Holiday Gift Guide
It’s that time of year again! I’ve compiled a list of gifts for practically everyone on your list from some of my favorite, mostly local (and mostly women-owned) businesses and brands.
Taggart Studios
Steve and Suzy Taggart share a passion for timeless design, simple living, and good times. As a talented craftsman and an experienced retailer, the Taggarts combine their talents to design and develop products for the modern home. Visit taggartstudios.com to learn more.
Promo Code: HAPPYHOLIDAYS for 20% off the TAGGART STUDIOS Paper Collection – expires 12.15.21.
Promo Code: HAPPYHOLIDAYS for 20% off the TAGGART STUDIOS Paper Collection – expires 12.15.21.
Stranger and Co.
Stranger & Co. is a small, woman-owned shop focused on making high quality design accessible and fairly priced. They primarily represent artists and designers who are women, people of color, lgbtq, and immigrants. Their ethos is one of inclusion, accessibility, and visibility. Stranger & Co. is my absolute favorite local shop for jewelry, ceramics, and discovering new favorite brands (see the below three brands that they stock).
PS.They also carry the amazingly beautiful Estelle Colored Glass, if you’re looking to buy a present for me ;)
Shop in person:
3929 Market Street, Edina MN 55424
The Sunday Standard
The Sunday Standard was born from a desire for luxurious, high-quality products and our unwillingness to compromise on efficacy and safety. Their ingredients are chosen with blemish-prone skin in mind, and with respect for health and the health of our planet. Their products are formulated to repair damaged skin from the inside out by promoting barrier repair and cellular renewal, eliminating blemish-causing impurities, and restoring balance to the skin’s natural oil production. Inflammation is soothed, environmental damage is reversed, and tired, problematic skin is brought back to life.
My favorite products- found stocked at Stranger and Co.- are the Superfood Cleansing Balm and the Restorative Night Oil.
Shop here! and in-store at Stranger and Co.
Yam
I discovered and, subsequently, fell in love with Yam jewelry in the summer of 2020. Yam is inspired by founder and designer Morgan Thomas’ childhood imagery, moments and memories. The brand embraces vintage silhouettes and feel-good materials such as pearls and recycled metals. Classic and industrial hardware elements are complimented with cheeky and charming nature motifs and pearl accents. Yam is here to remind you of what you know and once knew. Yam is an ode to her late mother, upcycled materials and new nostalgia.
Shop here! and in-store at Stranger and Co.
Swim to the Moon Jewelry
Another brand I found through Stranger and Co. Maura, thank you for stocking some of the most amazing brands ever, seriously! Swim to the Moon is a small jewelry brand created by greek designer Stefani Stoyanof and founded in Texas. The inspiration comes from Stefani’s love for travel, adventure, and the sea, creating a collection of jewelry with emotional and historical relevance, making comfortable pieces that travel with the wearer throughout their own adventures.
Shop here! and in-store at Stranger and Co.
Larissa Loden
Larissa Loden is a woman-owned jewelry brand made with care and swears in the Midwest. They are strong-willed, evolutionary, and forward-thinking individuals who aren’t afraid to speak their minds about the issues they’re passionate about. Jewelry making started as a side hustle for Larissa during her time as a middle school art teacher. Over a decade later, Larissa’s fun, minimal jewelry can be found at more than 600 retailers and the brand has donated over $50,000 to causes they care about.
Shop in person:
1500 Jackson St NE #265, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Woolly Bear Knits
Emily Sheehan creates cozy, modern knit accessories all hand-knit with ethically-sourced yarn. Her knits are inspired by everyday adventures, whether it be a winter walk with a warm beverage in hand, snoweshing thought a state park, or the perfect addition to your apres ski outfit. Woolly Bear Knits has been in business since 2019. I had the pleasure of meeting Emily at a Creator’s Table meetup and got to wear one of her hats. So soft and cozy!!
