+ more SPOTS to find goods from local makers, IRL & virtually.
Updated to add: As COVID-19 cases in Minnesota and around the U.S. continue to rise and Twin Cities hospitals are at 98% capacity, I am presenting this information with the caveat that I strongly recommend shopping online to slow the spread of COVID-19.
It’s been a tough 7-plus months for the small businesses that make up the Twin Cities retail and maker community. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has presented barriers for shoppers to shop in person and indoors, and online sales haven’t been enough to make up for the loss in business. That’s why it’s vital this holiday season to skip the big boxes and do your gift shopping with local small businesses. Despite the challenges to hosting in-person events and setting up virtual shopping experiences, local retailers and makers are still doing what they do best: thinking on their feet and innovating along the way.
Haupt Antiek’s vintage Christmas Market (courtesy Haupt Antiek)
VIRTUAL MARKETS & ONLINE HUBS:
Roho Collective Virtual Artisan Holiday Market: After its in-person maker market at IDS Center was canceled due to COVID-19, local group Roho Collective has launched a virtual market featuring giftable goods and original art from local, Black-owned brands and makers. Shop now at rohocollective.square.site
Chameleon Shoppes Virtual Boutique: Known for its annual holiday pop-ups in downtown Minneapolis storefronts, Chameleon Shoppes has launched a virtual pop-in shop with goods from more than 25 local makers and brands, including several BIPOC-owned businesses. Shop now @ chameleonshoppes.com
Union Depot's Virtual Holiday Bake Sale: Although vendors will no longer be gathering physically at the Union Depot's annual bake sale, you'll still be able to stock up on holiday treats from them via virtual orders. You can purchase a treat bag, available in small, medium or large sizes, filled with baked goods from local vendors and pick it up at Union Depot. Shop now through 11/30. Pickup 12/12 @ Union Depot, 214 4th St E, St. Paul. Shop now via www.uniondepot.org/bakesale
Union Depot European Christmas Market Virtual Edition: Instead of bundling up and heading out to St. Paul’s annual European-style market, cozy up at home for this year’s virtual edition of the market. Shop handmade goods from local makers and vendors, including handmade knives, ornaments, apothecary items, toys and Scandinavian imports. Now through 12/24 @ stpaulchristmasmarket.com
The List Virtual Makers’ Marketplace: One unfortunate consequence of the COVID outbreak is the dearth of makers markets, which many local makers and small businesses had relied upon for a majority of their income—especially during the upcoming holiday season. Hoping to fill that void is The List, a new, Minnesota-based online maker hub that is fully launching this week. The marketplace aims to be a one-stop shop for high-quality artisans, makers and other small businesses, just in time for holiday gift-giving season. Find a mix of fashion, home goods and skin care by 40 top local makers, including Strey Designs, Adam Turman, Essence One, FOAT Design, Hackwith Design House, ILO Design, J.Lux Jewelry, Joeleen Torvick, Julia Elise Skincare, Tiny Loud and Minny & Paul. Shop now @ www.findmeonthelist.com
Julmarknad Virtual Holiday Market: The American Swedish Institute’s annual Julmarknad Swedish-style makers market has gone virtual. Now through the holidays, you can shop all 33 vendors online and tune in on December 5 for a a series of Virtual Julmarknad Artist Panels. Plus, select artists will offer virtual personal shopping appointments the weekend of December 5 and 6. Ends 12/20. Shop now at www.asimn.org/julmarknad
The Museum of Russian Art Virtual Holiday Shop: The museum’s online shop is filled with unique gift ideas like ornaments, linens, holiday Matryoshka and hand-carved Russian Santas, plus an expanded book selection. Shop now through the holidays @ www.shoptmora.org
Minneapolis Craft Market Online Marketplace: As Minneapolis Craft Market’s live markets are currently on hold through at least winter 2020, you can now shop their makers online as well as live each week on virtual streaming app Popshop Live, where they’ll showcase a different maker each week. Use invite code MCMPOP to join for easy holiday shopping from the comfort of your couch. Download the free app @ bit.ly/mcmpsl & find upcoming live streaming dates and times at mplscraftmarket.com/events. You can also shop the full Minneapolis Craft Market collection from local makers online 24/7. Shop now @ mplscraftmarket.com
