Does the thought of driving from store to store, getting in and out of your vehicle 100 times shopping for the holidays give you the chills? Do you wish that life were like the movies, when all your holiday gift shopping could be done on one cozy stretch of main street, as you walk from shop to shop bundled up in the season’s latest trends, chit-chatting with the store owners as you cross off your shopping list? You’re in luck, because Downtown St. Cloud is bursting with local shopping options for every type of shopper! We’ve consolidated the list here, with some ideas of what to buy for who and where. So grab your blanket scarf & hot drink (maybe from Central Perk?), call up your bestie, and get ready for a dazzling downtown shopping spree.
Rush Boutique
What: Gently used name brand clothing and accessories for her.
Shop for: The perfect holiday sweater-dress, finishing up your business-casual look with a bright colored pair of flats, or spoiling your sister with 5 new scarves because they won’t cost an arm and a leg.
Parting thought: The best resale stores are the ones that don’t feel like resale stores, and that’s what Rush Boutique is like. You won’t think twice about the quality of the items, because the store is so well kept and the items available are trendy and, of course, reasonably priced.
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Paramount Arts Gift Gallery
What: Handmade goods and pieces of art from local artists.
Shop for: A truly unique vase for your cousin’s wedding, a beautifully framed masterpiece that fits your living room decor perfectly, and a one-of-a-kind bracelet for your new sister-in-law.
Parting thought: Local, handmade, unique goods plus supporting the local art scene, the Paramount Gift Gallery is the perfect place to stop on your downtown stroll or even before you catch a show at the theatre.
Books Revisited
What: Used books – of every genre, age, quality and topic.
Shop for: A perfect graduation gift for your book-loving senior, a collectible copy of your grandpa’s favorite novel, or great deals for a hot read all your own.
Parting thought: This place is a treasure chest for hard to find books, great deals, and satisfying all of your curiosities – and the helpful staff is excited to help you find what you’re looking for!
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Green Thumb Etc.
What: Fresh potted plants and bouquets, unique reupholstered and repurposed chairs and furniture, plus home decor and more!
Shop for: An accent chair for your cousin’s new home office, a beautiful succulent display for that one aunt who loves unique centerpieces, and fancy bar-ware for your stressed-out friend.
Parting thought: Touted as the “world’s only flower shop, home decor store, custom furniture showroom and gift ware boutique,” shopping at Green Thumb Etc. is something you just have to experience for yourself!
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Fitzharris Ski & Sport
What: Central MN’s locally owned bike, ski and outdoor shop.
Shop for: Your first pair of downhill skis for when you’ve finally decided you’re a snow bunny, a comfy hammock for when your sister gives into the tree hangin’ craze, and new fat bike tires for your winter off-roading addiction
Parting thought: Not only is this the place to visit when you need to talk to the experts about gear for any and every sport, but they also offer ski, board, bike and tennis equipment repair – so you know they know what they’re doing!
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Endurunce Shop
What: Central MN destination for walkers and runners.
Shop for: Running (or walking) shoes for your New Year’s Resolution (that will actually make you want to keep it), high performance socks (that’s a thing!) for your mileage-obsessed cousin, and a reflective belt/runner’s pack to keep your dad safe on his early-morning run.
Parting thought: If you’re an advanced runner, beginner runner, thinking about running, or just curious, the experts at the Endurunce Shop have all the equipment and expertise to make sure you’re set up for success.
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Cinnamon Lifestyle Boutique
What: A women’s clothing boutique selling fashionable, trendy clothing and accessories for all types of women.
Shop for: Gorgeous earrings and other jewelry for your besties, a new top for your holiday get-together, or some super comfy sweat pants and shirts for those work from home days.
Parting thought: Whether you shop their collection online or in-stores, Cinnamon Lifestyle has the looks you need to be fashionable, trendy, and most importantly, to feel great about yourself!
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What: The finest jewelry in all of downtown.
Shop for: Your future fiance’s wedding ring (of course), an upscale watch for your all-business father in law, and diamond earrings for mom to show her how much you care.
Parting thought: High end jewelry might not be on your everyday shopping list, but a trip to Bachman’s can be inspiring and informational, and who knows – you might just find something you NEED to have!
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Spice of Life Tea Shop
What: Locally owned tea shop selling fresh brewed tea plus all kinds of tea brewing accessories and artwork.
Shop for: Your Grandma who is really picky about what kind of tea she drinks, a new modern tea pot for your friend who just discovered she’s a tea addict, and local artwork for your new home office.
Parting thought: The staff at Spice of Life is the most knowledgeable local resource for types of tea, how to best store and prepare it, the best pairings of tea, and much more.
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