Your guide to gifting local

Shop small/local/family/women/custom/unique. Complete your gifting list with these small Lake Minnetonka area businesses. Gifts from these shops will score you that nod of approval from your bro, a hug from your mother-in-law, and a squeal from the littlest of your giftees. Plus, you're guaranteed to find a few items to add to your own wish list.

The easiest and most fun gift to give, I think, is a hostess gift! That unexpected little something that brightens their day and makes all their hard work, preparing the perfect gathering, that much more rewarding. And these flavored marshmallows (perfectly shaped for topping your mug of hot cocoa, with or without a splash of Baileys) are a fun and unique option from Burnt Sugar. They come in packs of 3, and in delicious flavors like Vanilla Seafoam, Raspberry Chocolate, and New York Mint.

Hostess gift Burnt Sugar Confectionery, Chanhassen Treat your host to whimsical sweets! Including caramels, toffee, torrone, meringues, macarons and more. This one woman shop clearly cares just as much about the presentation as the taste. *catering & custom orders are welcome

Gifts she’ll smile about

MEND Jewelry, Wayzata Dainty necklaces & earrings featuring natural gemstone & crystals. These gorgeous pieces upgrade any outfit. *all items are under $75

Excelsior Candle Co., Excelsior Hand poured small batch, soy wax candles. Best Scent: Citrine Amber Most Appealing: Rose Quartz Seasonal Favorite: Twisted Peppermint. *renewable, biodegradable, recyclable, reusable and lead-free

His new favorite gifts

Ace General Store, Excelsior He'll feel like a man while looking like a gentleman in a leather belt handmade locally. *one stop shop for men (and their beards)

B+D Custom Crafts, Chaska Hand crafted wood décor perfect for his office, den or man-cave. *family & women owned

Kids gifts

Pil & Pal, Excelsior Adorable attire for the littles in your life, with fabrics as stylish as they are comfortable (you'll wish their apparel came in your size).

Oscar & Olivia, Chanhassen Hair accessories for all occasions. Even delicate headband bows for newborns. *custom orders available

Something Safari, Excelsior Located in the Excelsior Mill on Water Street, you'll find toys, toys, toys and more toys. And if for some reason they don’t have “the one” you're searching for, they’ll get it for you. *woman owned

Gift an experience

Root of Life Massage, Victoria Gift them mind and body relief, with a massage incorporating conventional & alternative therapies at this hidden sanctuary. * craniosacral therapy

Bella On The Bay, Excelsior Your gift recipient will walk in to serene full service pampering, and walk out refreshed. *community supporter

MN Landscape Arboretum, Chaska A membership to breathe in all the beauty of nature any time of year, plus free entry to special events throughout the seasons.

Victoria Burrow, Victoria Something for everyone, from axe throwing to indoor mini golf, virtual reality, live music, arcade games, beer, and street-food inspired eats. *craft cocktails

Gift Card Giver

Joey Nova’s, Tonka Bay The best NY Style Pizza (and pasta, sandwiches, beer & wine). *eat in, and the kids can play with real dough while awaiting their meal (just ask)

General Store of Minnetonka, Minnetonka Clothes from fashion forward to locally inspired. Décor for every season & style. And a toy selection unlike others. *family owned

Ooh La La, Excelsior Filled wall to wall with all those items you really want but rarely ever get for yourself. *fun selection of Minnetonka Skippers gear

Bargain gifter

Gathered Goods Co., Tonka Bay This amazing boutique has decided to close it's doors at year end. *RUN! HUGE DISCOUNTS!

Gifting yourself

Willa June, Victoria A boutique that keeps comfort in mind while staying on trend. You'll find the best quality (and most complimentary colors) of women’s clothing and homeware. *curated with brands that give back

Share this post and follow @ThatKara on Instagram to be entered to win a gift box including an item from this list! Giveaway winner will be picked at random and announced December 15th.

Happy shopping, and more importantly happy giving.

#shopsmall #shoplocal #familyowned #mnmade #momtreprenuer #localforce #lakeminnetonka #womenowned #womanowned