The holidays are impending, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve procrastinated when it’s come to buying gifts. And since I am a strong supporter of buying local, I decided to put together a Minnesota-made gift guide — inspired, in part, by my segment last week on KARE-11 News in which I run down a few quick gift ideas from local makers including Faribault Woolen Mill, Oh Dier, and A Jar Mpls. Read on for some of my top choices for gift giving done locally this year.
[Related: “7 Local Online Shops You Must Visit This Holiday Season”]
[Related: North Woods-Inspired Holiday Gift Guide]
Cait Courneya Fashion Desk Calendar
The whimsical fashion illustrations by Minneapolis-based artist Cait Courneya caught the attention of the creators of the Scout Guide Minneapolis — which she was recently tapped to illustrate. She has since announced an upcoming collaboration with Mae Mae Co. on a line of prints and pillows, debuting in January. And she’s also come up with a perfect gift for the fashionista in your life: a desk calendar featuring her fashion illustrations. $24.95 @ etsy.com/shop/CaitCourneya
Faribault Woolen Mill Hooded Shadow Plaid Wool Blanket Cape
Ever wished you could leave your favorite Faribault Woolen Mill blanket wrapped around your shoulders all day long? That’s now possible with the local mill’s new line of capes and vests, made from some of their most well-loved patterns and colors. My favorite: the hooded wool blanket cape made from their popular Shadow Plaid color way. $325 @ Ampersand, MartinPatrick3 & faribaultmill.com
Hardt Jewelry Pyramid Choker Necklace
It was hard to pick just one piece from new Minneapolis-based, socially conscious jewelry line Hardt Jewelry. But the piece I find myself most drawn to is the Pyramid Choker Necklace, available plated in silver, gold, and oxidized black. It’s sleek and elegant, with the perfect amount of edge. And from now through December 21, you can receive 15 percent off and free shipping using the code “HOLIDAYHARDT” at checkout. $130 @ Grethen House & hardt-jewelry.com
Illume Go Be Lovely Bar Soaps
Minneapolis-based fragrance company Illume has been creating lovely-smelling candles for years. Recently, they started producing bath and body products. I’m a sucker for beautifully packaged soaps — just the sort of thing that most people don’t think to buy for themselves, but just about anyone would appreciate. $11 each @ illumecandles.com
Annika Kaplan Sapphire Ring
I adore the work of local jewelry designer Annika Kaplan. It’s timeless yet fresh, and made from hand-fabricated sterling silver and semi-precious gems, such as this rose-cut pink sapphire ring, the pieces are real keepsakes. $207 @ Mille, shopmille.com
Marvel Bar Old Fashioned Candle
There’s nothing like the sweet, oakey smell of an Old Fashioned after a long week — so local shop Askov Finlayson decided to make it into a scent, recently partnering with Marvel Bar to create a scent inspired by the bar’s signature Old Fashioned cocktail. It’s the next best thing to cozying up to the bar on a cold winter night. $40 @ Askov Finlayson, askovfinlayson.com
Carrier Pigeon Objects Collection
After searching for the perfect props to display her jewelry line Carrier Pigeon, local designer Lauren Neal decided to make them herself, and found herself embracing the idea of the functional art object. It was then she realized she had stumbled upon a gem of an idea: to sell the pieces as a retail line. Dubbed the Objects Collection, it includes conical ring holders and dishes crafted from bronze, to collect everything from favorite jewels to incense and ephemera. $50-$65 each @ Forage Modern Workshop, foragemodernworkshop.com
Kate Iverson Artful Home & Gift Items
Minneapolis-based visual artist Kate Iverson is offering a new way to own her art: through a mix of digitally printed home decor and gift items, printed with images from her recent exhibition The Black Moon. Items include throw pillows, duvet covers, a wall clock, a coffee mug, a shower curtain, totes, and prints. $20-$99 @ society6.com/kateiverson
Christopher Straub Inside-Out Bear
You know him from the Minneapolis runways and his stint on Project Runway. Now, fashion designer Christopher Straub has turned his sights to creating plush animals. Pick one of his ready-made Inside-Out Bears in a variety of fabrics, or — better yet — create your own custom bear. $110-$160 @ christopherstraub.com
Ode Circle Scarf
Here’s the perfect one-for-you, one-for-me scenario: Now through January 1, 2015, local designer Amanda Christine Natzel is hosting an extremely generous offer on her website: For every purchase, she’ll throw in one of her hand-knit circle scarves crafted from 100 percent Peruvian wool and available in five colors (retail value: $100). (Note, orders will ship ten days after purchase.) @ peaceloveode.com
Ginny Sims Symbology Mug
I simply adore the whimsical ceramics of Minneapolis designer Ginny Sims, and this oversized glazed ceramic Symbology Mug, hand-painted with a bird in flight, is no exception. With a mug like this filled with a warm beverage, I may be tempted to get out of bed early for a change. It’s available exclusively on local e-retailer A Mano, which has a great selection of one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted gift ideas. $36 @ weshopamano.com
Nick Lundeen Scallop Stamped Cuff
Though it’s next-to-impossible to pick just one thing from Minneapolis online retailer Ship & Shape, I’m particularly drawn to this hand-forged brass cuff stamped with a scallop pattern by Minneapolis designer Nick Lundeen. $56 @ shipandshape.com
Karin Jacobson Comet Fade Stick Earrings
Local jeweler Karin Jacobson has been creating fine jewelry for years. Lately, she’s delved into more contemporary territory, as in this pair of solid sterling silver stick earrings with 22k gold ombré plating, available at new local e-commerce site Hotrocity. Visit hotrocity.com for more locally-made gift ideas. $90 @ hotrocity.com