Welcome to the last-last-minute holiday shopping edition of my newsletter! It’s too late to get anything shipped in time for the holidays, so your best bet is hitting up some IRL shops. Here’s my top picks for all things local.
Sustainable boutique Les Sól hosts a Winter Solstice Party this week. (Image courtesy Les Sól)
NEW THIS WEEK:
DAILY THROUGH THURSDAY:
Hackwith Design House: 12 Days of Promos
Local sustainable clothing brand Hackwith Design House is hosting 12 Days of Promos on its web store. Each day's promo will be announced that day via its email newsletter and Instagram @hackwithdesign. Daily through Thursday @ hackwithdesignhouse.com
TUESDAY:
Winter Solstice Party at Les Sól
The ladies of Les Sól love any excuse to celebrate, so the sustainable shop is throwing an in-store bash in honor of the shortest day of the year. Throw on the outfit you haven’t had anywhere to wear and come by the store for music, cocktails, shopping, dancing and a special pop-up from Nina Dani Art, plus 10% off y our entire purchase during the party. It’s also a great chance to scoop up any last-minute gifts. Tuesday 6–9pm Les Sól, 4353 Upton Ave S, Unit 104, Minneapolis, shoplessol.com
WEDNESDAY:
Atelier 4501 Holiday Party
Vintage clothing studio Atelier 4501 is hosting a holiday party just in time for last-minute gift shopping and Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties. Shop vintage holiday must-haves and giftable vintage items from local brands Everyday Ejiji and May Baby Vintage while enjoying cookies, hot chocolate and adult beverages. Wednesday noon–4pm @ Atelier 4501, 4501 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, instagram.com/atelier4501
ENDING THIS WEEK:
TUESDAY:
Artistry presents Gifts in the Gallery (final day)
Find one-of-a-kind, artist-created gifts from more than 60 local artists at this two-week pop-up boutique at Bloomington’s Inez Greenberg Gallery. Items include silk scarves, jewelry, ceramics, blown glass, prints, cards, skincare, ornaments and home décor from more than 20 local artists and makers including United Goods. Tuesday 10am–5pm @ Inez Greenberg Gallery, Bloomington Center for the Arts, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington, artistrymn.org
WEDNESDAY:
Gamut Gallery’s Raging Art On (final day)
For those looking for some truly unique gift ideas, look no further than indie art gallery, Gamut, for its 10th annual Raging Art On “uncurated” holiday gift market. Shop giftable, affordably priced goods, including original paintings, photography, prints, handmade fiber art, jewelry, sculptures and stocking stuffers, from more than 60 local emerging and established artists and makers, including Lora Hlavsa, Manthra Studio, Martzia Thometz, Third Daughter Restless Daughter, Bekah Worley. and Scott Seekins. You can also shop the goods online at Gamut’s website. Masks required. Final day: Wednesday 11am–6pm in person @ Gamut Gallery, 717 S 10th St, Minneapolis & through 1/10 online @ gamutgallerympls.com
THURSDAY:
Rosalux’s Giftyshoppy (final day)
Minneapolis art gallery Rosalux’s new "Giftyshoppy" holiday shop is the place to get that truly special gift for the art lover in your life. Find everything from statement-making, collectibles gifts to small, affordable, giftable art from its member artists, including Mary Gibney's quirky, one-of-a-kind mini bust sculptures., delicate porcelain sculptures by Betsy Alwin, and satirical quilts by Terrance Payne. Open Thursday 3–7pm @ Rosalux Gallery, 315 W 48th St, Minneapolis, www.rosaluxgallery.com
ROHO Collective presents Artisan Holiday Market (final day)
Shop works of art and handcrafted goods from local artists of color at this market presented by local BIPOOC artist group ROHO Collective in partnership with pop-up retail concept, Chameleon Shoppes. Plus, check out a BIPOC artist–designed selfie museum and find gifts just in time for the holidays. Ôpen Thursday 11am–6pm @ IDS Center, 80 S 8th St, Minneapolis, www.facebook.com
Create Laser Arts Holiday Studio Shop (final day)
The local laser-engraved goods maker is opening up its studio for the rest of the holiday season for a special holiday shop. Find great gifts, holiday ornaments, earrings, home goods and more by the local maker, all created within its studio. Thursday 3–7pm 11am–5pm @ Create Laser Arts Studio, 2215 Snelling Ave #2, Minneapolis, createlaserarts.com
CONTINUING:
Visit these stores’ websites or Instagram accounts for holiday hours.
