44 Places to Shop Local for Gifts in Minneapolis & St. Paul
- scratchforgrowth
- Nov 20
- 17 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
There are tons of reasons to shop small, local, and independent, no matter the season—it keeps money flowing into our local communities, it supports the entrepreneurs who live and choose to do business locally, it fights back against corporate retail monstrosities, and the environmental benefits cannot be understated. But did you know that most of these local businesses, particularly retail, live-and-die by their holiday season sales?
When you shop local gifts in Minneapolis and Saint Paul (or your beloved towns or cities of choice), your dollars make all the difference for these businesses all year round.
We’ve pulled together this local holiday shopping guide of where we’ll be shopping in the Twin Cities to help you spend less time wondering about the best place to Christmas shop—and get shopping!
Why Shop Local for the Holidays?
You want to really feel the holiday spirit? Spend an afternoon, an hour even, with a festive coffee drink in hand, browsing a local commercial corridor or popping into a shop or two you’ve been curious about. Stand in the glow of the shopfronts in the early dark. Feel the warmth as the shop person welcomes you. Feel the thrill of finding those unique, local Minnesota Gifts you can’t find anywhere else.
When you shop local for the holidays, you’re bringing the holiday spirit to life in your community in person, with your purchases, and, by extension, in spreading that spirit of community through the giving of local Christmas gifts. But more than that, shopping local for the holidays just feels GOOD, doesn’t it?
Learn more about SCRATCH for Growth and our mission to support small businesses.
Where to Shop Local for Gifts in Minneapolis and St. Paul
Consider this your holiday cheat sheet: look for your giftee’s vibe, click into the category that fits, and discover the small, local Twin Cities shops we love most this season.
For the Minnesota Lovers
For the Book Lovers
From wandering the stacks to discovering staff recs, these are our favorite local bookshops to get lost in the words, support local authors, or find the perfect gift for the bookworm in your life.
Birchbark Books (Minneapolis)
Owned by local/international author Louise Erdrich, Birchbark Books is “a locus for Indigirati—literate Indigenous people who have survived over half a millennium on this continent.” It is absolutely worth the trip to the Northwest tip of Lake of the Isles in the Kenwood neighborhood of Minneapolis for books, handmade art, and an intimate environment operated by a thoughtful, caring collection of folks with a passion for tangible treasures that will surprise, delight, and enrich your holiday gift-giving.
Black Garnet Books (St. Paul)
Offering a wide-reaching, carefully curated selection of books and art by artists of color, Black Garnet Books has been fighting inequality by amplifying stories and selling their wares at fair prices that honor those who tell them since 2022. Just off the corner of Hamline and University in the Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul, whatever you find at this small but richly stocked bookshop will definitely rise to the top of your book-wishlisting loved ones’ reading queues.
Moon Palace Books (Minneapolis)
Bring your holiday shopping list and be ready to kick it into the snowbank—there’s no way you’re walking out of Moon Palace Books with (only) what you went in for. Presenting a vast selection of new and used books, toys, and games, the Geek Love Cafe, and a browsing flow that’s just a little too easy to get swept up in, set aside a little extra time for this South Minneapolis institution, but be sure to mask up (their masking policy, like their community values, is ironclad).
Tropes & Trifles (Minneapolis)
All I want for Christmas is swoon. Get swept away to the Standish neighborhood in Minneapolis to fall in love (all over) again, and again, and again, and again at Tropes & Trifles, the Twin Cities’ only bookstore specializing in romance novels of all stripes. From modern love stories to fairy smut and everything in between, you’ll be in good company among your breathless holiday shoppers and passionate staff.
For the One Who Loves Spooky Stuff
For some of us, Halloween is the START of spooky season. We’re the same folks who like to remind y’all that A Christmas Carol is a ghost story. Find the perfect holiday gift for the goth, the witch, the hippie, the oddball ornament hanging from your family tree in these secret little corners of the cities.
