This year has certainly been like any other and we know that the small business community has been deeply affected. It is our heart to support local businesses and in line with that mission, we are so proud to announce our NEW Shop Twin Cities guide and overwhelmed to work with partners like Casa de Corazón that come alongside us to support each of these local businesses! The mission of Casa de Corazón is to provide inclusive, diverse day care services within the communities we serve. This year, their dedication to the families in our communities is more important than ever and it certainly shows as they cheer on these fellow community businesses in the giving season.
We created this list based on recommendations from our team members and our readers, so you can be sure these items are tried and true favorites! We have 100+ small businesses that are represented in this guide and encourage you to SHOP LOCAL this holiday season!
Here’s how to shop this guide: 2020 requires some creative shopping, especially as restaurants and other businesses must remain on pause right now. As we head into the season, think outside of the box! Our small business community is the HEART of the Twin Cities. Shop with these things in mind:
- GIFT CARDS: You can buy gift cards for those you are gifting and for yourself! Help a small business close out the year well by purchasing gift cards you can use all year long. Consider which restaurants and shops you know you’ll buy from through all of 2021 and buy gift cards now to use later.
- Shop Your Upcoming Needs/Wants/Gifts Now: What needs do you have on the horizon? For your home, your business, etc. Are you already short on warm hats for the family? Stock up now. What birthdays are coming up in the first half of 2021 that you can shop for now? If a friend is having a baby next year, grab that baby gift now. Think ahead for yourself and help a small business thrive as you do!
- Show the love! Once you purchase, share on social media! Post to your Facebook and Instagram when you’ve made the purchase, then again when it arrives, then once more when you gift or use your purchase. If you only knew what those shares and organic marketing do for a small business! It’s the world and word of mouth advertising really does help. Shout it from the rooftops!
Thank you for helping us support our community – please consider keeping any and all spending you will do in our local community. We’re always sad when businesses disappear but we can help keep that from happening! Let’s go Twin Cities…it’s the giving season. Let’s make the most of it!
Each of these sections opens up to show a number of local businesses that we’re excited to share with you – simply click to expand. Check out their websites, peek at their social media, then do the thing to help them out. We can do this…we’re in it together!
Our Favorite Local Businesses of 2020
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A Bushel and A Peck is here to help you find your unique style in an environment filled with fun and friendship! They want you to feel comfortable shopping with them without any pressure, but are there to help for guidance on fit, style and options. They have clothing, accessories, footwear, home furnishings, and even items for kids!
From fashion-forward womenswear retailers to home furnishings, the diverse selection of brands and product offerings truly make D.NOLO a one-stop shopping destination.
Evereve is our go-to store for clothes and accessories in the Twin Cities! Their customer service is unmatched and they always leave us feeling stylish and comfortable in what we're wearing. Their stylists will curate looks especially for you AND they give your kids Goldfish while you shop - we call that a win!
On a mission to improve the lives of children battling cancer since October 22nd, 2012, Love Your Melon began with the simple idea of putting a hat on every child battling cancer in America. They have everything from apparel to hats to blankets to keep you both cute and cozy.
Cute personalized apparel for women and kids including sweatshirts, tees, tanks, and accessories.
2020 has been the year to be comfy and cozy. We think this matching tie-dye jogger set will be our new mom uniform! It is so soft and comes in the most fun colors.
Represent our great state of Minnesota with cute gear from Minnesota Awesome! They have everything for adults and kids plus great gifts for the home as well.
We love Monique's inspirational and motivational clothing. Her "Be a Kind Human" tank happens to be our favorite!
Northern Ties is a Minnesota based clothing company that started out by using a technique called reverse tie dye, also known as bleach tie dye. The company has expanded its collection to include branded garments to keep up with the latest trends. Northern Ties roots you back to the north woods of Minnesota and brings you comfy styles that allows you to be the best version of yourself.
This Women-owned, mother & daughter team is based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. They have classic, affordable, and comfortable clothing designed for women for before and after birth.
Women's clothing, jewelry, accessories, shoes, and small goods. Free curbside and in-store pickup available.
Everything at Primp is under $100 dollars, most things are under $50 and they put out new items daily. Visit them at their multiple Twin Cities locations or online!
Serge + Janeis a Mens, Womens, Kids + Pets lifestyle store featuring apparel + accessories, home goods, gifts, new + used vinyl and local makers.