The Departments at Dayton's
The long-in-the-works Dayton's Project in downtown Minneapolis is now open with a seasonal makers market—just in time for holiday nostalgia for Dayton’s to kick in. The Departments at Dayton's features more than 30 local vendors on the first floor of the Dayton’s building. Vendors include Larissa Loden jewelry and Karen Morris Millinery, plus several Native American- and Indigenous-owned makers and artists. The market will also sell apparel and accessories featuring the iconic Dayton’s logo. In a nod to Dayton’s iconic holiday displays, the building will also unveil some new holiday window displays designed by Kent Hensley, a former creative director for Marshall Field's, including a tribute to Santa Bears. Hours: Monday–Saturday 10am–6pm, Sunday noon–5pm @ The Dayton’s Project, 700 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, thedepartmentsatdaytons.com
TMORA Holiday Shop at Russian Museum of Art
The Museum of Russian Art Shop officially opens for the holiday season this weekend. Located on the mezzanine level of The Museum of Russian Art in Minneapolis, MN, the TMORA Shop is a gallery within a gallery – carefully curated and beautifully unique. Explore a wide array of winter treasures from the Slavic tradition, including hand-carved fairytale ornaments, tasty treats from the Slavic kitchen, Russian coffee table books, folksy candles and artful greeting cards. Shop the store in person or online. Open daily @ The Museum of Russian Art Shop, 5500 Stevens Ave S, Minneapolis, shoptmora.org
American Swedish Museum’s Jul Shop
The Museum Store supports the American Swedish Institute’s year-round programs and exhibitions by offering uniquely designed and curated items that reflect modern Swedish and Scandinavian art and culture. During the holiday season, the Store expands to include the Jul Shop, which offers a broad selection of unique holiday gifts perfect for everyone on your list, from glassware, ceramics and jewelry to cooking products, ornaments and books. Open Wednesday–Sunday during museum hours (museum admission required; Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas) @ American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, asimn.org
Homecoming Queen: The Wonderful World of Utica Queen
Homecoming Queen invites visitors to explore the wonderful world of Utica Queen, star of Season 13 of RuPaul’s Drag Race and a fixture of the local drag scene. The exhibition features garments, accessories and original design sketches by Ethan Mundt (Utica Queen), editorial photographs of the Drag Race alum by photographers Ben Seagren, Dan Little, Eric Magnussen, Liam James and Trevor Beaty, and a short documentary highlighting Mundt’s background and creative process by Tatyana Kurepina. This first-of-its-kind 4,000-square-foot drag fashion and photography exhibition will include immersive virtual gallery accessible to visitors worldwide. On view through 4/4/22 ($5 museum admission) @ Rochester Art Center, 30 Civic Center Dr, Rochester, rochesterartcenter.org
Get Wrapped Up in Holiday Fashion Designer Showcase
Experience the magic of downtown Minneapolis in the historic Foshay Tower with a fresh take of decorating for the holidays. A group of 18 local fashion designers have come together to display their festive, holiday-inspired tree-dresses on mannequins along the W Minneapolis’s main level hall. It’s a great spot to hit when downtown, especially when friends and family come in for the holidays. (And don’t miss the chance to bring them up to the Foshay’s iconic Prohibition Bar on the 27th floor with a view of downtown that can’t be beat.) Ends 1/2/22 @ W Minneapolis, 821 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, instagram.com/wminneapolis
TICKET ANNOUNCEMENT:
Tickets are now available for Black Hearts Ball 2022 on February 12, presented by TIM+THOM in partnership with Aria Minneapolis. It’s the first return to the runway for the long-running event since before the pandemic began. This year’s event features collections from local fashion designers including Thom Navarro for TIM+THOM, Gilded Roots, CJW Designs, FRIKA, Be Tvum, Happy Calamity, Diays Designs, and a gallery presentation by Felt Good, set to a backdrop of a special performance by Minnesota Opera. Get tickets @ www.eventbrite.com
