I think it's pretty easy to stick to the malls and franchises when Christmas shopping, but I'd suggest a little detour to Main street in most small towns to find those gems that go largely undiscovered.  Melanie and I stopped in at Home Accents, Etc. in Prior Lake and found wonderful gifts.

I am a do-it-yourselfer, but not a serious one, so the tools above would be perfect for me.  (Santa, are you listening?)  On the other hand, this little store also has a nice variety of things to make a girl feel pretty.

Don't forget about Main street this holiday season!  Stop back sometime to hear about a couple other great little places Melanie and I visited in Prior Lake.