Shopping season is officially here. The temptations of $500 off TVs and $2 blu-rays are everywhere and well, you just can’t beat those prices! But after you’ve recovered from the Black Friday mayhem, don’t forget to supplement your shopping list with gifts that are creative, original, and best of all local! Gather up your friends and family and go support your local neighborhood shops!
We’ve collected a handful of suggestions for places you should check out, but it’s hard to include them all. If your favorite small business is missing from this list, we’d love it if you’d share it with us on our Facebook page! We want to hear about your Small Business Saturday plans!
Craft shows & Markets
Midwest Pantry
Hungry? At their Shop Small market, you can get a collection of gourmet foods from local companies around the Twin Cities. No need to shop all over, from 10-3 on Saturday, November 30th, you can get all the local goodness in one spot. Located in Saint Anthony Village for one day only!
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt
On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, start your Christmas season with something really special! At Excelsior’s Christkindlmarkt you can sip on mulled wine while petting real reindeer and shopping for local crafts and goods. You’ll find things like knit hats and scarves, woodwork, and leather goods. After a busy day of shopping, don’t forget to stop by Excelsior Brewing, for some live music and a local beer.
Local retail
Midwest Mountaineering
One of our favorite places to shop for outdoor adventure gear is Midwest Mountaineering. Located near the University of Minnesota, Midwest Mountaineering features everything you could need for your favorite outdoor sport. From skiing, to kayaking, to mountain climbing, stop by this local shop to get outfitted for your next adventure!
Depth of Field
Does your house need a makeover? You’d be amazed with what a few handcrafted throw pillows and blankets can do. At Depth of Field you can get all that and more! And if buying something from a local artist isn’t good enough, try your hand at making your own knit-gift. Depth of Field offers all the supplies you need to knit your own project!
Chocolate Celeste
There’s no better gift than chocolate. Fresh homemade rich chocolate is the perfect gift for just about anyone! From truffles to bon bon’s, the award-winning sweets from Chocolate Celeste are sure to impress!
i like you
“Small things for a prettier life”. That’s the slogan of i like you, a wonderful store in Northeast Minneapolis. It’s here that you’ll find the best homemade Minnesota gifts. From Minnesoota jewlery, clothing, and home decor, if you love Minnesota, then you’ll leave this store saying “I like you!”
For the craft beer lover
You already know we like beer, so we thought we’d include a few places where you can get gifts for the beer lover in your life.
Stinson Wine, Beer, and Spirits
If you’re shopping for a beer or wine lover but don’t know much about the subject, the experts at Stinson are happy to help you out. They have a huge selection of local brews and craft wines from around the country. They can help you pick out the perfect gift!
16oz Society
The 16oz society offers the best MN beer-related apparel. Our favorite? The “State of beer” shirt!
Need a bite to eat?
After a long day of shopping here are some local mom and pop places to calm your appetite!
Olympia cafe
If you are looking for authentic Greek food, head on out to Olympia cafe in Osseo. This family-owned restaurant has been passed down from father to son and offers the best there is in Mediterranean fare. Even better than the food is the service they offer. After visiting Olympia, you’ll feel like part of the family!
Northbound Smokehouse
In the need of delicious grub and a pint? Head over to this amazing smokehouse. Our suggestion: the waffle-battered chicken with a pint of Light Rail Pale Ale! Mmmm.
iPho
It’s cold out there! Warm up with some delicious pho! If you’ve never had this Vietnamese soup, you have to try it and iPho is the perfect place to have your first bowl. And if you think soup is never filling enough, you haven’t seen the size of these bowls – you’re sure to leave with a full and happy belly!
Whether it’s a place on this list, or another neighborhood favorite, go out and support your neighbors and community this Saturday. You’ll love what you find and will feel good supporting our local shops and restaurants!