ONLINE HOLIDAY SHOPPING:
GoodWinter Shop
Fans of retro holiday goods should be sure to check out GoodWinter Shop, a new local brand of mugs, sweatshirts, stationery, and just in time for the holidays, gift wrap and tree skirts, all featuring original mid-century inspired art and illustrations. Founder Andrea Bonhiver is an artist and designer who draws inspiration from 1950s to 1970s design, music and pop culture. Her online shop also sells a curated selection of mid-century vintage home items and vinyl records. Shop now @ goodwintershop.com
Wrapture Artist-Designed Wrapping Paper
The idea for Wrapture came to local illustrator and designer Chris Larson through pandemic boredom—an idea sparked to brighten the days of his loved ones through a series of original wrapping paper designs. Now, with the official launch of his brand Wrapture, he’s making those designs available to everyone in time for the holiday gift-giving season. Each edition includes eight designs on double-sided newsprint sheets—100% recyclable and sourced from responsibly managed forests. Use it to wrap your gifts, or save it for your gallery wall. You can also subscribe to get each new edition of Wrapture every quarter at at 15% discount. ($12 for the holiday edition or $10 every three months for the subscription.) Looking to check it out in person? The wrapping paper is also sold at Minneapolis metaphysical shop, The Future, and you can still get a copy directly from the brand’s website via local pickup through the end of the day on Wednesday. Shop now @ wrapture.co
Minny & Paul's Holiday Collection
Local brand Minny & Paul partners with more than 100 talented local makers and independent businesses to craft its colorful, curated gift boxes, each with a different theme. This holiday season's gift collection includes four options: Merry & Bright (holiday party-themed treats), Snowday (cozy seasonal drinks and sweets), Rise & Shine (breakfast treats), Merry & Bright Crate (seasonal treats & bar cart essentials). Boxes start at $75. Overnight shipping and local studio pickup are still available if you order by 4pm on Wednesday. Shop now @ minnyandpaul.com
Springboard for the Arts launches Ready Made
Minnesota is getting a new way to shop and support local artists and makers across the state year-round with Springboard for the Arts’ launch of Ready Made. Ready Made is a new extension of Springboard’s website, which allows people to easily discover handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces by local artists and makers across Minnesota who have worked with the St. Paul–based not-for-profit arts service organization in some capacity. They’ll be adding new makers regularly to create a year-round platform for artists. Shop now @ springboardforthearts.org/ready-made
Urban Rooster Shop
Find handcrafted gifts from a dozen Minnesota brands on one website all season long with Urban Rooster, an online shop founded last year by two former Target execs who want to help small local retailers market their goods. The new holiday assortment includes jewelry, leather handbags, kids’ toys, home goods, specialty food gifts and more from brands and retailers such as MEND Jewelry, Legacy Toys, Stranger & Co, Maddy & Maize, Kisa Boutique and Arway Bags. Shop now @ urbanroostershop.com
She She launches pajama line
Local wallpaper designer duo She She has expanded to launch its first custom, wearable products: a line of pajamas featuring two floral color-ways: Summer Flora and Winter Flora. (But don’t let the names hold you back—both patterns can be worn year-round.) Each set is available in cotton ($85) and silk ($175) fabrications in unisex sizing from S to XXXL, and comes in a ready-to-gift, matching hand-tied sachet. While you’re at it, be sure to pick up some of their new holiday wrapping paper designs. Now available @ bysheshe.com/gifts
The List Virtual Makers’ Marketplace
The List is a Minnesota-based online maker hub. 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
Minneapolis Craft Market Online Marketplace
You can now shop Minneapolis Craft Market’s roster of local makers online, 24/7, with their online marketplace. Shop now @ mplscraftmarket.com
MORE OF THE BEST LOCAL SHOPS TO FIND GIFTS
Visit these stores’ websites or Instagram accounts for holiday hours.
