Party favors

Delight your holiday host or hostess with a thoughtful gift that's not too big, not too small, but just right. Here are some wow-worthy options.

By Styling and text by KIM YEAGER, Star Tribune

Last update: December 2, 2008 - 2:59 PM

FOR THE MAGPIE

Does your hostess gravitate toward shiny objects? A mercury glass compote, $44.95, can hold flowers to fruit, M&Ms to moss. Present empty or full; you decide. Round Barn Potting Co., 13736 Marigold St. NW., Andover, 763-427-5321.

FOR THE VINTAGE LOVER

A rustic metal wire card holder provides a place to stash holiday greetings, party invites or even themed art, such as these Cavallini bird-print postcards. Holder: 20 inches wide by 261/3 inches high, $27.50. Postcards, 18 for $13 in a nifty aluminum case. Rick Rack, 3413 W. 44th St., Minneapolis, 612-746-4160.

FOR THE MEMO-MINDED

Just the item for the hostess whose fridge door is covered with to-do lists: enameled, bubble-top magnetic clip holders, $8.95 for four. Bibelot, see www.bibelotshops.com for Twin Cities locations.

FOR THE ECO-SAVVY ON THE GO

Chaska-based Sun Leaf Naturals' line of combo shampoo and body soaps in Cinnamon Cypress, Orange Ginger and Clary Sage Lavender, $7.95 each. Made of plant-derived ingredients, beeswax and essential oils with no synthetics, preservatives or petrochemicals; you can slice off a hunk for when you travel. Corazon, 1026 Washington Av. S., 612-333-1662, and 4646 E. Lake St., 612-276-0198, Minneapolis.

FOR THE MOD AT HEART

A fresh, young take on an old, old classic: a plastic "crocheted" lace place mat in electric colors, $1.95 each. They're soft, don't smell like plastic and are flexible enough to use as napkins. Sized 18 by 12 inches and available in turquoise, lime green, hot pink, black and white. Patina, www.patinastores.com for Twin Cities locations.

FOR THE WARM AND FUZZY

Let your tactile hostess feel the warmth (and smell the intense scents, in Rose and Passionflower) of these highly fragranced flocked brocade candles in hot pink and jade green; 31/2 inches high and 3 inches round. These and several other candle styles, $2 each, Family Dollar. Find Minnesota locations at www.familydollar.com.

FOR THE MULTITASKER

Pick a poison holder. The black Animal Head Shot Glass, $30, comes with either a moose or stag head. Your host can gaze upon its beauty in art patron mode, or flip it on its antler to hold 1.9 fluid ounces. By Goody Grams for Molla Space, Walker Art Center Gift Shop, 1750 Hennepin Av., Minneapolis, 612-375-7633; shop.walkerart.org.

FOR THE GOLDEN OLDIE

A nostalgic nod for your vinyl-loving host: LP Coasters, $19.95 for a set of six random, assorted titles. Want to guarantee some Princely local flavor? The store also carries a "Purple Rain" LP bowl, $27.95. Truly, 2175 4th St., White Bear Lake, 651-426-8414; www.trulyonline.com.