IF YOU’RE SHOPPING FOR A MUSIC-LOVER…
Electric Fetus (2000 4th Ave. S, electricfetus.com)
The Fetus stocks a comprehensive selection of new and used vinyl, CDs, and DVDs: old classics to the newest blog hype, from all different genres and styles.
They also carry an array of great gifts including books, toys, clothing, jewelry, accessories, stationery, incense, bath & beauty products, housewares, turntables and more.
Extreme Noise Records (407 W Lake Street, extremenoiserecords.com)
If you have a punk or metal fan in your life, this record store is a goldmine. Support the local music scene and buy here.
Twin Town Guitars (3400 Lyndale Ave S, twintown.com)
Recently restocked, this store is filled with guitars, basses, pianos, ukuleles, microphones, sweatshirts, drum kits, and more!
IF YOU’RE SHOPPING FOR UNIQUE GIFTS…
Belle Weather (317 W. 38th Street, shopbelleweather.com)
belle weather opened in South Minneapolis in 2010 and has been serving your gifting and retail therapy needs ever since! They moved to their new location at 38th & Grand last spring and are loving the new neighborhood.
ColorWheel Gallery (46th & Grand/319 W 46th St, colorwheelgallery.com)
ColorWheel Gallery aims to make art accessible to everyone, promote local artists, and offer inspiration to create more vibrant communities. They offer special events, community art making workshops & classes, and a gift shop boutique that carries an always-changing variety of locally made, hand crafted, and one of a kind items.
Khazana (2225 Lyndale Ave S, khazana.com/#)
Indian-owned boutique tucked into Lyndale Ave. South. Supporting and connecting with local and international artists is at the core of every project at Khazana. Explore the wonders of global crafts here.
Patina (821 50th St. W, patinastores.com)
Pick-up holiday decor & lighting, stocking stuffers, materials for family game night, gifts for animal lovers, and more!
Settergren’s Hardware (5405 Penn Ave S & 2813 W 43rd St, facebook.com/settergrens)
Diverse collection of interesting gifts, from copper birdhouses to leather/shearling mittens to solo stoves and everything in between, and they have price points and items for everyone!
Zinnia Folks Arts (online-only, zinniafolkarts.com)
Imported traditional Mexican folk art. Bring the beauty of authentic Mexican crafts to your home and loved ones.
IF YOU WANT TO SHOP FOR BOOKS…
Birchbark Books (2115 W 21st St, birchbarkbooks.com/)
Native and woman-owned bookstore. A self-described “tiny independent book store.”
Comma, a bookshop (4250 Upton Ave S, commabookshop.com)
Their newly-opened store carries newly released fiction and nonfiction, gifts, and will prominently feature Minnesota authors and makers.
Magers & Quinn (3038 Hennepin Ave S, magersandquinn.com)
Treat the book lovers in your life to a gift certificate to one of the best independent bookstores in Minneapolis. Or browse the shelves for the perfect book or literary-themed gift.
Once Upon a Crime (604 W 26th St, onceuponacrimebooks.indielite.org)
The only bookstore in Minneapolis that carries exclusively mystery fiction.
Queens of Swords Press (online-only, queenofswordspress.com/)
Queen of Swords is an independent small press specializing in swashbuckling tales of derring-do, bold new adventures in time and space, mysterious stories of the occult and arcane and fantastical tales of people and lands far and near run by award-winning writer and editor Catherine Lundoff.
The Irreverent Bookworm (5163 Bloomington Ave S, irrevbooks.com)
A Queer Woman-owned whimsical and welcoming bookstore with a collection of high-quality used books, select new books of interest, a cozy kids’ room, and more.
Wild Rumpus (2720 W 43rd St, wildrumpusbooks.com)
Wild Rumpus is an independent children’s bookstore in Minneapolis which happens to be home to a menagerie of creatures, including Manx cats and a chicken. They have guides on their website for readers of all ages and regularly host events like virtual story times and book clubs.
IF YOU’RE SHOPPING FOR ARTS AND CRAFTS…
Digs (3800 Grand Ave S, shopdigs.com/)
Good for a last-minute gift for crafters, including fabric, yarn and craft supplies. They also have a beautiful holiday window display right now.
Good Yard Goods (4155 Grand Ave. S Good Yard Goods)
Good Yard Goods is a Kingfield fabric store with a focus on quilting, but the fabrics can be used for other projects like curtain and garment-making. There is a vast range of prints including botanicals, stripes, funky squiggles, and some solids as well. The shop’s owner, Cindy, said her mom used to make her clothes when she was growing up. 4155 Grand Ave S.
