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Extending Goodness
Be it a caffeine break for yourself or a gift card for someone on your list, your dollars make a difference at Wildflyer Coffee, a café that uses its in-house Boss Blend and Ice Queen Cold Brew to pour profits back into the community.
Co-founded by Carley Kammerer and Kenzie Diessner, two social workers, Wildflyer began as a small, mobile coffee cart concept popping up at special events and markets around the Twin Cities before morphing into a full-fledged coffee shop that employs and empowers up to 60 unhoused Twin Cities youths (ages 16–24) per year.
Through the employment program, Wildflyer offers both hard skills (working the register, barista training, and latte art) and soft skills (interviewing, résumé-building, and communication skills for the workplace), as well as workshops focused on mental health in the workplace and financial literacy—all in an environment filled with heart and soul.
“A lot of customers come in and say they can buy a $7 latte anywhere, but they know their Wildflyer latte is going towards so much more,” says Diessner. “It really invites the community and customers into our mission and to experience something firsthand versus just donating on a website.”
In addition to coffee drinks—which are all created from house-made blends and syrups—Wildflyer offers an assortment of merch, gift cards, a robust tea and lemonade menu, pastries from Vikings and Goddesses, and bagels from Mogi Bagel.
3262 Minnehaha Ave., Mpls., and 1362 W. 7th St., St. Paul. —Madeline Nachbar
Stocking Stuffers
Local companies that help make you look good with great gifts that are doing good in return.
- Kind Lips: Combat dry winter lips while also giving back. Kind Lips donates 20 percent of its lip product proceeds to anti-bullying organizations. The balms, which come in yummy flavors like sweet mint, Georgia peach, and vanilla lemon, are made with natural, gluten- and cruelty-free ingredients.
- Fair Anita: Joy McBrien believes that accessories should be stylish, affordable, and thoughtfully sourced. Her locally based jewelry business partners with artisan and women’s cooperatives that prioritize the full humanity of each artist, offering two to four times minimum wage, health insurance, and educational scholarships.
- Hippy Feet: Stuff a holiday stocking with socks! This socially responsible sock and clothing company keeps feet warm and stylish while providing jobs to unhoused teens. Bonus: Every hat, tee, sweater, and pair of socks is sustainably made.
Shop Like a Stylist
We asked local designer and prop stylist Mickie Clark to curate some gifting ideas—her selections reflect the vibes of some of her favorite local shops.
The Gift of the Letter
Receiving a handwritten greeting can be as special as unwrapping a box with a bow. Support local artisans and shops while sparking snail mail joy with presents in paper form.
8 Resources To Explore
- Upstate MN: Blue letter set ($11), red-and-orange stationery box ($26), and ribbed glass ($35/set of four), Grand Marais, 218-877-7802.
- Ūmei: Blue-and-white stationery set with wax seal ($22), & Tradition table lamp ($310), coaster ($5), letter set ($7), ceramic tray ($6), red ink ($37), blue fountain pen ($33), glass bird inkwell ($72), red apple notes ($5/set of five), and red clip ($6), 903 N. 5th St., Mpls., 612-239-0056.
- Senti: Tiny envelopes ($22/set of 12), 3922 W. 50th St., Edina, 612-757-6373.
- Avery Made: Single cards and envelopes (price available upon request) and gift tag ($20/set of five).
- Kate Worum: Iris Apfel card (price available upon request).
- Iris Rose Page: Woman and vase card ($17/set of four).
- Isles Studio: Onyx bowl ($24) and framed butterfly art ($68), 1311 W. 25th St., Mpls., 612-999-4680.
- Wet Paint: Blue ink ($17) and multicolor fountain pen ($125), 1684 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-698-6431.
Presence as Presents
The holiday season can seem to fly right by as free moments quickly fill with gift wrapping, card sending, errand running, and oh-shoot-I-didn’t-realize-my-kid-needed-bake-sale-cookies-today-solving. Make sure to take a breath, slow down, and carve out an afternoon for those you love most—presence is often the best present of all, so take time to celebrate together. Here are a few ideas for how to share the gift of your time.
Do you and your mom think you’re ready to compete on the next season of The Great British Baking Show? Sign up for a baking class at Cooks Bellecour (three metro locations), where you can learn how to make pies, croissants, or, heck, even an entire bûche de Noël from some of the Cities’ best bakers. Or perhaps you want to learn a craft that honors Minnesota’s Scandi roots. Grab a wooden Dala horse and paint from Wet Paint (1684 Grand Ave., St. Paul) and learn rosemaling and other decorating techniques from a local pro. Bonus: Watercolor, pastel, and holiday cloth book classes are also available through the season.
If you’re ready to double down on holiday cheer, check out a show—A Christmas Carol runs November 9–December 29 at the Guthrie (818 S. 2nd St., Mpls.), for those who love a classic, and the Minnesota Orchestra’s Elf in Concert, December 20–22, Orchestra Hall (1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.), could spark a passion for strings for the whole fam. But if the whole commit-to-the-season thing isn’t for you, take a friend on a walk-and-talk through the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory (1225 Estabrook Dr., St. Paul), where it’s always 80 and humid and Chloe the sloth doesn’t know you dropped the ball shipping Grandma’s gift.
