I am consistently a last-minute Christmas shopper. Even with the best of intentions, it creeps up on me. Every year. The upside of this situation is that I have formed a hit list of local shops offering products guaranteed to deliver the perfect unique gift.

I know I am not the only one. So, for my fellow procrastinators, here is some inspiration:

My three go-tos are:

The Walker Shop
1750 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis
This is always my first stop for a gift for my husband and I usually walk out of there with a couple of books on architecture. At the same time, I’m almost always able to check off two or three more gifts on my list. Like this adorable Alphabeasties pillow for my friend’s daughter. With a modern and eclectic collection of home goods, artisan jewelry, and an awesome selection of books, you can’t go wrong.

Alphabeasties Pillow - The Walker

i like you
501 1st Ave NE, Minneapolis
This shop showcases the works of local and independent artisans. Their tagline sums up their offering perfectly, “small things for a prettier life.” From magnets to infant t’s, to handbags and jewelry (many with a local flare) you’re sure to find something.

Gallery360
3011 West 50th Street, Minneapolis
(at 50th & Xerxes)
Featuring art, jewelry, clothing and hand-made gifts, I never leave this shop without a lil’ something for myself (which in truth is probably why it is one of my favorite go-to gift venues). Case in point, see pic of leather necklace below.

Inz & DeMerit Two Tone Leather Fringe Necklace - Gallery360

I also asked my fellow ponies for their go-to local holiday gift sources and here is what they had to say:

Penco
718 Washington Ave. North, Minneapolis
Don’t buy more battery-operated plastic junk for your little nieces and nephews. Instead, stop in this great art supplies store and pick out some stuff to spark a kid’s creativity.

Heimie’s Haberdashery
400 St. Peter, St. Paul
Duck into this old-school men’s clothing shop and you’ll come out with something great for dad/brother/boyfriend. Great clothing selection … and tons of accessories (leather gloves, shaving materials, etc.)

Sunny Sky Asian Antiques & Gifts
760 Grand Ave., St. Paul
This little shop near the Wild Onion is worth a stop. Perhaps your mother would love a beautiful new tea set.

The Golden Fig
790 Grand Ave., St. Paul
The Golden Fig in St. Paul is a great little shop that features all sorts of local goods, from fresh cheeses to Joia sodas and spices to baked goods. The staff is always very enthusiastic and eager to help find the perfect something, or even just to talk! Plus they never forget a face, which really makes you feel like you’re at your own little neighborhood shop.

The Golden Fig Infused Sugars

And lastly, The Salvation Army Thrift Store
900 N. 4th St., Minneapolis
Word is, this store gets donations of prototypes, unsold goods and new-but-slightly-off items from Target and other stores. Head downstairs to the As-Is department.

OK, procrastinators. Go forth and good luck!