'Tis the season for gift giving. Most would agree, it's the most wonderful time of the year! But sometimes finding gifts that the ones on your list will LOVE can be a bit stressful. To make this holiday season a blissful one, we've handpicked gifts for every 'him' and 'her' that could be on your list.
Follow this gift guide to hear them say, "I LOVE it!" and "Where did you get this? It's so cute!" and "This is perfect. It will go with everything!" when they open their presents this year.
1. The trendsetter
She marches to the beat of her own drum and is the first to give the latest trend a try. A piece from our boho-chic Taylor Made jewelry collection is the perfect fit. This line takes inspiration from free-spirited bohemian styles and refines it with a modern simplicity for everyday wear.
Taylor Made jewelry consists of complimentary pieces that work great for the trendy 'layered necklace' look and they're all handmade right here in Alexandria.
And for your dapper guy, there's nothing more fitting than a AENDEE bow tie handmade in Fargo from reclaimed button down shirts.
Photo: AENDEE
2. The traveler
It's true, not all who wander are lost. Although free-spirited and constantly seeking adventure, our wanderlusts like to be reminded that home is always waiting for them when they return. And our Minnesota jewelry collection from Larissa Loden will do just that.
Other picks: streamline their travel experience with handy accessories -- Rilos & Mimi organizer pouch, lip butter, lotion tin, cross body-clutch handbag, HEAL body balm tin
3. The coffee lover
There is no such thing as too many coffee mugs for this one. Add a locally designed state-pride cup to their collection. Or, go with something a little more fun + sassy with our "but first, coffee" tank!
Other picks: holiday sleep tee, Minnesota wine glasses
4. The beer enthusiast
Breweries and craft beer are the trendiest thing since fro-yo and cupcake shops showed up on every corner. Help your beer guru (or appreciator) drink up in style with Sota Clothing pint glasses and/or a Minnesota bottle opener. Don't forget to keep it cool by throwing in a koozie!
Photo: Sota Clothing + 14 Gauge
Other picks: Minnesota wine glasses, Paul Bunyan tee, hey babe tee, beard oil
5. The workaholic/super mom
It's obvious that this person could use a little pampering. Epsom salts, body lotions, bath scrubs, candles -- you name it and our two locally made skin care lines have it! It's likely that all she wants for Christmas is a serene hour or two to herself. "Me time" bath salts from Raw. Products or Natural Happiness Skin Care's candy cane crush bath soak should do the trick!
If your busy bee is so 'on-the-go' that relaxation almost stresses them out, go with a reversible tote bag. It's the perfect size to hold their laptop, notes and other work/mommy essentials.
6. The sporty girl
A Bittersweet Bracelet is the ultimate gift for the active one on your list. It's a bracelet that holds a hair tie! Nothing short of genius, this bracelet brings fashion and function together in one piece. First, the bracelet dresses up the 'not-so-fashionable' hair tie she constantly wears on her wrist. Second, it holds the hair tie away from her skin, preventing painful indents and reduced circulation.
The Bittersweet Bracelet is also ideal for any fashionista with long enough hair for an up-do.
Photo: Bittersweet Bracelet by Maria Shireen
Other picks: Minnesota sweatshirt, beanie, Sota Clothing water bottle, SPANX leggings, KITSCH hair ties, stag necklace, flannel, Alexandria Cardinals scarf
7. The artist
A handmade artisan gift is perfect for the crafty one on your list. Being an artist or a DIY-er themselves, they'll appreciate the time, talent and love that goes into these pieces. Some of our favorite handcrafted gifts include handwoven pine needle baskets by Park Rapids native Becky Clark or a Jodi Lynn Burton doodle of their favorite hobby.
Other picks: JT Maui jewelry (made with Minnesota stones right here in Alexandria)
8. The tween
Too old for toys but not quite old enough for womens or mens fashion clothing makes this one a toughie. Our picks include a KITSCH jewelry set or funky hair ties, a stocking cap or a scarf.
Photo: Northernly
Other picks: Minnesota necklace, Minnesota snapback hat, Birchpeel leather cuff
9. The transplant bestie
Who's this you say? That friend who "jumped ship" to escape Minnesota's icy winter temps after high school or college. Let's just send them a little reminder of what they're missing out on... a little love from home.
Send a t-shirt, sweatshirt, necklace, bottle opener, beanie, snapback, coffee mug, pint glass or wine glass. We're pretty proud to be Minnesotan and deep down, they still are too. :)
Photo: Hailey Marie Photography + Sota Clothing
10. The helper
You know the saying,"It takes a village." We all have people that help us every day, all year-long and you might want to send a little 'thank you' their way this time of year to let them know they're appreciated.
Gift cards, picture frames, candles and socks are our top gift picks for teachers, daycare providers, coworkers, neighbors, carpool crews, hair stylists, etc.
Other picks: Birchpeel leather cuff, holiday sleep tee, Sota Clothing coffee mugs, Minnesota wine glasses, skin care, scarf
11. The gift exchanger
Everyone has one of these on their list. The person that's extremely hard to buy for. We recommend going with a gift card on this one. And don't worry, this person is not the type to see this as impersonal or lazy. They'll likely be thrilled to get the gift of shopping!
If giving a gift card rubs your holiday cheer the wrong way, tuck it in one of our locally made greeting cards with a handwritten note to add a personal touch.
Don't forget about the stockings!
See our top 20 picks to stuff those stockings with great gifts this year >> on.fb.me/1SOkupd