Need a gift? Here's more that your average options...

I just had brunch with a friend who happens to be a working mother of two. So she's clearly busy. She mentioned a recent errand that required shopping for a gift. She expressed mild frustration that beyond the expected local small chain of gift stores, there's just not many options.
I sympathized with her. And then realized no working mother of two would have the time to buzz about the city, looking left and right for the next store, restaurant, art gallery, etc like I do with fervor. So I shared one store that I know would bring her some relief and success in her next gift shopping mission. Corazon, Mpls Warehouse District (Washington at 2nd Ave N) store hours: Mon-Sat 9:30am - 7:30pm / Sun 10am - 3pm Phone 612.333.1662. Mpls Longfellow (Lake and West River Pkwy) store hours: Mon-Sat 10am - 8pm / Sun 11am - 5pm Phone 612.276.0198. A former Patina employee opened this must-needed DT spot which is more that just a store. Local art for sale fill the walls and rotates constantly. Each rotation brings show openings, complemented with wine & hors d'oeuvres. I have an appreciation for stores that go beyond retail and make shopping entertaining and inviting.
Driving away from brunch I continued to think of other options for this busy friend as well as others in this predicament. So here's a list of options that you may not find on the beaten track of town:
Gallery 360, 3011 W 50th St, 612-925-2400 Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Thurs til 8pm, Sun 12pm-5pm. This store's emphasis is on locally made merchandise. Many of which are kicked-off with show openings with, yep, ditto on the wine and hors d'oeuvres. You will find clothing, hats, scarves, jewelry, art, cards, soaps, pottery as well as some imported items. Very few expected offerings.
My recent blog mention, Letterbox, 2741 Hennepin Ave, 612-870-4529, T-F 11am-8pm; Sat&Sun - 12pm-6pm. Closed Mondays. Beyond the best card selection in town, Letterbox offers beautiful stationery, books, serving platters/bowl sets (I have a few, since NO ONE else carries these styles), candles and pens. And again, there is a parking lot, which is a plus in the city!
For the ultra-urbanite, Electric Fetus, 2000 4th Ave. S, (612) 870-9300. M-F 9am - 9pm, Sat 9am - 8pm, Sun 11am - 6pm. Besides having the best CD-buying experience ever, there are actually some unique gift choices, but again it's urban, nothing for Grandma in here. Items range from jewelry, clothing, purses, hats, scarves, kitchy stuff, retro candy, books, bags and rock posters.
For the overly organized man or woman on your list with demanding style, Russell+Hazel, 44th & France Ave (4388 France Ave S) 952 929 9000. Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, 10am - 6pm, Tues and Thurs, 10am - 7pm, Sundays, noon - 5pm. This Mpls company was the brainchild of 2 former Target buyers. R+H's "work/style" products are found all over the country as well as in the UK, Canada, Greece and Japan. And we are lucky to have their Flagship store right here in Edina!
And don't forget the artsy museum store, there are the obvious - The Walker Art Center Gift Shop, The Weisman Art Musuem Gift Shop. But please also consider the non-profit option with hand-made with care wares, Soo Visual Arts Gallery, 2640 Lyndale Ave S Mineapolis, MN 55408 | 612.871.2263. Wed 12pm-6pm, Thurs 12pm-8pm, Fri 12pm-5pm & Sat 12pm-4pm or by appointment.
Still at a loss? Shoot me an email, I will steer you straight!