The Ultimate Minnesota Gift Guide 2023
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‘Tis the season to shop for loved ones so I’m sharing a Minnesota gift guide of some of my favorite local experiences and businesses. I also added some of my favorite travel, home and kid items too that would be perfect for gifting. These gift ideas range in price points so you can find something at various budgets (and hopefully for yourself too). Happy gifting!
Experience Based Gift Ideas
Wild Rice Retreat
When people think of retreats they may think of Bali, Sedona or India. Fortunately, those of us in the Midwest don’t have to travel far as we have an award winning retreat center right in the charming town of Bayfield Wisconsin. Don’t just take my word for it – Wild Rice Retreat has been recognized by Conde Naste. My friend Emily and I had the best girls weekend getaway and already can’t wait to go back!
Book your retreat with code SARA10 for 10% off!
Getaway Cabins
One of the best tiny cabin getaways in Minnesota is Getaway Cabins. At just under 2 hours from the Twin Cities, Getaway Cabins allow you to disconnect and recharge in nature without being tired from the drive there. They have a kitchen, full bathroom and lush bedding with giant windows overlooking nature. This would be a fun present to receive or to gift yourself.
$30 off (on top of other promos!) with code PLANETWITHSARA
Four Seasons Spa Day
As the only five star hotel in Minnesota, Four Seasons Minneapolis is a luxe experience and The Spa is everything you’d expect and more. The treatments, including massages and facials, are incredibly nourishing. With a sauna, pool, hot tub and relaxing waiting room, you can make the visit an entire day. We recently enjoyed the new Slumber Massage and it was the most restorative experience – we’ve been sleeping so well ever since. I’d LOVE another massage here as a gift (hint if Ryan is reading this ;)).
Paddle North
We bought inflatable paddle boards from local company Paddle North and they’ve become our favorite way to get out on Minnesota lakes. I also love that the Portager has an optional kayak seat attachment, making it the best of both paddling worlds!
Promo: $50 off purchase of $300 w/ code PLANETWITHSARA
Face Foundrie
I love visiting the spa but don’t always have time for long visits. Face Foundrie is perfect since they offer 40 minute facials (and even 20 minute versions too if you’re really pressed for time). This would be a great self care gift for someone.
Promo: PLANETWITHSARA for $10 off your first visit!
Local Minnesota Makers
Nord Coast
A relatively new Minnesota apparel company and quickly one of my favorites is Nord Coast. They make goods that celebrate life here on the inland seas of the Midwest, which I love. The Great Lakes contain roughly 20% percent of the world’s freshwater and Nord Coast donates 20% of net profits to organizations protecting and restoring this invaluable resource. They also are helping Youth to stay warm this winter by donating one youth beanie for every Nord Coast beanie sold.
Sota Clothing
One of the most popular (for good reason) local Minnesota clothingand accessory companies is Sota – they are always a must for my Minnesota gift guide. I love their soft shirts and Ryan loves his classic MN hat. New this season I’m loving their Snowball Ear Muffs and Snow Squall Mittens.
Promo: PLANETWITHSARA saves you 15% OFF
Woolly Bear Knits
One of my favorite winter hats is from Woolly Bear Knits. Handcrafted by local artisan Emily, the hats are incredibly warm, soft and made with premium wool. Emily makes adult and kid versions so you can match your mini! This is a recurring item in my Minnesota gift guide since I wear my hat all the time!
Promo: For 10% off, use code PLANETWITHSARA
Northeast Teahouse
One of the best places in the Twin Cities for tea (and definitely the best place for freshly milled matcha) is Northeast Teahouse. The teahouse is incredibly serene and offers great tea service. Their matcha starter set would be a great gift! Otherwise, a gift card is a great idea too for someone who would like to experience the magic in person.
Promo: $10 off tins of matcha or loose leaf tea using code PlanetWithSara10
North Mallow
A premium s’mores experience by one of my favorite local companies! Check out their s’mores kit and travel campfire.
Use Code SARA10 for 10% off!
Northmade Co
Northmade Co. is a small family-owned Minnesota clothing company and one of my favorite places for Minnesota gear. The owner, Brian Nordin, comes up with all the designs and then works with local artists to make them come alive on the gear. My favorite is the MPLS felt sweatshirt (also available for St. Paul), their new knit hat, super soft t-shirts and glassware.
Promo: 15% off with code PLANETSARA15
Number 12 Cider
Legacy Gift Set $80, includes Legacy 750ml, Two 9oz. wine glasses, Voyage & La Route 12oz. cans, $20 Gift Card. Upgrade the gift card amount (to $50, 100 or 200) and receive 20% off the gift card!
Available In Store. Shop other gifts or book a Cidery Tour and Tasting at www.number12cider.com.
Northern Toboggan Co.
This company is a Minnesota gem. They handcraft wooden toboggans, sleds and snowshoes. I love their DIY snowshoe kit (finished snowshoes are available too). It’s so special to make your own pair!
A to Z Creamery
A super popular local ice cream spot, we love getting text message alerts when new flavors drop! You have to be quick to buy a pint though since they sell out quickly. Purchase gift cards for a fellow ice cream lover here: hotplate.com/atozcreamery
Schuler Shoes
Do you have a shoe lover in your life? Check out local shoe company Schuler Shoes either to purchase a specific shoe (here are my favorites) or to buy a gift card. I LOVE shopping local and they help measure your feet to ensure you’re buying the right size.
Promo: SAVE 15% on Slippers, Socks, Handbags and Apparel
For the Traveler In Your Life
EBags
I used to travel frequently for work and learned about the magic of packing cubes from coworkers. Ever since, I’ve been a huge believer because they keep me organized, save space due to packing more efficiently and can also double as laundry separates later in the trip. Amazon has a great deal on the ones we first bought.
Stasher Bags
We’re obsessed with our Stasher bags. They hold snacks, travel items like shampoos and soaps, can be used to pop popcorn or freeze veggies. There are tons of possibilities and we’ll keep single use plastics out of the trash as a result. Perfect stocking stuffer for the travelers and hikers in your life!
Promo: Black Friday sales happening now up to 30% off!
Tata Harper
My favorite organic skin care brand is Vermont based Tata Harper. Her products kept my skin looking balanced and blemish free throughout pregnancy and postpartum so I will be a fan for life. They also make travel sized items which I love.
Promo: For $25 off, click here!
For Toddlers
Since I have a young son, I wanted to share a few of my favorite items for gifting a toddler this holiday season.
The Play Kit
This is the perfect sized table for reading, crafts, coloring and more. I love sitting next to my son while he plays at his table!
The Play Tent
The perfect spot for kiddos to read, dream and feel cozy!
The Play Tunnel
Super fun for kiddos to crawl around in – my son loves crawling through the tunnels!
Little Chef Set
My son loves being in the kitchen while we’re making dinner and playing with his kitchen set from Lalo so this is the perfect next item we’ll get for him.
The Play Box
Newly launched from Lalo, this subscription service is PERFECT since they’ve designed age appropriate toys to help young minds develop.
Check out more of my must have Travel Items which would also make great gifts!
Check out these hiking must haves (also great gifts)
For Minnesota adventure ideas to use with gifts from this Minnesota gift guide, click here. Happy Gifting!
