Your Holiday Shopping Cheat Sheet

By Alicia Underlee Nelson

So you’re in a panic because you haven’t finished (or, ahem, even started) your holiday shopping yet? No worries. Here’s your holiday shopping cheat sheet, cleverly arranged by gift recipient, so you can grab your list, hit the shops (they’re all in Fargo, just to keep it simple) and get out fast.

You’re welcome.

For Foodies

A visit to Sweet Dreams Confections (4101 13th Avenue South)will satisfy a sweet tooth. Look for rich, homemade fudge, pretty handmade truffles, saltwater taffy and seasonal holiday favorites like fresh lefse and sugary rosette cookies in an old-fashioned candy store atmosphere.

Luna Fargo, located on 1545 University Drive South, offers a totally different (but no less decadent) indulgence -- a particularly tempting cheese tray. With a budget of $8 per serving, you can tempt them with a range of creamy, nutty and zesty cheeses, crisp crackers, briny olives and fruit. You might still have enough money left over to throw in some fair trade organic coffee.

For the Fashionista

Clothing is tricky (she’s picky) and guessing her size is potential minefield, so stick with accessories and eye-catching accents instead. Stock up on cozy scarves and cute knit hats at Lot 2029 (612 Main Avenue) and then head next door to 610 Main Avenue and ask the ladies at Kittsona to help you choose some bold statement jewelry. Tuck in a hand-dyed clutch and some lip balm from Proper & Prim (315 Broadway North) and let her mix and match everything however she chooses. Her eye is better than yours anyway.

For the Host with the Most

Stop into Pinch and Pour (210 Broadway North)for a huge range of artisan balsamic vinegars and flavorful olive oils. They’re tasty on their own (yes, really – you can even sample them) and they make pretty and practical gifts that cooks and hosts will love.

For a something a little stronger, skip the bottle of wine (so expected) and grab a growler of craft beer from a local brewery instead. The staff at Drekker Brewing Company (630 1st Avenue North), Fargo Brewing Company (610 University Drive North) and Kilstone Brewing (764 34th Street North) can offer suggestions based on your host’s preferences. And going directly to the taproom means you can give a gift that might not ever be available in stores.

For the Dapper Dude

Go beyond a basic dress shirt with a bold button-up from Halberstadt’s on Broadway (102 Broadway North). The shop stocks lots fun patterns and a wide range of colors and the consultants can help you put a look together in a snap. Or treat him to elevated basics from Fowlers Heritage Company (210 Broadway North). Look for super soft T-shirts, snazzy socks and handmade leather goods from Leather Works Minnesota.

For The Homebody

Give little luxuries like sweet smelling, long burning candles and a soft and cozy wrap from Shannalee (313 Broadway North). Or help make their home a haven with an elegant Lampe Berger Paris fragrance diffuser an array of exotic scents from O’Day Cache (317 Broadway North).

Then pop into Zandbroz Variety at 420 Broadway North to browse lovely coffee table books, inspiring fiction and intriguing non-fiction titles, including many by local and regional authors. You’re bound to find something that they’ll love.

For the Socially Conscious

Passionate recyclers will love the handmade ties, cuff links, scarves and headbands from Aendee. Everything in the little shop, located at 5 8th Street South, is made from cast off shirts and fabric remnants to minimize waste and give the wearer a totally unique look.

Those who are moved by humanitarian causes will be happy to see that you shopped at Others on 18 8th Street South. Everything in the shop supports job creation, education and public health initiatives through fair trade, ethical shopping. And the selection of clothing, jewelry, home décor and accessories means shopping is easy for you.

For the Creative

Help their imagination run wild with paints, pastels, colored pencils and more from Art Materials on 300 North Broadway. The shop stocks an inspiring selection of sketchbooks and artful notebooks as well. Or get even more hands-on with a studio class at The Katherine Kilbourne Burgum Center for Creativity at the Plains Art Museum. Choose from ceramics, screen printing, rock cutting and more. Classes are available for youth and adults ages 16 and up. Register at plainsart.org or call 701-551-6100.

Alicia Underlee Nelson is a local freelance writer and photographer who is more than a little obsessed with shopping local and shopping small. You can read about more of her favorite spots at prairiestylefile.com.