Cozy up FIND THAT PERFECT NOVEL !

BY MOLLY MILROY

With the winter solstice just around the corner, the days are shorter than ever and what better way to spend a cold, blustery afternoon than curled up with a good book. It’s the perfect holiday gift and the place to find it is at The Bookstore at Fitger’s.

“A book makes a great gift because you don’t have to worry about getting the size right, it’s easy to gift wrap, and it’s something that can be enjoyed again and again,” said Jennifer Jubenville, bookstore manager.

Fiction By The Fireplace

“The Lincoln Highway by Amor Tolles and Three Sisters by Edward Morris are really popular right now,” Jubenville said. Fiction lovers will also enjoy Catherine Ryan Howard, an Irish author who writes psychological thrillers including The Nothing Man and 56 Days.

“All of our booksellers love her,” Jubenville said. “She’s just starting to build a name for herself in the United States. We say we’re here biggest fans on this side of the ocean.”

Regional Authors

For regional fiction, Jubenville suggests authors William Kent Krueger, Linda LeGarde Grover, Brian Freeman, and J. Ryan Stradal’s book Kitchens of the Great Midwest

“It’s about a young woman who is learning who she is through cooking,” Jubenville said.

Popular regional nonfiction titles include Duluth: An Urban Biography, Fitger’s: The Brewery and Its People, Guide To The Superior Hiking Trail, and Will to Murder

“People want to learn the history of Duluth,” she explained. “People are really interested in the regional history and regional stories that the area has to tell.”

Cozy Up

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Holiday Gifts

Unique holiday gift books include Nick Offerman’s Where the Deer and the Antelope Play

“I think that’s going to be a really popular gift this year,” Jubenville said.

Another great gift book that is getting a lot of attention is Subpar Parks: America’s Most Extraordinary National Parks and Their Least Impressed Visitors by graphic designer Amber Share.

“She discovered that all of the National Parks have one-star reviews and so she started illustrating them with the captions,” Jubenville said. “Isle Royale’s one star review reads, ‘no cell service and terrible Wi-Fi.’” This beautifully designed book with Share’s graphics and hilarious reviews also includes detailed information on each National Park. “It’s been selling really well,” Jubenville said. “And I think it’s going to be the book [when you wonder] what do you get for the person who has everything.”

Fun Gift Options

But what do you get for the person who doesn’t like to read? The bookstore offers a variety of other gifts including games and puzzles.

“Jigsaw puzzles are hot right now. I think a lot of people fell in love with jigsaw puzzles during the lockdown,” Jubenville explained. “There’s a lot of research about how it’s a mindful activity.”

Another option is a Burn After Writing journal.

“You fill it out about yourself, but then the idea is after you get everything out, you throw it in the fire and it’s gone,” Jubenville said. “There are some really serious questions and a chance to get something down and then get rid of it. These have been really, really popular.”

If you’re still unsure, ask one of the staff booksellers. Each one has their own Top 10 list for the year, and they’ll be happy to suggest titles for you and your gift buying experience. They also offer gift wrapping for any item purchased in the store. With such a wide variety of authors, The Bookstore at Fitger’s has a title for everyone.

Molly Milroy is a Duluth freelance writer.

Holiday Gifts At Hucklebeary

BY MOLLY MILROY

Looking for a unique holiday gift or a fun way to wrap presents this year? Be sure to stop by HuckleBeary located on Superior Street in downtown Duluth. This quaint and quirky gift store features something for everyone. From fun stocking stuffers to creative holiday gift bundles and cool gift wrap, you will be sure to find the perfect holiday gift.

HUCKLEBEARY: Page 8

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ORDERPROCESSING: Ordersareprocessedoff-siteandwillbemailed. Allow7-10daysforprocessing. Orderscannotbepickedupattheproperty.To guaranteedelivery by December 24, ordersmustbeplaced by December13. The EdgeisnotresponsibleforUSPSdelays.

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Hucklebeary

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Stocking Stuffers

Stocking stuffers are fun little treats, and you can show some creativity with these gift ideas.

“Our favorite stocking stuffer options are Mike & Jen’s single serving hot cocoa mix, chocolate filled candy canes, snowball surprise balls, grow a yeti, plus we have a great variety of vinyl stickers,” said Emily Ekstrom, owner of HuckleBeary.

Stop by to see the assortment of goods.

Holiday Trends

Popular this holiday season is gift giving with a local vibe.

“We have a ton of local vendor items in store and locally madein-Minnesota goods that make great gifts,” Ekstrom said.

Other trends abound with oldschool sentiments.

“Themes you will see this holiday are more of a retro style holiday decor, glass blown ornaments, and vintage style Santa mugs,” she said. “You will also see rainbow color assortment of items, like brush trees, decorative Santas in a variety of colors, not just your typical red and green.”

Gift Bundles

HuckleBeary offers gift bundles, which is one package that contains a variety of gifts. The bundle may include a mug, journal, stickers, candle, and more.

“We will have a variety of holiday options coming soon,” Ekstrom said. “You can shop these ideas from our website under ‘gift bundles.’” Order online and have it shipped or pick it up directly at the store.

IT’S A WRAP

Ever heard of the saying, “It’s all about presentation”? That goes in terms of gift giving as well. HuckleBeary sells all your gift-wrapping supplies including roll wrap, gift bags, bows, and ribbon. For a fun and upbeat style, choose from a variety of

Santa- and reindeer-themed gift wrap.

Perhaps your gift-wrapping skills are not up to par. Don’t worry, HuckleBeary offers in-store custom gift wrapping and as an option when ordering online.

“We will hand write a personal message inside a card too,” Ekstrom said.

Consumables

Have a difficult person to shop for on your list? Ekstrom will help you find the perfect gift.

“We love to suggest a consumable,” she said. “Everyone loves a little something to eat or drink, or a candle to bring the cozy vibes from your home to theirs.”

HuckleBeary offers a wide variety of gifts including humorous cards, tea towels with fun quips, and delicious scented candles. Be sure to stop in, shop the local trends, and find that perfect and unique gift for the holidays!