Turns out, good things really do come in small packages. So if you’re shopping for your favorite glamour girl, gadget guru, hostess with the mostest, fabulous kiddos, or the pooch who loves you unconditionally, we’ve got you covered with these cool (and rather diminutive) finds from local shops.
For the Glamour Girl
Nifty Nestler
Give your glamour girl the ultimate high heel shoe. Okay, she won’t actually wear this zebra peep-toe beauty, but it will sure make any bottle of wine look stylish. $26.95. Goodthings, 2184 4th St., White Bear Lake; 651.426.8006; seegoodthings.com
Time Keepers
This funky, fun and oh-so-fashionable Taki watch will be the perfect way to jazz up any outfit, and keep her on schedule. Better yet? It’s made in Minnesota. $92. Goodthings
Novel to Novelty
A perfectly penned novel can transport the reader to another time, another place. This handbag has been lovingly handcrafted from a book that has been rescued from a library discard pile or thrift sale, and is the next best thing to reading one. Books are cleaned, reinforced for strength and custom-lined with coordinating fabric; many titles are available. $44. Truly, 2175 Fourth St., White Bear Lake; 651.426.8414; trulyonline.com
Warmer-upper
Scarves are all the rage—from delicate floral numbers to bold, graphic items, but this hand-crocheted beauty with multi-colored flowers is the bestselling scarf at The Nest, the area’s only free-trade shop. Perfect with any number of outfits, or to keep your neck warm under your favorite winter jacket. $49. The Nest, 4742 Washington Ave., White Bear Lake; 651.653.7630
Luscious Lavender
What girl doesn’t adore the scent of lavender? This bar of triple-milled soap comes straight from Provence, the lavender capital of the world, and will surely delight with its heavenly fragrance and creamy texture. $5.99. Country Charm Boutique, 2176 Third St., White Bear Lake; 651.426.3424
For the Gadget Guru
Fish Tales
How about this for a fish tale—a fish that can be used as a corkscrew? This white oak and stainless steel dandy will ensure that the gadget guru in your life is never without a way to open his favorite bottle of vino. $12.95. Goodthings
Clean and Fresh
With all of the cleaning and moisturizing properties of a gal’s soap, but with more masculine scents made for guys, this handmade DUDE soap is the perfect stocking stuffer for your honey. Throw in some Man Lotion and he’ll be good to go. $6 for the soap; $9.95 for the lotion. Truly, 2175 Fourth St., White Bear Lake; trulyonline.com
Flash Point
This all-purpose LED flashlight will light up any space your guy gets into, and with a built-in magnet, it can be mounted to any metal surface. $16.95. Goodthings
Flavor Enhancer
Whether your guy is as wine-savvy as Paul Giamatti’s character in the movie, ‘Sideways,’ or just beginning his foray into the world of wine, this Host aerator will make every glass of wine one he’ll enjoy. Designed to soften the tannins in both red and white wines, this aerator stays in the bottle to ensure every pour is as smooth as the last. $24.99. Winemakers @ the Lake, 4764 Banning Ave., White Bear Lake; 651.330.9166; winemakersatthelake.com
Stogies and More
With some of the finest cigars around, a walk-in humidor, a plethora of cigar accessories and a smoking area where folks can kibitz and catch up on the day’s events, imagine how happy your guy would be with a gift certificate or this ultra-chic cigar burner from Goodfellas. $39.50; gift certificate amounts vary. 90 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi; 651.429.7841
For the Kiddos
Drink It Up!
