Eden Prairie is encased in ice. When it isn’t black as pitch, the sky is the color of brushed steel. Most of the pretty birds had the good sense to flee southward. The remaining blue jays, cardinals and finches only reveal themselves in exchange for precious sunflower seeds. Even the more colorful cars have become desaturated by thick films of road salt.
For all its other blessings, this is a drab burb in December – but Kowalski’s pierces the gloom. The market is an ark filled with flowers and gifts that drive the cold winter away!
“I am the gift and floral director,” said Teresa Curran. “I’ve worked in many positions throughout Kowalski’s since I was 16, and just celebrated my 20th anniversary here this year. I found my passion in the gift and floral departments, but the reason why is almost too obvious to put in your magazine article: I love gifts and flowers!
“Kowalski’s is committed to offering locally grown and made products as often as we’re able. Our flowers are no exception. In 2019 we partnered with Len Busch Roses, a third-generation flower wholesaler that was founded in Plymouth in 1965. The Busch family keeps us stocked with fresh-cut alstroemeria, snapdragons, stargazer lilies, Gerbera daisies, and many other kinds of blooms all year round. We also have Gertens of Inver Grove Heights to supply us with perennials, like the mums that work so hard to keep our gardens beautiful deep into autumn and wonderful outdoor options for the winter season as well.
“Our European-style flower market’s floral designers compose gorgeous custom arrangements for every special occasion you could name – but holiday pieces are my all-time favorite. We combine aromatic sprigs of pine, bright crimson roses and festive fruits to make one-of-a-kind arrangements that brighten up our guests’ homes. We also provide the bundles of spruce you would need to make your own cheery combination pots for your patio.
“Kowalski’s gift department isn’t just located right next to our floral department because it looks great that way. It also makes it easier for our guests to pick up something special for their coworkers, friends, family and loved ones – or just for themselves, of course.
“Like everything else in our store, our gifts are locally sourced as often as possible. We’re proud to feature a selection of aromatherapy products by rareESSENCE of Eden Prairie, whose essential oils are also featured in several of our scented candles. We have eye-catching jewelry by Art 'n Soul of the Twin Cities, as well as the ever-popular Weatherguide calendar by the Freshwater Society, which is filled with the Minnesotan non-profit’s regional photography and gardening tips.
“Socks always make thoughtful gifts, and they’re in high demand during the weeks leading up to the holidays. Our most popular socks are made by World’s Softest Socks. They’re certainly deserving of their name, and their fun patterns and colors are simply delightful. And as excited as your kids or grandkids would be to only receive socks on Christmas morning, we also have plenty of toys for them as well.
“It’s hard to do our gift department justice without reciting a list. We have art, scarves, handbags, jackets, journals, books, greeting cards, seasonal decor, cookware, tableware, lamps, trays, kitchen gadgets, stuffed animals, pillows, loungewear and more. It’s enough to make you forget that you came to Kowalski’s to buy groceries!”
Stop by Kowalski’s at 16500 W 78th Street in Eden Prairie to do all of your holiday shopping this year. There you may also purchase gift baskets filled with gourmet foods, wines, cheeses, fruits, or those most festive things of all – meats – that you will have a hard time justifying gifting to anyone.
kowalskis.com