14 Hill Gift Shop
Find unique giftables for everyone on your list, plus home goods, kitchenware & home décor. @ 4737 Chicago Ave. S., Ste. 2, Minneapolis, 612-886-3606, 14hill.com
Bench Pressed
Longtime local mom-and-pop design studio is opening its first storefront. The shop will feature their own stationery and greeting cards, letterpress-printed by hand with antique equipment, plus apothecary items for body and bath from other small indie brands, home decor and kitchenware, and creative gifts for kids. Now open @ 2010 26th Ave S #2, Minneapolis, benchpressed.net
Community Commons at Mall of America
Last fall, the Mall of America debuted Community Commons, a new, rent-free space dedicated to BIPOC retail businesses. Vendors include Silk Road Wellness, LVLS House of Hoodies and more. @ Mall of America, Level 2 South, Bloomington, mallofamerica.com
Corazon
Find unique, handmade art, gifts, stationery, jewelry, home goods & more by local makers. @ 4646 E Lake St, Minneapolis, 612-276-0198, www.corazononline.com
FORAGE
The East Lake Street shop has announced that December 31 will be its last day of business as a brick-and-mortar. Until then, they’re packed with unique, handcrafted, beautifully designed gifts for the holidays. Now through 12/31 @ FORAGE, 4023 E Lake St, Minneapolis, foragemodernworkshop.com
Founders Co.
This collective of local small business owners that includes Excelsior Candle Co., B + D Custom Crafts, MEND Jewelry now have a permanent location at Southdale. Find home decor, gemstone jewelry, clothing and accessories, organic skincare, fine art and modern pottery from 20 local makers, including LES Bags, KISA, Hossle Woodworks and Isadore Nut Co. @ Southdale Center on 1st floor rotunda, Edina, founders-co-mn.myshopify.com
The Foundry Home Goods
This elegant store specializes in minimalist, artisan-made home décor, tableware, and bath and body care—or as their tagline puts it, ”simple, useful and beautiful objects.” The Foundry supports a life-long relationship with well-made and thoughtfully curated goods, encouraging a non-disposable lifestyle. @ 322 W 48th St, Minneapolis, thefoundryhomegoods.com
The Future
The local metaphysical shop sells lots of unique gifts, including handmade earrings by local makers like LaLunette, bath and body goods, candles, tinctures, crystals, pop culture–inspired pins by Gigi’s Flair Emporium, and wrapping paper by local brand Wrapture. @ The Future, 2223 E 35th St, Minneapolis, instagram.com/thefuturempls
The Golden Rule
Find modern, handmade jewelry, accessories, home goods, art and gifts from local makers and small brands. @ 350 Water St, Excelsior, shopgoldenrule.com
The Grand Collective
Find apothecary, lingerie, jewelry, vintage clothing, hostess gifts and more at this shop owned by nationally renowned laundry expert and Mona Williams’ Patric Richardson, whose Laundry Love book is also available at the shop for sale. @ 791 Grand Ave, St Paul, instagram.com/grandcollectivemn
Greenhouse Salon & Shop
Last week, the Bryn Mawr neighborhood welcomed a new storefront: Greenhouse, a salon and shop. Greenhouse specializes in organic hair care and also sells house plants, plant care, vintage home decor and accessories, and handmade goods by local makers. Hours: Tuesday–Friday 10am–7pm & Saturday 11am–5pm @ 408 Cedar Lake Rd S, Minneapolis, instagram.com/greenhouse_408
Haus Theory
The longtime online vintage seller’s new storefront features hand-picked and restored vintage furniture and home decor alongside well-designed modern pieces, with an emphasis on a less-is-more, intentional shopping experience. You can still shop select pieces on their e-shop, too. Now open Saturdays & Sundays 11am–6pm @ 2182 3rd St, White Bear Lake, haustheory.com
Hazel & Rose
The shop’s newly expanded storefront sells clothing plus giftable goods from sustainable, independent designers and makers. @ Hazel & Rose, 201 6th St SE #2, Minneapolis, shophazelandrose.com
Homespun MN: A Minnesota-Made Pop-up Market
Shop the the best in Minnesota-made gifts for the holidays with this pop-up shops at Ridgedale Center and in South Minneapolis, with each location featuring more than 70 local brands and makers. @ Ridgedale Center, Level 2 in Center Court, 12401 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka & 2709 E 38th St, Minneapolis, homespunmn.myshopify.com
i like you
