Patina Inc

01/20/08

Unique Gifts--Wide Variety by Jane M. at InsiderPages

Contributor at Insider Pages

This place is packed with fun, unique, beautiful and interesting gift items. It is similar in concept/design to the Bibelot stores of the twin cities. There are lots of cards and stationary items here. Toys for children, clever items for the kitchen, books, candles, some music. It is a great place to find that special gift for those hard to buy for people who have everything. You need some time to browse over the whole store--much to take in. It is difficult to find parking in this area. Especially on a weekend evening--lots of people are at the restaurants within the same block.

Pro: Lots of unique and fun gifts to choose from

Con: Difficulty finding parking.

10/29/09

the walmart of twin cities gift shops

by Pamela I at Citysearch

The owners of Patina apparently have noted the "trend" of locally produced food, clothing, and jewelry and have determined there is money to be made if they "style" apples and honey to appeal to their shoppers. How nice-their other 4 or 5 shops and website are jam packed with imported junk. Too bad other non corporate stores were already doing this-stay away from this store and these people and patronize the stores who struggle to survive while doing the right thing.

08/01/08

Overhyped, Shoppers and Salesclerks annoying.

by canelle12 at Citysearch

Patina is way overpriced for what you get and is not original or hip anymore. The quintessential store that boyfriends never want to go in. And who can blame them. Staff is unfriendly and uppity, which I cannot understand, since it's not like they're working at Bergdorf Goodman or anything, just Patina. Owners rip off local artists by buying their art at wholesale prices, then jacking the price WAAY up in the store because it's the work of an original artist. That's what bothers me the most. Plus I've met the family who owns it and I refuse to give anymore money to them, since their children are nightmares and they already have way too much money for their own good. Go somewhere where the ambiance is a little more friendly if looking for a gift.

• Pros: some cute holiday and seasonal items
• Cons: persnickety cashiers and staff, overprices, a landmine for local artists

Last-minute gifts that look like you've been planning them for ages.

by Contributor at Citysearch

In Short
If you see something you like here (and you will), by all means treat yourself. But that's the delicious danger of this heaven-sent, last-minute-gift emporium. Patina offers perfect little things that make fab gifts: cool books, fanciful home and garden trinkets, funky jewelry, clever toys for kids of all ages, and unusual cards and gift wrap to pull it all together. You'll be tempted to splurge, but stay disciplined. You can find dozens of items under $5.