comfort & joy
As our days shorten, the holidays give us hope. They ring in a season of burrowing in at home with loved ones or going out to gather with friends. Don’t approach your celebrations empty-handed. Here are ideas for gifts with Minnesota flair.
warm & cozy
1 SHELF STABLE
At the Shop at Khâluna, chef Ann Ahmed has curated a wealth of home goods that aim to bridge
the gap from Minnesota to her native Laos and other Southeast Asia countries. Turn to textures and
layers that
when used together create a cozy look, and apart keep you cozy. All handmade in Laos, the pillows and
wraps are
hand-dyed Hmong cotton, the luggage hand-woven bamboo.
Pillows $40-$50 each, throws $150-$165 each, luggage $185; khaluna.com
2 HEY BUDDY
No need for lavish arrangements. Forage for a few fresh or dried flowers, grasses or
foliage for these petite wooden bud vases. The sculptural pieces are the work of Vince Petruccelli,
a
teacher
during the school year and a woodworker during the summers.
Starting at $22; olivebranchshop.co
3 A LIGHT APPROACH
Candelabras are hot right now. BluDot's on-trend Tally Candelabra comes in down-to-earth
walnut, white oak or whitewashed ash. It's the pillar of all branched candlesticks.
$80; bludot.com
4 GOOD TIDYING
Hand-tied whisk brooms make a sweeping statement hanging near a fireplace, kitchen or as
a
topper to an oversize gift. They're the creation of Elizabeth John, who started Barnswallow Garden
growing
heirloom vegetables to sell at farmers markets, but has now embraced her cozy side.
5 TRAY-DING UP
After running a boutique in Denver, it was only natural that Mary Sarah Stokman open a
shop
after moving to the Twin Cities. Olive Branch, her St. Paul boutique, debuted in late summer with
well-curated, quality home pieces. These stylish pine needle trays from Mayan artists come in a
variety of sizes and
shapes.
Starting at $24; olivebranchshop.co
6 PICTURE PERFECT
Earlier this year, Rebecca Sansone rolled out The Mustache Cat in St.Paul, a vintage and
home goods shop spotlighting women makers. Among gift-worthy items are artist Julie Kunzman's
acrylic
two-piece frames held together by magnets. Easily swap out prints from the artist ($15 per print) or
design your own artwork.
$35 print and frame; themustachecat.com
7 COZY COASTERS
While the classic St. Paul leather company has several gift-worthy items, we're zooming
in
on J.W. Hulme leather coasters. With stitched edging and packaged in a leatherbox, they bring
sophistication and warmth to any room.
$75, jwhulmeco.com
8 UNDER WRAPS
Twin Cities artist Laurie Jacobi brings us Oak Wisdom Laptops blankets, wool
pieces patterned like the tree, with an Ultrasuede trim. They're light and compact enough to tote
around but
a heavyweight at keeping you warm.
$85, lauriejacobi.com
luxe living
1 SNUGGLE IN
Four Seasons hotels know luxury, and now you can bring some home. Wearing these soft, fluffy
robes feels like being wrapped in a comforter. Shop the downtown Minneapolis hotel's spa or pick them
up online.
Kid size $149, adult size $249; fourseasons.com
2 BUBBLE OVER
It's named 49M for the approximately 49,000,000 bubbles released upon popping the cork.
The
Crémant Loire method involves an in-bottle secondary fermentation and long rest that boosts the
bubble
count.
$19,
solovinowines.com
3 FRAGRANT NOTES
Whether bergamot and black tea or orchid and fennel, Minneapolis-based True Hue features
a
range of notes in its reed diffusers. The result is sophisticated and unique scents.
$24.95, beanandro.com
4 THE G.O.A.T.
Goats raised on mother-daughter-run Rapha Farms provide the main ingredient for
heavenly scented lotion, liquid soap and a shave bar that users say makes their skin so soft they
never get nicked.
Manscape gift set $80, shave soaps $12; at Maple Grove or St. Paul farmers markets
or
raphafarmsmn.com
5 DE-STRESS
Roll on CBD and essential oils for an aromatherapy boost to focus,relax, elevate or find
pain
relief. BLNCD sells other CBD-infused beauty products, as well as gummies and water, plus has a new
line
of THC products.
$25, set of four $80; blncdnaturals.com
6 TOO PRETTY TO USE?
Soaps make perfect hostess gifts, stocking stuffers or additions to your powder room. For
something different, gift a heart-shaped lotion bar from Siena Soap Co. It melts on contact with
your
skin, doesn't count as liquid in your carry-on and oh! the fragrance — cherry, vanilla and almond.
Almond oatmeal bar, blueheronsoaps.com, $9; Lotion bar, $15.50 and Christmas
Pine bar, $9.50, both sienasoap.com;
soap dish, Bamboo
Switch, $5.
