If perfectly cast, a supporting player can steal the show—just as thoughtfully culled accessories and accoutrements step out of an ensemble’s shadow to elicit appreciative nods and maybe even, “Where did you get that?” This year, our gift guide focuses on the big style impact of those supporting players: handbags, jewelry, scarves, sunglasses and more.
Many local merchants tailor their wares to reflect the Lake Minnetonka lifestyle and landscape, along with the purchasing penchants of residents. Gift stores through the area are poised with carefully edited collections. So what are you waiting for? Get shopping.
For Adults
Teenagers don’t have a lock on trends. There are tasteful ways for adults to dip their toes into the fashion pond, too, without soaking themselves too heavily in one particular look. Hats, jewelry, bags and scarves are staples for any ensemble, and switching them up from time to time can easily update anyone’s fashion statement.
BLANKET SCARF One scarf. At least six ways to wear it. It all adds up to Primp’s blanket scarves, which come in tweeds and carry the plaid craze in black/white, green/blue and red/black combinations, just to name a few. The versatile scarves are perfect for adding a bit of warmth to any ensemble. They’ll even take wearers into spring when outdoor temps can be fussy. $28. Primp
BUFFALO PLAID bag Let’s welcome an old friend back into the fold: buffalo plaid. It’s having a moment, from clothing to accessories, and it’s back in a big way in Duluth Pack’s classic red and black bag. It’s the perfect size for a seasonal shopping excursion, or even for packing a few stocking stuffers. $140. General Store of Minnetonka
TRAVEL COLLECTION Whether the outing is urban or rustic, Duluth’s Frost River collection is as timeless as it is functional. Made with waxed canvas, leather strapping (from a Red Wing tannery), and brass hardware, the collection is made to stand the test of time and travel. The roll-up Dopp kit serves as a minder for your man’s favorite grooming products, and the roll-top Growler tote is perfect for trekking to a gathering or into the wilderness. Larger pieces include the Skyline Roll Down, versatile enough for everyday use to carry wallet items, electronics, lunch and more—wherever your road takes you. $48–$114. Gear West
CHARM JEWELRY If your friend or loved one can’t be home for the holidays, send them a little Lake Minnetonka remembrance. Silver-tone necklaces by a local artist feature maps of the lake area made into dainty charms and Minnesota silhouettes. Gold-tone bracelets are adorned with half-dollar-size, “Lake Minnetonka”-stamped charms and mini anchors. $29–$34. Ooh La La
HEADGEAR Animal-print bucket hats made of 80 percent angora top off winter wear with a stylish nod. If your style is a little more demure, Amore & Fede features classic felt hats in black, gray and the color of the moment—burgundy. $25 and $29. Amore & Fede
PURSES, TOTES AND WALLETS Spartina 449 is making a move northward. While the brand has been around for a while, it’s gaining popularity on this side of the Mason-Dixon Line. It marries linen and leather to create clean and classic pieces. The Ellis Square is a dapper cross-hatch black-and-white pattern, featured on a variety of clutches and bags. Other selections in the season’s Passage to Savannah collection hit high style points with a gentle demeanor, befitting any true Southern or Northern lady. Tote $175; wallet $59. General Store of Minnetonka
SUN AND SKI GLASSES For the athletes on your list, Smith Optics offers polarized glasses that will carry through warm- and cold-weather activities and sports. “We really love carrying Smith because they stand behind their brand and have a lifetime warranty,” owner and buyer Robin McWethy says. The Chroma Pop lines enable wearers to observe greater definition and distinguish colors quickly and more vividly. Black Lookout $209; gold Nomad $269. Sun and Slope Clothing Outfitters
AGATE PENDANTS This earthy jewelry line covers the traditionalist and the unconventional woman on your list. Featuring stunning agates, some of the one-of-a-kind pendants spotlight a subdued look, while others unabashedly shout out their color and style. Regardless, customers can agree on one thing. “People like them for the color and the agate’s meaning of unconditional love,” buyer Jenny Putnam says. $24.95–$44.95. General Store of Minnetonka
WALLET BAND Perfect for the runner/walker, gardener, shopper, traveler and more, the HipS Sister, worn under or over pants or shorts, features a wrap-around waistband with a pouch for phones, and zippers in front and back that are handy for keys, cash and ID. Wider bands can handle larger items, including a passport. Flip reversible bands for a fresh look, going from day to evening. $29 and $35. Ooh La La
For Teens
Keep an eraser handy. Listing what’s in and what’s out in the world of preteens and teenagers can be a tricky proposition. Area retailers have a handle on lasting gifts for this age group, and many of them are trusted brands that have already stood the test of time and taste.
