BY RYAN BRISCOE AND ANN CUMMINS
Copy Editor and Guest Writer
Finding the perfect Christmas gift does not have to involve horrible mall traffic or long lines—downtown Winona has a lot to offer the college shopper. We reviewed five shops in town that may help you find the gift you are looking for!
First Stop: The Book Shelf
Connected to the Blue Heron Coffeehouse on 2nd Street, we thought the Book Shelf was easy to find and get to. In fact, we discovered that parking downtown was a cinch — it was much easier than trying to navigate mall traffic in Rochester or the Twin Cities this time of year. The Book Shelf deals new and gently used books. They have an eccentric collection, so it’s probably not worth the trip if you are looking for something specific. However, they had a great deal of books by local Winona authors, and they even have Chris Kendall’s, vice president of student development, CDs: What We Leave Behind and Let’s Take a Walk ($12). The Book Shelf also carries nice reading accessories such as book covers or bookmarks: the perfect gift for a bookworm. The downside to this shop was it seemed a little pricey. Perhaps the most surprising thing about this store: It had some very unique children’s toys and gifts. If you need the perfect gift for a niece, nephew or godchild, then check this shop out!
Second Stop: Pieces of the Past
As we walked into this antique shop on 2nd Street across from the Acoustic Café, we immediately felt like we were at Grandma’s house. If your mother, aunt or grandmother enjoys antiques or rustic items, then this is the place. Stuffed full of collectibles, soaps, candles and decorations, this store has a great deal of merchandise for those who like country/home-style décor.We thought some of the best things this shop, (which was generally inexpensive by the way) included custom birdhouses ($19.95-29.95) and 5x18 decorative signs with slogans like “Dinner Choices: 1) take it 2) leave it” or “The best antiques are old friends” ($12.95-16.95). This shop’s fatal flaw for the small-town shopper: There is not a wide variety of merchandise.
Third Stop: Magnolia’s
Compared to the rustic feeling of Pieces of the Past, we foundMagnolia’s to be quite bright and cheery. A cozy little boutique on 4th Street next to Beano’s, Magnolia’s specializes in those exotic knick-knacks mothers and godmothers seem to love.Among a plethora of Christmas ornaments, local art and other giftshop merchandise, we found the famousWinona mittens ($10.99). These mittens, made by workers at the Occupational Rehabilitation Center (ORC), are apparently a big seller all over the U.S., according to storeowner Linda Dennis. “This is the first year that I have had the mittens in stock after Thanksgiving,” Dennis said. “Usually the ORC can’t keep up with demands.” Dennis believes the warm weather has affected mitten sales. They were among the nicest mittens we had ever seen and at bargain price, too.
Fourth Stop: Pretty Things on Third
Joined to Blooming Grounds Coffeehouse, Pretty Things on Third is the perfect place to shop for your sister. Full of necklaces, scarves, watches, sunglasses and earrings, it seems any girl would be happy to receive a gift from this shop. Prices were extremely reasonable here, and many things are on sale—necklaces and watches are 20 percent off! Pretty Things also has a funny little display full of ‘self hurt’ books ($9.95) on topics like getting fat and driving recklessly — which might be the perfect gift for that weird uncle. This shop has little, though, for men or women who are unconcerned with fashion.
Last Stop: The General Store
After seeing more than our fair share of scented candles and potpourri displays, we really needed a shop that would have that perfect gift for Dad. The General Store is packed full of shoes, hunting accessories and winter-weather necessities. This store is not full of pretty displays, nor does it have spectacular deals, but it is sure to contain the right thing for Dad. Consider a pair of phenomenally-comfortable – “Acorn” brand slippers ($29.95) or maybe even a classic fur-lined hat with ear flaps ($17.50). This shop does have one thing you cannot go wrong with: the SMU hoodie ($24.95).
No comments:
Post a Comment