Springtime ushers in a string of seasonal gift-giving events—graduations, housewarmings, garden parties, birthdays and so on—so when you hit the shops and local markets for the perfect gift, take along our handy guide. We’ve collected the coolest gifts for everyone on your list, all from local purveyors, and this year, why not think outside the giftbox? In addition to traditional gifts like flowers and jewelry consider giving a basket of fresh produce from the farmers’ market or a gift certificate for an art class.
We’ve also made it easy to shop for gifts that match your budget with a roundup of gifts at a variety of price points. What’s the best way to spend $100 on your graduating granddaughter? How about $50 for your wonderful dad? And where can you donate $25—in a friend’s name—to support kids’ literacy? Check out these spring-themed suggestions.
Gifts for $100
A Green Future
The slogan of Cool Planet, an Edina-based environmental nonprofit supported by the Edina Community Foundation, says it all: “Neighborhood fun—action for our planet.” Cool Planet strives to raise awareness of environmental issues at the local level through Frisbee games and other local events. There are many ways to get involved, and donating cash in honor of an eco-minded friend is a great place to start. After you donate, plan to attend a Cool Planet event together. Donations via the Edina Community Foundation, 5280 Grandview Square Ste 101; 952.833.9573.
Form and Function
Dad’s belt is an essential part of his everyday wardrobe, but it doesn’t have to be boring. Tie-Ups belts are made from cool, waterproof rubber and come in rainbow of colors. The buckles are interchangeable, so add an extra and Dad will be mixin’ and matchin’ like the groovy guy he is. Belts $98, extra buckles $28. J. Novachis, 3930 W. 50th St.; 952.927.8808.
Moody Jewels
For a milestone this big, gift your grad with a true keepsake. Kameleon bracelets from Live, Laugh, Love are crafted in lustrous sterling silver and include a spot for an interchangeable gem, so she can change colors and patterns to suit her mood and wardrobe. “If she’s wearing blue today, she can pop in a blue jewel,” says Live, Laugh, Love owner Kary Shaw. Bracelet $119, jewel prices vary. Live, Laugh, Love, 5019 S. France Ave.; 952.929.0701.
One Pretty Piggy
For the kiddo in your life who is marking a big milestone, give a gorgeous gift that promotes investing in their future. The Miss Pigglesworth Coin Bank is a luxe, design-savvy take on a classic piggy bank. Miss Pigglesworth, in shimmering silver, is topped with a 24-karat gold crown. $98. Heinrich and Shultz, 5047 S. France Ave.; 952.920.2258.
Artsy
Bring home an item from the Edina Art Fair for a loved one or take him/her along for a fun experience. 2014 marks the 48th anniversary of this top-rated fair, which has been voted No. 1 in Minnesota. It features more than 300 artists from around the state and country, offering paintings, sculpture, pottery, fiber arts, glasswork and much more. Admission is free; bring some cash for your one-of-a-kind find. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 6–8. 50th Street and France Avenue; 952.922.1524.
Pretty Posies
Fresh blooms quickly lose their luster. Instead, play with the flower theme and give Mom an incredibly lifelike silk orchid (no watering required!). Add a luxurious peony-scented candle. The orchid will really lift her spirits and the candle is a pretty pink. Gorgeous! Silk orchid $38. Duchess peony candle $60. Heinrich and Shultz 5047 S. France Ave.; 952.920.2258.
Gifts for $50
Summertime Fun
Did you know Edina’s epic Fourth of July parade is sponsored by the Edina Community Foundation and generous residents like you? This year marks the 126th anniversary of the event; that’s a lot of red, white, blue, and green. Chances are, you know someone who looks forward to the parade every year, so make a contribution in their honor or donate in memory of a fallen veteran. Donations via the Edina Community Foundation.
Squeaky Clean
Give your new co-ed something to smile about with a heavenly scented bath gift set from Lush, a local “cosmetic deli” that mixes beauty products while you wait. For extra ease, pick up a Hello Gorgeous set, which includes lemony cuticle butter, vanilla lotion, sea salt scrubs and more, all in a pretty box. Extra bars of soap in an array of scents are just $6.40–$8.95. Hello Gorgeous gift set $40. Bar soap $8. Lush, 3915 W. 50th St.; 952.922.8063.
