For your girl ...
- When shopping for that special lady, local hip-hop heroine Maria Isa suggests: "Keep in mind her favorite scents, and buy something you'll both enjoy." Check out the Lush brand for tasty bath and body products. Lush's holiday gift baskets smell so delicious, you'll want to take a bite. ($39.99 at Macy's)
- "In winter, you want to be cozy and do something together," Isa says. To set the mood, she recommends a classic soul collection. We like Rhino's "Atlantic Soul 1959-1975." Go from doo-wop to funk in 82 tracks. ($99.99 at Cheapo, 1300 W. Lake St., Mpls)
- "I'm a big fan of costume jewelry," says Isa, "something that everyone is not going to have." We recommend the I Like You boutique for unique, locally made necklaces. The store will match your budget to your sweetheart's style. Check out the I MPLS necklace by EC Design Studios ($128) or these recycled bottlecap necklaces by Penny Candy ($10 each). (I Like You, 501 1st Av. NE., Mpls)
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- Owl apron: This flirty, feminine apron has many uses in -- and out of -- the kitchen. ($37.50 at Paper Source, 3048 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls.)
- Petals clutch by Christopher Straub: Adorned with snakeskin-embossed leather and metal studs, this bag begs for a girls' night out. ($170 at the Find, 7820 Eden Prairie Rd., Eden Prairie, and www.christopherstraub.com)
- Frye Boots: From Civil War soldiers to Hollywood celebrities, these American originals have withstood the test of time. Just like your relationship. ($297.95 at Nordstrom, Mall of America)
For your guy ...
When shopping for a fella, think outside the toolbox. "My family always defaults to drills," says Ryan Scott, owner and mechanic at Blue Cat Motors.
- What's on Scott's wish list? Custom pinstriping. "Relic is an amazing pinstriper," says Scott. He makes custom skateboard decks. They are straight-up wall art." ($200 at Relic Kustoms in Austin Minn., or www.relicstripes.com)
- "Bell makes vintage-style helmets. They are DOT-certified and cool enough for a 50cc scooter or a giant chopper." (Bell also makes lightweight versions for your sweetheart's 10-speed.) ($139.95 at Blue Cat Motors, 460 N. Prior Av., St. Paul, and www.bellpowersports.com. Bike helmets at www.bellsports.com)
ALSO RECOMMENDED
- Red Owl T-shirt: You don't have to be old enough to remember the grocery-store chain to appreciate its iconic logo. ($18 at Electric Fetus, 2000 4th Av. S., Mpls)
- Mustache pint glasses: Your beer in disguise. Choose your 'stache and keep track of your glass all night long. ($22 at Handmade on Main, 300 E. Main St., Anoka, and modernmadness.etsy.com)
- Weber portable tabletop gas grill: Quick to heat and easy to clean, this tiny grill will fire up his tiny apartment balcony. ($149.98 at Sears)
- "Walking Dead" comic books: Get your zombie fix while waiting for the premiere of Season Two next October. ($9.99-$14.99 at Dreamhaven, 2301 E. 38th St., Mpls., and major bookstores)
For the greenie ...
When choosing an eco-friendly gift, it's a "bonus if it's made locally and bought at an independently owned store," says Ryan North, co-owner of Moss Envy, formerly Twin Cities Green. "Buying a more sustainable product can make an impact on your personal health and the world economy."
- Alchemy messenger bag: This durable, water-resistant bike bag is made of upcycled inner tubes and seat belts. Perfect for greenies on the go. ($168 at Varsity Bike Shop, 1316 SE. 4th St., Mpls. or www.alchemygoods.com)
- Lifefactory glass bottle: Forget the funk of reusable plastic and stainless steel bottles. This glass and silicone combo is nontoxic and dishwasher-safe, without the icky aftertaste. ($21.95 at Moss Envy, 3056 Excelsior Blvd., Mpls., and www.lifefactory.com)
- Upcycled mittens: Mittens With a Mission ($15, left) are manufactured in Winona, Minn., from leftover yarns and fabrics. Breaksea Upcycle's mittens ($30, right) feature a handy pocket made from recycled pants. (I Like You, 501 1st Av. NE., Mpls.; and the Wedge Co-op, 2105 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls.)
- Waist2Wrist cuffs: Hand-crafted from old belts, these one-of-a-kind cuffs transform eco-geek into eco-chic. ($5-$25 at Dabble, 2854 NE. Johnson St., Mpls.; Café Zia: 2723 N. Lexington Av., Roseville; and the No-Coast Craft-o-Rama, Dec. 3-4 at Midtown Global Market, www.nocoastcraft.com)
For the fun + fit...
- For fit and fun ideas, we consulted the "High Priestess of Spin," Jessica Bessette. Hula hoops "are really good for body awareness and teach you to use your core," says this hoop-dance teacher and yoga instructor. "Hooping is sexy and builds confidence. It's a massage and a hug."($35-$55 at www.harmonyhoops.com or www.amazon.com)
- What else is on Bessette's holiday wish list? "I'm anti-winter, so I'd like anything to make it more fun -- like a pair of snowshoes to explore the lakes." ($199.95 at REI stores)
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- Flying Saucer Sled: This danger disc will delight any daredevil on your shopping list. ($5.99 at Target)
- Winter Lightning Sled: Enjoy cheap thrills down Minnesota hills with your favorite snow bunny. ($9.99 at Target)
For the techie ...
