This post, featuring my Minnesota holiday gift guide, may contain sponsored entries or affiliate links. For more, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy.
Looking for the perfect gifts for your loved ones this holiday season? I’m here to help! Whether you’re shopping for your favorite foodie, planning surprises for little explorers, or supporting local makers, this Minnesota-inspired holiday gift guide has you covered.
From Twin Cities favorites to unique Minnesota-made gifts, I’ve rounded up my go-to picks to delight the kids, travelers, foodies, and Minnesotans in your life. To help you shop, my list is divided into three smaller guides: a Foodie Guide, a Guide for Travel & Outdoor Enthusiasts, and a Guide to Help You Shop Local. While not everything on this list is made in Minnesota, most things are, and everything on this list will be loved by the Minnesotas (and non-Minnesotans) in your life!
Discover 18 of my favorite gifts for foodies, travelers, and Minnesota-made fans. I’m confident you’ll find something special for everyone on your list!
Gift Guide for Minnesota Foodies
Shopping for the fabulous foodies in your life? Here are my top foodie gift ideas for this holiday season, from a new Minnesota restaurant to something special you can share over a campfire. These foodie goodies will surely please the palate and make this holiday season something to savor. Here is my Minnesota-inspired holiday gift guide for foodies – featuring 6 great options!
Chiya Chai
Find a list of local retailers or buy directly here: Chiya Chai
Kicking off my Minnesota holiday gift guide is the best chai in the state! Nothing brightens a gloomy winter day quite like taking a quiet moment with a warm cuppa chai. If you’re shopping for the chai lover in your life, look no further than Chiya Chai. With deep roots in Nepalese tea traditions, this local brand brings a world of flavor straight to Minnesota.
Their expansive selection—from classic masala chai to unique blends with spices sourced from Nepal and India—makes for a cozy gift. You can find Chiya Chai at over 50 local coffee shops, restaurants, and retailers, including the Minneapolis Christkindlmarket in the North Loop (starting November 22!). Talk about one of the best Twin Cities gift ideas!
Chiya Chai is a local and BIPOC-owned business in Minnesota.
Bao Bao Buns
See and order this week’s flavors, or grab a gift card here: Bao Bao Buns. Use code KNEADTOROAM15 for a discount – good through 12/31.
If you’re searching for fun, flavorful Twin Cities gift ideas this season, check out Bao Bao Buns. Their handmade baozi, crafted with pillowy dough and filled with traditional and wacky ingredients, offers a taste experience like no other. From classic pork to adventurous global-inspired flavors (like Apple Bottom Baos, Check Your Spam Folder, and B-Bao-Q), each small batch is made fresh with local ingredients whenever possible.
Pick them up in Hopkins and make them at home! Easy-to-follow cooking instructions will have you and your favorite people eating well in a matter of minutes. Perfect for a quick snack or a shared meal, these baos are a delicious way to introduce loved ones to the diverse world of Chinese cuisine. Don’t miss their limited drops—sign up for their emails to stay in the loop! This is undoubltedy one of the tastiest ideas for Minnesota-made gifts!
Bao Bao Buns is a woman-owned and BIPOC-owned business in Minnesota.
Pink Ivy
Book your table or purchase a gift certificate at Pink Ivy. Or, visit their downtown Hopkins location (712 Mainstreet, Hopkins, Minnesota 55343).
One of the best new restaurants in the Twin Cities is also one of my favorite gift ideas for the holiday season! Pink Ivy in downtown Hopkins is a must-try. This cozy, posh restaurant is the brainchild of Michael and Viorica Shaughnessy, offering a chef-driven menu with seasonal twists on modern American dishes. Don’t miss fan favorites like the Braised Lamb Toast, Ivy Burger, and Zeppole!
Whether you’re grabbing drinks with friends or planning a big family dinner, Pink Ivy’s thoughtful selection of cocktails, wine, and whiskey pairs perfectly with their exceptional fare. Its dynamite menu with a dedicated kids’ selection (ask your server for details) makes this a top pick for families on this Minnesota holiday gift guide!