7 GIRL POWER
Created to celebrate the beauty and brilliance of Black and brown girls, Rocky Robinson
products are made for kids and teens with low-scent, no phthalate, naturally moisturizing
ingredients. True to its
positive message, the company has a donation program where buyers can purchase items for girls in
need.
Gift sets $25-$40, itsmerocky.com
8 HAVE FAITH
These cards serve as artwork and gentle reminders to be kind to yourself. Artist Jena
Holliday takes hopeful words her parents spoke to build her up to do the same for you. Each of the
20 cards is lined,
making it easy to pass along the kindness to a friend.
$30, spoonfuloffaith.com
9 GLOW UP
Jennifer Miller took over Blue Heron Soap Co. in 2020, using her chemistry background to
add
a line with zero palm oil and waste. She also added wonderfully scented candles like this one.
$35, blueheronsoaps.com or
the Dayton's Project.
10 YES, WAY
There's more to hair care than shampoo and conditioner. Nurturing Drops help seal damaged
ends and After-Sun Hair Mask moisturizes your tresses. The OWay line —the "O" is for organic — is
made in Italy
with high-end ingredients but is available locally.
Drops $46, mask $30; Spoke & Weal salon in Mpls.,
or owayhairproducts.com
bright spots
1 WOODLAND WONDER
Delina White's wraparound scarves come in several colors and share the traditional Ojibwe
woodland pattern she uses in her beadwork. Creating fabric with the design is her way of making it
accessible and
affordable. "It looks like a photograph. You can see the detail," says White, an enrolled member of the
Minnesota Chippewa tribe.
$125, iamanishinaabe.com
2 BLUE BEAUTIES
The sisters who own St. Paul's Atelier957 arrived in the U.S. from Kyiv, Ukraine, 30
years
ago. Marina Shimelfarb is the seamstress who eventually launched their Grand Avenue boutique.
The
shop specializes in statement pieces — like these of-the-moment leather Lofina boots.
$548, atelier957.com
3 SOCKS IN THE CITY
Wear your skyline on your feet. Hippy Feet's clever cotton socks let you choose
Minneapolis or St. Paul — or both. All purchases from this local company help create jobs for
homeless youth.
$19, hippyfeet.com
4 MINNESOTA MADE
Elizabeth John is an avid outdoorswoman who often knits while sitting 'round a
campfire or
gazing at a lake. The result? Lamb's wool or merino chunky mittens, fingerless gloves, infinity
scarves, neck gaiters, hats and more.
$39-$59, barnswallowgarden.com or at Mill City Farmers Market
5 FAN FAVORITES
Dyani White Hawk is best known as a painter and mixed-media artist. She also happens
to
love earrings and designs limited edition sets (only seven or fewer pairs are made) like these
fans on
acrylic discs. If purchased from the Walker Art Center gift shop, proceeds support artistic
and educational programs there.
$54, shop.walkerart.org or
cetanska.com
6 POLAR CHIC
Find this groovy Night Shrooms duo at sister-owned, sustainability-focused Les Sól on Lake Street in Uptown. The Parks
Project
clothing they carry is inspired by, and gives a percentage of proceeds back to, national parks.
Trail sherpa, $140; beanie, $40; shoplessol.com
7 HIGH TOUCH
Marina Shimelfarb at Atelier957 has an eye for assembling everyday looks as well as
the
store's signature showstoppers. This combo can top jeans, dress trousers or a skirt. Available
online or in the St. Paul shop.
Sweater, $328; necklace, $150; atelier957.com
festive foodstuffs
1 NEW-WAVE COCKTAILS
Yes Cocktail Company's bitter-infused, 100% natural cocktail cubes recently spotted at St.
Paul's the Mustache Cat couldn't be more convenient. Mixup a classic by dissolving an old-fashioned cube
in a
shot of bourbon, add ice, stir and garnish with an orange twist. Or, drop a lavender-lemon cube into a
glass
of sparkling and all that's left to do is say cheers.
$14 (serves 8); themustachecat.com
2 SWEET TREATS
The shop in an unassuming strip mall doesn't reveal the magic that's happening inside,
where
sisters Jule Vranian and Hope Klocker create their award-winning Sweet Jules caramels. Opt for the
large
gift set, a festive box filled with a sampling of the eight original flavors, including bananas
Foster
and beer and pretzel. Have someone on the really nice list? There's a monthly subscription,
too.
Box sets $17-$47, sweetjulesgifts.com
3 HOLIDAY CHEER
Maybe you're Old Fashioned or have your sights set on Manhattan. Either way, your
favorite
cocktails now come in stocking stuffer-sized packaging. Cherry-pick your favorites or grab a set of
six
preselected in this holiday cabin packaging and then toast yourself (the Minneapolis distillery has
glassware
sets, too) for getting at least one thing checked off your shopping list.
