ONLINE HED: Holiday Gift Guide
Lake
L vers
by Eric D. Johnson | Photos by Tate Carlson
We scoured some of the best spots in the Lake Minnetonka area to find gifts that keep you close to home.
Around these parts, people live and breathe the lake. In fact, some of you are probably peering out upon the water as you read this. No matter what, Lake Minnetonka is an important part of your life. We’ve crafted a gift guide to showcase some of the best items our shops have to offer. Not only are these ideas local, but they’re also perfect for anyone who wants to represent the lake all day, every day.
Swap-top Bracelets and Necklaces, The Touch
The swap-top option on these bracelets and necklaces allows for a variety of custom looks including an anchor or compass star charm, and high-end options like 14k gold, or diamond- studded pieces. $100 and up, EverGreene Jewelers
Lake Minnetonka Sweatshirt
Be loud and proud about your love of the lake with a vintage-looking Lake Minnetonka printed sweatshirt. $50, Ooh La La
Poncho, with fringe details
Perfect for cozying up next to the fire. $49, Ooh La La
Wallet, Leatherworks
We can pretty much guarantee that the man in your life will appreciate a high-quality leather wallet.
$50 to $150, Brightwater
Vintage Maps Necklace with Anchor Charm, ekate designs
A vintage local map with an anchor charm on a sterling silver chain prominently displays your lake love. Starting at $52, ekate designs + the orchard art house
Ombre Lace and Resin Earrings, ekate designs
Handmade, one-of-a-kind earrings made from vintage lace and resin. Starting at $40, ekate designs + the orchard art house
Initial Cutting Board
Made of maple wood, this customizable barbeque board makes for a great dinner party gift. $95, Fleurish
Skinny Jake’s Fat Honey
If the Minnesota-made honey itself didn’t make us swoon, its cute packaging would. $14, ekate designs + the orchard art house
Gift Basket
A pretty gift basket is easy to like, especially one that comes with all kinds of Minnesota-made treats: cinnamon apples, rosemary nuts, cayenne shortbread, cashew brittle, yogurt-covered pretzels, chocolate almonds and sea salt caramels. $84, Fleurish
Bay Strap
The Bay Strap helps keep your sunnies in place while you’re cruising the waves. $15, additional colors available, Excelsior Bay Clothing Company
Leather Belt, Leatherworks
Another perfect present for a guy who knows what he likes: quality. $65 to $150, Brightwater
Sanborn Canoe Mug
The perfect amount of outdoorsy without actually having to go camping, this vintage-inspired mug is perfect for sipping a hot beverage on a cool morning. $18, ekate designs + the orchard art house
Field Notes, 3–pack
Whether you’re bird-watching or taking notes on your favorite wines, Minnesota-specific notebooks help you remember it all. $10 for 3, ekate designs + the orchard art house
Blanket, Faribault Woolen Mills
Possibly the most classic blankets to ever come out of our great state, Faribault Woolen Mills’ options are great for cozying up during cold Minnesota winters. $400, Brightwater
The Big Water: Lake Minnetonka and Its Place in Minnesota History, by Frederick L. Johnson
Become a well-rounded lake resident by learning the history of the waters. $29.95, Excelsior Bay Books
Stolen From the Garden: The Kidnapping of Virginia Piper, BY William Swanson
A great read for lake historians or mystery fans alike, this story takes place in Orono and tells the true tale of Virginia Piper’s kidnapping. $22.95, Excelsior Bay Books
Vintage Lake Minnetonka Sign
Leipold’s specializes in creating a variety of vintage signs and maps, and while the exact inventory varies, you’re bound to find something you love. Plus, they can custom-make sizes and varieties if you request them. $25 to $100, Leipold’s Gifts and Antiques
Locally Grown Onesie, Locally Grown Clothing Company
Get the smallest family members to sport hometown goods with this onesie. It’s microfashion at its best.
$24.95, The General Store
Laser-Cut Lake Minnetonka Photo Frame
Highlight your favorite family photo or showcase a picture of the great lake itself with a frame that pays homage to all our great communities. 4x6 frame, $29.95, The General Store
Rhoda’s Rock Hunt, by Molly Beth Griffin
Perfect for lake-loving kids, Rhoda’s Rock Hunt tells the tale of a little girl on the hunt for rocks in the North Woods. $16.95, Excelsior Bay Books
Pony or Fringe Handbags, Ili World
Bucket bags = hot-ticket fashion this season. $49 to $120, Ooh La La
Where to Shop:
Brightwater clothing & Gear
256 Water St., Excelsior
952.474.0256
brightwater-excelsior.com
ekate designs + the orchard art house
369 George St., Excelsior
612.598.2098
ekatedesigns.com
EverGreene Jewelers
3500 CR-101 S., Minnetonka 952.473.7655
evergreenejewelers.com
Excelsior Bay Books
36 Water St., Excelsior
952.401.0932
excelsiorbaybooks.net
Excelsior Bay Clothing Company
952.465.9345
excelsiorbaycc.com
Fleurish
261 Water St., Excelsior
952.476.2296
fleurishllp.com
The General Store
14401 Minnesota 7, Minnetonka 952.935.2215
generalstoreofminnetonka.com
Leipold’s
239 Water St., Excelsior
952.474.5880
Ooh La La
274 Water St., Excelsior
952.474.174 //
Around these parts, people live and breathe the lake. In fact, some of you are probably peering out upon the water as you read this. No matter what, Lake Minnetonka is an important part of your life. We’ve crafted a gift guide to showcase some of the best items our shops have to offer. Not only are these ideas local, but they’re also perfect for anyone who wants to represent the lake all day, every day.