Don’t miss the upcoming Black Friday promotion! For every $50 in gift card purchases, Pink Ivy will give an additional $15. After Black Friday, they will continue the promotion through December 31, 2024, but it will change to $10 for every $50 spent.
Pink Ivy is a woman-owned business in Minnesota.
The far left and center images are courtesy of Pink Ivy.
CityTins
Order online here: CityTins. Use code ROAM for 20% off your entire order. Last ship date to arrive on time for Christmas is 10 days before Christmas.
One of the best gifts for the Minnesota foodies in your life has to be CityTins! Inside each tin are coaster gift cards for several fantastic local restaurants (including Brit’s Pub, The Butcher’s Tale, Eato, Emmett’s Public House, and more!). Perfect for friends and family who love trying new restaurants and exploring the Twin Cities!
Each card is worth either $10 off your tab for dine-in or $5 off on takeout. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving! They also have tins for several Wisconsin and Illinois locations.
CityTins is a woman-owned business based in Milwaukee.
Mike and Jen’s Cocoa Mixes
Find a list of local retailers or buy in bulk here: Mike and Jen’s Cocoa
Nothing says cozy winter nights like a great cup of hot cocoa together. We love Mike and Jen’s Cocoa mixes for their simple, high-quality ingredients. The hot cocoa is creamy and silky smooth – it doesn’t get much better than that! If you’re looking for Minnesota gifts for kids, these cocoa mixes make the perfect stocking stuff.
Plus, because it already has milk in the mix, you only need to add water when you’re ready to drink it (making it perfect for winter camping or on the go!). It’s lovely during (or after!) a winter hike or playing outside in the snow.
Mike and Jen’s Cocoa is a small, woman-owned business in Duluth.
North Mallow
Find a list of local retailers or buy directly here: North Mallow. Use code HOLIDAYSMORES for $5 off S’mores Kits!
Looking for a truly unique foodie gift? You can’t go wrong with North Mallow, a premium s’mores experience brought to you by a dynamic Minnesota husband and wife team (who were once camp counselors in a previous life)! These best-selling s’mores kits are made with gourmet marshmallows, chocolate, and their own craft graham crackers.
Marshmallows come in three flavors: vanilla bean, caramel swirl, or chocolate chip. Or, you can snag one of their food-safe travel campfires to roast your marshmallows. These s’more kits are perfect for wintery nights spent at cozy cabins or lakeside summer evenings – and everything in between! Kids and adults alike will adore making North Mallow s’mores together, making them one of the best Minnesota holiday gifts for families.
North Mallow is a family-led small business based in Long Lake, Minnesota.
Gift Guide for Travel + Outdoor Enthusiasts
Next, let’s talk about some of the best gifts for exploring the great outdoors in Minnesota and beyond. From new outdoor gear for the kids in your life to the best merino wool base layers (for kids and adults!), here are my favorite gifts for travel and outdoor enthusiasts this holiday season.
You can find even more outdoor gift ideas by shopping my Outdoorsy Gift Ideas for Families locker on Rockporch. Need ideas for stocking stuffers? I have those, too!
READ NEXT: 8 EPIC Bucket List Winter Getaways in Minnesota for Families to Play in the Snow
Sweetbriar Ridge
Book your stay online at Sweetbriar Ridge. Use code ANTONIA10 for 10% off – good through 12/31! Gift cards are also available; you can coordinate them by emailing Info@sweetbriarridgemn.com.
A Minnesota getaway makes for a perfect experiential gift for all ages (not to mention, a top pick on this Minnesota holiday gift guide for families)! And, Sweetbriar Ridge was one of our favorite stays this year. Located near Cross Lake in Pine City, Sweetbriar Ridge offers the perfect blend of luxury and nature with its stunning geodesic domes.
Imagine cozying up in a dome with high ceilings, a skylight for stargazing, and modern comforts like luxury linens and a kitchenette—all surrounded by 56 acres of serene woods and prairie. It’s an ideal spot for a romantic escape or a quiet family retreat, with nearby trails and local gems like Banning State Park just a short drive away. It’s glamping at its finest, making it a favorite for gift ideas near the Twin Cities!
