A CFANS gift for everyone on your list

With the holidays fast approaching, give a gift from CFANS—from apples and cheeses to speciality gifts and stocking stuffers, there’s something for everyone on your list.

AppleHouse Holiday Boutique 

Explore an ever-changing selection of holiday gifts, culinary items and locally made seasonal treats at the Arboretum's AppleHouse Holiday Boutique, now through December 20. You’ll also find a variety of freshly picked apples, pumpkins, squash and gourds while supplies last. No reservation needed and proceeds support the Arb.

“A Natural Curiosity: The Story of the Bell Museum”

The perfect coffee table book—A richly illustrated tour of Minnesota’s premier natural history museum after 150 years.

"Drawing on a wealth of materials unearthed during the museum’s recent move, the gorgeously illustrated book, A Natural Curiosity, chronicles the remarkable discoveries and personalities that have made the Bell Museum what it is today."

Stocking stuffer: Bee balm bundle

Produced by family-owned (and CFANS alumni-owned) Vetiver Solutions, the Bee Good, Do Good Lotion Bar & Lip Balm Bundle is made from ethically sourced, all-natural ingredients and sustainable packaging materials.

Set the table with locally produced meat, cheese and honey 

The Meat and Dairy Salesroom offers curated gift boxes (check out the options and then place your order), produced here in the Department of Animal Science Andrew Boss Meat Lab. Boxes include a “Smokehouse” variety pack, “Bacon Lovers” special, and more. You can still visit during regular salesroom hours for local honey, cheese and ice cream.

Best-sellers cheese gift box from Redhead Creamery

CFANS alumna Alise Sjostrom '09 and her team at Redhead Creamery make award-winning cheese at Jer-Lindy Farms, LLC, including their “best-sellers” gift box to sample their fan favorites.

Kernza® beer in reusable, returnable bottles

Using regenerative grains to brew beer creates lasting benefits for soil and water health. Bang Brewing in St. Paul has been brewing beer using the perennial Kernza® grain since 2017, offering the brew in reusable, returnable glass bottles in both their tap room and retail offerings. Kernza brings nuttiness and a bit of spice to the beers it’s used in. 

Set the table with locally produced meat, cheese and honey 

The Meat and Dairy Salesroom offers curated gift boxes (check out the options and then place your order), produced here in the Department of Animal Science Andrew Boss Meat Lab. Boxes include a “Smokehouse” variety pack, “Bacon Lovers” special, and more. You can still visit during regular salesroom hours for local honey, cheese and ice cream.

Winter bonbons from Chocolat Celeste 

CFANS alumna Mary Leonard '79 specializes in world-acclaimed bonbons made right here in St. Paul. From the beginning, Chocolat Celeste has used only fresh ingredients from local farms; imported European chocolate, and without preservatives. Find her confections at her website or at her store just off of University Avenue at 652 Transfer Road, Suite 16A, St. Paul. 

Local wine made from Minnesota cold-hardy grapes

Thanks to the Minnesota Hardy breeding program, you can enjoy local wines made with grapes that can withstand our cold winters. The best way to find local Minnesota cold climate wines is to buy directly from wineries in your area, since distribution to wine superstores can be difficult and expensive for small businesses. Read our guide to finding cold-hardy grape wines near you.

Tickets to see “Secrets of a Forest” at the Bell Museum

Give the gift of a cinematic experience. Led by the artistic vision of renowned photographer Jim Brandenburg, award-winning director Neil Lucas, and featuring members of the Minnesota Orchestra, this Bell Museum original planetarium production illuminates the creation of the Stradivarius violin beginning in the forests of Italy and concluding in a concert hall.

Wishing you a festive and warm holiday season, from CFANS!