Swap-top Bracelets and Necklaces, The Touch
The swap-top option on these bracelets and necklaces allows for a variety of custom looks including an anchor or compass star charm, and high-end options like 14k gold, or diamond- studded pieces. $100 and up, EverGreene Jewelers
Lake Minnetonka Sweatshirt
Be loud and proud about your love of the lake with a vintage-looking Lake Minnetonka printed sweatshirt. $50, Ooh La La
Poncho, with fringe details
Perfect for cozying up next to the fire. $49, Ooh La La
Wallet, Leatherworks
We can pretty much guarantee that the man in your life will appreciate a high-quality leather wallet. $50 to $150, Brightwater
Vintage Maps Necklace with Anchor Charm, ekate designs
A vintage local map with an anchor charm on a sterling silver chain prominently displays your lake love. Starting at $52, ekate designs + the orchard art house
Ombre Lace and Resin Earrings, ekate designs
Handmade, one-of-a-kind earrings made from vintage lace and resin. Starting at $40, ekate designs + the orchard art house
Initial Cutting Board
Made of maple wood, this customizable barbeque board makes for a great dinner party gift. $95, Fleurish
Skinny Jake’s Fat Honey
If the Minnesota-made honey itself didn’t make us swoon, its cute packaging would. $14, ekate designs + the orchard art house
Gift Basket
A pretty gift basket is easy to like, especially one that comes with all kinds of Minnesota-made treats: cinnamon apples, rosemary nuts, cayenne shortbread, cashew brittle, yogurt-covered pretzels, chocolate almonds and sea salt caramels. $84, Fleurish
Bay Strap
The Bay Strap helps keep your sunnies in place while you’re cruising the waves. $15, additional colors available, Excelsior Bay Clothing Company
Leather Belt, Leatherworks
Another perfect present for a guy who knows what he likes: quality. $65 to $150, Brightwater
Sanborn Canoe Mug
The perfect amount of outdoorsy without actually having to go camping, this vintage-inspired mug is perfect for sipping a hot beverage on a cool morning. $18, ekate designs + the orchard art house
Field Notes, 3–pack
Whether you’re bird-watching or taking notes on your favorite wines, Minnesota-specific notebooks help you remember it all. $10 for 3, ekate designs + the orchard art house
Blanket, Faribault Woolen Mills
Possibly the most classic blankets to ever come out of our great state, Faribault Woolen Mills’ options are great for cozying up during cold Minnesota winters. $400, Brightwater
The Big Water: Lake Minnetonka and Its Place in Minnesota History, by Frederick L. Johnson
Become a well-rounded lake resident by learning the history of the waters. $29.95, Excelsior Bay Books
Stolen From the Garden: The Kidnapping of Virginia Piper, by William Swanson
A great read for lake historians or mystery fans alike, this story takes place in Orono and tells the true tale of Virginia Piper’s kidnapping. $22.95, Excelsior Bay Books
Vintage Lake Minnetonka Sign
Leipold’s specializes in creating a variety of vintage signs and maps, and while the exact inventory varies, you’re bound to find something you love. Plus, they can custom-make sizes and varieties if you request them. $25 to $100, Leipold’s Gifts and Antiques
Locally Grown Onesie, Locally Grown Clothing Company
Get the smallest family members to sport hometown goods with this onesie. It’s microfashion at its best.
$24.95, The General Store
Laser-Cut Lake Minnetonka Photo Frame
Highlight your favorite family photo or showcase a picture of the great lake itself with a frame that pays homage to all our great communities. 4x6 frame, $29.95, The General Store
Rhoda’s Rock Hunt, by Molly Beth Griffin
Perfect for lake-loving kids, Rhoda’s Rock Hunt tells the tale of a little girl on the hunt for rocks in the North Woods. $16.95, Excelsior Bay Books
Pony or Fringe Handbags, Ili World
Bucket bags = hot-ticket fashion this season. $49 to $120, Ooh La La
Where to Shop:
Brightwater Clothing & Gear
256 Water St., Excelsior
952.474.0256
brightwater-excelsior.com
ekate designs + the orchard art house
369 George St., Excelsior
612.598.2098
ekatedesigns.com
EverGreene Jewelers
3500 CR-101 S., Minnetonka 952.473.7655
evergreenejewelers.com
Excelsior Bay Books
36 Water St., Excelsior
952.401.0932
excelsiorbaybooks.net
Excelsior Bay Clothing Company
952.465.9345
excelsiorbaycc.com
Fleurish
261 Water St., Excelsior
952.476.2296
fleurishllp.com
The General Store
14401 Minnesota 7, Minnetonka 952.935.2215
generalstoreofminnetonka.com
Leipold’s
239 Water St., Excelsior
952.474.5880
Ooh La La
274 Water St., Excelsior
952.474.174
