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.

Last year a worker was trampled to death when a mob of shoppers rushed through the doors of a large store to take advantage of an after Thanksgiving Day “Black Friday” sales event. According to OSHA, similar tragedies can be avoided if stores implement their Crowd Control Safety Tips For Retailers.”

Are you kidding me?  Trampled to death trying to buy the hottest gift of the season?  No thanks.  What if you could stay off the beaten path and find something perfect for that special someone–something that might be a little more unique than what you’d find at the mall?

Two places in Saint Paul will provide some great opportunities for you to shop off the beaten path.

The Black Dog’s annual Holiday Art and Gift Sale is on December 4th from 5-9pm at the Black Dog Cafe and Wine Bar in Lowertown.

Wreaths,  Soaps,  Jewelry. Knittings, Hats, Journals, Ornaments, Bags, Paintings, Stained Glass, Pottery, Dolls, and much much, did I say much, more.   To aid in shopping, enjoy a glass of wine or two–you won’t get that at the mall!  Free live music with Nathan Hanson and Rahjta Ren at 8pm!

Similarly, The Grand Hand Gallery is offering help to the hopeless male shopper in a quest to bring lovers together this holiday by  minimizing those “here’s a gift for you that is really for me” moments.  They don’t want gifts such as vacuums, power drills and ice augers to come between couples this holiday season so they are offering some help.

“guys shopping nights” will be offered on Thursdays, December 10 and 17 from 5-8pm.

Guys can enjoy beer, snacks and free gift wrapping.   Just invite your lady to get her  “wish list” filled out or updated at The Grand Hand before Dec 10! If she can’t come in, call us, 651-312-1122, with her holiday “wishes”.

Enjoy these spots around Saint Paul for finding the perfect gift.  I guarantee you won’t get trampled!