Sweetbriar Ridge is a woman-owned and family-led business near Pine City, Minnesota.
Iksplor
Shop their online store at Iksplor
Outfit your favorite adventure buddies with new Merino wool baselayers and mid-layers from Iksplor this holiday season. Their Merino wool is sustainably sourced and turned into baselayers and joggers made for adventure.
They offer sizes from infant to adult (through XL). They even have nursing layers for nursing moms! In addition to clothing, they offer Merino wool beanies, blankets, and socks. These layers are ideal for the upcoming snowy months in Minnesota. Stay warm, and keep adventuring!
Iksplor is a woman-led, family-operated company based in Jackson Hole.
Free Air Life Co.
Shop their online store at Free Air Life Co. Use code ROAM15 for 15% off from 12/1 – 12/31. Not valid in combo with any other offers or on previous purchases and online only. Then, check the website and social media for details on their store opening in Duluth this December!
Free Air Life Co. is a Minnesota-based lifestyle boutique concept that opened 5 years ago. They hand-select brands that celebrate or give back to the outdoors. Their name was inspired by the Scandinavian term friluftsliv, or the idea that nature is always waiting to be embraced and all people are free to roam.
The fantastic team behind Free Air Life Co. is passionate about leaving our world better than we found it, and strengthening our relationship with nature. They offer all kinds of nature-inspired items, from apparel (like this winter warrior crewneck) to candles and games.
New this year, they are excited to offer their most inclusive selection of eco-friendly brands yet, featuring sizes S-3X and pants from 2-14! New arrivals include Purist Collective, Lolë, YY Nation shoes, Oliver Logan, and the hard-to-find Marine Layer. One highlight is the Purist Collective water bottle, which will be available starting in December. It features a unique glass interior for the purest taste and interchangeable, BPA-free lids. It’s durable, corrosion-resistant, and hypoallergenic—ideal for sensitive users and Minnesota adventures!
No matter what inspires your outdoorsy friends and family this holiday season, Free Air Life Co. has what you need to keep them exploring in style! Finally, they will have dozens of new arrivals coming out soon!
Free Air Life Co. is a woman-owned company based in Duluth.
All images courtesy of Free Air Life Co.
L-Bow Gear
Shop their online store at L-Bow Gear. Use code kneadtoroam10 for 10% off.
We love L-Bow Gear – they are my favorite Minnesota gifts for kids! Developed by a Minnesota-based adventure family, L-Bow Gear is tailored for Midwest adventures in the snow. Simplify getting out the door with your kids and having fun with kids this winter. These mittens are easy to put on and go right up to the elbow. Featuring a unique gaiter design, the mittens stay securely in place without strings or clips. Plus, they keep snow from getting into coats and suits, ensuring warmth and comfort for kids no matter the activity. L-Bow Gear also offers booties and other winter gear, too!
We have been using L-Bow Gear mittens for our daughter almost exclusively for the past 5 years – and I wish I had known about them earlier (talk about a life savor with toddlers!).
L-Bow Gear is a family-led company based in Minnesota.
Minnesota State Parks Pass
Get a pass online at Minnesota State Parks Pass
A state park pass always makes my Minnesota holiday gift guide for families! I firmly believe experiences are better than things (I know it’s a tad ironic given that I have created this Minnesota-inspired gift guide for you, but it’s true!). One of the best experience gifts is getting a Minnesota State Parks Pass (or for your own state if you’re outside Minnesota). A Wisconsin State Park Pass is also a great idea, especially for those looking to hike further afield or those who live on the border.
State park passes are relatively inexpensive and ensure endless opportunities to explore some of the state’s most beautiful trails and views throughout the year. The pass is valid for 1 year from the month of purchase.
A few of our favorite state parks include Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls, Crow Wing State Park near Brainerd, Judge C.R. Magney State Park in Grand Marais, and Grand Portage State Park in Grand Portage. Discover my favorite Minnesota State Parks near the Twin Cities by reading my Family Guide to 6 Exciting State Parks near Minneapolis with Kids.