Craft Bash 2020 Online: American Craft Council's annual Craft Bash is hosting a virtual marketplace filled with meaningful, handmade gifts by more than 90 diverse artisans from across the country. Local favorites participating include Lulu Organics, SCARFSHOP, Marisa Martinez Jewelry, Winsome Goods, Hideaway Leathercraft, Ethel Studio and DC Ice, and many items are one-of-a-kid or limited quantities. Learn more and explore the artists on the Craft Council’s website. Shop now through 12/6 @ www.craftcouncil.org/show/season/craft-bash-2020
#BFOB2020: Virtual Black Friday on Broadway: In light of the recent surge in Covid cases, the event has canceled the in-person portion of this year's BFOB. The annual event presented by NEON and the West Broadway neighborhood supports small and local businesses that are part of the Northside community. Beginning Black Friday weekend, browse all our BFOB vendors and shop from them directly through the rest of the holiday season. The website will be active through the end of the year. Online 11/27–12/31 @ www.bfob-mn.com
The Galleria Holiday Reimagined Experience, featuring the LAB Collective Market: While the planned, in-person Holiday Reimagined and Collective experiences from LAB will no longer be taking place at Galleria in Edina, the creative studio has pivoted to bringing the happening to life in a different way. The Collective window shopping experience will still be taking place, with a reveal happening this week before Thanksgiving and staying up through December. This will remain a safe, innovative, and beautiful way to view local products and enable contactless shopping through QR codes. Plus, watch out for exciting giveaways, DIYs and other fun Holiday Reimagined experiences on the brand’s Instagram page. Beginning 11/24 through December @ Galleria, Edina & at instagram.com/labmpls
Side Hustle Farmers Market: Curbside Small Business Saturday!: For Small Business Saturday, Wild Things Antiques is hosting this market with a mix of vintage and handmade goods from local artisans. The event has now moved to Facebook. Sales begin Tuesday at noon. Curbside pickup will be Saturday, 11/28 from 12–3pm at Wild Things Antiques. Learn more about how to shop at the Facebook invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/396400091499855
Holidazzle 2020 Virtual Experience: Holidazzle—which typically takes place in Loring Park—is moving online this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its virtual experience is centered around The Holidazzle Show, a four-part series that features DIY holiday projects, holiday gift ideas from small businesses and more. Other online content and activities include HoliTivities, Holiday cooking recipes, Minneapolis Craft Market virtual shopping experience featuring local makers. Beginning 11/27 & running through 12/24 @ www.holidazzle.com/2020
Raging Art On: Gamut Gallery's annual art holiday gift sale features handmade art, gifts, prints, jewelry and more from 40 Minnesota artists. This year, in addition to in-person shopping, selected works will also be available online to shop. Online 12/2–1/4 @ gamut-gallery.myshopify.com
Minny & Paul Holiday Collection: Local brand Minny & Paul partners with more than 100 talented local makers and independent businesses to craft its curated gift boxes, each with a different theme. This holiday season's gift collection includes four options: Festive Foodie (chocolatey, nutty artisanal bites) and the larger Festive Foodie Deluxe Crate, Winter Woods (balsam fir incense and more hygge self-care) and Caffeine & Chocolate. Boxes start at $49. Shop now @ minnyandpaul.com
Minnesota Black Box: Find handmade items from ROX Jewelry and other top Twin Cities Black-owned businesses, including candles, body care and books, packaged together in a gift box, ready for giving. Each themed box is available a la carte and retails for $25 to $45. Shop now @ mnblackbox.com
IN-PERSON MARKETS:
