Stylepoints: Experts pick nifty gifts

We went to stylish and in-the-know locals for great gift ideas. They offered their top picks for the holiday season, along with their own wish lists — including Samuel Fehrenbach, manager at MartinPatrick3 (212 3rd Av. N., Mpls., 612-746-5329 ), who has an idea for practical men.

Favorite holiday gift: Corgi socks, $32 to $42.
Why: "Because we started off as an accessory store, we have a lot of socks. The nicest ones are from Corgi. They're based and made in Wales and got their start making full-leg socks for coal miners. We've got some more conservative styles, but for holidays, it's hard to pass up the wool Fair Isle models."
Whom he'd like to give them to: "Mayor R.T. Rybak. I hear he's got a thing for socks, so I'm surprised he hasn't been to marvel at our huge sock collection."
What he wants: "I'm afraid to tell my mom that I want an Hermès ashtray. I don't think she'll give it to me because, one, it's an ashtray and, two, it's an inordinately expensive ashtray." u25A1
stylepoints

Expert: Quyen Witthuhn, co-owner of Pacifier.

Favorite holiday gift: Knit Viking Beanie by Me-in-Mind, $20 (310 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls., and City Center, skyway, 40 S. 7th St., Mpls., 1-888-623-8123, www.pacifieronline.com.)

Why: "Nothing wrong with keeping your kid's noggin warm with sass and style. Plus, it's really soft and cozy."

Whom she'd give it to: "My brother, who is a Vikings fan -- if only he would have a kid."

What she wants: "I would like a Technivorm-Moccamaster coffeemaker from Kitchen Window."

founder of Nelle.

Favorite holiday gift: The Kahlo Minaudiére, $145, available at the Nelle Showroom at L'Atelier Couture, available by appointment (219 N. 2nd St., Mpls., 651-602-9492, www.nellehandbags.com).

Why: "The limited-edition minaudiére is the product of a collaboration with print designer Luci Kandler of Oggé. A smart-looking clutch stands on its own, adding just the right amount of pop to party attire, plus I've always thought that the best gifts are special, beautifully made and hard to find."

Whom she'd give it to: "I would love to give one to Laura Ness, a friend in Duluth. She has always had an eye for quality and believed in Nelle from the start, seeing some talent amid my first seams."

What she wants: "A pair of custom-built figure skates, fabulous Mukluks and lots of cookies."

Favorite holiday gift: Alba Earrings in sterling silver or oxidized sterling silver, $145 (Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Av., St. Paul, and Gallery 360, 3011 W. 50th St., Mpls., www.superkarin.com).

Why: "I love the clean, simple lotus pattern. They are big enough to make a statement, but the cutouts also make them lightweight. And as long as the recipient has pierced ears, they are guaranteed to fit!"

Whom she'd give them to: "If I could give them to any celebrity, it would be Tina Fey, because she's smart and hilarious, and when she talks about herself and her life, she sounds like a normal person, but maybe a little smarter and funnier. "

What she wants: "Cross-country skis. The spoiler is that my boyfriend and I got them for each other already. For the first time since I was a kid, I am excited for snow."

Who: Julie Swenson, owner of St. Paul Beauty Lounge.

Why: "There are six delicious aromas, it's non-greasy and 97 percent naturally derived. It's the perfect size for your purse and only $10."

Whom she'd give it to: "I'd give it to my neighbor who sometimes shovels my walk. Thank you, neighbor!"

What she wants: "Socks are the best Christmas gift ever, because who really goes shopping on their own for socks? SmartWool socks are ideal."

PICK OF THE WEEK

Old Navy's Techno World collection

SALES & EVENTS

b. (a resale shop) holiday party sale: Enjoy 10 percent off plus double loyalty points.

6 to 9 p.m., 5456 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls.

MartinPatrick3 holiday party: Cocktails, giveaways and 20 percent off clothing.

6 to 10 p.m., 212 3rd Av. N., Mpls., 612-746-5329.

10 a.m. to 8 p.m., 3413 W. 44th St., Mpls.

Foatdesign holiday shopping boutique: The local yoga label and redesigned eco-friendly label will host a variety of local companies in its studio space, including Post-, Karin Jacobson Design jewelry and StormSister Spatique. There will be specials and free tarot readings (5 to 7 p.m.).

3 to 7 p.m., 1828 NE. Marshall St., Mpls., 1-800-658-144, www.foatdesign.com.

Cliché's local designer sale: Prices will be drastically reduced on items from local designers, including Danielle Everine, Sarah Holme, KathrynV, Jenny Carle and Carmichael Claith.

7 to 10 p.m., 2403 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls.

10 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 20-23 and 9 to 4 p.m. Dec. 25, 438 2nd St., Excelsior, 952-221-1230.

Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177

sglassman@startribune.com