Art Materials (2728 Lyndale Ave. S https://www.artmaterialsonline.com/)
Art Materials manager Eric Brown described the shop as the hardware store of art– you go there when you have a specific project in mind that you need specific materials for. Those specific materials can be anything from drawing utensils to paints to art-grade stationery. The store has products for hobbyists and professionals alike.
Dandelion Fiber Company (3952 Lyndale Ave. S Dandelion Fiber Company)
Dandelion Fiber Company is a new yarn store at 40th and Lyndale that sells all sorts of yarn that is unique to the store. Two women, who are avid knitters, own the store. They have an online store with curbside or local pickup options. For even more information on the store, check out our coverage on the store’s opening.
Bobby Bead (2831 Hennepin Ave. S https://bobbybead.com/)
This is a really special shop tucked in the Wedge next to La Bodega Taco Bar. There are beads for every occasion and every level of crafter. The selection ranges in material, color, size, attachment style, and there are beading tools available as well. If there are any other synchronized swimmers out there, Bobby Bead has perfect beads for headpieces and swimsuits. They sell online for individuals and wholesale and they have free online tutorial videos on YouTube.
Hunt & Gather (4946 Xerxes Ave. S http://www.huntandgatherantiques.com/)
You might not think of Hunt & Gather as a crafting store, but there are tons of materials in the vintage curio shop that can be used for crafting. If you don’t mind small spaces filled to the brim with goods,, head to Hunt & Gather for unique materials to finish that project or simply browse for inspiration, of which there is plenty to spare in the Fulton neighborhood shop.
IF YOU’RE SHOPPING FOR ART…
Everett and Charlie Gallery (2720 W 43rd St Suite 103, everettandcharlie.com)
They are located in the Linden Hills neighborhood of Mpls and feature ONLY Minnesota Artists. Everything from paintings, pottery, prints, jewelry, and a variety of gift items for the holiday and every day!
Isles Studio (1311 W 25th St, islesstudio.com/)
Isles Studio is a unique environment for finding the best of natural history collectibles, fine objects inspired by nature, and gifts for discerning individuals.They have an assortment of holiday bulbs ready to go and will be perfectly on time to bloom as a last-minute gift.
SOO Visual Arts Center (2909 Bryant Ave S #101, SOO Visual Arts Center)
SooVAC has created one of the Twin Cities’ most beloved artists’ holiday shops for over a decade in multiple iterations. This year, they will be mixing it up with more space and so many of your favorite – or soon-to-be favorite – Minnesota artists and makers.
IF YOU’RE SHOPPING FOR CLOTHES/SHOES…
Combine (1609 West Lake Street, combinempls.com)
They are in Uptown to help women + men + home get dressed.
Fit 1st Running (2327 Hennepin Ave S, Fit 1st Running)
Small specialty retail store that carries mid to high end running, walking, and workout shoes in Uptown.
Fleet Feet Marathon Sports (2312 W 50th St, fleetfeet.com/s/minneapolis/)
A shop full of athletic shoes, apparel and accessories geared toward runners. They will fit you, too!
Gear Running Store (4406 France Ave S, gearrunningstore.com)
Gear Running Store is family-owned and operated by runners, for runners.
Larue’s (4301 Upton Ave S, laruesboutique.square.site/)
A 39-year-old Minneapolis boutique that connects you with a delightful array of artists to enhance the joy of life. Good for people who are into mystical, magical clothing and accessories. You can shop online or call for a personal shopping experience. Pick a box of enchantment.
Legacy (1610 W Lake Street, shopthelegacy.com)
They’re your one stop shop for boutique dresses, the latest trends, and classic pieces. They carry women’s fashion clothing, shoes, accessories and the statement pieces you have been searching for all in one place.
Les Sól (1614 W Lake Street, shoplessol.com)
They are a female (sister)-owned boutique in Uptown with an endless summer vibe centered around slow fashion.
Old School by Steeple People (1901 Nicollet Ave S, oldschoolthrifty.org/)
If you haven’t visited Steeple People since their move to accommodate an apartment complex, go visit them now! They are also accepting donations.
Proper (2743 Lyndale Ave S, proper-shops.com)
Proper is a clothing and accessories boutique focused on modern, unique, and feminine pieces at accessible prices.
