The holiday season is here, and with it comes the joy of finding meaningful gifts for the people who light up our lives. This year, I had the absolute pleasure of curating a special holiday wish list with my friend Rachel Gerdes - a social worker and interior design aficionado with a heart as big as her talent.

Rachel and I first met through a mutual friend (shoutout to Marcos), and it didn’t take long for our shared love of design, the Twin Cities, and her adorable pup Odin to bring us closer. Maybe it’s something in the name, but our sense of humor clicks in the best way. Any time we’re together, it’s guaranteed laughter - whether we’re chatting about design or slinging back iced lattes.

Naturally, when it came to pulling together a wish list for the holidays, Rachel was the funnest person to have into the shop. Her selections are a true reflection of her personality: playful yet calm, thoughtful yet full of life. I can't wait to share her picks with you!

Rachel's Wish List

Here’s what Rachel chose to make her holiday season bright and a little detail as to why they did:

1. Almeria Mug: "This immediately caught me eye after it arrived to the shop! The bright blue and oversized handle make it such a fun add to your morning routine."

2. Caden Octangular Bowl in Beige Marble:  "A marble bowl is timeless, but the angular design of this one is what sets it apart. It's such an elegant and updated statement piece."

3. Kashmir Candle: "As if the scent wasn't dreamy enough, the fact that the vessel can be reused after as a drinking glass is too good."

4. Lido Ceramic Vase: "Another statement pick for the wishlist! The dew drop texture on the Lido Vase is unlike anything I've seen with ceramics, and I love that it's oversized enough for a large arrangement."

5. Mataró Taper Candle Holder: "This one is so simple, yet so stylish. I like that it puts a modern twist on what is usually a traditional item."

6. Santa Fe Modern Coffee Table Book: "This book immediately came home with me. There is so much design inspiration, but it's also pretty enough to display on my coffee table."

7. Wait Ceramic Bowl in Natural Speckle: "I can understand why the Wait Bowl is a bestseller. I love the textured finish of the Natural Speckle, and the scalloped edges add a whimsical touch. It's currently on my coffee table, but I see it being used all over my loft"

8. 'Nutty' Moonstruck Hot Cocoa Tin: "I'm not a big Christmas decorator, but the red feels too fitting for the holidays. And cinnamon hot cocoa? Yes, please."

9. Gratitude Greeting Card: “There’s something so meaningful about handwritten notes, and this beautifully designed card makes expressing gratitude even more special.”

10. Dry Wit Pippi (in-store only): "It's so great to see so many N/A options popping up out there, and I love that Dry Wit is not only local and flavorful, but super cute. I'd pop this out at a holiday party or night with friends and would struggle to recycle the bottle after - it's too pretty!"

Her selections are not just items - they’re reflections of what makes the holidays magical: mindfulness, connection, and appreciation for life's little moments. I'm so grateful this journey with S&T allowed me to meet Rachel. I hope her wish list inspires a little magic in your home this season, too.

Happy holidays from Rachel (and Rachel)!

P.S. If you’d like to meet Rachel’s perfect pup Odin, he frequently makes guest appearances at the shop - a merry little mood boost!