Bill's Gift List

Hi All,

It’s hard to believe Christmas will be here in a week! What happened to December? Brightwater has been (as you might imagine) a busy place! There has been a steady stream of new merchandise arriving daily, and a regular stream of customers and friends stopping in the shop. I'm so pleased and grateful for all the visits and purchases that all of you have made. It’s been pretty terrific! I ordered a lot more product this season and from the feedback and the numbers, it's been a success.

Every Christmas season there seems to be a few products that percolate to the top of my gift-giving list. I’d like to share a few of them here with you, just in case you need some ideas for your own gifting this holiday season.

Purist Water Bottles ••• An insulated water bottle that has a bonded layer of glass on the inside. Coffee, whiskey, wine, or water — the technology resists unwanted tastes and keeps drinks pure. There’s the 10oz Maker, the 18oz Mover and the 32oz Founder. The skeptic that I can sometimes be, when these first came in at the shop, I took one of the 10oz Maker bottles and put 4 shots of espresso in it, screwed the cap on tight and tossed in in the back of the car. Four days later I washed it out, filled it with water, and enjoyed a glass of water with no other taste. I think you’ll be as impressed as I have been with these!

Amundsen Sports ••• As you know, I’m pretty impressed with all of Amundsen’s products — but their Boiled Hoodie Laced is a personal favorite from this brand! Boiled wool on the front, Knit sleeves and back, a great hood, and a unique lace-up front (think old hockey jersey). I’ve got them for men and women, in a host of colors. I'll sell out of all I can get my hands on. Come take a look!

Nobis Parkas ••• Nobis is a Canadian company that makes pretty amazing parkas, truly designed for cold weather. Really cold weather. Nobis makes parkas from waterproof/breathable materials that are even seam-sealed to keep moisture and the wind out, plus a thick down lining to keep you warm and enjoying the outdoors. I’m especially fond of the Meredith for women and the Yatsey for men. These will not disappoint!

Amundsen Sports ••• As you know, I’m pretty impressed with all of Amundsen’s products — but their Boiled Hoodie Laced is a personal favorite from this brand! Boiled wool on the front, Knit sleeves and back, a great hood, and a unique lace-up front (think old hockey jersey). I’ve got them for men and women, in a host of colors. I'll sell out of all I can get my hands on. Come take a look!

Wigen’s Caps ••• Both from Sweden. Both perennial best sellers! Amazing quality, style and fit. Wigen’s caps feature timeless quality, since 1906. They’ve figured out a way to make a cap with earflaps that fits the same whether the flats are up or down. Baseball style in black and gray. Newsboy styles in various tweeds. They are perfect for Minnesota winters!  Hestra Gloves ••• I’d be embarrassed to admit to you how many pairs of Hestra gloves and mitts I own. I started selling them while I was still up in Northern WI. Up there, it was their ski gloves. At Brightwater, it's their outdoor and lifestyle lines. Nothing fits, nor lasts, like a pair of Hestra's!

I could go on and on about the collection that is at Brightwater right now! It’s hard to pick a few when I truly feel there are so many wonderful gift options! So… it’s best if you swing by look around and see for yourself! I’ll be here to help if you need any suggestions too.

I look forward to seeing you here in Excelsior. We’ve got so many great shops, restaurants and services to enjoy! Please pop in and say, “Hi,” when you in town. Tis’ the season of joy, love and light. I hope your world's full of that same joy, love and light. Take time to sit and enjoy all that surrounds us.

Lots of love.
- Bill