CFG’s Favorite Things

Tis the season for gifts and giving. We’ve rounded up a few of the gifts we’re giving- or would love to get.


The luxury lover

Makwa Studios explores the intersection of owner Maggie Thompson’s Ojibwe heritage and her fine arts training as a fiber artist. Her locally made Feather Cowls are a luxurious representation of her work. (Buy it local from Makwa Studios.)

Clare V is a local girl made good- and we love her stylish fanny packs.

Do you love scents, or know someone who does? Olfactif sends a monthly subscription of hard to find scents made from independent perfumers.

A facial is always appreciated, especially the thoughtful ones from Shayla Boger. (Buy it local from Shayla Boger’s website.)

While waiting for Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Minneapolis to be completed, we’re giving ourselves a taste of luxury with their exclusive candles.

For the make up lover, Babe Lash is the perfect gift to help create a strong, healthy foundation of lashes.

Taking time to learn is the ultimate luxury. We stretch our brains with French classes from The Coucou Method. (Buy classes local from Coucou Minneapolis.)

 
 

the consummate host

We love Chef Gavin Kaysen’s at home cooking classes, both as a cozy date night activity and as a way to really wow at your next dinner party. (Buy it local from the GK at Home website.)

Or not interested in cooking, but still want to make a splash? Jamie Malone’s Paris Dining Club will wow your guests and your tastebuds. (Buy it local from the Paris Dining Club website.)

Mimi Thorrison is a sensation on French TV. Her newest cookbook Old World Italian is full of wanderlust and exquisite dishes. (Buy it local from Magers and Quinn.)

The handmade, carbon steel Pallares Solsona knives are beautiful- and keep an incredibly sharp edge. (Buy it local from Flotsam and Fork.)

It’s always appropriate to start the party with a cocktail- especially in these handblown cocktail glasses.

The details matter, which is one reason we love this Le Creuset olive oil cruet.

 

The nature lover

Patagonia has long been committed to the outdoors, and they’re renewing their committment to sustainability. Their new WornWear by Patagonia initiative reworks used pieces into new, one of a kind garments like this re-crafted down jacket.

Know a serious coffee snob who loves to camp, or a serious camper who loves coffee? Both will appreciate a hand turn coffee grinder.

Stylish and sensible, Goodr sunglasses are great for any outdoors activity. And we love the wacky names (like Sunbathing with Wizards, pictured, or Flamingos on a Booze Cruise, not pictured).

You may not wish to visit remote eastern Russian forests, but the true story of a man who attempts to locate and help conserve the world’s largest owl might change your mind. (Buy it local from Magers and Quinn.)

A sauna is a perfect thing. A Nordic sauna experience at Sisu + Löyly in Grand Marais, directly on the shore of Lake Superior is something better than perfect.

 

The young ones

Young kids can create their own orchestra with the light up Symphony in B.

For the slightly older music lover, the Loog Mini Guitar has an accompanying app to teach kids to play songs from the start. (Buy it local from Pacifier.)

This sweet handmade wool bear would be the perfect addition to a new nursery. (Buy it local from The Foundry.)

The classic book “On the Day You Were Born” lets kids know just how special they are, and how miraculous our world is. (Buy it local from Pacifier.)

All artists need a place to work, and we love this double sided tabletop easel.

Cat Stevens’ iconic song “Peace Train” has been turned into a charming picture book. Kids will also love the accompanying video. (Buy it local from Magers and Quinn.)

Game nights are a great way to bond with older kids. Ticket to Ride is a fantastic family game, easy enough for grade school aged kids to get, and challenging enough for adults to enjoy.

 

the Homebody

Tea at the Plaza Hotel’s Palm Court is a beloved holiday tradition. If going to New York isn’t in the cards, enjoying a pot of Palm Court Black tea blend is the next best thing.

These locally made earrings from Naturally Knotty have a chill, bohemian vibe from the macramé. (Buy them local at The Greenery.)

It’s always a good time to represent Minneapolis’s spectacular music legacy, especially when they look as good as this First Avenue t-shirt. (Buy it local from the First Ave Shop.)

A percussive massage gun is great for athletes, or anyone who is notorious for always needing a shoulder rub.

The dumplings from Saturday Dumpling Club are dangerously crave-able. Their small team starts selling them every Wednesday for Saturday pickup until they’re out, so keep an eye out! (Buy it local from the Saturday Dumpling Club website.)

The key rule of staying home is comfort, and the most underrated way to get cozy is by always keeping around a great pair of socks. (Buy them local from Parc Boutique.)

Great snacks are always a fantastic treat. We love local business Minny and Paul’s Merry and Bright box for its delicious contents. (Buy it local from Minny and Paul.)

And for the person who’s coffee is never hot enough, the Ember Travel Mug keeps it at their dream drinking temperature.