Promo Code: WHERESHEWORE for 10% off your purchase through 12/31/21
Honour Cafe
Honour is all about finding a morning ritual that works best for you. It’s important to be intentional and doing something for yourself to start the day off on a positive note. From coffee to raw cold pressed juices, made from scratch baked goods, food and Acai bowls—we are here to make your day better through our products and services. Start your day with HONOUR! My go-to’s are the Tumeric Glow and Morning Dew Juice, Rose Matcha (seasonal), Bom Dia Acai Bowls, and literally any of their baked goods. So GOOD. They also have their own line of skincare and wellness essentials.
Shop here!
Shop in person:
451 NE Stinson Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55413
GiftyWrap
GiftyWrap creates stationery and party products that not only bring joy but reflects the diverse community that we all live in. Through our unique and specialty wrapping paper we work to ensure that everyone feels seen and represented in the products used to celebrate them. Our goal is to bring more art into the world, spread joy and do it inclusively. Our wrapping paper is 100% recyclable, and made from FSC certified wood. We work with small artists (many from our home state of MN) to create art prints that let your recipient know that you see them and this gift was intentionally wrapped with joy and love. Our party decor side of the business ensures that love and intentionality is in every detail.
Cry Baby Clay
Another amazing brand found through Stranger and Co. cry baby clay is a hybrid personal studio & community clay resource. When founder Katie Cameron is not offering workshops, firing clay kits/community firings/kiln rentals, or hosting private events, she is working on keeping her own studio practice afloat (and doing all of the admin/behind the scenes work of everything aforementioned). Please be patient & understanding, as this is a one woman show. cry baby clay offers clay kits, classes, as well as pre-order ceramics. Katie will be popping up at a few local events before the holidays- so be sure to checkout Instagram to stay current on events. I have the below bumpy planter and I love it.
Parc
Parc is a thoughtfully curated shop of simple, minimalistic pieces and unique goods from independent designers & makers. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Parc Shop brings ethical & sustainable fashion to the inspired individual who is seeking quality over quantity. Parc is another one of my favorite local shops for beautiful jewelry and accessories and timeless, quality pieces.
Shop in-person:
212 N 2nd St Suite 102, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Les Sol
The brand is a reflection of the global feel of the shop and its products, as well as its sister duo owners Mikaela and Megan Harrod—who are both avid global travelers. We have always wanted to own and run a boutique together, and are excited to bring our shared passions for fashion, community, and sustainability together with Les Sól. With Les Sól, a lifestyle boutique, we hope to bring warmth and positivity to the Minneapolis retail community with its strong West Coast vibes to this state we love and has meant so much to both of us. It’s a bit eccentric, but also high-end. It’s honestly very much an extension of our own shared personal style. Les Sól is a mood. It’s a “get-out-of-bed-and-tackle-life-with-a-smile-and-passion” kind of vibe. It’s a little different…“eccentric,” even. Like each and every one of us. And that’s what sets us apart. Most importantly, it’s not just a boutique—it’s a COMMUNITY.
We proudly stock + support independent artists and small brands.
Shop in-person: 4353 S Upton Ave Unit 104 Minneapolis, MN 55410
Hazel and Rose
Hazel & Rose was founded by Emma Olson in 2016 when she couldn't find a place in town that carried her favorite sustainable & ethical brands all in one place. The shop opened in Northeast Minneapolis with the intent to showcase independent brands - some locally made, others from around the world - who were committed to quality, beauty, transparency, and sustainability. In September 2017, Bobbi Barron joined Hazel & Rose as a partner & co-owner, bringing years of experience with her own independent storefront in rural Minnesota. Together, Emma and Bobbi have remained dedicated to finding garments and designers that inspire and last.
Isabella Eve Apparel
All garments are designed and made by me in my little studio. I want you to love and feel as comfortable as possible in your Isabella Eve Apparel garment, so if you send me your measurements, I’ll make it custom to your size! The made to order system also makes us more sustainable as only the necessary amount of fabric is cut and used. All scraps are saved and repurposed into accessories. I strive to make fun, sustainable garments that make people happy and spread joy, and more importantly, spread the importance of sustainably and ethically made products.
