Jen Gilhoi reached out to me after reading about Radar in Metro Magazine. She found our energy for the Twin Cities to be a match, so perfect that our names are too. Anyway, Jen is a busy Mom of two and her passion for our cities is reflective in the activities she chooses for her family. And she blogs about it too: Edamomie. So I said, "please feel free to share your local mom perspective with my followers", since many of you are parents. So here's another, "JenOnTheRadar" with her local MomPOV...
"Rather than buying gifts to give on your kids’ behalf, why not let them be part of creating or selecting the right gift for the right person?
Head to the 50th and France area in Minneapolis for handmade, creative, quality gifting ideas that make for a fun activity for the creators and a special gift for the receivers.
Paint Your Plate has options from coffee mugs and serving plates to flower pots and incense holders. We selected a large teapot, and while it was $45, the activity kept me and both kids busy for 1.5hours. All the paint, firing in the kiln and supplies are included and the overview of techniques – stenciling, splatter, brush, polka-dots – were easy to understand. They have special evening deals - Wednesday is kids night and Friday is date night. Be ware the 7-10 day lead time and make your masterpiece by December 15 to be sure your gift is ready in time for Christmas.
The Bead Monkey allows children to create their own handmade gifts – this option comes without the mess! Choose different sizes and colors that represent ideas they have about the gift recipient. The bracelet I received years ago (created at The Bead Monkey) was totally mismatched color-wise, but I wear it, love it and get compliments on it frequently. Bonus - it goes with everything.
Sur La Table, on the SW corner of 50th and France, has smaller – yet quality – products to make for unique, inexpensive gifts. Much of the functionality of these little gems like the Microplane Herb Mill for $24 and the 3-piece bamboo cutting board set on sale for $19, make daily life more simple and aesthetically pleasing. Also let your little ones pick out gifts with personality like aprons, napkins, magnets and more. These can be paired with homemade baked goods too for a thoughtful, part-homemade gift.
50th and France has Thursday night store hours on December 16 and 23 until 8:00p.m. On Saturdays in December from 1:00-3:00p.m., enjoy reindeer sleigh rides and carolers while you shop. All inspiration to shop local, feed the reindeer and get crafty this holiday season at 50th and France. http://www.50thandfrance.com/"
"Rather than buying gifts to give on your kids’ behalf, why not let them be part of creating or selecting the right gift for the right person?
Head to the 50th and France area in Minneapolis for handmade, creative, quality gifting ideas that make for a fun activity for the creators and a special gift for the receivers.
Paint Your Plate has options from coffee mugs and serving plates to flower pots and incense holders. We selected a large teapot, and while it was $45, the activity kept me and both kids busy for 1.5hours. All the paint, firing in the kiln and supplies are included and the overview of techniques – stenciling, splatter, brush, polka-dots – were easy to understand. They have special evening deals - Wednesday is kids night and Friday is date night. Be ware the 7-10 day lead time and make your masterpiece by December 15 to be sure your gift is ready in time for Christmas.
The Bead Monkey allows children to create their own handmade gifts – this option comes without the mess! Choose different sizes and colors that represent ideas they have about the gift recipient. The bracelet I received years ago (created at The Bead Monkey) was totally mismatched color-wise, but I wear it, love it and get compliments on it frequently. Bonus - it goes with everything.
Sur La Table, on the SW corner of 50th and France, has smaller – yet quality – products to make for unique, inexpensive gifts. Much of the functionality of these little gems like the Microplane Herb Mill for $24 and the 3-piece bamboo cutting board set on sale for $19, make daily life more simple and aesthetically pleasing. Also let your little ones pick out gifts with personality like aprons, napkins, magnets and more. These can be paired with homemade baked goods too for a thoughtful, part-homemade gift.
50th and France has Thursday night store hours on December 16 and 23 until 8:00p.m. On Saturdays in December from 1:00-3:00p.m., enjoy reindeer sleigh rides and carolers while you shop. All inspiration to shop local, feed the reindeer and get crafty this holiday season at 50th and France. http://www.50thandfrance.com/"
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