Hidden Gems for Fall Shopping

Whether you’re working on building a new wardrobe or sprucing up your home, refresh your shopping routine by visiting these local boutiques.


The Golden Rule in Excelsior. Photo by Tj Turner.

ZRS Fossils and Gifts (Uptown Minneapolis)
Jurassic Park fans and Indiana Jones wannabes need to check out ZRS. From trilobites (an extinct marine arthropod) and petrified wood, to ancient plants and 70,000-year-old cave bears, their vast collections of fossilized specimens are a must-see. Many of the unique fossils and crystals are sold for display, but ZRS offers a wide selection of jewelry as well, including one of the largest assortments of Baltic Amber in the Twin Cities. zrsfossils.com

StevenBe (Minneapolis)
Built inside an old firehouse off Chicago Avenue, the StevenBe Studio combines crafting and gifts to create a unique ambiance described as a cross between your grandmother’s attic and your eccentric uncle’s boudoir. Visitors will find various types of yarn, needlework, fabric patterns, and merchandise, as well as a collection of antiques and needle arts from the store’s owner/ “glitter knitter,” Steven Berg. The shop holds weekend morning previews and afternoon workshops with their knitting experts, and provides gourmet brunch, lunch, and tea. stevenbe.com

The Foundry Home Goods (Minneapolis)
The intersection where First Street meets Second Avenue is a well-known hub for some of Minneapolis’s trendiest shops and restaurants. Kiddy corner to the popular Bachelor Farmer, window shoppers will find The Foundry. With its Scandinavian influence, hard wood floors, tastefully simple stock, and sweet cedar scent, the shop feels refreshing the moment you walk inside. (Their Instagram page is a must follow.) thefoundryhomegoods.com

i like you (Minneapolis)
Behind it’s cool brick exterior, this boutique is overflowing with a display of Minnesota inspired crafts, decorations, knick-knacks and fashion. Showcasing the wares of more than 200 hip independent crafters and artists from around Minnesota, the store’s friendly staff and owners have made it their goal to create a venue that reflects the Minneapolis culture and lifestyle. Puppy lovers will especially enjoy stopping by for the chance to meet Sir Kevin Sweet and Biggie, the boutique shop dogs. ilikeyouonline.com

Digs (South Minneapolis)
Blossoming with colors and patterns in every variety, the Digs studio prides themselves in being the “one-stop shop for the creative soul that lives in you.” Offering small classes for sewing, knitting, and needlework, Digs works personally with you to ensure the best possible instruction. And if you’re more of an art enthusiast than a crafter, a unique selection of local crafts and vintage accessories are available for retail. shopdigs.com

Junket: Tossed and Found (South Minneapolis)
Cleverly referred to as “tossed and found,” Junket makes looking for old and unique items easy. Shoppers are often served donuts and coffee while perusing the assortment of printed tees, old window frames, coffee mugs, and cool boxes of “junk.” The shop keepers are very welcoming and strongly encourage people to touch everything in the store, making this a very kid-friendly zone. Set aside a good chunk of time to browse—you won’t want to rush through the amazing treasure hunt that’s in store. (Check out more vintage shops in South Minneapolis.) shopjunket.com

The Golden Rule (Excelsior)
Located in a small white house just off Water Street, this modern boutique offers an elegant array of jewelry, paper goods, bags, teas, artwork, and personal care products (which makes for an incredibly stylish Instagram page). Everything is handmade, and chosen and displayed with care from local and international brands. goldenrulecollective.com

Five Swans (Wayzata)
Five Swans brings a certain elegance to the boutique scene with its refined selection of distinctive gifts for the kitchen and home, from crystal glassware, to purses, to Lake Minnetonka merchandise. Just across from Wayzata’s Historic Train Depot, this high-end shopping experience conjures a sense of sophistication commonly lost in daily life. fiveswans.com