BOOTS Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery—even in the fashion world. Bamboo and Bella Marie offer black, red and pink boots in the style of a popular brand, without the top-ticket price. Paired with jeans or leggings, winter boots never looked so cute. $28–$36. Heartbreaker
BOOT CUFFS Combine a little leather and lace with Lace and Lemons boot cuffs, worn over low or high boots. Even last year’s boots will appreciate a fresh look for the holidays. Featuring faux buttons and lace toppers, the cuffs come in an assortment of colors and patterns, including this cozy black knit. $15. Amore & Fede
CREATE-YOUR-OWN LEATHER BAND BRACELET Teens like to make a statement, and they can with Jewel La La’s It’s a Snap black leather band bracelets, which include three snap bases that can be outfitted with multiple snap tops. Silver rings, with one snap base each, are available, too. Snaps come in jewel tones, bedazzled florals, initials and more. Band $13.50; ring $7.50; snaps $5.95 each. Bayside Floral and Gifts
HOODED SHAWL This isn’t your grandmother’s shawl. Tapping into the boho chic trend, Wonder Style offers a fresh take on the shawl, which can transform as quickly as a teen’s mood into three looks—shawl with a hoodie, shawl with a cowl neck, or unfolding to reveal a fringe-edge scarf. $19.95. Bayside Floral and Gifts
CARDIGAN SWEATER Ah, the cardigan sweater—the doyenne of the angora set and the leader of the preppy pack is surging ahead again with the relaxed “boyfriend” silhouette, well matched over tank tops or plaid shirts. This sweater incarnation is ready for another close-up. $18-$34. Heartbreaker
For Kids
Kids are becoming savvier in the accessory department. From backpacks loaded to the hilt with keychains to wrists ringed in the latest bracelet trend, kids not only know what they like, but they become collectors, squirreling away the next big thing until another trend visits the lunch table. This year’s gifts can be fun and practical.
GERD HAHN’S WORRY EATERS Uniquely cute, the Worry Eaters, based on a German television series, double as a cuddle toy and problem solver, encouraging kids to write, scribble or draw their troubles on paper and toss them away into a Worry Eater’s zip mouth. $15.95–$22.95. General Store of Minnetonka
MINNETONKA MOCCASINS “What’s old is new again,” says Jenny Putnam, buyer at the General Store of Minnetonka. This classic footwear is answering the call for the latest fashion. “The overwhelming trend is fringe,” she says. While the moccasins come in all sizes (baby on up) and colors, our favorite glittery and pink-fringed versions will coax a smile out of any kiddo (or parent) who loves a classic item with an on-trend style. $21.95–$99.95. General Store of Minnetonka
JEAN TATS Rub on, make a fashion statement, and wash off. From Peaceable Kingdom come washable fabric tattoos. Coming in sheets of a dozen or more, like stickers, the tattoos feature jean jewelry, glow-in-the-dark bugs and other designs. Kids will have a great time creating their own look. (If parents don’t like it, toss it in the wash!) $2.95. Creative Kidstuff
REFLECTORS Firefly reflectors might just bump keychains off the hot list. Kids can collect the reflectors—in designs like cupcakes, burgers, hedgehogs, rainbows, squirrels, tassels and more—to hang on backpacks, sport bags, bikes, scooters … or themselves. Made from 3M Scotchlite reflective material, the accessories are already a hit across the pond. $7.99. Creative Kidstuff
TEETHING NECKLACES Here’s a win-win gift. Mom wears a beaded necklace made of silicone, and baby can teethe away on it, all while Mom stays stylish and unconcerned about baby’s safety. Coming in a variety of jewel-tone and neutral colors, the necklaces feature uniform beaded styles and chunkier gem-shaped pieces. $29.95–$39.95. Oh Baby!
TEETHING PENDANT Bumpkins offers Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman teething pendants for babies and toddlers; these are also beloved by parents of older children with special needs. The non-clinical-looking pendants, with fun style and practical function, are made of food-grade silicone and are hand-washable. $12.99. Creative Kidstuff
For Pets
Sometimes the best accessory is a well-styled pooch or kitty. From collars to coats, pets can preen in style. The feline set might be a bit more persnickety about ensembles, so buyer beware! “You can accessorize with things you actually need, especially in the winter, with jackets and socks,” Chuck and Don’s team member Jake Pfaff says.
COLLARS AND LEASHES Stunt Puppy, designed in Minnesota and made in the U.S., offers solid and print products. Leashes and collars are made from durable materials, including the DryCollar line—made from a tech fabric used in firefighting and rescue gear that’s waterproof, reflective at night and oh-so-sturdy. Pop in a leash in a matching color, and get the pets on your list color-coordinated. $17.99–$42.99. Chuck and Don’s
ANTI-SLIP SOCKS Pawks from R.C. Pet Products give a little style while providing pets with extra traction, paw protection and scratch prevention. The socks come in a wide assortment of colors and patterns, and fit sizes extra-small to extra-large. $10.99. Chuck and Don’s
SPORT JERSEYS Be ready. Just in case the Minnesota Vikings or the Green Bay Packers make it into post-season play, pets want to be a part of the party. Suit them up with their own team jersey. $24.99. Chuck and Don’s
GIFT BOX For the dog or cat who has everything, consider a carefully curated crate of goodies from Chuck and Don’s. Holiday gift boxes are packaged prettily with seasonal toys, treats and more. $19.99–$25.99, online only at chuckanddons.com.
// Shops //
General Store of Minnetonka
Chuck and Don’s
Oh Baby!
Sun and Slope Clothing Outfitters
Creative Kidstuff
Primp
Gear West
Ooh La La
House of Amore & Fede
Heartbreaker
Bayside Floral and Gifts
