LONG LAKE, Minn. — The holiday is right around the corner, and for those who haven’t quite figured out what to buy for those they love, here's a list of local businesses and organizations to support.
"We do funny socks, snarky socks, local and state socks," said owner, Mike Barr.
Barr started his sock company, Funatic, back in 2016 in the basement of his home, selling socks for every occasion. A few years later, he’s expanded his shop to this Long Lake warehouse.
His products are now sold in local stores.
"The one with the largest selection would be at the Mall of America," he said. "It's a shop called Socks and Bottoms," he said. "It’s on the first floor across from Build-A-Bear workshop.”
As the holiday approaches, Alyssa Toft’s company – Quill and Cue – is hoping to spread joy — one handwritten note at a time.
"It's a subscription service that inspires you to send one note a month to someone not expecting it," she said.
The service is complete with an envelope, a stamp and a cue card sent through the mail, with clever prompts for adults and children to send inspiration for a simple, yet impactful, moment of gratitude, reflection and connection.
"Send this to the person who deserves all of the accolades in the world and never thinks to ask for it," said Toft. “This one says, 'Close your eyes and picture your favorite teacher. Here’s your chance to make a difference.'”
"We work with refugees and displaced people all around the world," said Chris Kindler with Alight.
Alight is a humanitarian relief agency founded in Minnesota over 40 years ago. The organization also sells products to support its mission — online and at I Like You stores in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
This year, each pencil sale will help school children overseas.
"We recently did distribution at a small village in Pakistan and we were able to give all the kids at that school a set of pencils, notebook, an eraser and a pencil sharpener," said Kindler.
So if you’re searching for the perfect last-minute gift or stocking stuffer, these local businesses and organizations have you covered just in time for the holiday.
To find out more about Funatic, visit their website here.
To find out more about Quill & Cue, visit their website here.
To find out more about Alight, visit their website here.
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