If you could choose your shopping trip, would you pick
Option A
 |
| The almighty megamall |
Or Option B?
 |
| Textile Center, Minneapolis |
Perhaps I should rephrase: If you are a Minneapolitan, and it’s the crazy holiday season, where would you do your Thursday night shopping? Option B? Me too, usually. I had unfortunate cause to absolutely have to go to MOA, so I decided to do it tonight instead of on the weekend (perhaps worse than the State Fair this time of year). I coped with some Cinnamon Tea. Thanks Caribou gift card from last Christmas…
With all of the Christmas cheer and good intentions in the world, going to a packed mall and fighting for deals can make anyone into Ebenezer Scrooge. So why would one put themselves through that when there are so many pleasant shopping experiences as an alternative? This month, I’ll highlight a few unique places in the metro area for those looking for unique gifts, local flavor, and a shopping experience you might even (gasp) enjoy! (this coming from a total non-shopper).
Up at bat here is the Textile Center, located at 3000 University Avenue SE, Minneapolis MN 55414. I discovered this place a few years ago, and keep returning for various reasons. The Textile Center wears many hats (click name above to view webpage) : gallery, library, workshop, classroom, gift shop, and more. They also frequently host special events and special sales, which I HIGHLY recommend attending (but you can occasionally expect that others will have heard of these events too- so plan for a popular place on these days!).
So what can one expect if gift shopping at the Textile Center? I’ve seen beautiful felted ornaments, handmade mittens/hats/outerwear, clothing, unique jewelry, handbags that would surely elicit comments from strangers (we all have a few of these accessories or items of clothing, and know how good it feels!) It’s pretty cool to see folks doing fiber work in one studio, and right next door buy something beautiful made of that very same material. There is a wide variety of special things to make someone’s day on Christmas (or any day, really… if anyone wants to buy me a gift from here because it’s, say, a Tuesday? I would not object…).
I don’t work for the Textile Center, nor have any affiliation with them (and this goes for the other sites I will be covering over the month), I just like to share what I like. Anyone who knows me knows how much I like certain things and want to shout it from the rooftops (ahem, Skechers, Good Earth tea- maybe you should pay me for all of my years of word of mouth advertising). So if you want to check it out, here’s the info:
So, I’m not saying I don’t buy people presents at the mall. I just want to give people ideas who might not want to buy every little present for every person from some Brand Name catalog.
So here’s to “happy shopping” this season (if you dare) and stay tuned for more fun places around the Twin Cities (and beyond).
Cheerio!
Meri
Like this post? It’s part of a series! (click to view)
Decisions, Decisions (this post)
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