The Moth Oddities (Minneapolis)
An oddity-centric vintage shop in Northeast Minneapolis? Yes please. Opened and operated by couple Yana & Ian, The Moth Oddities is stocked with a constantly changing inventory of vintage clothing, accessories, and home goods they “handpick all across the USA and Italy.” With a special focus on keeping fashion out of landfills, you’ll be amazed at the variety and quality of just about everything hidden behind their doors.
Other Skies Weird Fiction (West St. Paul)
A hearse parked out back. A life-sized “King in Yellow” (IYKYK) inside the entryway. A coffin for a display case lined with first editions. A suit-clad owner (Josh) who smells vaguely of cloves and burning leaves inviting you to pick up that 200-year-old grimoire. Black bookcases filled with an expertly curated collection of classic and hard-to-find books, movies, memorabilia, antiques, and curios from the dark and mysterious worlds of Horror, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Pulp, and the Weird. West Saint Paul’s Other Skies Weird Fiction is more than a shop. It is an experience.
Moonstone MPLS (Minneapolis)
For some, it’s woo woo, for others (like many of us at SCRATCH), a way of life, but either way, Moonstone Natural Gems & Magical Gifts has got your crystal, tarot, candle, and other metaphysical needs covered. Featuring a “carefully curated collection of stones—ranging from pocket-sized wonders to stunning showpieces—alongside jewelry, candles, incense, books, journals, and more,” this Lake Street destination is a local holiday shopping must for those celebrating the Solstice.
For the Refined and Polished Types
Hey there, fancypants. Your reputation, so full of style and grace, precedes you. Here are a few places that will help you keep your holiday gifts as classy as you are.
Heimie’s Haberdashery (St. Paul)
The first and last word in finely tailored fashions for “discerning gentlemen and ladies alike,” Heimie’s Haberdashery has been a Downtown Saint Paul institution for more than a century. From off-the-rack fashions to custom-tailored suits, hats, handmade leather bags, and accoutrement for a more fashionable lifestyle, head to Heimie’s for a holiday gift or two that makes a statement.
Leather Works Minnesota (St. Paul)
“This is the last belt you’ll ever need.” That’s what they said to us when we stopped by Leather Works Minnesota in their modest brick building on the bluffs of Saint Paul’s West Side. But they didn’t have to tell us that; the superlative quality of these handmade leather goods, ranging from the aforementioned belts to wallets to bags to luggage tags, speaks for itself. The folks here pride themselves on handcraftsmanship “to create leather goods that will last a lifetime.” A holiday gift from here is one that keeps on giving.
Landmark Jewlers (St. Paul)
Landmark Jewelers brings sparkle to the season with a shop full of treasures waiting to be unwrapped. Nestled in downtown St. Paul’s historic Hamm Building, it’s the place where classic craftsmanship meets joyful holiday magic. From dazzling engagement rings to vintage finds and custom creations, every piece feels like a gift with a story. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, surprising someone special, or treating yourself (as you should), Landmark Jewelers makes holiday gifting feel personal, memorable, and brilliantly bright.
Black Blue (St. Paul)
With a new location now open at 550 Vandalia Street in the Union Park neighborhood of Saint Paul, Black Blue is a men’s clothing boutique that carries a lot of brands that are so cool that we’ve never even heard of them. That also means it’s the PERFECT place to find a special holiday gift for the fashionista in your life. You know, that person who really, deeply appreciates selvedge denim, which Black Blue just happens to specialize in.
For the Kids (and Preteens Who “Don’t Like Anything”)
Shopping for tweens and teens is literally so unhinged, fr fr? Like, no cap, who even understands what they're yapping about these days, let alone what they want for the holidays. Still, we found some bussin' shops that are giving main character energy - straight 10s, no mid vibes whatsoever. 6-7, local holiday shoppers. 6-7.
Coloring Your Own (Minneapolis)
Hey Millennials, remember those white and black felt posters we old people used to color as kids? We sure do. And do you know who really does? The founder, product developer, and heart of Coloring Your Own, Saint Paul’s own Michelle Mildred. Michelle has dozens of quirky, uniquely designed black-and-white totes, backpacks, pouches, blankets, totes and more on her online store, just begging to be colored-in by that expressive t(w)een in your life—including Christmas Coloring Blankets (fun for the whole family)! Often imitated, never bested, CYO is the high-quality, real deal. Accept no substitutes.
