As I write this, I am realizing there are only twelve shopping days left until Christmas. YIKES, Yes, I am somewhat panicking. I have a tremendous amount of shopping left to do. I was having writer’s block this week without a pre-conceived “F” word to speak about. By week’s end, I decided to simply set out on a small shopping excursion and Find some items I could showcase as holiday gift ideas. I decided to visit the Galleria in Edina. I like many of the shops there and additionally I Find it very easy to navigate. I have picked out 15 particular Favorite shops within the Galleria (a few local only shops but many are “chains” so that anyone anywhere could purchase in store or perhaps on-line).

In keeping with my “F” word theme, I tried to even highlight some potential gifts starting with the “F” word too. Here are a few gift ideas starting with the letter “F”:

FOOD items, Frames, Fragrances, Footwear, “Four Eyes” (glasses), Faux Fur and Finery!!! This weeks post is mostly pictorial with coinciding comments.

So here goes with my 15 Favorite Stores in the Galleria:

1. Pumpz-Fabulous Footwear for the Fashionista in your life


Love these little plaid boots

Is spring around the corner? We can dream here in Minnesota. They look like Miu Miu but happen to be Michael Kors. Not inexpensive but blingy and tempting (I think).

Boots

And more boots…

Lots of nice brands

“Four Eyes” are always a good gift suggestion for us in the over forty crowd!

“F-one” covers available there too

A few F-enomenal accessory pieces/Finery there as well. Yes, that is Chanel and Hermes in the case…DROOL!

2. L’Occitane-Wonderful Fragrances

3. Oh Baby-Generally FABULOUS-For the person having a baby, with young kids or those who are becoming or are grandparents already. (So hard to believe many of my contemporaries are in this phase of life already). EVERYTHING in this store is too precious for words in my opinion.


The Tutus are my favorite…Too CUTE!







Look at this darling little shoe collection.

The little Uggs are irresistible!
What a happy store…I obviously love the merchandise!

4. Arafina
Not so much merchandise there ( as a result of upcoming move). I did not take any photos but wanted to highlight that the store is 30% off right now as they are moving and re-opening in February to the North Loop area in Minneapolis. Sure to be equally, if not more, popular in their new venue!!!

5. LuLu Lemon-For your Fashionable athlete

6. Starbucks

Who couldn’t use a Starbucks Gift Card? Stocking stuffer no brainer..

7. Barnes and Noble

Again, who wouldn’t love a gift card here?

8. Ampersand
I LOVE this store so much. The owner, Barbara Armajani is quoted as saying: “If you like one thing at Ampersand, you like it all!” This is “spot on” for me! I will just highlight a few of my own Ampersand Favorites today. I could do an entire blog on this store alone.


I can’t seem to get enough of these glittery reindeer around the holiday season…For the dinner table, for holiday accessory pieces, wonderful gifts (I think) too!


FRAGRANCES-Both candles and Home perfume



(This is my FAVORITE for my home office-smells like the ocean…Mmmmm)

This is another Favorite scent of mine

I love Molten Brown products too!

The displays are so well done.

Peppermint Soap for the season. In the case is locally made organic lipsticks. They are so luxurious. I have given these as gifts a few times.

I love this soap!

Yes, there are some things in this store for men too. Great stocking stuffer items!

They always have a plethora of John Derian merchandise here-whymsical and functional

Beautiful Dishes and serving pieces

A lovely assortment of Frames

Christmas Decorations abound



Faribault Throws-(Note nod to another “F” Find ;)).

9. Melly
My Favorite Preppy Store in Minnesota. I know the owner and I have enjoyed years of shopping here. I wanted to point out several great FINDS from this shop:


Cute, small, zip pouches

Simple, white, wrinkle free blouse (One can never own too many in my opinion). Check out the pretty details on cuff and collar.


(I think I need to go back and buy one??? Thinking about it.)


THIS is one of my best seasonal FINDS! Little Lilly Puffer Vest-$198. Not so practical for -30 in Minnesota in January but a great vest for many months of the year here and for a few months even in sunny California for chilly days and evenings.

Hmmmmm….I wonder who is getting this as a gift in my Family?


More lilly accessories and Lilly F-one cases

10.Kate Spade

11.Tiffany-So “Santa Baby” I couldn’t leave them out


Tiffany Tree-Tiffany Blue is one of my favorite colors!

12.Louis Vuitton-For your Uber Elegant Friend or Family member



(Love the window display)

13.Papyrus (Paper Store)
I had to add this as I think it’s a favored place to buy paper, cards and has wonderful other small gift items.

14.Restoration Hardware

More Frames-Good ones


Some great GUY stocking stuffer stuff!


Cashmere scarves

I really liked these stark lit trees-they made the space warmer and I could see how these lit trees would be appropriate into January and February in the midwest. I liked both types they had on display. I thought the larger birch-like one was even more interesting.


Love the “Winter Wonderland” name too!

And last but certainly not least, I’m highlighting a combination of stores owned by the same company. It’s Williams Sonoma and the 3 Pottery Barns (the regular store, kids and teens). I am particularly partial to them as they are BIG St. Jude supporters. They participate in the St. Jude Thanks and Giving program and I once spoke at their national marketing sales meeting with my daughter and told our St. Jude story. If my phone battery hadn’t died while in the regular Pottery Barn store, I would have taken even more pictures…(Probably a sign I needed to be done shopping for the day).


FOOD Stuff from William’s Sonoma Store


Flannel Sheets from the Kids Store-Holiday ones no less.


Teen Pottery Barn

There were so many things I thought were great gifts within the main Pottery Barn Store


More photo Frames


Monogrammed Festive small votives

For your drink loving Friends and Family-an assortment of barware and accoutrements




Faux Fur Throws

For your card playing Friends and Family


I loved these crystal looking trees too for ornamentation

SENDING YOU ALL MUCH PEACE and Good Cheer this next week while continuing getting ready for the holiday season.

On my way out, I stopped at “Big Bowl” for take-out dinner. I got home and opened my Fortune cookies. I thought they were perfectly timed for the day:

Have an abundance of FUN shopping and please let me know if you Found any of these suggestions helpful or if you have suggestions for me. I have a Feeling I’m going to be very busy for the next 12 days!!!