White Bear Lake: 2013 Holiday Gift Guide

Check off your holiday list with these fabulous gifts in red, green and gold.

With the holidays just around the corner, we thought you could use a little jump-start to get you thinking about your holiday gift list. So, with the colors of the season as our guide, we compiled a many-hued collection of gifts that will have you crossing off items on that list in no time flat. Be so bold as to give gifts in red, green and gold.

RED

For the Guy

FRAME IT UP
There’s no better way for the guy in your life to show off his greatest catch than with this fishing lure frame. Painted the perfect shade of red to fit most décor schemes, this wooden frame holds a 4-by-6-inch photo. $28.95, Goodthings

For the Gal
DOUBLE CLUTCH
Made from vintage-inspired fabric hand-woven by Hmong women in Thailand, this bright and cheery clutch offers a quintessential combination of form, function, and history. $39, Truly

For the Kids
KENDAMA CRAZY
Created in our very own state of Minnesota, Sweets kendamas are the hottest thing going in the kids’ toy realm. With origins in Japan, kendamas consist of a hand-painted ball (tama), a handle (ken) and a crosspiece that has two cups (sarado), and will keep your kids entertained for hours. $28.95, Goodthings

For the Home
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Candles are a quick way to brighten up any room, and this red ceramic candlestick is the perfect pedestal to make it happen. $20, Christina Lynn Interiors

For the Hostess
SPREADING JOY
Your mother always told you it’s impolite to show up to a party empty-handed, so why not put a smile on your hostess’ face with this dandy dip crock and attached spreader. Toss in a packet of dried dip mix or your favorite dip recipe and you’ll be an instant hit. $15.99, EAT!@Home

For the Foodie
CHOP-CHOP
Every foodie understands the importance of a good cutting board. Well, this cutting board goes above and beyond, with hinged sides that fold up, creating a chute that allows the food to go into the pot instead of onto the counter (or the floor). $26.95, Goodthings

For the Pet
DAPPER DOG
Are you having a holiday party and want to get the whole clan spruced up—including the dog? This festive bow tie will do the trick. $21, Lulu & Luigi

GREEN

Green gifts

For the Guy
TICK-TOCK
Keep your guy on time with this cool desk clock made from recycled bicycle parts. Since 1991, Resource Revival has been taking greasy old bike chains and junk parts, and turning them into clocks, bowls, picture frames, bottle openers, key chains and more. $24, Truly

For the Gal
VINTAGE VIBE
Dazzle her with this unique vintage bracelet. Emerald-cut baubles are interspersed with gold and green flowers to create a bit of arm candy to liven up any outfit. $12, Sweet Home

For the Kids
GET COOKIN’
Kids are always wanting to help out in the kitchen, so surprise your budding chef with this full apron made from a boy’s button-down shirt. This dandy ties at the neck and at the waist to ensure your little kitchen helper’s clothes stay free from messes. Who knows? Maybe you’re raising the next Emeril Lagasse or Julia Child. $26, Truly

For the Home
BUTTONED UP
This accent pillow is the perfect way to add a pop of color to a neutral-colored sofa or chair. And the button embellishments are anything but stuffy. $34.99, Kowalski’s

For the Hostess

ARTFUL ARTICHOKE
If you know a hostess who loves to throw parties and is crazy about artichokes, this square bamboo cutting board complete with cast-metal artichoke spreader and 3-ply cocktail napkins is a winner. Pretty enough to be used as a cheese board and sturdy enough to prepare her fabulous party fare, no doubt this will be a go-to item for all of her upcoming soirees. $24, EAT!@Home

For the Foodie
COMFORT FOOD
With the cold weather settling in, it’s time to hunker down and get to some serious cooking, and this round casserole dish with matching cover is just the number to help you get it done. Add the iron scroll caddy and you can go from oven to table with ease. $44.99, casserole; $19.99, iron caddy; EAT!@Home

For the Pet
GUMS-BY
We can’t forget our four-legged friends this holiday season—nor should we neglect their oral health—so why not show your favorite furry pal just how much you care with a plush chew toy to strengthen those choppers? This Gumby is a throwback to days gone by—and can keep your pooch occupied while you run around preparing for the holidays. $8, Lulu & Luigi

GOLD

Gold gifts

For the Guy
STONE COLD
Crafted from granite found along the coast of New England and fitted with a stainless steel spigot, this newfangled stone drink dispenser will be a conversation starter in any man cave. $138, Goodthings  

For the Gal

FLOWER POWER
Jazz up a sweater, jacket or purse with this handmade (and stylish) flower brooch. Charity McClung, owner of Sweet Home, makes the pieces herself with vintage and high-end fabrics, and no two are exactly alike. $6, Sweet Home

For the Kids
KING OF THE JUNGLE
It’s no secret kids love stuffed animals, so why not surprise your kiddos with a cuddly and oh-so-squeezable stuffed lion? $32, Goodthings

For the Home

PICTURE THIS
We all have photos of loved ones we want to show off, so why not do so with this feather-accented gold frame? $17.99, Kowalski’s

For the Host
CRIBBAGE CREW
How about getting the consummate host something he would love but might not buy for himself? This stunning cribbage board is handcrafted of reclaimed honey locust from the Minneapolis area and is built to last. Let’s just say it might make him want to throw another party. $38.95, Truly

For the Foodie
ROLL WITH IT
Set your foodie’s heart a-flutter with an elegant French rolling pin. Made from natural wood-based materials and completely nonporous, this pin will have your foodie friends whipping out pies and pastries quicker than you can say “Betty Crocker.” Yes, not much makes foodies giddier than cool kitchen gadgets. $39.99, EAT!@Home

For the Pet
EATING IN STYLE
OK, so Fido or Fifi can’t tell you they’re tired of that bedraggled doggie dish or catnip bowl they’ve had for years, but they would if they could. Wrap up this stylish fleur-de-lis-inspired ceramic bowl. $35 small bowl, Lulu & Luigi

Editor’s note: The staff makes every effort to select items that will be in stores at the time of publication; some items and prices may be subject to change.

WHERE TO GET THE GOODS

Christina Lynn Interiors
4701 Banning Ave.
White Bear Lake
651.274.8832

EAT!@Home
2202 Fifth St.
White Bear Lake
651.653.1225

Goodthings
2184 Fourth St.
White Bear Lake
651.426.8006

Kowalski’s
4391 Lake Ave. S.
White Bear Lake
651.429.5913

Lulu & Luigi
2168 Third St.
White Bear Lake
651.287.2030

Truly
2175 Fourth St.
White Bear Lake
651.426.8414
trulyonline.com

Sweet Home
2186 Third St. Suite 104A
White Bear Lake
612.414.7446