The Artful Present: Veronique Wantz Gallery's annual holiday art and gifting event is back for a series of Saturdays of one-of-a-kind gifts from local artists and makers, including giftable paintings by Jim Hillegass and wood-fired stoneware serving dishes by Samuel Johnson, plus pop-ups from Goldfinch Modern Textile Craft and Yen Chee Designs jewelry. All artwork will also be 10% off for the duration of the event. Note, only 6 shoppers are allowed inside at a time. While you're there, visit nearby retailers UMEI for Japanese home goods and new interior design retailer J. Atelier. Saturdays through 12/19 from 11am–3pm @ Veronique Wantz Gallery, 901 N 5th St, Minneapolis, www.instagram.com/veroniquewantzgallery
Fair Trade Holiday Market Pop-up: Beginning this week, four Minnesota-based fair-trade retailers are coming together to bring a new pop-up holiday shopping experience to Northeast Minneapolis. Fair Anita, Global Mamas, Elevāt and Trade Winds, plus displays from Gifts for Change, Multicolores and She is Love. These companies are joined together by their unique core values, fair trade, and ethically-made. Each group works with artisans around the world to curate globally-sourced products that have been made in ethical conditions. Now open through 12/24. Hours: Sunday, 12/20 from 12–5pm, Monday, 12/21–Wednesday, 12/23 from 10am–6pm, Thursday, 12/24 from 10am–3pm, Saturday, 12/26 from 10am–6pm, Sunday, 12/27 from 12–5pm (last day) @ 2516 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, www.fairtradeholidaymarket.com
Homespun Maker Market: A Minnesota-Made Holiday Pop-up Market: Shop the the best in Minnesota-made gifts for the holidays with a series of three holiday pop-up shops at local malls, featuring more than 70 local brands and makers at each location. The Ridgedale location is now open; look for stores to open at Southdale and Eden Prairie Center on Black Friday. Now open through 12/24 @ Ridgedale Center, Level 2 in Center Court, 12401 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka. Coming soon to Southdale Center in Edina and Eden Prairie Center. More info: homespunmn.myshopify.com
Community Commons at Mall of America: Mall of America recently debuted Community Commons, a new, rent-free space dedicated to businesses struggling due to the pandemic or displaced due to civil unrest over the summer. Several, including Peruvian poncho retailer Llakta, come from the Midtown Global Market on Lake Street, which was hit by some of the worst damage. The 17 vendors include Twiggy Fresh (bamboo toothbrushes), and Butters by Jay (shea butter skin and haircare). The space is currently set to stay open through Spring 2021 and will feature an evolving roster of retailers. Now open @ Mall of America, 238N South Avenue (2nd level), Bloomington, mallofamerica.com/directory/communitycommons
Holiday Happenings at 50th & France: Edina’s preeminent shopping destination for locally owned retail is hosting two months of holiday festivities. Enjoy exclusive shopping offerings and specials from 50th & France businesses every third Thursday of the month through the holidays. Plus, the district will have s'mores and cookie carts and artist greenhouses, window displays and ice sculpture carving on various dates through December. Visit 50thandfrance.com/events for a full list of happenings, and be sure to check out new boutiques Stranger & Co. and Six for Good while you visit. @ W 50th St & France Ave S, Edina
Northrup King Building Holiday Hours: The massive artist and maker studio building will have open hours throughout the holiday season, with select studios open for shopping. Those include Strey Collective, a co-op shop featuring apparel, leather goods and accessories by several local designers (#179); Excelsior Candle Co, which is offering exchanges on empty Excelsior candles and new products for the holidays, and local jewelry favorite, Larissa Loden (#265). 11/28 from 10am–6pm, 12/3 from 5–9pm, 12/5 from 10am–4pm, 12/12 from 10am–4pm & 12/19 from 10am–4pm @ 1500 Jackson St NE, Minneapolis, www.northrupkingbuilding.com
Mill City Farmers Market: Winter Market: The Mill City Farmers Market has begun its winter market, open on select Saturdays through April. The market will be a combination of open air shopping in the Train Shed and Chicago Mall as well as indoor shopping inside the historic Mill City Museum. With over 120 local farmers, food makers and artists, MCFM strives to build a local, sustainable and organic food economy in a vibrant, educational marketplace. Saturdays 11/14, 11/21 & 12/12 from 10am–12pm @ Mill City Farmers Market, 750 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, millcityfarmersmarket.org
