5 Local Shops to Discover the Best Minneapolis Souvenirs
With so many makers and artists in the Twin Cities, opportunities for local shopping and creative gift-giving are nearly endless. We’ve got the inside scoop on the best places to find made-right-here gifts for your friends and family back home, plus a special treat or two to help you remember your time in Minneapolis. Many of these local shops are now offering online shopping and curbside pickup!
1. Mill City Museum Gift Shop
This iconic museum transforms the ruins of the historic A Mill (once the world’s largest flour mill) into a deep dive into Minneapolis history, industry, and legacy. Their gift shop offers souvenirs commemorating the city’s legacy as the “Flour Milling Capital of the World,” from Betty Crocker puzzles to, appropriately, flour sack kitchen towels. The museum and storefront are currently closed, but their products can still be purchased online and picked up with free curbside pickup.
Gifts we recommend: A Minnesota Hotdish Casserole Dish in the shape of the state, noting which hotdish is popular in every region (a perfect gift for a potluck enthusiast) and a tote bag emblazoned with Minnesota artist Cindy Lindgren’s interpretation of the riverfront skyline view, which will be a perfect way to carry all of the other gifts you’ll want to pick up from this list.
2. American Swedish Institute ASI Museum Store
Peruse a colorful, eclectic collection of Scandinavian inspired gifts, contemporary Nordic Design, and locally made wares at this hub of Swedish culture, art, and history. Each winter, the ASI store hosts the Jul Shop, filled with holiday gifts, Nordic sweets, and dozens of ways to light up your home with hygge in the season of light. While the museum is currently closed, the ASI Museum Store is open!
Gifts we recommend: Hygge Games for a night of cozy fun and colorful wool trivets from Sweden’s Aveva Design.
3. I Like You
This is the place to go for an incredible selection of locally made delights. Described by fans as a real-life Etsy, this handmade haven has everything for kids (like a super cozy “Gray Duck” onesie), kitchen, and kitsch, plus a truly epic collection of greeting cards. Traveling? The store offers shipping options for everything they sell, so you won’t need to buy an extra suitcase to tote home your treasures. Online shopping and curbside pickup are also available.
Gifts we recommend: Modern handmade jewelry from Minneapolis designer Larissa Loden and bars of Mill City Soap, handmade by three local siblings (Henry, Holiday and Josephine) making and selling soap to save money for college.
4. Walker Shop at the Walker Art Center
Contemporary art center gift shops are often great places to find curiously creative, design-forward gifts, and the Walker is no exception—and this locally beloved modern art epicenter has gone the extra mile by featuring dozens of local makers on its shelves. From jewelry and blankets to homegoods and candle holders, you’re sure to find something to fuse your love of art and good gifting here. While the museum and storefront are currently closed, all items can be purchased online. Curbside pickup is also available.
Gifts we recommend: Silk scarves from local artist Robin Ann Meyer, a 100% Merino wool tote from Les Bags, and a Spoonbridge & Cherry t-shirt to commemorate your walk through the Sculpture Garden.
5. Corazon
Corazon prides themselves on featuring local artists and independent designers. You'll find eclectic art and home goods, unique jewelry, pottery and glasswork, stationary, and more. They offer something for all shapes, sizes, ages, breeds...all are welcome! Their storefront is currently open and online shopping is also available.
Gifts we recommend: Unique stone jewelry by Minnesota artist Nicole Collodoro or a beautiful wooden serving board so nights at home can feel extra special.