Singles from $6, set $40; tattersalldistilling.com
4 OLD-SCHOOL CHARM
Nougat has never tasted so good. Pastry chef Melinda Norman's Burnt Sugar, named for the
process of turning sugar to caramel, puts swirly new spins on classic textures and flavors.
Peanut roll, seafoam
toffee, Italian Torrone, meringues and more — no need to decide, just pick up a sampler pack. There
are
gluten- and dairy-free options, too.
$12-$55, burntsugar.com
and at several local retailers
5 TEA TIMES TWO
Warm hands and hearts with locally crafted teas. St. Paul's Heritage Teas, from Rosemary
Williams and daughters Raeisha and Kendra, blend family traditions and recipes into their line of
all-natural
beverages, which includes more than 25 teas. At Well Rooted Teas, Rachel Banken infuses locally
foraged
herbs, fruits, berries and more into handcrafted loose-leaf blends that aim to nourish and nurture
both
people and the environment.
$12, heritageteabeverages.com; $14,
wellrootedteas.com
6 BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL
Some makers are farm-to-table; Terroir Chocolate is bean-to-bar. Josh and Kristin Mohagen
source their ingredients and inspiration from places near and far but handcraft their original
flavors in small
batches in northern Minnesota. Whether your craving calls for cozy cardamom krumkake or fiesty
scorpion
pepper, it will be prettily packaged with purpose.
From $14, tcchocolate.com
7 BRING THE HEAT
Could Firestick Pretzels be as fun as the packaging? Yes, they can. The central Minnesota
company, the brainchild of Becky and Randy Tenvoorde, started with the couple's cayenne-laced spiced
pretzel sticks (hence the name) and now has 10 flavors, from curry and lime to white cheddar and
Bloody Mary.
And they know their audience. Another flavor? MN Mild.
$5.99 at Lunds and Byerlys or online at firestickpretzels.com
8 TINY TREASURES
Founder Robyn Frank took what was a family favorite — her mom's signature miniature
cinnamon-sugar cookies, each finished with her thumbprint — and turned them into a business that
proves
good things do come in small packages. Several sizes and flavors are available, including
gluten-free and vegan varieties. And while they may be little in size, they are big on flavor.
From $9; at Rosedale's Six for Good and Nolan Mains or online at thumbscookies.com
kitchen confidence
1 SAY CHEESE
Entertain the sustainable way. This sturdy bamboo charcuterie board will be the life of the
party, holding whatever you choose to serve, from cheese and crackers to bagels and lox. It also does
double duty by storing its utensil tray underneath, meaning no more tearing apart drawers looking for
the
cheese knife. Again.
$50, bambooswitch.com
2 COUNTER CADDY
Spices, herbs, teas, salt — keep kitchen helpers at your fingertips with a trio of lidded
jars, spoons included. They're sold individually, so pick up extras to moonlight in other rooms of
the house.
They can dispense bath salts just as easily as Himalayan salt.
Jars $14 each, base $12, khaluna.com
3 THROW IN A TOWEL
Artist Maggie Hathaway's Wild Perla has an array of colorful finds, including this
whimsical
Scandinavian-inspired cotton tea towel (also available in gold). It will brighten even the darkest
of
winter days, and comes packaged ready for gift giving. Buy several to keep on hand as hostess gifts
any time of
year.
$13.50, wildperla.com
4 FUN AND FUNCTIONAL
Jordan and Alex Akens' White Bear Lake company Bamboo Switch is dedicated to helping
people
live sustainably, and the kitchen is an easy place to start. Complement their light bamboo utensils
with ones
made of wood from Southeast Asia for an eye-catching array of cookware.
Dark spoons $6-$15, khaluna.com;
light
spoons (set of five) $20, bambooswitch.com
5 SPICE IT UP
Who wouldn't want to cook like award-winning Restaurant Alma chef Alex Roberts? Alma
Provisions, the latest endeavor by Roberts and his wife, Margot, carries a curated selection of the
restaurant's
signature spice blends, including mole chili powder, za'atar, a barbecue rub and chive salt. Timid
cooks
will be relieved the smartly packaged set also comes with descriptions and suggested uses.
$25, almaprovisions.com
6 CRUSHING IT
Pair this supersized, Lao-style mortar and pestle with a season's worth of spices. This
is
one kitchen tool that shouldn't languish in a pantry or cupboard — made of heavy clay, its rustic,
industrious look elevates it to shelf status.
$25, khaluna.com
7 ROLL WITH IT
Sushi lovers will enjoy having their own sustainable set for two. A pair of sushi mats
are
wrapped around a cloth case holding serving tools and two sets of chopsticks (all made from bamboo),
making it easy to take sushi-making skills on the road. Make it a double date and buy two.
