Read on Twitter
This doesn't have to mean Amazon. I've been wanting to do a "shop locally! by phone!" thread (or blog post) for a while now but off the top of my head, both @RedBalloonBooks and @MischiefToy would be DELIGHTED to give you suggestions over the phone and deliver your purchase. https://twitter.com/storytellersnow/status/1328144871610314753
Mischief also does surprise bundles that are A LOT of fun. They'd become a tradition for my family even before the pandemic.
I would particularly recommend a @MischiefToy surprise bundle if you're the one buying the presents but would really like a surprise for yourself this holiday, especially if you would self-identify as a geek, nerd, or fan.
https://mischief-toy-store.square.site/
https://mischief-toy-store.square.site/
OK, in looking for that link I noticed that Mischief also offers VIRTUAL STORE VISITS where they'll take a device around the store so you can "browse." By appointment. I bet these go fast.
https://square.site/book/0Q8C5KPH40QHB/mischief-toy-store-saint-paul-mn
https://square.site/book/0Q8C5KPH40QHB/mischief-toy-store-saint-paul-mn
If you'd like to send some love to Northfield, which has had a really rough week: https://twitter.com/WhiskyOpinions/status/1328186801748668418
T-shirts from the queer soccer bar: https://twitter.com/MnNiceFC/status/1328184632437841920
(I do an annual piece on my blog about gifts to buy for people you hate, and I have been pondering whether there's a good way to make that small-business focused or if I'm setting myself up for trouble by linking to stuff at, say, Patina that I think is particularly awful...
...I mean, with Amazon, I don't have to worry about hurting anyone's feelings? Whereas someone at Patina lovingly picks everything out that they stock!)
"Which restaurants are still doing ONLY takeout, and do they offer gift certificates" seems like a potentially good question to ponder. https://twitter.com/ArtusBunnyBane/status/1328191521389211649