Queenie and Pearl
Queenie & Pearl, a dream for decades was officially born in 2016, started as a vintage rock and roll themed pop up at festivals and markets. We wanted to find a way to bring the cool brands and makers we met along the way to Minneapolis, so we dipped our toe into brick & mortar, collaborating in a friend’s Shop in Excelsior. This experience gave us the confidence to open our stand alone shop in our beloved Minneapolis in 2018. A year later we expanded upstairs increasing our vintage collection, adding a Vinyl collaboration with Solsta Records and opening our creative studio.
When it comes to style and our shop we don’t believe in demographics or fashion rules. We believe in enhancing your own individual style and hope you find something that will delight you and make you smile every time you put it on regardless of age, bank account or size.
Shop here!
Shop in-person:
5014 Xerxes Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Sota + Crooked & Spur
Spencer Johnson sketched his initial designs for Sota Clothing as part of a class project while pursuing his Graphic Design Degree at the University of Minnesota Duluth. While the objective was to create a fictional brand, Spencer took it as an opportunity to create clean, finely designed Minnesota apparel he felt was lacking for our state. After creating the logo and graphics and receiving a great deal of support from his classmates, he decided to press on and make Sota Clothing a reality.
Crooked & Spur found its namesake in a long, windy dirt road in the Northwoods of Minnesota. It leads to a vintage-style cabin where our family’s love of design and home decor come to together. Crooked & Spur creates clean and timeless wall decor to put your stamp on your most treasured spaces in the home.
Promo code: "HANNAH-SWENSON” for 15 % off your purchase. Expires on 1/5/22 for Sota and Crooked & Spur
Foxwell
A longstanding brainchild of HGTV’s “Should I Stay or Go” co-host and Fox Homes’ Lead Designer, Heather Fox, Foxwell finally came into realization in April of 2020. We’re a shoppe. We’re a studio. We’re a one stop spot for design lovers in our little corner of MN. Despite opening during a pandemic, we’ve been blown away by our community full of those who treasure good design in their everyday lives—both big and small scale. Whether you’re setting a mood with a candle or consulting on a full-home remodel, we’re in the business of helping you “Fox” your space.
Shop in-person: 4400 France Ave • Edina, MN 55410
Legacy
We are a boutique located in the heart of South Minneapolis. We carry a collection of vintage and pre-owned women’s apparel, home and accessories. "I’ve always loved vintage and thrift but loathed the hunt and found the traditional thrift shop environment to be hard to navigate. With Legacy I wanted to create an elevated shopping experience while maintaining low prices and removing the “hunt”. All our pieces are hand selected with fit and style at the forefront." - Ruby, Co-founder
Shop In-Person: 3406 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
June
We are proud to be part of the rich history of the resale, consignment, thrift and vintage community of Minneapolis."I believe in the beauty and history of fashion; and the transformation it can play in one's life."
Est. in 2008, June is the premier resale shop in the Twin Cities.
Set in a beautiful boutique setting, you'll find luxury clothing, bags, shoes, vintage jewelry and accessories. Featuring Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, Balanciaga, Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Isabel Marant and more. We have an amazing clientele base from which we find unusual and hard-to-find items.
Shop in-Person: 5027 France Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Down the Rabbit Hole
After 17 years of selling exclusively online, I have decided to open my first brick and mortar store here in the beautiful town of Excelsior. All of my Luxury Designer Fashion items were purchased personally by myself in stores such as Neimans, Saks etc (yes I do have a shopping addiction) . Approx 80% of my stock is brand new with original tags, with the rest being vintage items. So basically I’ve done the sale shopping for you!
Shop In-Person: 17516 Minnetonka Blvd Unit 2 Minnetonka, MN 55345
Mille
Founded by retail maven, design lover, Austin native, and Minneapolis transplant Michelle LeBlanc. With an unerring eye towards comfortable yet covetable pieces, MILLE represents a community of like-minded women who speak the same secret language of style, and a thoughtful selection of garments and housewears they will love to live with.
Scout
Scout is a handsome apparel and gift boutique with locations in Saint Paul and Edina. We carry a variety of planet positive casual outdoorsy brands with a focus on environmentally conscious materials, manufacturers, and contributors. We're also a queer friendly space and welcome anyone who is interested in having a handsome style.