Red Balloon Bookshop (St. Paul)
Even before we knew how to read actual words, books opened to us new worlds, both out there and in here [points to heart], (Re)discover that sense of childlike wonder at the Red Balloon Bookstore. A Grand Avenue destination for nearly half a century, the high ceilings and bright, inviting layout immediately put you in a childlike state, which is perfect for perusing a panoply of picture books, early readers, graphic novels, chapter books, YA, games, toys, puzzles, pins, and yes, even a section for grown-ups. Also! Be sure to check out Fraser the Forest Ranger and Willow and the Wildflowers by local children’s author and illustrator, Matthew Schufman.
Mischief Toy Store (St. Paul)
Another Grand Avenue gem, Mischief Toy Store lives up to its name. Occupying the entire first floor of one of those fancy old Grand Avenue houses, Mischief is an energizing, chamber-filled, LGBTQIA+ friendly shop brimming with “a rebellious selection of games, books, comics, toys, pop culture memorabilia, gifts, adventure gear, jewelry, candy, and kinetic toys.”
Wild Rumpus Books (Minneapolis)
We know, we know. We already gave you a book section and another children’s book store shout-out. But do you know what? There’s room for it all when holiday shopping local in the Twin Cities, and Wild Rumpus Books deserves its own time in the spotlight! Since 1992, Wild Rumpus Books of the Linden Hills neighborhood in Minneapolis has been nurturing a playful, inclusive in-store environment (full of books for children and their grown-ups) and encouraging literacy and education for kids, adults, and their communities. Download their Winter Buyers Guide PDF for some very special gift ideas!
Kinoko Kids (Minneapolis)
Shopping for a cool kid age 10 or under? Head to the Kinoko Kids in the Kingfield neighborhood of South Minneapolis for classic, quality toys; books; stationery and art supplies, and a whole lot more—all hand-picked by the owner-operators of Erika and Tammy. Into Moomin? They’ve got a whole collection. Distinctive dolls? Check. Holiday decor? Buckle up. Japanese keychains? You’re in luck. Set aside a few minutes to get lost in the magical minutia.
For the Artsy Crafters
Whether you’re shopping for a maker this holiday season, making handmade gifts yourself, or looking for a hands-on experience to share with your loved ones, the Twin Cities is stocked with crafty holiday gift ideas.
Wet Paint (St. Paul)
Wet Paint is THE independent art supply store (and frame shop, and classroom) for artists of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals, that really does have it all. Paper, pads, pens, brushes, inks, paints, coloring books, kits, tools, you name it—the warm, knowledgeable staff will help you not just find the thing on your artsy holiday shopping list, but the RIGHT thing for the person asking for it. Nestled on Grand Avenue amongst a bunch of great independents and local restaurants, and shops, in the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood.
Open Studio Sewing (Saint Louis Park)
Do your holiday shopping lists come by the yard? Do your loved ones prefer making the stockings to just hanging them? Part fabric & notions shop, part classroom, Open Studio Sewing in St. Louis Park seamlessly stitches together all things sewist, student, tailor, designer, and hobbyist with the spirit of community. You’ll be amazed by the variety of brand-name fabrics, Indian cottons, Japanese imports, knits, and more. Don’t believe us? Just swatch. (P.S. Don’t miss out on their hand-selected Deadstock Holiday Collection!)
ArtStart & ArtScraps ReUse Center (Saint Paul)
Starving artists, thrifty gifters, holiday decorators-on-a-budget, eco-champions, reuse renegades—don’t miss a trip to ArtScraps ReUse Center in the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood of Saint Paul. Combining art making with waste management (stay with us) ArtScraps partners with individuals, businesses, and manufacturers to collect and make available affordable art supply “scraps, overstock, factory rejects, and other items normally destined for the landfill.” Think “Axeman for the Glue Stick Set.” Not only will every find feel unique and conscientious, the inventory is constantly changing, making it easier than ever to give that artist in your life a gift that actually feels special, useful, and full of potential.
