
Photo Courtesy grey + clay
This Mother’s Day—maybe more than other years—your mom deserves a great gift as a “thank you” for all she’s done. Instead of heading to Target or Amazon, check out one of these products from local Minnesota makers. Your mom will love the thought you put into the gift, and Minnesota makers will love your friendly support. Check out our picks below!
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For the Tried-and-True Minnesotan
Our state has so many talented creators, and Minnesota Makers highlights over 100 of them! Its retail stores are still closed, but the online shop is up and running. (Plus the company has free shipping for orders over $50 and can accommodate curbside pickup). Pick out couple of pretty ceramic magnets from Mercury Mosaics, or opt for Minnesota Maker’s tater tot hotdish kitchen towel. For a little bit of everything, order a Minn Box instead, stocked only with Minnesota brands (the Summer Vibes box or I <3 MN box are both good options).
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For the Lover of Flowers and Gardening
For a special Mother’s day bouquet, consider ordering from Ink ‘N Flower, a Columbia Heights flower shop that specializes in wildflower-inspired bouquets. (It’s also officially National Wildflower Week, so you couldn’t ask for better timing.) For a beautiful arrangement of flowers in pretty signature hat boxes, contact Kblooming Flowers. This online shop is owned by Kateryna Chyrva, who previously worked at the Minnesota Arboretum on its creative floral team. Every box of flowers comes with a customized handwritten postcard (plus the delivery is free!). And of course, a gardening gift or gift card from Tangletown Gardens is always a safe bet.
You can also give the gift of inspiration to your creative mother with Shed Style: Decorating Cabins, Huts, Pods, Sheds, & Other Garden Rooms by Selina Lake, recently published this spring (and recommended by Midwest Home, our sister publication). Your mom will be refreshing her rooms and garden areas in no time!
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For the Self Care Guru
Quarantine hasn’t done good things to our hair, eyebrows, or nails, which is why a self-care gift couldn’t be more perfect. Surprise mom with a gift card to Angela Lutz Aesthetics for a much-needed retreat once salons and spas open back up again (you can also order a product or two on her website). For some at-home wellness, consider a CBD product from Allvane. The hemp extract infused gummies are a good addition to a morning routine and the pain relief cooling roll-on works miracles for aches and pains. (Check out “CBD: Does It Live Up to the Hype?“ for more information about what CBD is and how it works.)
Bee Naturalz, a handcrafted skincare company located in Oakdale, is a perfect choice if you’re looking for local, nontoxic products. Pick the sample facial set, the super food + raw honey facial mask set, or lip balm sampler pack (the Island Honey lip balm won first place in the 2019 Minnesota State Fair Bee and Honey competition). For lip balm with an awesome social message, consider picking out a lip balm from Kind Lips—20% of the net profits are donated to stop bullying.
For aromatherapy-based body care, skin care, and home good products, Essence One has it all—plus they donate a portion of its profits to a mental health organization. For Mother’s Day, consider purchasing one of Essence One’s gift sets.
Speaking of scents, homebound days feel better with candles. Minnesota has so many wonderful candlemakers and Duluth-based Naturalight Candles & Crafts has some of the best scents out there. Try the grapefruit mint, bamboo coconut, lilac blossom, or—the most intriguing—cilantro lime.
For more fun ideas, check out Jerrod Sumner’s newest round up of self-care picks, too.
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For the Fashionista
Getting “fun mail” is always treat, but it’s even better when it comes in the form of a style box from The Refinery down in St. Peter. With a subscription, your mom can work one-on-one with a stylist to help create a wardrobe she loves. For a sentimental gift, look into the The Locket Sisters, where you can customize sweet little lockets with meaningful photos. (Note: If you don’t order soon, you won’t get it in time for Mother’s Day. But, with this heartfelt gift, maybe that’s okay.)
If you want to get your mom a new pair of earrings, try purchasing from an up-and-coming Minnesota maker. You’re sure to love the colors, shapes, and details on Alyssa Almond’s Lyss Made This creations. You’ll also want to check out Grey + Clay’s cute, pastel earring collection that will be debuting this weekend on her website. And last but definitely not least, don’t forget to check out Indigo & Snow’s online shop full of colorful hand dyed, painted, and printed items. From masks and prints to scarves and beautiful clothing, its creator Annabella Sardelis puts thought into every creation.
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For the Foodie and the Sweet Tooth
If your mom loves to try new brands and foods, a You Betcha Box is the way to go, with products like Folly Coffee, Maddy & Maize popcorn, Barsy’s Almonds, and more. To help season her favorite dishes (or a home-cooked meal you make especially for her), check out Here’s the Deal Spice Co.’s hand-crafted spices: The 127 Blend is perfect for vegetables, pasta, and rotisserie chicken while the Togarashi is great for soups, ramen, and steaks.
For a sweet surprise, order a dozen of perfectly decorated sugar cookies from Sugar Plum Yums or a couple decadent cupcakes from Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe in Hopkins to celebrate her special day.
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For the Artful Heart
If your mom is all about color, look at these color-coded finds: sunshine yellow is perfect for the spring, and you can’t go wrong with Pantone’s color of the year.
The Minneapolis Institute of Art’s online shop is alive and well. Besides the usual items, make sure to check the shop’s jewelry sale for a few thoughtful gift ideas, including necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. And finally—for a true pop of joyous color—head to Mandi Smethells’ Etsy to purchase a beautifully handcrafted fiber art piece. One of the rainbow creations is sure to put a smile on her face.