Queenie & Pearl (5014 Xerxes Ave S, queenieandpearl.com)
Women-owned shop filled with vintage, new, made, and found clothing & accessories
Studiiyo (2319 Hennepin Ave S, studiiyo23.com)
Upbeat, funky, art-centric sneaker and clothing store that mixes established brands and the best young designer lifestyle labels
Tandem Vintage (316 W 38th St, tandemvintage.com/)
Tandem Vintage is filled to the brim with one-of-a-kind, colorful, and playful clothing, accessories, and home goods.
Urban Jungle (3008 Hennepin Ave S, urbanjungleonline.com)
Local retailer that specializes in sneakers and vintage gear.
IF YOU’RE SHOPPING FOR GAMES…
Tower Games (3920 Nicollet Ave S #150, towergamesmn.com)
Tower Games offers a curated selection of the best board games, collectible card games, and miniatures games in South Minneapolis.
IF YOU’RE SHOPPING FOR HOME GOODS…
Foxwell (4400 France Ave S, thefoxwell.com)
Find beautiful, unique home goods such as pillows, throws, tableware, and accessories. They also offer kids toys, party goods & unique gifts for the design-minded!
IF YOU’RE SHOPPING FOR A FURRY FRIEND…
Copilot Dog Outfitters (4280 Sheridan Ave S, copilotdogoutfitters.com)
Linden Hills neighborhood store with outdoor dog gear and seasonal wear for any and all of your adventures with your best friend, your copilot.
Urban Tails (2106 Lyndale Ave S, urbantailspet.com)
Friendly and knowledgeable staff, high-quality treats, toys and food for your furry family.
IF YOU’RE SHOPPING FOR SOMETHING ECO-FRIENDLY…
Zero(ish) (2309 W. 50th Street, zeroishco.com)
It’s a sustainable living shop and refillery with lots of great options for eco-conscious gifts. Great for those with a New Year’s resolution to waste less and has great zero-waste kits as last-minute gifts.
IF YOU’RE SHOPPING FOR KIDS…
Kinoko Kids (3803 Grand Ave S, kinokokids.com)
The original Minnesota-based Euro-Japanese children and baby shop.
IF YOU WANT SOMETHING FOR THE GARDEN…
Bachman’s (6010 Lyndale Ave S., bachmans.com)
Buy some flowers, plants, or outdoor winter decor, or pick up some gourmet candies, specialty planters, and other creative gifts.
Wagners Garden Center (6024 Penn Ave S., wagnergreenhouses.com)
Wagners has the highest quality plants, gardening products, decor and seasonal merchandise. They’re a fifth generation family owned company operating at the same location since 1901.
IF YOU’RE SHOPPING FOR HERBAL REMEDIES…
Present Moment Herbs and Books (3546 Grand Ave S, presentmoment.com/store)
Present Moment is one of the largest bulk herb and homeopathic remedy retailers in the United States. They also have a ton of books!
IF YOU’RE SHOPPING FOR JEWELRY…
Beadhive (5458 Nicollet Ave S, beadhivebeads.com)
They carry tons of handmade jewelry, supplies to make your own jewelry, and many kits to DIY a special accessory. Everything needed to make a bracelet, necklace, or earrings can be found in one of their kits.
Gallery 360 (3011 W 50th Street, gallery360mpls.com/)
Gorgeous jewelry, watches and art near 50th and France. Great spot for last-minute jewelry purchases.
New Gild Jewelers (4300 Upton Ave S, newgild.com)
New Gild Jewelers does things the old-fashioned way, individually making one-of-a-kind pieces of fine jewelry around unique and beautiful gems and diamonds. Alongside expert jewelry repair and restoration and custom work, their gallery is full of ready-to-wear sparkle for everyone on your list!
IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE YOUR MIND…
The Lantern Group (2404 Pleasant Ave S, 100behaviors.com)
Check out the Brain/Shift Journal, a 13-week guided journal that leverages behavioral science to help people make better decisions. The Lantern Group is a local behavioral design and communication agency that typically provides behavioral science consulting to organizations across the globe. Three years ago we started to apply the insights from our behavioral science work and build tools and resources for consumers.
IF YOU’RE SHOPPING FOR DESSERTS, BAKED GOODS, OR SOMETHING DELICIOUS…
Black Walnut Bakery (3157 Hennepin Ave S, blackwalnutbakery.com)
Holiday cookies are available to order throughout the season. They’ll have them in the shop daily, great for last minute gifts.
Bogart’s Doughnut Co. (904 W 36th St, bogartsdoughnutco.com/)
Go get some of their doughnuts. There’s a reason there’s a big line every weekend. Bonus – they sell Brown Butter glaze, which could be a perfect last-minute holiday stocking stuffer.