Our team loves Sota Clothing! From their cozy sweatshirts to cute hats, we've worn it all! Give someone in your life a little love from MN with their Minnesota-themed items.
We love that Still Kickin shows up to help people when things are hard. After 2020, we all need encouraging words. We love that their products share messages of hope and encouragement for people in tough seasons.
Winnie Lu is a Minnesota lifestyle boutique with the cutest clothing, accessories, home decor, and gift items. 90% of the items in their shop are made by women which we absolutely love!-
Colored Organics makes the sweetest clothing for babies and kids with super COZY organic fabrics that are environmentally friendly, naturally hypoallergenic and gentle on your child's skin. We happen to think this Emerson leopard sleeper is about the most adorable thing ever!
kiddywampus is an interactive, inspiring toy store and birthday party destination. Created by a lawyer and mother of three, kiddywampus aims to provide a selection of the most unique toys, books, and accessories for creative, imaginative, and curious kids.
Legacy Toys's mission is to help nurture our future leaders, inventors and creative thinkers. We love their unique toys and gifts for kids. They have a great tool on their website called GiftBot that will personally curate a gift for your child based on their age and interest - go check it out!
Finding unique and comfortable pieces from brands who share our desire to make the world better for our little ones, is the basis for creating Lulie Kids. The collection specializes in high quality, comfortable items, sourced from companies who are respectful of our environment and/or who make it a priority to give back to their communities. They have tons of adorable kids clothes, gift items, shoes, and accessories!
We love the unique toys Manhattan Toy has for babies and toddlers. Check out their gift guides that are categorized by age to find something for the little one in your life!
Mindware has so many unique gifts your kids are sure to enjoy! We love that you can search their site by age to find that just right gift for your child.
Mischief Toy Store is a toy store loved by kids and adults alike! We love that right now they have holiday gift packages, quarantine care packages, and private appointments to keep gift buying easy and safe this year.
Pacifier is our favorite one-stop-shop for all things baby and kids! From apparel and accessories to baby gear like strollers and carseats, you can find it all here.
This line of sleepwear carries a little girl’s dream and legacy forward, and with every pair purchased, 50% of our net profits benefit pediatric cancer research.
Red Balloon is an independent, woman-owned children’s bookstore with a wide selection of books, toys, and gifts for all ages, from infants to adults. Check out the holiday book catalog on their website for some great gift ideas for all ages!
We are an independent children's book store in Minneapolis which happens to be home to a menagerie of creatures, including Manx cats and a chicken. It is the most fun place to visit and while they are online only right now, you can plan ahead for your visit in 2021. Buy a gift card and stop by their shop in the new year OR order your gifts online now!
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Drop one of their bath fizzers in your tub for a little magic! Great for adults and kids alike, we love that their bath fizzers even have a fun surprise in the middle.
Tis the year of doing everything from home - right?! dpHUE has root touch up kits that can be sent right to your door!
Elixery formulates original products, develops their own colors, and compound products from scratch in their laboratory. This gives them an intimate understanding of their products that few modern companies can claim. Their products are free of animal testing, free of animal derived ingredients, and gluten free.
Treat yourself or a loved one to the gift of great skincare! We are big fans of the Lux 7 Age Defying Four In One Face Cream {because it does allthethings for us in one little product} but you can't go wrong with any of their products.
Odele is women-owned and operated. Designed, formulated and manufactured in Minneapolis, MN, they're applying decades of experience in beauty, product development and retail—as well as the lens of motherhood—to build a lifestyle brand for real life. Shop their products for all types and textures of hair.
Clean, safe, high-quality beauty products. Grab one of their holiday kits for an easy stocking stuffer!
Worker B ingredients come straight from the hive, forming the base for their skincare, candle & raw honey collections.
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Give the gift of play! A year of admission to the Minnesota Children's Museum is an excellent gift for any family. They even have a Black Friday special where you can save $30 on a Passport Membership or above with the code BIG30.
The Minnesota Zoo is a wonderful place to spend a day as a family. Right now, they have something everyone can enjoy even during this season. Nature Illuminated is a drive-thru experience they are offering from Dec. 3rd to January 17th. Grab a ticket and enjoy an evening out safely OR purchase a Zoo membership and enjoy many days at the Zoo in 2021!
We love our friends at Project in Person! They have everything from workshop classes to Build Boxes that allow you to create a project at home. No experience required - they help you DIY the easy way with all the supplies and instruction you need.