Shop In-Person: 327 7th St W, Saint Paul, MN 55102 AND 3925 Market St, Edina, MN 55424
Atelier 4501
Recently opened in South Minneapolis, Atelier 4501 offers private, personalized, vintage shopping for individuals and small groups, hands on personal + executive styling, accessible photo studio rentals, and indoor + outdoor small business markets and vendor collaborations. They carry vintage pieces from Everyday Ejiji and May Baby Vintage.
They are currently open by appointment only but, trust me, you’ll want to make one. Send Ashley and Tracy your wishlist, aesthetic, and preferred playlist before hand and they’ll curate a one-of-a-kind shopping experience for you- or your loved one as a gift.
4501 34th Ave S, Minneapolis
Short and Suite
I started thinking how I want people to feel part of a story and to incorporate this feeling of luxury into my brand. So I was like, travel. Everyone loves travel. I love travel. When I was at Valentino and Brock, I would travel to Paris and Milan for Fashion Week and stay in these elegant hotel suites, which was so magical. So I thought about it for a while, and I was like, how do I mix the travel and the jewelry? And then Short & Suite was born. The colors are based off of places I've traveled or places I want to go. They all have that elegance and luxury to them. Everything is completely branded, including the tissue paper, the stickers, and the packaging. It's all very luxurious. We are all apart of the Suiteheart world!
I made the price point not totally entry, but not crazy, so that it could feel like if it's a present to someone, it's a nice, thought-out present. And if you're buying it for yourself, it's equally a great gift for you.
Golden Rule Gallery
Golden Rule has always been more than just a shop. We aim to promote kindness and community, placing a high value on art, creation, and the creator. We value an honesty and depth in all facets and endeavors and acknowledge both the tragedies of this life and the overwhelming beauty. We are acutely aware that sorrow and joy are sisters. We believe that art and beauty are healing tools that can soothe pain and build bridges.
Shop in-person: 350 Water Street, Excelsior, MN 55331
Marion Parke
Marion Parke is an American podiatric surgeon and luxury footwear designer. Motivated by her vision for footwear with intelligent design, she creates shoes that seamlessly blend thoughtful structure with an elegant yet edgy style. Marion Parke has treated countless stylish women seeking beautiful footwear with considerate construction. In response to this need, she launched her namesake collection for Spring 2016. Her launch collection quickly garnered editorial and retailer interest.
I worked for Marion Parke for almost two years and I am hooked. Obviously a splurge, but SO comfortable and beautiful. I’ve worn by Bernadettes for almost 17 hours before. If you have a special event I would highly recommend trying Marion Parke.
Ashtyn Sibinski
Ashtyn is a studio artist currently living and working in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She received her BA in Studio Art from the University of Northwestern St. Paul. With a combined background in studio art, design and experiential marketing and events, Ashtyn has developed a curiosity for the way a person experiences and responds to visuals; This is regularly explored in her body of work. Within each painting, mural and collage, she seeks visual harmony by way of shape, color and texture. Her creative process is fueled by an eagerness to combine colors and an excitement for rearranging shapes.
Shop here!
Shop in-person:
Northrup King Building Studio 364 1500 Jackson St NE Minneapolis, MN 55413
Artifacts of Joy
Artifacts of Joy are brightly colored abstract paintings on functional surfaces and illustrations to empower, uplift, and make you laugh. Owner and artist Lauren Strom puts her heart into art for your heart and home. She is driven by the motto "If you have the power to make someone happy, do it" and oh does she do it.
Shop in-person:
Strey Collective | Northrup King Building #179 1500 Jackson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Michelle Brusegaard
I've been selling my printed goodies full time since 2008. It's pretty tight. I bumble around the earth getting inspired by old things, new things, people, animals, things that grow and things that don't grow. Everything I create starts with an original drawing. It's the MBMB way! It's like I always say: "keep your friends close, keep your sketchbook closer!" I always say that. I work out of NE Minneapolis, where the cats are aplenty and the Hamms flows just as fast* as the Ole Missus Sip. *Not sure if that's fast or not. I have an etsy shop, too!
Shop here!
Shop in-person: Northrup King Building Ste 246 1500 Jackson St NE MPLS, MN 55413