For the Music Lovers
Billie Eilish said it best, “I can’t function without music.” You’re not alone, Billie. Neither can we. Here are a few musical Twin Cities holiday shopping options for the melodically inclined members of your nearest and dearest.
Eclipse Records (St. Paul)
For more than 25 years, music lovers, touring musicians, collectors, and the curious have browsed the bins of Eclipse Records, (re)discovering their favorite artists and albums on new and used vinyl. Set your coordinates for Downtown Saint Paul in the Theater District and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the bright, clean space, browse the bins, and peep the wall of records signed by touring musicians who’ve played the Palace Theater (just around the corner).
Back Pocket Vintage (St. Paul)
But it doesn’t stop at music. Eclipse teamed up with Back Pocket Vintage, a new Saint Paul vintage shop (more on that in a minute), to add a permanent rack of hand-picked vintage band tees, hoodies, and pop-culture gems. Stuff that’s been places. Stuff that’s seen shows. Stuff that still rocks. The newest addition to the slowly blossoming Isabel-Humbolt corridor on the West Side of Saint Paul, Back Pocket Vintage owners Ally & Jacob pride themselves on not only being a curated, size-inclusive purveyor of vintage clothing and accessories from many eras of the 20th and 21st century but a thrift store (accepting donations for store credit. Pride themselves, they SHOULD!
TC Tubes and Audio Repair (Saint Paul)
It may not be glamorous, but true craftsfolk rarely are. They’re too busy being the best at what they do. That’s been our experience with TC Tubes and Audio Repar—an under-the-radar husband-and-wife shop dedicated to “building systems that actually sounded better, not just bigger.” This is THE place to go for those folks on your list who are always tinkering with, upgrading, and optimizing their sound systems (especially if the words “stereo” and “tubes” appear on their wishlist, likely with a detailed description of why). Offering a near encyclopedic inventory of vacuum tubes (component parts that make music sound awesomer) and tube-related gear, DIY audio components, capacitors, transformers, amplifier parts, and repair services.
Mahler Music Center (Saint Paul)
Who’d have thought that “Accordion Heaven” is a place on Earth? In the West End neighborhood of Saint Paul, to be more accurate. Mahler Music Center, to be precise. This tiny shop packs a wallop: a full-service retail, repair, and education center for all things Accordion, including “1,000 accordion novelty items,” 300+ songbooks, and “about 1,000 pages of sheet music dating back to the early 1800’s” that are absolutely worth a browse. That is, if you’re not in the market for one of Owner/Operator Ken Mahler’s 100+ in-stock new and reconditioned accordions. Curiosity piqued? Polka your way over.
For the Nesters and Home Décor Enthusiasts
For the nesters and decorators on your gift list, boughs of holly just won’t cut it. Their halls require decking of a higher caliber, with a bespoke feel and curious stories to accompany them. Look no further than these local shops.
Mustache Cat (St. Paul)
Mustache Cat is one of those Hamline-Midway treasures that blends vintage charm with modern whimsy—curated home décor, small-batch goods, funky art, and gifts that spark conversation. Perfect for the friend who rearranges their mantle “just for fun.” Their holiday shelves are packed with locally made candles, cheeky prints, and one-of-a-kind finds you won’t see anywhere else.
Style Society (St. Paul)
Equal parts home goods boutique and design studio, Style Society in Highland Park is a treasure trove of elevated vintage décor, luxe textiles, tableware, and artisan-made accents curated by professionals. For the one who just bought their first house? This gift card can help them decide what to do with it next.
Bench Pressed (Minneapolis)
Bright, bold, and delightfully irreverent, Bench Pressed in Uptown specializes in letterpress cards, prints, and home goods with big personality. Think retro patterns, Midwest humor, and gifts that make people laugh out loud. This is your spot for holiday cards–worth the trip alone—but the candles, art prints, and stationery can also hack your stocking stuffing.
For the Eco-Conscious & Green Enthusiasts
For the green-thumbed, low-waste, compost-loving folks on your list, sustainable holiday gifting is both thoughtful and good for the planet. These are the people who bring their own jars, know three different ways to mend a sweater, and can identify a native plant from 20 feet away. Lucky for all of us, the Twin Cities overflows with eco-friendly gems.