Even while we can't visit the Science Museum of Minnesota at this time, they are still offering incredible gift options! We highly suggest you check out their gift guides full of ideas for the science lovers in your life - or give the gift of a yearly membership for 365 days of fun!
Our friends at Stages Theatre Company have something fun for the whole family to enjoy! Their Out of the Box Experiences make for a great gift. Each box has opportunities to get creative and stay safe. They have several Experiences to choose from in 2021 - so find one that suites your child's interests and have a theatre experience at home.
We love the idea of giving your child some gift cards to spend in 2021! Grab a gift card to Urban Air to tuck away for a day of fun next year!
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Our friends at Amy's Cupcake Shoppe are truly some of the best! Their macarons are our favorite, but you can't go wrong with any of their delicious treats. They also have super fun bake-at-home kits that would make an excellent gift. They have curbside pick up - so grab some yummy goodies to enjoy at your holiday celebrations!
Drop a box of Annie B's caramels in any stocking! They are so delicious and come in a wide variety of flavors to suite everyone's tastes.
A gift card to Cafe Latte would be an amazing gift because let's be real - who wouldn't want to cash in on one of their delicious cakes?! We also love their wine and pizza bar for a fun date night spot. Plan an evening out now and enjoy it in 2021!
We know everyone enjoys the gift of coffee! Grab a bag or a box of their EcoPods and put them in the stocking of someone you love. We recommend trying one of their delicious Holiday blends!
We love this amazing woman-owned coffee company that is mission minded and sustainably operated. Not to mention their branding is just so cute! Throw a package of coffee in a gift box for a friend!
We love Crisp and Green for the most delicious salads and smoothies! It's so easy to grab on the go with their curbside pick-up. They have a deal from now through 12/24 where you get a free mug with the purchase of $50 or more in gift cards!
You will want to hide these away from your family they are so good! Indulge in a bag of Heavenly Hunks and you will thank us later when you find your new favorite treat.
We're kind of addicted to Maddy and Maize! Our favorite flavor is the Dark Chocolate Caramel popcorn, but any of the flavors are delicious. These would be the best stocking stuffer or could even be poured into bowls to munch on as you watch your favorite holiday movie!
Tis' the season for Hot Cocoa and we think this Mini Hot Cocoa Kit from our friends at North Mallow has to be about the cutest thing ever! The perfect stocking stuffer for all ages!
We think these locally made sodas are so much fun! Your kids will love trying all the unique flavors. We think the 24 pack of mix and matched sodas would make for a fun taste testing experiment with your family!
A weekly heat-and-eat meal service?! Count us in! This would be an excellent gift for a new mama to help her get healthy meals on the table to feed her and her family.
So many amazing Twin Cities restaurants are apart of Parasole including Manny's, Pittsburgh Blue, Good Earth, Salut, The Living Room, Prohibition, and Field Day. Grab this amazing gift card promo - spend $100 and get $25 in gift cards for free! Plan ahead for a great date night out in 2021 or treat your future self to the gift of take out on a busy evening at home.
Punch Pizza is truly one of our favorite local restaurants and they have an amazing holiday gift card promotion you don't want to miss. For every $30 you spend, you get $5 off!
We think the Rawr Bars from Raw Organics are great snacks for adults and kids! They are plant based, protein packed, and made with high quality organic ingredients.
A cocktail kit would make a great gift! With several different varieties available, you are sure to find the beverage you are looking for. Add on a gift card so you can head back into their cocktail room when it reopens!
We love Seven Sundays Holiday Gift Boxes for the cereal lovers in your life! Choose either hot or cold cereal and give someone the gift of a nourishing breakfast.
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We love the bright and bold artwork of Ashley Mart Art! Grab a print and throw it up on your wall for instant happiness.
They have everything from furniture and home decor to apparel and gift items! We personally love their gift guides on their site that will help you find the perfect present for the people in your life.
Excelsior Candle Co. was born of the belief that the right fragrance can make everyday moments feel extraordinary. All of their candles are batch made in Minnesota using the highest quality ingredients; you’ll fall in love at first light.
Keep your friends and family cozy this winter! Whether it's a wool throw or a cozy shawl, the people in your life will thank you once they snuggle up with one of Faribault Woolen Mill's pieces.
