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Curiocity: Xcel's MN-Made Gift For Demi Lovato

When national touring artists stop at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, they leave with a little reminder of our Minnesota Nice. This series examines the locally made treasures given to these celebrity visitors.

It seems like Demi Lovato is everywhere these days -- whether it's prominently featured on Top 40 charts, among the New York Times bestsellers list, on the hit show "Glee" or as an official ambassador for We Day. And yet, her fans can't seem to get enough.

Coming this Tuesday, St. Paul's Xcel Energy Center will be full of Demi supporters, anxious to experience her "Neon Lights Tour" and get a glimpse of the singer first-hand. After all, this marks Miss Lovato's first time performing at the X.

So to ensure it's one she'll always remember, the staff at Xcel enlisted the help of several local stores and designers to put together a gift basket full of Minnesota-made treasures.

Jewelry for Demi Lovato
(credit: Xcel Energy Center)

Handmade jewelry from the mother-daughter duo in Excelsior, Tess + Tricia, will be among the gifts given Tuesday. Patricia Redmond Webber said they jumped at the chance to be included and feel extremely honored to give Lovato something made by hand.

"Tess loved watching her on the 'X-Factor' and we are both fans of her music," Webber said. "We think she is such a great role model for young women and has such a sweet and honest way about her. This was particularly important for us because we want our brand to be represented by people who have integrity and are a positive influence on others, especially young women."

Her daughter Tess designed the pieces for Lovato, taking inspiration from the singer's rock-and-roll style and her use of color, both in her clothing and in her hair.

"We picked a tassel color that would work with her current use of color and a bold antler tip with a lot of character," she said. "We noticed she likes to layer her jewelry so we created pieces that could be worn together, or with other jewelry. We used dark natural tones with some pops of color, and highlighted each piece with gold to finish. Both necklaces are custom to Demi with the use of charms both with the letter 'D.'"

Webber also included a note to Lovato, letting her know the antler tip is a symbol of courage and wisdom, something they believe mirrors her character.

Demi Lovato Blanket
(credit: Xcel Energy Center)

Along with the jewelry, Lovato will also receive a throw blanket and "Inspire" journal from local store, Que Sera -- the same company that also owns Oh Baby! Mary Lauer said they were very excited to be part of the gift basket and look forward to surprising Demi with a little Minnesota Nice.

"She has such an interesting story of overcoming personal challenges and struggles and sharing and making a difference," Lauer said.

In picking the items, Lauer said she thought about Lovato's hectic tour schedule and hoped to give her something of comfort, hence the blanket.

"Something cuddly to snuggle and feel comforted when traveling all the time," she said. "(And) a moleskin hand-finished journal to collect inspiration and ideas to keep in her pocket to collect brilliant thoughts."

Demi Lovato Soap
(credit: Xcel Energy Center)

Finishing out the basket, Xcel asked 3waybeauty to show off some of the great grooming products made in our state.

They included a luxury beauty bar soap, incorporated with the singer's tour photos in the label. The 3waybeauty bar combines shampoo, a shower bar and even a shave bar all into one, while removing parabens, gluten, phthalates, mineral oils, petrolatum, synthetic dyes, preservatives, artificial fragrance and coloring. Becky Sturm said she was thrilled to share the bar with Lovato, saying it's a great pairing for their small business.

Demi Lovato, with special guests Little Mix and Fifth Harmony, performs at the Xcel Energy Center on Tuesday, March 18. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

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