Bachman's Holiday Ideas & Inspiration for the Home: The local home and garden retailer has shifted its annual holiday idea house from its Lyndale Avenue location to its flagship store to make more space for guests to safely socially distance while gathering inspiration for the holidays. The self-guided tour ($5 entrance fee) will take you through themed rooms and styled vignettes with fresh design ideas for the season. Plus, 20% of proceeds will benefit Spark-Y, a local nonprofit empowering youth through hands-on education rooted in sustainability and entrepreneurship. With your ticket purchase, you’ll also receive a coupon for 20% off your next regular-priced Bachman’s purchase. Nov. 15–Dec. 13 @ 6010 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, bachmans.com
Haupt Antiek Market: Holiday Markets: The occasional vintage market is known for its annual holiday markets featuring a new theme and fresh inventory each month. Look for a mix of holiday home decor, antique ornaments, table settings, festive furnishings, gifts, outdoor decorations, sleds, skis and fresh greens. 11/19–11/22 ("This Is Christmas"), 11/30 (Small Business Saturday), and 12/3–12/6 ("Holiday Sparkle"). Hours: Thursday 9am–8pm, Friday 9am–7pm, Saturday 9am–5pm & Sunday 11am–4pm @ 7570 147th St W #400, Apple Valley, www.hauptantiek.com
bread: A unique pop-up market: This holiday pop-up market created by local entrepreneur Marsha Magdalene will feature a mostly BIPOC group of locally owned brands and goods from local makers. Grand opening 11/20–11/22, Running weekends through 2/28/21 @ Maplewood Mall (lower level next to Lids/Caribou Coffee), 3001 White Bear Ave N #1015A, Maplewood, www.facebook.com/breadpopup
Virtual Nordic Julemarket: Utepils Brewing’s fifth annual Scandinavian-inspired virtual market features handmade gifts from local makers, makers all across the country and businesses importing goods straight from Scandinavia. In response to the global pandemic COVID-19, the 5th Annual Nordic Julemarket is now 100% online. 11/20–11/22 @ nordicjulemarket.com
Healing Elements Holiday Market: Healing Elements, a mindfully curated wellness shop in St. Paul, is hosting a series of holiday markets featuring goods from independent local makers. To attend, register for a time slot to help the market stay safe and distanced. Up to 8 guests are welcome to shop for 45-minute intervals. Sundays 11/22 & 11/29 from 11am–6pm @ Healing Elements, 2290 Como Ave, St. Paul. Learn more & get free tickets at healingelementswellness.com
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt: Downtown Excelsior will be transformed into a German-style open-air holiday market for two weekends this season. Put on something warm and enjoy holiday foods and entertainment, decor and gift shopping and festive warm beverages. You can also get a picture with Santa, who’ll be enclosed in a COVID-friendly, life-size ornament. To ensure social distancing is met and the increased costs, guests are required to buy a $5 ticket for an hour-long time slot, limiting capacity to 250 people. Face coverings will be required. 11/27–11/29 & 12/4–12/6 @ Excelsior Commons, 135 Lake St, Excelsior, excelsiorchristmas.com
Founders Co. Holiday Pop-up at Southdale: This collective of local small business owners, creators and makers—founded by Excelsior Candle Co., B + D Custom Crafts, MEND Jewelry—are back for a second year at Southdale with an expanded assortment of goods from nine local woman-owned businesses. Expect a mix of elevated, handcrafted home decor, gemstone jewelry, clothing and accessories, organic skincare, fine art and modern pottery from Namakan Goods, Wondrous Crane, Kisa Boutique and more. Open 12/1–12/23 @ Southdale Center on 1st floor rotunda between Gap & The Body Shop, Edina, founders-co-mn.myshopify.com
Raging Art On: Gamut Gallery's annual art holiday gift sale features handmade art, gifts, prints, jewelry and more from 40 Minnesota artists over three weeks. This year, in addition to in-person shopping, selected works will also be available online to shop. The gallery will be operating under limited capacity and you may request an appointment to ensure you can get in the door. 12/1 (members only) plus Wednesdays–Fridays from 12/2–12/22 from 11am–6pm plus online 12/2–1/4 @ gamut-gallery.myshopify.com
