These Host/Hostess Gifts from the Purple Tree Will Surely Get You Invited Back

The Purple Tree was voted this year’s Best Gift Shop, and with a summer of graduations, block parties and impromptu patio gatherings on the horizon, who doesn’t need a stash of host and hostess gifts right about now? Purple Tree owner Sarah Bruch shares a few of her favorites:

• For the Baker: “The Purple Tree partners with The Women’s Bean Project to offer a delicious cream scones mix. Not only are they easy to prepare, they can be customized. We’ve added cheddar cheese and chives or dried Bing cherries—and the result is always out-of-this-world! Like The Purple Tree, The Women’s Bean Project is a social enterprise and creates employment opportunities for women—with the goal of helping them break out of poverty and stay out of prison. In fact, 93 percent of these formerly chronically unemployed women are still employed a year later. That’s a lot of goodness in just one scone!” $6.99
• For the Nature Lover: “Just like former President Teddy Roosevelt, The Purple Tree loves our National Parks! We feature many fun and unique gifts that give back to those National Parks. From HydroFlasks water bottles and coffee mugs to candles and T-shirts that support our country’s public lands.” $24.00-$39.99
• For the Wisconsin/Minnesota Lover: “We’ve got spirit, yes we do! We’ve got spirit how about you? State products are a fun yet practical gift for your pals that are crazy in-love with their state. Check out a tea towel, a bottle opener, a cribbage board, Swedish dishcloth or coaster.” $5.99-$24.99
• For the Coffee Addict: “We have customers from all over western Wisconsin and the St. Paul and Minneapolis areas who visit us just for Colectivo Coffee! Colectivo is based in Milwaukee, Wis., and ethically sources coffees from origin—and roast every batch by hand. Their goal is to deliver a great coffee experience, and we think their coffee is inspired and puts an extra jump in everyone’s step!” (From $13.99 per pound)