Jeff Bezos doesn’t need our money.
Instead of supporting big corporations this holiday season, let’s think about the beloved, local shops around the Twin Cities that deserve our love and support, especially right now. With the unique gifts and shops on this list, you’re bound to find something perfect for that special someone.
For the plant parent: I’ve never received a plant for Christmas, but would I be opposed to it? Absolutely not. This year, it felt like everyone and their mother began caring for a new plant. Why not continue the trend with the help from Mother in St. Paul?
Not only does this shop offer unique plants and pots, but the shop itself also serves up some tranquil vibes that we could all use right now. Shop for different plants, fertilizers, pots and planters, among other things, here.
For the coffee lover: There was a time, in the not-so-distant past, when we’d take our public transit of choice down to our favorite Twin Cities coffee shop and spend an afternoon blissfully sipping lattes, catching up on homework — or appearing as if we were — and enjoying life. For now that time is gone, but we still have coffee. This holiday season, support a local coffee shop by purchasing your favorite blends directly from them.
A few favorite local roasters include Bootstrap Coffee Roasters in St. Paul, Five Watt Coffee and Northern Coffeeworks. In collaboration with a Minnesota staple, Five Watt Coffee partnered with First Avenue for their Backstage Blend, a roast with notes of cocoa, toasted nuts, citrus and a “touch of smoke,” according to their website. Bootstrap Coffee Roasters and Northern Coffeeworks also offer subscription services, so keep a caffeine lover covered this year with some monthly bags of coffee.
For the foodie: Sometimes, gifts for the food lover in your life lack a little bit of flavor. If that’s the case this season, spice it up with Hai Hai’s Coconut Chili Crisp and Hola Arepa’s Nut and Seed Salsa Macha. This condiment set is perfect on all your homemade concoctions, from roast veggies to steak or fried eggs.
For the mixologist: For around $20, give the gift of a cocktail kit. Alma offers two cocktail kits: a rosemary cider mixer and a bloody mary kit. Add the rosemary cider syrup to your soda of choice for something new, or keep it classic with a bloody mary mix that comes with pimento stuffed olives and fresno citrus salt.
For the book lover: Shop Black Garnet Books, the only Black-owned bookstore in Minnesota’s catalogue on Bookshop.org. The online bookshop offers everything from romance to political reads, and, of course, some best sellers that are bound to satisfy the book club junkie in your life.
If all else fails, get them a candle: These candles from carousel + folk are perfect for everyone, from that distant acquaintance you got for Secret Santa or the chic friend who loves an interior accent piece. These hand-poured candles sold at carousel + folk are made by EVIEMINE, and their offerings include a shell, a cloud and a daisy candle — who wouldn’t want one in their stocking?
