The prices at Hirshfield’s sample sale are discounted 35 to 85 percent (most about 60 percent off), which I think is better than at the nearby International Market Square sample sale, also running Friday and Saturday. The items from Hirshfield’s design center (721 2nd Av. N., Minneapolis, 612-374-8901) are high-end, similar to IMS or Gabberts. More than 200 items will be for sale in its showroom, including custom sofas and chairs, dining room furnishings, and home accessories, including lamps, occasional chairs, tables and artwork. Sale items must be paid for and removed within a week. Sale hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Let’s vogue, Hairball

 Minnesota Valley Humane Society hosts its annual fundraiser with a good deal on pet portraits. The $50 fee includes a professional photo setting for your dog, cat or other pet. Recipients get a CD containing the images, which can be turned into holiday cards, posted online or printed. No prints are provided but Costco, Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart have low prices on prints. The $50 price is also tax-deductible. To sign up for a session Saturday or Sunday or Nov. 15-16, go to www.mvhspets.org  or call 952-894-5000. The Posing Paws event includes vendors offering fresh-baked dog treats and pet accessories.

Europa, Europa sale 

European goods can be found at Europa Import, a giftware sample sale (1360 E. County Road E, Vadnais Heights, 651-486-6860, www.europagiftware.com). Scandinavian-style iron candleholders, candles, holiday-themed bottle lanterns, crystal, silver platters, lodge/cabin decor (new this year) and gourmet foods from Sweden are 40 to 60 percent below retail. The sale runs 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Nov. 21-22 and Dec. 5.

Bloomie’s event gets even better

They’re taking this recession seriously during Bloomingdale’s home sale (Mall of America, Bloomington, 952-883-2747) Friday and Saturday. Sample bargains: A $145 Calphalon nonstick covered fry pan that was on sale for $100 during the last sale is $50 this time, a Cuisinart 11-cup food processor (model DLC-85) that was $180 at the previous sale is $100, and a 10-piece Wusthof Gourmet cutlery set that’s regularly $315 is now $100. (The Gourmet line is Wusthof’s medium quality, one step below the Classic line.) All towels will be 40 percent off ($10 to $23).While you’re at MOA, Nordstrom is having is Half-yearly sale for women and children.
 

Bags, boxes and bows sale

Gage and Gage warehouse sale is your time to stock up on gift wrap, gift bags, gift boxes, napkins and holiday merchandise. Sample 40 to 90 percent savings: shopping bags from 10 cents to 50 cents each, Italian holiday boxes three for $6, bows for 5 or 10 cents, low-end closeout giftwrap for 75 cents a roll or hi-end European giftwrap $8 (reg. $20), and hi-end 3-ply napkins for $1.50 (20-count). The sale is at 4950 12^th Av. E., Shakopee, 952-403-1193 or <a href=”http://www.gagewarehousesale.com/” mce_href=”http://www.gagewarehousesale.com/” from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 12-16 and Dec. 5-6.

Stonecrop 20 percent off storewide

The most serene gift shop in the Twin Cities (13728 83^rd Way N., Maple Grove, 763-416-4035, www.stonecropgifts.com) won’t be as calm and reflective during its 20 percent off storewide sale Friday through Sunday. Stonecrop finds creative ways to bring the outdoors inside in the winter with its garden accessories, statuary, natural vines, wreaths and  branches and architectural elements. It’s a gem.

Grandparents day at Creative Kidstuff 

One more for next week: On Wednesday, Nov. 12, all Creative Kidstuff stores (6 Twin Cities locations) will offer free gift wrapping and free shipping within the 48 states on most items. Stores will open at 8 a.m. and have staff on hand to help grandparents choose gifts. The free shipping and gift wrap also applies to online purchases at www.creativekidstuff.com. Use coupon code “grandparent.”

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