$15, bambooswitch.com
touch of whimsy
1 COLORING CULTURE
Pint-size artists can create their own masterpieces, thanks to Minnesota artist Frank Big
Bear. But he didn't do it alone — the Anishinaabe artist created the designs, and teens from the Little
Earth
Arts Collective wrote the accompanying text. The activity pack includes coloring pencils, eraser and a
tote
bag with a Frank Big Bear design.
2 BOWLED OVER
Let these sturdy yet lightweight bamboo bowls be the workhorse of the kitchen, from
morning
yogurt to evening ice cream. Use with abandon during party season, too: strategically place snacks,
serve dessert or tuck a few holiday treats inside and send them home as party favors.
$6 each, bambooswitch.com
3 BORDER BATTLE
14 Gauge's Jesse Purvey may be from Minnesota, but he's left room in our hearts for other
states. Made from 14-gauge steel (obviously), these keychain/bottle openers are durable enough to
withstand
heavy happy hour use yet small enough to not be unwieldy in pockets or purses.
$12, etsy.com
4 FAITHFULLY FLORAL
You may know artist Jena Holliday from her murals around Minneapolis, her journals for
Target
or her children's book, "A Spoonful of Faith." But her whimsical designs and spirited work also
include
apparel, prints, hand-lettered inspirational quotes and home decor like this trinket bowl,
hand-painted
and designed by the artist.
$28, spoonfuloffaith.com
5 SEEN AND HERD
Molly Yeh, the Midwest's answer to the Pioneer Woman, has debuted a line of kitchen
essentials at Macy's, and it's as bright and fun as the author/chef/blogger/Food Network star. Among
the items in the
Girl Meets Farm collection is this colorful silicone suction plate. Gift this to the tot in your
life and
parents will thank you — it actually sticks.
$26, macys.com
6 MERRY METAL
Learning that Rock N Roll Jewelry was started in Minnesota was music to our ears.
Inventor
Peter Holmbeck creates jewelry from guitar and drum parts — strings, picks, drum keys, amp plugs —
with catchy
names like the Bass-let. With rings, bracelets and necklaces, you just may have found the
gift
for that hard-to-buy teen. Rock on.
$20-$30, rocknrolljewelry.com
7 COOL IT
It's a stroke of genius in canteen form. Ice cream innovators Bebe Zito now make it
easier
to
take pints of Animal Frossting ice cream to go. These crafty coolers will keep your favorite flavors
cool for
up to four hours on their own, or up to eight when packed in a cooler. A game-changer for potlucks
and
movie snacking.
$45, bebezitomn.com
8 AN ACE OF A GIFT
The explosion in popularity of pickleball has also led to the explosion of pickleball
accessories, and Kim Schueller of Burnsville took notice. She curates The Pickleball Court,
populated
with everything from apparel and tote bags to earrings and these clever coasters, all made by local
artists.
wrap it up
We've come a long way from brown paper packages tied up with strings. By thinking out of the
box,
gift wrapping will become one of your favorite things.
1 Artful representation
Mahogany Ellis-Crutchfield started GiftyWrap after she couldn't find wrapping paper that
represented her diverse community. She collaborates with local and global artists for the designs,
ensuring everyone feels seen.
$12, giftywrap.com
2 Seasonal greetings
Make a statement by sending your seasonal greetings with Wild Perla's hand illustrated
greeting cards. (Other occasions available, too.) And don't forget the thank you cards — mom would
be proud.
$4.25 each, wildperla.com
3 Tree trimmers
Add a festive touch to mantles, doorways, living room walls or office cubicles with this
4-foot upcycled garland by Kallie VanOrsdol's Lunar Lotus Designs.
$27.95,etsy.com
4 Waxing poetic
Micah and Cassidy Rude started Shōr to help eliminate plastics from lakeshores near their
Grand Rapids home. The beeswax wraps can cover everything from cans to casseroles and the array of
patterns
make adorable gift wrap, too.
$10-$18, shorproducts.com
5 Double duty
Bright ribbon or twine and a little double-sided tape can turn a festive cotton tea towel
into
one-of-a-kind wrapping and a bonus gift for the recipient. This one's from Maggie Hathaway Rojas'
Wild
Perla.
$13.50, wildperla.com
6 Carry on
Handcrafted from invasive jungle vines by Lao artisans, this gift-bearing tote will
become
indispensable, carting everything from broccoli to books.
$40, khaluna.com
7 Sustainable snappy
Kallie VanOrsdol makes her Lunar Lotus Designs by hand in her Twin Cities home. Reusable
gift
bags — available for any occasion — come in three sizes and several patterns, all with ties to
complete
the package.
$10.50-$13.50, etsy.com
8 A sweet touch
Treat your sweetest friends to baked goods nestled in a stylish cake carrier. Try this
wooden
keeper from Molly Yeh's kitchen line (it has a removable shelf); or find your perfect vessel at
kitchen
stores or vintage shops.
$86, macys.com