From aquatic motifs to funky designs to dozens of personalized names to choose from, these stainless steel, eco-friendly water bottles will keep your kids sipping in style. $14.95. Enchanted Tree House, 4766 Banning Ave., White Bear Lake; 651.426.7551; enchantedtreehouse.com
Teddy with a Cause
This teddy bear from Fuzz That Wuzz is not just another adorable face—he’s environmentally friendly, too. Made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles, he saved 10 bottles from going to the landfill. Now that’s a hard-working teddy bear! Several other animals and sizes are available. $14.99–$44. The Nest
Land of Nod
Help your little bambinos drift off to sleep with this ocean-inspired nightlight. Tranquil Turtle plays a soothing melody or the sound of ocean waves, while it projects an underwater effect on the walls and ceiling; nightlight shuts off after 45 minutes. $49.95. Good Things
Light ’Em Up!
Who wants boring old shoelaces when they can have LED laces that light up the night? These Platube plastic-coated shoelaces are weatherproof, heat-resistant and washable, and can be used in most laced shoes, boots or skates; laces can also be attached to backpacks, or used as bracelets and necklaces. $14.95. Enchanted Tree House
For the Pampered Pooch
Canine Cookies of Love
It’s no surprise we love our pets, so it makes sense to wrap up a little something special for them, too. These Prince and Princess crown cookies will be a hit with your pooches; if they’ve been really good, you could add a few paw-print cookies, bacon bites, apple honey or any number of other delectable handmade goodies especially for our four-legged friends. Prices vary. Lulu & Luigi, 2168 Third St., White Bear Lake; 651.287.2030; luluandluigi.com
Feline Fun
Keep your kitty busy over the long winter months with this Doorway Dangli. Your cat will be able to channel its inner Gabby Douglas as it bounces, bats, jumps and grabs the fluffy tail suspended from a stretchy bungee cord connected to a doorway; the toy also dispenses kibble or treats. $8. Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet, 910 Wildwood Rd., Mahtomedi; 651.747.8704; chuckanddons.com
Poochie Primadonna
Move over White Swan, Fifi will be the proverbial belle of the ball with this adorable pink tulle tutu, complete with satin bow, coordinating fabric and a whole lot of sass. $45–$50. Lulu & Luigi
Chew This, Not That
Satisfy your dog’s normal urge to chew—and keep her away from your favorite heels—with this Mammoth Rope Toy. Comes in a veritable sleigh-full of sizes to choose from. $2–$12. Chuck and Don’s Pet Food Outlet
Doggie Bling
Whether your pooch is a petite Pomeranian or a manly mastiff, you can add a little bling to their life with a collar from Lulu and Luigi’s extensive collection. From collars bedecked with rhinestones to fancy ultrasuede to masculine black leather with silver studs, yep, a fashion statement they will make. Prices vary. Lulu and Luigi
For the Hostess
Bottle Art
Create instant ambiance and save bottles from ending up in the landfill with these wine bottle lights. Bottles come in green, brown and clear, and boast locally inspired and instantly recognizable labels, including White Bear Lake, Bald Eagle Lake and St. Paul. $24.95. Truly
Illuminate
Straight from the soybean heartland of New Hampton, Iowa, come these 100 percent soy wax candles. In myriad fragrances ranging from lilac, which will take you back to a warm summer afternoon to fresh linen, reminiscent of freshly laundered clothes as they hang on the line to “Deck the Halls,” which delights your olfactory sense with the aromas of a holiday home, these candles are the perfect gift to acknowledge a gracious host. $9–$21.50. The Nest
Chip Chaser
Tame those bags of chips that like to scatter errant bits all over the floor or cupboard with these adorable chip clips. Made from wood and painted with a variety of unique designs, these dandies will jazz up any kitchen. $15. Truly
Blessings Book
Let your hostess know just how much she means to you with this book of blessings. Dear Friend: 101 Book of Blessings is filled with joyful musings, encouraging thoughts and whimsical illustrations. $6.99. Country Charm Boutique
Good to the Last Drop
Whether she prefers wines from California, Australia, Italy, Minnesota, or anywhere else for that matter, these stylish wine stoppers are the perfect way to ensure your hostess won’t miss a single drop of her favorite wine. Prices vary. Winemakers @ the Lake
