift shop in Dinkytown with a wide array of goodies including handmade jewelry, local art, belly dancing supplies, cards, and they can also provide henna services. It's a great shop to find something unique: www.saracura.com

posted by jenatam on Jan. 17, '09 at 12:44 PM

Hey, don't forget my artboutique called the Artist Mercantile in dtwn St. Paul. I carry works by over 70 Artists from the Midwest. We carry everything from blown glass to ceramics to paintings,woodworking, women's clothing and chocolates. Stop by out our Art of Romance Soiree coming up on Feb. 6th from 6-9pm featuring music,wine, chocolate and art participation! www.artistmerc.com

posted by Megas on Dec. 11, '09 at 1:02 PM

If you want something one-of-a-kind, check out Panda Licking on a Light Bulb: a paint-on-demand blog. Here I will paint anything in any style small scale for one low flat fee. Then I'll write about it (and you) on the popular blog and send the painting within 2 weeks.
This isn't just a painting, it's a weird experience. Like joining a cult but healthier.
Gift certificates are also available.
www.johnmegas.blogspot.com

posted by boystreasure on Feb. 23, '10 at 1:49 AM

We are aiming at people buying gifts for little boys - parents, grandparents, other family members and friends. We are aiming at someone who wants to buy something different that cannot be purchased on the high street.

boys bedroom ideas