The Saint Paul Winter Carnival doesn’t kick off until late January, but now’s the time to jump on the bandwagon! If it’s a creative and festive gift you seek this holiday season look no further than the Winter Carnival’s “Stock in a Block.”

For four years running, the Carnival is offering the public a special chance to OWN part of “Coolest Celebration on Earth” in the form of stock in a block…of ice! Money raised goes directly to support the festival’s annual Ice Carving Contest–a favorite amongst Twin Cities residents.

A donation of $125 (in honor of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival’s 125th Anniversary) will score you a fancy certificate of ownership, and if you buy in early, you’ll also be honored with a chance to march in the 2011 Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade on January 29 (available to the first 125 stocks sold). This is a clever gift to give to friends and family who love the Carnival and are into supporting community. Not your typical material gift, of course, but definitely a creative one! Throw in a few commemorative Winter Carnival buttons or a coffee mug available through the online store, and you’re set!

For more info on Stock in a Block click HERE.

The Winter Carnival runs January 27th-Feb 6th and aims to “foster a sense of community, pride, belonging and connectedness by celebrating Saint Paul’s unique history and emerging heritage through fun and educational experiences.” For more info on the Winter Carnival, click HERE.

If you’re like me, you get a little claustrophobic at the mall or big box stores around the holidays with thousands of people clamoring for that perfect gift.  I mean look at what OSHA has spent their time on recently:

OSHA Tries to Prevent Holiday Shopping Trampling Deaths

Thursday November 19, 2009

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has issued new guidelines on how retail employers can prevent their employees and shoppers from being trampled to death – yes, trampled to death – during holiday season sales events. (continue reading…)