A Closer Shave
Let your dad—or another hirsute man in your life—indulge in an old-fashioned shaving experience. “We have a great shaving cream from England,” says local men’s style expert John Novachis. “I love it.” Geo. F. Trumper Shaving Cream is an English favorite, and of course, it smells amazing. Give a handy tube of cream along with a bowl-and-brush combo. Cream $18. Bowl $38. J. Novachis, 3930 W. 50th St.; 952.927.8808.
Learn Something New
Help foster a sense of curiosity in youngsters with one of Edina Community Education’s spring and summer class offerings. From pottery to video game design to chess, there’s something for everyone—and a little less, “I’m boooored!” Youth community education courses; $30-$100. 5701 Normandale Road; 952.848.3950.
Great Taste
For a great date night or family outing, give loved ones an evening on the town at this year’s Taste of Edina. Local restaurants turn out in full force with a huge range of cuisines to sample on small plates, and Edina Liquor offers 60 wines and 20 beers, all hand-picked by their expert staff. May 15. 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Westin Edina Galleria, 3201 Galleria, $30–$35. Tickets available at any Edina Liquor store or through the Edina Chamber of Commerce; 952.806.9060.
Spaaaah
The gift of relaxation is priceless. A luxury manicure or pedicure at A la Mode Boutique & Nail Spa equals about an hour of bliss for your favorite lady—and this is no quick polish job. The mani or pedi includes a massage, cleansing, exfoliating scrub, warm towel treatment and polish application. Everything is chemical-free, too. Manicure $40. Pedicure $60. A la Mode Boutique & Nail Spa, 3928 W. 50th St.; 952.300.2642.
Gifts for $25
Good Reads
The Edina Community Foundation offers our city’s most popular reading program, Edina Reads. Through various initiatives, Edina Reads provides books and programming for kids, community book discussions for adults, author meet-and-greets, writing contests and more. “If someone wants to promote literacy, this is a great program,” says the Community Foundation’s Edie Opdahl. For the bookworm who would love to spread the joy of reading, donate to Edina Reads in his/her name. Donations via the Edina Community Foundation.
On the Green
Whether or not your giftee is a seasoned putter, getting back into spring swing form doesn’t have to burn a hole in his pocket. A nine-hole round of golf at Edina’s Braemar course is a sweet deal. And if you’ve got a true novice on your hands, throw in a golf-club rental for just $10. Fore! Prices vary, $12–$25. Braemar Golf Course, 6364 John Harris Drive.
Fancy Feet
Encourage your young man to toss out his grody gym socks in favor of a grown-up pair of Luxe or V.K. Nagrani socks from J. Novachis. “These are pretty unusual,” says owner John Novachis. “We’ve got socks patterned with dachshunds or ducks—you name it.” They work with dressy attire or his favorite pair of jeans, and this gift will deliver the best-looking feet in the dorm. $30–$38. J. Novachis, 3930 W. 50th St.; 952.927.8808.
Nature Play
Bring the woodland indoors with Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel, an adorable board game from Creative Kidstuff. Players practice matching colors, taking turns and thinking critically as they collect acorns for their family of squirrels. “This game has quickly become a favorite of our own staff’s children,” say the folks at Creative Kidstuff. Now that’s a recommendation. Ages 3+. $22. Creative Kidstuff, 3555 69th St.; 952.926.4512.
Fresh and Local
A bountiful basket of fresh fruits and veggies makes a great housewarming gift. Stop by the Edina Farmers’ Market and stock up on local goodies. And consider adding the gift of an experience by taking your friend along to the market for a relaxing stroll, a good cup of coffee and a chance to chat with farmers and producers. Farm-to-table has never been so much fun. 3–7 p.m. Thursdays June 12–September 25. Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 S. France Ave.; 952.833.9580.
Green Thumb
Every gardener needs a great way to haul her gear. “The Planto gardener’s bag has six nifty pockets to hold tools and various gardening gear,” says Twiggs garden expert Beth Patrin. “The edge is ridged for easy access. [It’s] a great tool for any gardener.” Your giftee will never again have to search the shed for her favorite trowel. $27.50. Twiggs Home and Garden, 4301 S. Upton Ave., Minneapolis; 612.823.8944.