Northeast Farmers Market: Winter Market: Put on your winter gear and support local vendors the first Saturday of each month, this weekend through April outdoors in the parking lot of St. Boniface Catholic Church. Shoppers are asked to wear a mask and keep socially distanced. (No pets allowed.) And, of course, dress warm. Saturday, 12/5 from 11am–1pm @ 629 2nd St NE, Minneapolis, northeastfarmersmarket.com
Franconia Frost Fest & Holiday Market: Bundle up and head out to Franconia Sculpture Park for a one-day holiday market and bazaar featuring unique gifts by local artisans and vendors. Timed ticket reservations are required for this free event. The event will also kick off Franconia's new, free community ice rink and artist installation, which will be open from 8am–8pm daily through February, weather permitting. Saturday 12/5 from 12–4pm @ Franconia Sculpture Park, 29836 Saint Croix Trl, Shafer, www.franconia.org/frost-fest
More Winter Farmers Markets in Minneapolis: Five local farmers markets are teaming up to host winter outdoor markets around the city to continue celebrating local growers and producers. Each market will host a winter clothing drive site, so be sure to come with new, unworn donations for adults and children, such as hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, boots, socks and coats. November—April @ various locations, farmersmarketsofmpls.com
Permanent storefronts with Minnesota-made goods:
14 Hill Gift Shop
Unique giftables for everyone on your list, plus home goods, kitchenware & home décor.
@ 4737 Chicago Ave. S., Ste. 2, Minneapolis, 612-886-3606, 14hill.comBibelot GoodThings
Fair-trade & environmentally responsible products plus locally designed & handcrafted items.
Various locations, shopgoodthings.comCorazon
Unique, handmade art, gifts, stationery, jewelry, home goods & more by local makers.
@ 4646 E Lake St, Minneapolis, 612-276-0198, www.corazononline.comFox Run
Locally made artisan home goods, fashion accessories, art, apothecary, stationery & gifts.
@ The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, 12241 Elm Creek Blvd N, Maple Grove, foxrunmn.comThe Golden Rule
Modern, handmade jewelry, accessories, home goods, art & gifts from local makers & small brands.
@ 350 Water St, Excelsior, 612-598-2098, shopgoldenrule.comThe Grand Collective
Apothecary, lingerie, jewelry, vintage clothing, hostess gifts & more.
@ 791 Grand Ave, St Paul, 651-280-5119, instagram.com/grandcollectivemnLes Sól
Women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories, apothecary & gifts from small brands & local makers.
@ 4353 Upton Ave S #104 (entrance on 44th & Upton), Minneapolis, 262-949-8062, shoplessol.comi like you
Handmade gifts, pottery, prints, jewelry & more by local makers.
@ 501 1st Ave NE, Minneapolis, 612-208-0249, i-like-you-minneapolis.myshopify.comNorthland Visions
Native American art & gifts made in Minnesota, the Dakotas, Wisconsin & Canada.
@ 861 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, 612-872-0390, northlandvisions.comRock Paper Scissors Goods
Handmade jewelry, greeting cards, art prints, kids' toys & more gifts from local makers, plus vinyl records.
@ 2403 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, 612-823-0269, rockpaperscissorsgoods.comRose & Loon
Goods by Midwest makers, including fashion accessories, food gifts, houseware & more.
@ Rosedale Center, 1595 Minnesota 36, Roseville, 651-493-2121, roseandloon.comSix for Good
Apothecary, food gifts, jewelry and more giftables from 6 local woman makers.
@ Rosedale Center, 1595 MN-36, Roseville, sixforgood.com, 651-633-0872, 2nd location coming soon to 50th & France in EdinaStranger & Co.
Thoughtfully curated home goods, apothecary and gifts from small brands & local makers.
@ 3921 Market St, Edina, www.strangerandco.comStrey Collective
A collective of local designers creating apparel, handbags, jewelry, accessories, gifts & more.
@ Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St NE #179, Minneapolis, www.instagram.com/streycollectiveUnion Market Mankato
Apparel and accessories, kids’ items, apothecary, home goods, plants & more.
@ 615 S Front St, Mankato, 507-779-7300, www.unionmarketmankato.com