Alternatively, an America the Beautiful Pass would be another great option if you want to explore more national parks this year! In fact, it covers more than 2,000 federal recreation sites from sea to shining sea. The pass is valid for 1 year from the month of purchase.
Wander Club
Shop their online store at Wander Club. Use code KNEADTOROAM10 for a discount.
Shopping for a travel lover or two? Wander Club offers handcrafted tokens you can collect for every country, state, national park, or even MLB stadiums that you’ve visited (in addition to several other ideas!). Clip them onto a personalized token holder, making it a meaningful keepsake to carry your travel memories wherever you go.
Plus, every purchase supports environmental initiatives, like ocean cleanups and tree planting, so you can celebrate your adventures while giving back to the planet. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who loves exploring and wants to keep their memories close!
Wander Club is a BIPOC-owned business based in California.
Vessi
Shop their online store at Vessi
Vessi makes the perfect adventure shoe for kids and adults alike! They are 100% waterproof, making them ideal for rainy-day adventures and winter slush. Plus, they are breathable and lightweight enough to wear when the weather is nice.
We have been testing our Vessis for over a year, and we absolutely love them. They have become a go-to shoe for my daughter and me, especially when we are traveling (or unsure of what the weather will be like!). We both have the Weekend Chelseas, and I also have two pairs of the Boardwalks in different colors.
They also offer waterproof hats, gloves, and other gear. I can’t recommend them enough! Read more here: Complete Review of Vessi Waterproof Shoes by an Experienced Travel Mom
Gift Guide to Support Local Minnesota-Made Items + Experiences
I would be remiss if I didn’t highlight a few more of my favorite gift ideas that are locally-owned, Minnesota-made, and/or Minnesota-based experiences this holiday season! From beautiful handmade knitted hats to ice skates, here is my holiday gift guide for shopping local in Minnesota! Perfect for those looking to shop and support local.
Urban Undercover
Shop their online store at Urban Undercover. Use code AG202410 for 10% off (not able to combine with other offers) – good through 12/31.
Urban Undercover is one of my favorite shops for comfortable travel basics. I absolutely adore my Everyday Travel Wrap – it’s a go-to any time I board a plane. It’s soft, comfortable, and ideal for temperature control when flying (because who knows if it will be frigid or boiling on board!). Even better, I can usually cover my daughter and myself when we snuggle in for a plane nap.
All of their travel pieces are versatile, sustainably made, high-quality, and, most importantly, items you will actually want to wear! Minnesotan and Urban Undercover founder, Sairey, has a huge passion for travel, which shines bright in her brand. She believes when you travel, you experience, explore, and grow as a person. Every traveler on your nice list is sure to resonate with that sentiment! From stowaway underwearables and other clothing items to bags and accessories, Urban Undercover has what you need to stay comfortable and stylish on your upcoming getaway.
Storefront + Holiday Pop-Up Options: MSP Airport on the G Concourse (near G11/12/13). They will also be at the Dayton’s Market through December 28, and at the Malcolm Yards Market December 14 + 15.
Urban Undercover is a woman-owned company based in Minnesota.
HINDES
Shop their online store at HINDES or visit their Golden Valley location (681 Winnetka Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55427). Use code HOLIDAYHAIR for 20% off the CBD Hair Care Gift Sets.
Looking for Twin Cities gift ideas from a woman-owned shop? Mo, a nature enthusiast with a compassionate spirit, founded HINDES to provide handcrafted aromatherapy + skincare for all. Fueled by her love for self-care rituals + natural well-being, Mo embarked on the journey of creating HINDES, drawing inspiration from years of crafting her own body lotions and aromatherapy blends. She has also delved into the transformative potential of CBD.
HINDES offers a range of opulent self-care products, including body oil, room spray, roller blends, and face masks, all locally crafted with premium ingredients. Plus, they do events, including an upcoming Small Business Saturday Holiday Market on November 30! Gift sets make great stocking stuffers.
Hindes Undercover is a woman-owned company based in Minnesota.