Find quirky, handmade gifts, pottery, prints, jewelry, greeting cards and more by local makers at this longtime gift shop, which recently moved to a new location in Northeast Minneapolis. @ 1955 Johnson St NE, Minneapolis, i-like-you-minneapolis.myshopify.com
Inspire: Global Gifts for Urban Adventures
Created by local nonprofit, Smile Network, this gift store sells handmade, fair-trade goods by tribal women in developing countries. The artisans get a fair price for their goods and steady income, and 100 percent of the profits from every item sold at the store funds reconstructive lip- and cleft-palate surgeries. @ City Center, 10 S 7th St, Minneapolis, smilenetwork.org/shop
Mischief Toy Store
Mischief is a toy store for all ages, featuring a rebellious selection of games, books, comics, toys, pop culture memorabilia, gifts, adventure gear, jewelry, candy, and kinetic toys. 818 Grand Ave, St Paul, mischieftoy.com
Mona Williams
This locally owned shop at the Mall of America is the brainchild of laundry expert Patric Richardson, and it’s a great destination for unique gifts and luxe laundry products. The store also carries vintage and designer clothing. @ Mall of America, 180 South Avenue (First Level), Bloomington, monawilliams.com
Moth Oddities
After nearly seven years selling vintage online, in local pop-ups and on the road, Moth Oddities has opened its own storefront. In addition to vintage, the duo sells products by makers (both local and from around the U.S.) who put an emphasis on sustainable practices, especially those from BIPOC & LGBTQIA communities. Open Friday & Saturday noon–6pm, Sunday noon–5pm @ 2201 NE 2nd St, Minneapolis, mothoddities.com
Northland Visions
Native American art and gifts made in Minnesota, the Dakotas, Wisconsin and Canada. @ 861 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, northlandvisions.com
Rock Paper Scissors Goods
Handmade jewelry, greeting cards, art prints, kids' toys & more gifts from local makers, plus vinyl records. @ 2403 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, rockpaperscissorsgoods.com
Roseline’s Place
Northeast Minneapolis’ Central Avenue is now home to Roseline’s Place, owned by Roseline Friedrich of local soy + vegan candle maker Roseline’s Candles, an Immigrant- and Black-Woman-owned local business that sells its candles in recycled jars. Roseline’s Place offers their own goods along with a mix of items from other makers, including body butters from Dipp’d in Hunnie, as well as candle-making classes. Now open @ 2430 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, instagram.com/roselinesplace
Rose & Loon
Goods by Midwest makers, including fashion accessories, food gifts, houseware and more. @ Rosedale Center, 1595 Minnesota 36, Roseville, roseandloon.com
Six for Good
Apothecary, food gifts, jewelry and more giftables from 6 local woman makers. @ Rosedale Center, 1595 MN-36, Roseville & Nolan Mains, 3931 Market St, Edina, sixforgood.com
Stranger & Co.
This new store carries thoughtfully curated home goods, apothecary items and gifts from small brands and local makers. @ 3921 Market St, Edina, www.strangerandco.com
Union Market Mankato
Find apparel and accessories, kids’ items, apothecary, home goods, plants & more. @ 615 S Front St, Mankato, www.unionmarketmankato.com
Uniquely Global
Presented by Chameleon Shoppes, the local pop-up market concept, Uniquely Global offers clothing, spices, cosmetics, fabrics and statement art pieces for any home. UG finds are chosen from around the globe, with offerings including affordable fashion at designer boutique quality, globally sourced spices, handmade statement art pieces and more. @ Gaviidae Common, Suite 130 (street level), 651 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, www.chameleonconsortium.com
WALRUS
WALRUS is an artist- and community-led art and consignment gallery and marketplace that opened earlier this year in North Minneapolis. It sells and showcases affordable, framed artwork by local artists. Part of Walrus’ mission is to prioritize the representation of artists of color—out of this 90%, about one quarter is art made by artists of color who are local to North Minneapolis. @ 4400 N Lyndale Ave, Minneapolis, www.walrus.style
LOOKING FOR VINTAGE?
Explore my Vintage Directory featuring local brick-and-mortar shops in the Twin Cities, plus online sellers.
SUBMIT your upcoming shopping news and events to jahna.peloquin@gmail.com