Foxwell has curated goods from places near and far! Browse their unique home goods for beautiful pillows, throws, tableware, and accessories.
We think Golden Rule is the dreamiest! They offer thoughtful pieces for you and your home - apparel, art, jewelry, and home goods. We love that they seek to promote kindness, community, art and the artist, and social justice.
GoodThings focuses on finding trends before they appear in the mass market stores and strives to ensure the purchases its customers make are treasured for a lifetime. GoodThings stores are home to trendy and classic home decor, gifts, tabletop, entertaining, gardening, spa, travel essentials, clothing and accessories, novelty and sports gifts, Minnesota clothing, beer and barware gifts, food gifts, and more. You will find some of the most creative, unique and one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list!
We love this mother-daughter owned shop in Excelsior! Through a classic, minimalistic aesthetic, they have a beautiful space with products for your home, body, and skin. We love that right now they are offering several gorgeous gift boxes or will even curate a custom gift box for your loved one!
Hagen and Oats creates the most beautiful custom wood decor. From handmade cribbage boards to custom wood pet portraits, they truly have something for everyone.
We love Illume's amazing soy candles. We highly recommend the Balsam and Cedar candle to give your home a cozy winter scent!
We love these beautiful watercolor paintings and prints. Jess has categories on her website that have paintings of just about everything - you're sure to find something for everyone on your list!
Live Love MN has the cutest Minnesota themed gift items! We personally think this tumbler is exactly what we need to keep our drinks hot or cold.
Northern Glasses offers glassware, mugs and gifts printed with bold designs for every occasion and style. And the most beautiful thing of it all? 7% of glassware sales are donated to bring safe + clean water to developing nations. We happen to think this I Live in a Madhouse glass might be more true than ever in 2020 and makes the most fun gift for the mama in your life!
We love Oh Yay Studio because all of their products just radiate JOY. We are loving their NEW subscription service - the Oh Yay Studio Squad! Each month you will receive a bundle of happily-designed items that you can print, make, celebrate with and color all for less than a large cup of take-out coffee. What a way to give a gift that keeps giving all year long!
Patina is a specialty purveyor known for selling a curated mix of affordably priced gifts, home decor, scents, paper goods, jewelry and toys in an inspiring and ever-changing environment... Accessories for a Good Life. Their online home features a selection of favorites and exclusive signature items available in their eight Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area stores.
We love Pink Linen Designs beautiful handmade wall decor and think they add the happiest pop of joy to any room.
They offer doorstep deliveries of floral arrangements and curated local products in addition to their wedding and event work. They feature Minnesota grown flowers from small farms in every arrangement that they can. We are big fans of their winter planters that would make great gifts or for your holiday home decorating needs!
Senn & Sons has the cutest gift items for the home and for the ladies in your life. This year we love their Be the Change Art print that would look beautiful on the walls of your home. Plus - it is a gift that gives back! 100% of the proceeds of this print are donated to support efforts to end generational poverty in the Twin Cities.
Spoonful of Faith creates beautiful clothing and products with her incredible illustrations. We want her limited edition 2021 calendar hanging on our wall to keep us on track in the new year! Use the code SHOPSMALL20 on a purchase now through 11/30 for 20% off.
The Foundry Home Goods has simple, useful, and beautiful objects for the home. They ship nationwide online and also have curbside pickup for all your gift buying needs.
Trista specializes in painting custom murals for children’s rooms such as nursery’s, bedrooms, playrooms, daycare facilities, or children’s clinics. She also do other forms of artwork for settings like living rooms, kitchens, or really any space you want to make special.-
We think an Austin Fowler bag is an essential accessory for every mom! Their bags can be everything from a diaper bag to a work bag to a travel bag with their unique organizational features. Now through Monday 11/30, you can even take part in their Black Friday Sale and get 30% off with the code THANKFUL30!
Clingks® are the hippest trend in glassware…removable, reusable decals that cling to glasses, bottles, coffee mugs, even plastic! The sassy phrases will put your guests in the party spirit right from the start. We think the wine and coffee drinkers in your life will love to add a little fun to their glasses!
Jac and Violet create one-of-a kind jewelry pieces that are as unique as you are! We love their statement earrings which make for great stocking stuffers.
Clothing and accessories including knit MN hats, earrings, blankets, headbands, and cowls.