Yes, we all want an iPad. For more affordable tech gifts, we consulted the Geek Girls Guide, a local tech blog co-authored by Nancy Lyons and Meghan Wilker (geekgirlsguide.com). "Knowing your audience is critical. A gamer will look for really fun technology. A business professional will be more practical."
- "In gift giving, there is an element of delightful surprise," says Lyons. "The new 8 GB iPod nano is gorgeous. It's easy on the budget and fun for the recipient." ($149 at Apple Stores)
- The hands-free Microsoft Kinect interface "is going to change gaming," says Lyons. "It's more responsive and more sensitive than any [hand-held] controller." ($149.99 at www.thinkgeek.com)
- "I get frustrated by chargers sticking out of random places," says Wilker. "The Grassy Lawn charging station organizes your devices and looks super cute on a table." (Price: $24.99 Locations: www.thinkgeek.com)
- Co-Robot Kit: Build your own robot with this kit from Japan. Buy two for extra robot battle action. ($29.99 at www.makershed.com)
For the foodie ...
1. Skip the gift card and go for an unusual cookbook -- "or any book by Thomas Keller," says Saffron Restaurant chef Sameh Wadi. He recommends Keller's "The French Laundry Cookbook." "The French Laundry changed the way I lived my life, not only my cooking." ($50 at Kitchen Window, 3001 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., and major bookstores)
2. "When I give gifts, I try to make things that people can incorporate into their daily life," says Wadi. "I make spice blends." Last year, Wadi launched his own line, Spice Trail, for the holidays. Any foodie would adore a blend from a chef brave enough to challenge Masaharu Morimoto on "Iron Chef America." ($35 at Saffron, 123 N. 3rd St., Mpls., www.saffronmpls.com)
ALSO RECOMMENDED
- Wood From the Hood cutting boards: Built from locally reclaimed lumber, these beautiful boards are great for preparing and serving tasty treats. ($28-$36 at the Wedge Co-op and www.woodfromthehood.com)
- Stainless steel bar tool set: A must-have entertaining accessory for Mad Men and women. Don't forget the cocktail shaker. ($49.99 at Crate and Barrel)
For the fashionista ...
When shopping for the fashion-forward, "take note of their personality and personal style," says Allison Hamzehpour, co-founder of Ignite Models. "They love to be pampered."
- "Anna Lee [Ruby3] creates amazing fur hats and hoods," says Hamzehpour. "They are super warm, functional and locally made." ($65 at I Like You and ruby3annalee.wordpress.com)
- "My favorite gift last year was a gold Michael Kors purse," says Hamzehpour. Can't afford Kors? Try this gold-studded bag by Steve Madden. ($48 at Macy's)
- Rootnut necklace: Be merry and bright in bold, beautiful colors. ($18 at Francesca's Collections:Mall of America, Arbor Lakes, Woodbury Lakes or Rosedale)
ALSO RECOMMENDED
- Kjurek Couture dress: This simple silhouette flatters any figure. For winter, layer with a long-sleeve shirt and leggings. ($130 at Cliché, 2403 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls)
- Primp and Pamper Oxford heels: These whimsical wingtips are perfect for work or play. ($48 at Francesca's Collections)
For the music lover ...
- Don't trust your own tastes? 89.3 The Current's music maven, Mary Lucia, selected some solid stocking stuffers: Spoon's "Gimme Fiction," T.Rex's "The Slider," The Black Keys' "Brothers" and Joseph Arthur's "Our Shadows Will Remain." ($12.99-$15.99 at Cheapo, 1300 W. Lake St., Mpls)
ALSO RECOMMENDED
- The Pick Punch: With this ingenious guitar-pick maker, your aspiring rock star can shred his old credit cards while he shreds onstage -- or in his basement. ($24.95 and www.pickpunch.com)
- Speedball fabric screen-printing kit: Make your own merch. Creativity and clean T-shirts not included. ($54.99 at Dick Blick Stores)
- "Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him?)": In this music documentary, Brian Wilson, Randy Newman, Micky Dolenz and Yoko Ono reflect on a little-known pop legend. ($26.99 at Cheapo)
For your folks ...
A longboard? A gift certificate for skydiving or a new tattoo? Our parents' wish list will never be as cool as that of Christin Mellang, a.k.a. retired North Star Roller Girl Sister Shotgun, a Junior Roller Derby coach and mother of two. However, parents of all ages will appreciate gifts that make them feel young.
- GPX Party Machine CD+G Karaoke System: Inside every baby boomer is a nostalgic rocker. Don't roll your eyes at your dad's off-key Rolling Stones cover. Drink more eggnog. ($69.99 at Best Buy.)
- Matching Twins sweatshirts: They'll never admit it, but they wish Joe Mauer was their real son. If you can't afford season tickets, indulge their hometown pride. ($49.99 at Twins Pro Shops.)
- The Kindle 3: It's fun, fast and finally affordable. Your folks may not like e-mail, but they'll love this e-book reader. ($139 at www.amazon.com.)
- Minnesota State Parks Passport Club kit: Get your folks out of your hair and into the great outdoors. Visit eight state parks and earn a badge. Visit all 72 and get a Passport Club plaque. ($14.95 at most state parks or at the DNR Information Center, 500 Lafayette Rd., St. Paul.)
