1. Merry Sweatshirt, Happy Everything MN, $59 2. Minnesota and Wisconsin Felt Ornaments, Marquess Studios, $12–$20 3. First Frost Soap, Cozy-Shoppe, $14 Photos: Chris Emeott
Discover local artisans at La Vie Est Belle.
Double up with a bit of me-time and relax as you shop for the holidays. Lake Elmo gift boutique La Vie Est Belle has a variety of handmade creations from local makers.
Kristen Rohman Rehkamp opened La Vie Est Belle to find joy, connectedness and friendship in the wake of her daughter braving a mental illness. It started as an online boutique and has since opened a storefront and gathering space across the street from the Lake Elmo Inn—serving as the perfect spot to find kindness and inspiration.
The gift boutique has a mission to help get in front of our mental health crisis and a portion of time and net profits are allocated to pediatric mental health initiatives. This holiday season, consider gifts from local artisans, who sell a variety of items in the La Vie Est Belle gift shop—plus, find holiday décor and more.
Accessories of Courage
Fall in love with the calming colors and beaded designs created to make you feel bold, beautiful and brave. Select from gemstone necklaces, beaded bracelets for men and women and elegant earrings made by a mother-daughter duo from Stillwater. accessoriesofcourage.com
All Things Sheared
All Things Sheared at Eagle Eye Farm creates sustainable and unique baby items from alpacas raised on their farm in River Falls, Wisconsin. You’ll fall in love with handmade baby booties, blankets and hats that are soft and comfy. allthingssheared.com
Chalkboard Candle Co.
All-natural coconut wax candles are perfect for the candle lovers on your list. Chalkboard Candle Co. creates farmhouse jars, tins and melts with school-inspired names like Pop Quiz and Winter Break. chalkboardcandleco.com
Cozy-Shoppe
Handcrafted and cold-processed, Cozy-Shoppe soaps are made with the finest eco-friendly ingredients. Coconut, lavender, honey and mint make these soap bars a lovely gift. cozy-shoppe.com
4. “Winter Wishes” Stoneware Platter, La Vie Est Belle, $35 5. Personalized State Pillow, Marquess Studios, $54–$64 6. Life is Beautiful Candle, Chalkboard Candle Co., $12
Ginger P. Designs
Shop sophisticated and stylish cards and stationery for the paper lovers on your list. Ginger P. Designs from Janesville, Minnesota, creates cards and notepads with modern, nostalgic and whimsical designs. gingerpdesigns.com
Happy Everything MN
Find irresistible clothing curated and created by local clothiers at Happy Everything MN. Look for super cozy sweatshirts, distressed denim and fun tops to add sparkle to your closet this winter. happyeverythingmn.com
Marquess Studios
Using handpicked stones from the shores of Lake Superior, vintage treasurers and unique materials, Marquess Studios creates meaningful gifts inspired by collected stories that honor special people and places. Shop its collection of handcrafted jewelry, custom pillows and blessing beads designed and made in Stillwater. marquessstudios.com
Petal and Stick
Pick up gorgeous holiday wreaths and hand-tied bouquets from Petal and Stick, which creates arrangements with flowers and plants grown on its Lake Elmo property. Stop in for a wreath for added warmth this holiday season, or buy a gift card for first dibs on a homegrown spring bouquet. Facebook: Petal and Stick
Scrappy Rooster Creations
Shop one-of-a-kind gift tags, holiday cards and money holders that are created with an artisan’s touch at Scrappy Rooster Creations. Facebook: Scrappy Rooster Creations
7. 5” Round Stoneware Plate with Ornaments and Gold Electroplating, La Vie Est Belle, $10/each 8. Holiday Wreath, Petal and Stick, $30–$45 9. Various Bracelets, Accessories of Courage and La Vie Est Belle, $34–$42
La Vie Est Belle
3417 Lake Elmo Ave. N., Lake Elmo; 612.499.0231
Facebook: La Vie Est Belle
Instagram: @lavieestbellegiftshop