Riedell Skates
Shop their online store at Riedell Skates
For a Minnesota-made gift that will keep your family gliding all winter long (or rolling throughout the year!), check out Riedell Skates. Founded in 1945 in Red Wing, Riedell has been crafting top-quality ice and roller skates for nearly 80 years. In particular, the Riedell Ember Skates (available in Blush and Cider) are perfect for ice skating this winter!
From recreational skates for beginners to custom boots trusted by champions, there’s a pair for everyone. Handmade with attention to detail, their skates are a perfect pick for anyone looking to hit the rink in style this winter, or the roller rink all year round. We can’t wait to sport our new skates this winter! Undoubtedly, skates are some of the best Minnesota gifts for kids and adults alike!
Riedell Skates is a family-owned company based in Red Wing, Minnesota.
North Road Knits
Shop their online store at North Road Knits. Use code KNEADCOZY for 10% off – good through 12/31. The last ship date to arrive on time for Christmas is 12/18.
For cozy, one-of-a-kind gifts this season, check out North Road Knits, handmade on Minnesota’s North Shore. Each piece is hand-knit in small batches, making every item unique. In fact, Jamie rarely makes the same thing twice, so many of the knits are genuinely one of a kind. Jamie is also an incredible human whom I adore greatly!
If you’re traveling to the North Shore, you can also find these beautiful knit creations at local spots like Clearview General Store, The Mountain Shop at Lutsen Mountains, and Dappled Fern Fibers. Or, catch them at holiday pop-ups this winter, and the Cook County Market in Grand Marais during the warmer months. Whether you’re looking for a warm hat or a special knit gift, North Road Knits brings the charm of the North Shore to every stitch, making them one of the best Minnesota-made gifts for kids and adults!
North Road Knits is a woman-owned company based in Minnesota.
Sauna Experience with Four Elements Nordic Sauna
Find events + book rentals online at Four Elements Nordic Sauna. To arrange a gift card, email Calli at hello@4esauna.com. Use code kneadtoroam for 10% off (mention the code on the booking form).
Give the gift of warmth this holiday season with Four Elements Nordic Sauna. Create your very own winter wellness retreat with a private sauna rental delivered to your home. Single-night, weekend, + week-long rentals are available.
It is truly the perfect gift for cozy staycations or weekends at home, winter nights with friends, self-care experiences for parents, and so many more reasons! Not to mention, there are many health benefits that come from sauna sessions.
Finally, be sure to check out our pop-up community events + guided experiences here.
Four Elements Nordic Sauna is a woman-owned company based in Minnesota.
Minnesota Experience Gifts for Kids + Families
Looking for a few more ideas for kids and families on this Minnesota holiday gift guide? Here are some local museums, indoor playgrounds, amusement parks, and more that offer family memberships. Family memberships are some of my favorite gifts. They are indeed the kinds of Minnesota gifts that keep on giving throughout the year, allowing families to make tons of memories while enjoying some of their favorite interests or activities together!
- The Bakken Museum, Minneapolis – great for local history lovers and young innovators (we had a membership here one year and loved it!)
- The Works Museum, Bloomington – great for tiny tinkerers and aspiring engineers
- Edinborough Park, Edina (they also have a 10-visit Admission Pass) – this is one of our favorite indoor playgrounds from when my daughter was younger
- Valley Fair, Shakopee
- Nickelodeon Universe, Bloomington
- Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley (we had a membership here for a few years when my daughter was younger, and we miss going regularly)
- Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska
- Minnesota Historical Society, locations across the state (great for travel families!)
Happy Holidays in Minnesota!
I hope my Minnesota-inspired holiday gift guide helps you find just the right surprises for everyone on your list. Whether you’re picking up Minnesota gifts for kids, choosing gift ideas to shop small in the Twin Cities, or supporting local artisans + makers with Minnesota-made finds, there’s something here to treat everyone this holiday season. Happy gifting, and here’s to making this season memorable with unique, thoughtful presents that inspire our love for travel, outdoor adventures, and foodie finds. From my family to yours, happy holidays!!
Unless otherwise noted, all images in this article were taken by and belong to the blog’s author, Antonia Grant. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.