So the supply chain shortage has disrupted your online shopping plans, big bang! Didn’t you know that all cool kids buy small and local anyway? Luckily for Twin Citians, new retail concepts continue to pop up all over our favorite hoods, sparking plenty of gift ideas for just about everyone on our lists, from cheeky cards and cocktail kits to them. hand-poured candles.

Arlo

Having spent most of her career opening, managing and advising stores, Alexa Desbiens is no stranger to the world of retail and has always dreamed of opening her own. Like many, the pandemic upended her plans, and instead Desbiens moved her brick-and-mortar business proposition to an online store, Arlo, where she dropped off an curated capsule of new and vintage pieces every week, encouraging women to use what they have in their closets. Fast forward a year and his vision of owning and operating a physical storefront came to life, with the help and support of his mentors. The boutique, located in the Marcy Holmes neighborhood of Northeast (in the former Spot Spa space), offers new and vintage clothing, shoes and accessories for women. “The boutique offers a variety of items that will transport you from the sofa to cocktails,” says Desbiens. “Expect to see classic pieces from Z Supply with more on-trend looks from European brands.” Looking to keep your giveaways hyper local this year? You’re in luck: Desbiens spotlights local female artists and designers — Made in Minn, Larissa Loden, Veronique Wantz, Esthète Modern Clay, The Potter’s Rock — and an assortment of stocking stuffers like greeting cards, candles and small household items. 21 4th St. SE., Mpls., shoparlo.com

Small shops

Haley Fruen and Brandy Mackson, pre-pandemic hair gods and co-owners of Petite Salons in Minneapolis and St. Paul, were planning to expand their spa services into a new vacant space next to the St. Paul location. Then they were forced to close due to the government shutdown and the duo shifted gears. The result? Petite Shops, a commercial spinoff from Petite Salon created to support other small businesses and showcase local and regional vendors and manufacturers. “All of our items are carefully handpicked and we love to choose brands that give back to the community in some way or support an important cause,” say Fruen and Mackson. Whether shopping (locally) online or visiting IRL, some of the duo’s must-have gifts this season include locally made pint glasses by Northern Glass (a company that invests 7 percent of its sales in drinking water projects) or trinkets in Cecelia designs jewelry, which plants a tree for every purchase made. Stop by the St. Paul store for the full product line or visit the Minneapolis show for a smaller, organized pop-up. 244, rue S. Albert, Saint-Paul; 4805, avenue Nicollet, deputies, petitesshops.com

White inside

If you’ve visited Jen Nylin’s Jenny in the City (4704 Cedar Ave. S., Mpls.), An urban-boho-chic enclave of clothing and shoes, accessories, small-bundle beauty products, and handcrafted jewelry, there’s chances are you’ll want to check out its sister store, Blank Inside. Located in the Whittier neighborhood, just off Eat Street, consider it an oasis for giving. Be a kind human clothing lines and greeting cards for just about any person and any occasion that are, rightly so, all blank on the inside. On Saturdays, Nylin presents a different maker for an in-store pop-up trunk display. 23 E. 26th St., deputies, @shopblankinside

Roseline’s place

Both a candle-making studio and an eco-friendly gift shop, Roseline’s Place opened on Northeast Central Avenue in September. Owned by Roseline Friedrich of local soy and vegan candle brand Roseline’s Candles, an immigrant and black-owned business that sells its candles in recycled jars, Roseline’s Place has been a full-fledged business that has become a hobby. Initially, Friedrich, who calls herself an accidental entrepreneur, began collecting jars to make her own candles in order to limit her waste. Now his shop serves as a place for Friedrich to sell his own candles in small batches (and offers classes for those who want to learn how to pour theirs!), As well as a mix of items from other manufacturers, including body butters Dipp’d in Hunnie. 2430 Central Ave. NE, Mpls., candles roses.com

Greenhouse lounge and shop

Whether you’re looking for a plant lover on your list or just looking to show off your green thumb, head to newcomer Bryn Mawr Green House Salon and Shop. Launched by veteran hairstylist Jae Wencl and self-proclaimed plant and vintage lover Emilia Luciano, the dual-use barber shop and showcase stores plants, plant accessories, jewelry, vintage decorations, handmade ceramics. handmade, environmentally friendly apothecary products. focus, and products from local artists and designers. 408 Cedar Lake Road, Members of Parliament, greenhousebrynmawr.com