Each of Karma Stacks's bracelets is created with high quality stones and products that offer compassion, peace, healing, protection, strength, and unconditional love. We think these would make great gifts to share some love and encouragement this holiday season.
Larissa Loden creates beautiful jewelry including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more. We also LOVE her new bracelet kids that show you how to create your own bracelet from the comfort of home! She has them for adults and kids alike and we think they'd be the most fun gift.
Custom, handmade personalized jewelry. We love their stackable name rings - perfect for a mama who wants to represent her kiddo or a gift for grandma to represent her grandkids.
Feel warm and look cute this winter! We love Namakan's beautiful fur goods including mittens, neck warmers, ruffs, hats, and more.
Not your typical knitwear - Nickichicki is all about color, style, and fun! Handmade in the USA, each piece of Nickichicki knitwear is crafted by hand by their small team of talented knitters in the midwest. They carefully select only high quality, soft, and beautiful yarns to keep you looking and feeling your very coziest! We love their hats and scarves for adults and for kids!
We think these hats without a brand, team, or logo are pretty cool! These brandless hats are awesome basics that you can add to your wardrobe. For men and women, these simple and modern hats would be great for a stocking stuffer.
Handmade goods including jewelry, key chains, handmade ornaments, and more!
Not only are our friends at The Locket Sisters the most fun, we also love their beautiful lockets. Their gifts are timeless and truly are pieces that will be passed through the generations.
The TowelTopper towel band is the only band that wraps around for a hug and snug effect to hold your towel in place at home or on the go so you can get dressed, quick and easy, hands free. Give this to a mama in your life and help her go hands-free!
We love Willow Tree's beautiful handcrafted jewelry made right here in Minneapolis. Personally, we are loving the Minnesota Wrap Bracelet this year & think it would make a great gift for any lady in your life!
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Give the gift of a good book! Black Garnet Books is a Black, woman-owned bookstore located in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, primarily stocking Adult and YA contemporary literature by Black and racially-diverse authors. They introduce everyone to underrepresented voices and stories, new and old, that support and affirm the cultures they're connected to.
Blooma has an awesome Small Business Saturday special running now through November 29th where you can get a 20 class pack for $280 - thats $100 off! This is a great way to dedicate time to breath and movement in 2021.
De Nova has the softest, most luxurious robes that any mama would be delighted to wear. We also love their eye masks for a solid night's sleep. All their products are soft as butter, we guarantee you won't want to take them off!
Mara Mi has gorgeous stationary supplies any mama would want to have on their desk! From notebooks and planners to cards and envelopes, anything from their store is guaranteed to set a mama up to be organized in 2021.
Doesn't every mama want a box of goodies curated especially for them? We love Minny & Paul's gift boxes that are created with you in mind. Choose from a variety of themes and find the one that perfectly fits your loved one. We think any mom would love the Caffeine and Chocolate box - just sayin'! Use the code "TCMOM10" at checkout and you can get $10 off of this box!
Northern Aura Wellness is built on the philosophy that health and beauty is about being the best version of yourself. They will help you identify the underlying cause for your concerns and empower you with information to live your best life. From customized dietary recommendations to exercise tips, their care suggestions are more than skin deep. Summoning science to supplement your personal health and beauty story, Northern Aura Wellness will create a customized self-care plan that’s sustainable for your life.
The ladies of Style + Dwell are mamas, organizers, DIYers and creators of great design, all with kids in mind. We think their Clear Planner is so beautiful and also functional! This acrylic menu board would help any mama meal plan in style.
You are now able to SWEAT with Jess from the comfort of your own home or wherever you have an internet connection! As soon as you sign up, you will receive a zoom link to access class! Jess will work with whatever equipment you have access to; all modifications will provided, as well. Jess will make the workout as if you are training with her at the gym, but better, because you’re in the comfort of your own home!
Give a mama the gift of an extra set of friends! Our friends at Twin Cities Mobile Mommy can help you with tidying, home organizing, decluttering, and more! Book a virtual session, 2 hour mini session, or even get a membership for ongoing help.
Owned by a local mom, Wit and Delight has beautiful products for you and for your home. We are currently obsessed with their Stay on Track desktop notepad and highly recommend grabbing one to start the new year organized!
What mama wouldn't want a day at the spa?! We love Woodhouse Day Spa and think a gift card for a day of relaxation is exactly what a mom needs - especially after the stress of 2020!
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Thank you so much for supporting small Businesses.