Evergreen Collective (St. Paul)
Tucked into Grand Avenue in St. Paul, MN, Evergreen Collective feels like stepping into the cozy, plant-filled pantry of your sustainably minded dreams. Refillable soaps and cleaners line the walls, low-waste skincare shares space with reusable jars and brushes, and everything is curated to be functional, beautiful, and gentle on the planet. And psst, their in-store refill station + a gift card is the gift that keeps giving.
EcoChico (St. Paul)
EcoChico on West 7th is one of those shops that instantly fills you with warmth—the kind where every shelf holds something ethically made, joyfully designed, and built to last. Specializing in sustainable children’s clothing, wooden toys, organic textiles, books, puzzles, art supplies, and family-friendly essentials, EcoChico makes it easy to shop for little ones without defaulting to plastic overload.
For the Person Who Loves Minnesota Life More Than Life Itself
Their blood runs the blue-and-green of the State Fair logo, they own at least one sweatshirt with a loon on it, they correct out-of-towners on the pronunciation of “Nicollet,” and they know exactly where the Juicy Lucy was born. These Twin Cities shops are full of gifts that share the love of Minnesota.
Jenny in the City (St. Paul)
Part boutique, part love letter to St. Paul, Jenny in the City is the spot for anyone whose whole personality is “I walk Grand Avenue for fun.” The shop is warm, stylish, and full of thoughtfully curated apparel, accessories, candles, cards, and home goods—many crafted by Minnesota makers. Expect cozy beanies, charming sweatshirts, neighborhood-specific treasures, and gifts that feel like a hug from your favorite aunt. It’s perfect for the person who will defend St. Paul’s superiority until the end of time and knows exactly where they were the first time they tried a tater tot hotdish.
DG Pilot (St. Paul)
DG Pilot blends travel, aviation nostalgia, and Minnesota pride into ultra-giftable apparel and accessories that feel classic, cool, and sentimentally local. Their vintage-inspired hoodies, flight tags, caps, and tees are perfect for aviation nerds, wanderlusters, or anyone who romanticizes MSP runway views from the window seat.
Saintly (St. Paul)
For the life-long Saint Paul townies with strong neighborhood allegiances: this is the gear for you! Enjoy the fabulous, high-quality apparel created by this local sister pair dedicated to their hometown (and ours)!
For the Home Chefs
For the home cooks, kitchen experimenters, and “I saw this on TikTok so I’m making it tonight” types, the Twin Cities offers some truly standout local shopping spots. These Minnesota kitchen stores make gifting for food lovers easy and delicious.
Cooks of Crocus Hill (St. Paul & Edina)
A Twin Cities culinary institution since 1973, Cooks of Crocus Hill is where home chefs go to geek out. Stocked with premium cookware, chef-approved tools, artisanal ingredients, plus holiday cooking classes, it’s perfect for the budding gourmand or the seasoned home cook. And, yep, they have gift cards. Easy,
Eversharp Knife Works (Bloomington)
Consider this the North Pole for knife nerds. Eversharp Knife Works is Minnesota's top choice for kitchen knives, cutting boards, gadgets, and expert sharpening services to make cooking fun again. Perfect for that uncle who lectures about proper slicing technique at Thanksgiving. A freshly sharpened knife or a new chef’s knife makes a standout holiday gift.
For Your Snack Spreads and Holiday Meals
When your holiday gatherings demand cheese boards, charcuterie, fancy spreads, or last-minute “oh no, did we forget crackers?” moments, these local food shops have your back. These are the Minneapolis and St. Paul staples to stock your table, for host gifts, or to find little touches that make a holiday meal sing.
The Golden Fig (St. Paul)
On charming Grand Avenue, The Golden Fig feels like stepping into a pantry curated by your most culinarily gifted friend—the one who knows exactly which spice blend will change your life. Their shelves brim with small-batch condiments, handcrafted sweets, infused oils, cocktail syrups, local honey, and Minnesota-made treats you truly won’t find anywhere else. Their pre-made gift baskets and seasonal spice collections can turn a simple gift into something thoughtful, impressive, and joyfully Twin Cities.