Broders (2308 West 50th Street, broders.com/gift-boxes)
Buy one of their gift boxes – antipasti, pasta sauce, olive oil and balsamic, and a full dinner gift box.
Butter Bakery Cafe (3700 Nicollet Ave S, butterbakerycafe.com)
Put together a yummy box of bakery treats or a gift box of syrup, wild rice, coffee beans, and more. You can also buy a gift card and support this awesome social enterprise.
LaLa Homemade (3146 Hennepin Ave S, lalaicecream.com)
Check out their gift cards, sweet treats, and pantry items, or a quick meal pick up for this busy time of year.
Patisserie 46 (4552 Grand Ave S, patisserie46.com)
Boxes of chocolates and baked goods. Holiday favorites include the”Santa Hat” cake which is full of sweet treats– like a pastry piñata, traditional French Bûche de Nöel cake, and many other beautiful and delicious options for holidays at home, parties, host gifts, brunches and gatherings of any size.
Rustica Bakery (3224 W Lake St, rusticaonlineordering.square.site/)
Pick up a great loaf of bread or cookies for the holidays.
IF YOU JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN…
Uptown Balloons (2455 Hennepin Ave S, website)
New balloon store located in the former location of Corner Balloon Shoppe. Stop in for balloons, cards, stuffed animals, and more.
Hemp House (719 W 26th St, thehemphousemn.com)
A small shop tucked around the corner of 28th and Lyndale Ave. S. They sell CBD for humans and pets and plenty of D8 products (for humans).
Big Flower CBD (online-only, https://www.bigflowercbd.com/)
Big Flower started in a small kitchen in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the spring of 2020. Their CBD lemonade is a stand-out product but they offer plenty more CBD treats.
IF YOU WANT TO SUPPORT LOCAL MAKERS…
Third Space Cafe (2930 Lyndale Ave S, thirdspacempls.com)
Local café that is inspired by the role that a third space – the space away from work and home – creates in our lives
True North Collaborative (3001 Hennepin Avenue S, Minneapolis, truenorthcollaborative.com/merry)
Check out the Merry Makers Market holiday pop-up featuring local MN brands and makers on Saturday, December 3rd.
IF YOU JUST WANT TO BUY A GIFT CARD OR GET A HOLIDAY DEAL…
Barbette (1600 W Lake St, barbette.com/gift-cards)
French-inspired brasserie serving local, organic food with a lengthy wine list.
Boiler Room Coffee Company (1830 3rd Ave S, boilerroom.coffee)
Neighborhood dog-friendly coffee shop with a small retail plant selection.
Canteen (3255 Bryant Ave S, canteen3255.com)
Pick up rolls, coffee, or their famous vegan bars or granolas.
Five Watt (3350 Lyndale Ave S & 3745 Nicollet Ave S, bigwattcoffee.com)
Buy their coffee at one of their stores, or sign up for a subscription to get it sent to your home on a regular basis.
Galactic Pizza (2917 Lyndale Ave S, galacticpizza.com)
Order a gift card and get a pizza delivered by their 100% electric delivery fleet.
Gigi’s (824 W 36th St, gigisuptown.com)
Neighborhood cafe/coffeeshop: scratch-made pastries & great food; wine, beer, & organic coffee (including Cafe Wyrd blend).
Little Luxuries Nail Lounge (1426 W Lake St, littleluxuriesnaillounge.com)
They provide top-of-the-line nail services including acrylic, hard gel, and sculpted enhancements, as well as gel manicures and lavish pedicures!
Namaste Cafe (2512 Hennepin Ave S, namastecafemn.com)
Homey venue with outdoor tables featuring Nepalese fare with lots of vegetarian items & herbal teas.
Pat’s Tap (3510 Nicollet Ave S, patstap.com)
Laid-back gastropub offering an international pub-grub menu & craft beers, plus a patio & Skee-Ball.
Pizza Luce (3200 Lyndale Ave S, pizzaluce.com)
Handmade gourmet pizza made from fresh ingredients.
The Chair Salon (3255 Lyndale Avenue S, chairsalon.com)
The Chair Salon offers professional services in a relaxed environment and exclusively features AVEDA® products. We offer award-winning services by our team of highly-skilled stylists and colorists.
Wedge Co-op Lyndale + Linden Hills (2105 Lyndale Ave S & 3815 Sunnyside Ave, tccp.coop)
Check out their co-op deals or buy a co-op ownership stake for you or a friend.