Mississippi Market (Multiple Locations)
Our hometown co-op hero. Mississippi Market is the kind of place where you stop in for produce and walk out with artisanal cheeses, a loaf of local sourdough, a handmade candle, and a card that makes you laugh in the aisle. Their commitment to local makers shines brightest during the holidays: shelves filled with Minnesota treats, winter produce, sustainable home goods, and thoughtfully curated gifts. And a co-op gift card? It’s a quiet, heartfelt gesture—one that says, “I see you, and you deserve good food.”
Surdyk's (Minneapolis)
An institution since 1934, Surdyk’s in Northeast Minneapolis is where serious snack spread dreams come true. Their ever-changing lineup of triple cremes, aged goudas, charcuterie, and gourmet nibbles can make entertaining feel suspiciously effortless. And Surdyk’s holiday gift boxes? Never, ever disappoint.
For Thrifty, Vintage Gifts
Perfect for the person who believes the best treasures come with a past life—and for the gifter who loves giving something no one else will have. These Minneapolis and St. Paul gems offer quirky, sustainable, budget-friendly holiday gifts that feel personal, storied, and delightfully unexpected.
Nine Lives Thrift (St. Paul)
Bright, welcoming, and constantly refreshed with new donations, Nine Lives Thrift is one of those magical St. Paul shops where you can walk in with no plan and walk out with a perfect gift. Every purchase supports a local nonprofit, so your thrifting dollars do double duty. Look for cozy sweaters, quirky home décor, vintage glassware, gently loved books, kitchen treasures, and an ever-changing rotation of holiday décor that feels charmingly nostalgic.
Groovy’s (Minneapolis)
Groovy’s new spot in Kingfield is a joy bomb of a vintage shop—colorful, eclectic, and overflowing with personality. Family-run and full of heart, it offers 60s–90s apparel, retro home goods, records, vintage magazines, funky wall art, quirky little tchotchkes, and one-of-a-kind stocking stuffers you absolutely won’t find anywhere else. The new location has an even more expansive selection, making it easy to lose track of time while treasure hunting.
When All Else Fails: Gift Cards
When the clock is ticking (or your loved one is impossible to shop for), gifting local gift cards saves the day. These Twin Cities small businesses are perfect last-minute holiday heroes—and every dollar helps our local economy thrive.
Cecil’s Deli (St. Paul) – The best reubens in the state, iconic matzo ball soup, and holiday take-home helpers that make December just feel easier.
Corazon (Minneapolis) – One of the most trusted gift shops in Minneapolis for art, jewelry, cards, and handmade treasures from local makers.
Tongue in Cheek (East Side St. Paul) – Quietly one of the best restaurants around.
Mucci’s Italian (St. Paul) – Cozy pasta, excellent cocktails, and family-style takeaway that makes an effortless holiday dinner.
Modern Times (Minneapolis) – A Powderhorn cafe beloved for its comfort-food-meets-punk-energy breakfast plates and stellar vegan options.
Mend Provisions (Minneapolis) – For the fly fisher, outdoorsy friend, or anyone who just really loves good gear.
Nokomis Shoes (Minneapolis) – A beloved family-run business for more than 80 years, this practical gift card says, “May your toes be warm forever.”
Follow SCRATCH for More Local Shopping Tips
If making your way through this guide has reminded you how good it feels to shop small—to step into a warm little storefront, to be greeted by an actual human, to discover something made or sourced with intention—you’re in the right place. Supporting our neighborhood shops isn’t just a holiday activity; it’s one of the simplest, most joyful ways to keep our community creative, and beautifully ours all year long. And every time you choose a local shop over one of those corporate retail behemoths (you know the ones), you help real people in your own community—makers, artists, families—continue doing what they do best.
Follow SCRATCH for Growth on Instagram for more local shopping guides, small business highlights, hidden gems, and everyday ways to make your dollars matter close to home. Because when we shop small, the whole community shines a little brighter.