And for those who’d rather get together to give back, volunteer as a group at Second Harvest Heartland (7101 Winnetka Ave. N., Brooklyn Park) or grab a few pals and build kits at home for Bridge to Basics, which gives laundry detergent, soap, toilet paper, and other necessities to those in need. There, don’t you feel better already? —Madison Bloomquist
Wrap ’em Up
In this season of toy drives and donations, don’t forget those who might need a little extra warmth. Here’s how you can help.
- Joseph’s Coat: Make an appointment to donate new and gently used seasonal gear, boots, sleeping bags, and more at this St. Paul–based free store, which allows people to “shop” for exactly what they need. 1107 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-291-2472
- One Warm Coat: The national nonprofit, which gives parkas and jackets to community members, has a huge Minnesota presence. Check its website for a coat drive—there are usually a dozen or so happening around the Cities.
- International Institute of Minnesota: The organization hosts coat drives throughout the year to make sure recent refugees and immigrants have access to gear that will get them through their first winter. 1694 Como Ave., St. Paul, 651-647-0191
Shop Like an Editor
Our own magazine pros have pulled hundreds (thousands?) of products for shoots, broadcast segments, seminars, gift guides, and feature stories over their collected years of editorial work. Here’s a taste of gifts under $100 that caught their eyes for this season—sure to inspire as you shop for host gifts, stocking stuffers, even those who are hard to buy for!
Jayne Haugen Olson, Editor in Chief
“I am always drawn to interesting shapes, colors, and the unexpected. If it stands out in a retail setting, it’s sure to stand out on someone’s desk, coffee table, or bookshelf.”
Kelly Ryan Kegans, Editor, Mpls.St.Paul, Home & Design
“I rely on my relationships with local shop owners who are excited to suggest gift ideas and share the stories behind the products they carry. Hearing how an object came to life makes gift giving that much more pleasurable.”
Madeline Nachbar, Trend and Style Editor
“I prefer a high-touch gift shopping experience (which our Cities’ retail always delivers on!), and I reach for gifts that feel ultra-personal. No two people are the same—so gifts shouldn’t be either. Focus on what makes the recipient unique.”
Do Good in the Neighborhoods
A year of heavy road construction leaves some of our favorite spots and neighborhoods in need of some major TLC—with gifting in mind, here are a few of our editors’ picks from some of the road warriors in areas especially disrupted. They’d love to see you!
Old Town
Solo Indulgence
Survive the hustle-bustle of the season and treat someone—or yourself—to a day at Watershed Spa for little liquid relaxation without the alcohol! 514 SE 2nd St.
Food Finds
Hosting a festive fête? Surdyk’s is your sipping and snacking BFF. Plus, it has a small-but-mighty assortment of giftables (and stocking stuffers!). Bonus: Grab your mate and belly up at Sidebar, the adjoining moody (and tiny) restaurant. 303 Hennepin Ave. E.
Trendsetters
Something for them, something for you. Tucked behind Central Avenue’s main drag is Arlo, a fashion and lifestyle boutique that packs a stylish punch. 21 SE 4th St.
Vintage Lovers
This Nordeast hood is stacked with gems primed for striking holiday party gold like The Golden Pearl Vintage, Moth Oddities, and Olio. NE 5th St. and Hennepin Ave. E.
Unique To Here
A gift from Twelve Vultures will earn you serious street cred. Shop owner Adam DeJarlais curates his curiosities shop with taxidermy, skulls, and natural history collectibles that are sure to surprise and delight. 507 Hennepin Ave. E.
Uptown
Unique to Here
Go in on friendship piercings with your bestie (or the whole family!) at the approachable and chic Bevel Piercing Mpls. 1610 W. Lake St.
Trendsetters
Michael Pickart’s Combine is packed to the brim with stylish closet (his and hers) and home staples by beloved brands like The Great, Clare V., Hannoh Wessel, and John Derian. 1609 W. Lake St.
Food Finds
Yes, Isles Bun and Coffee sells a dozen frozen Puppy Dog Tails (mini twist versions of its classic cinnamon rolls) to enjoy on a slow Saturday morning—or top it off with a bow as a hostess gift. (Extra frosting included!) 1424 W. 28th St.
Cin Cin
Cheers to the season with bubbly and frites at Barbette, a French brasserie–inspired mainstay of the Uptown hood. (And it’s totally OK to sip solo after your shopping.) 1600 W. Lake St.
Host with the Most
Put a kick in your holiday creations with spice mixes from Penzeys—or, better yet, pick up some of the Wauwatosa Village seasoning so you’re ready to make the perfect Bloody Mary. 3028 Hennepin Ave. S.
50th & France
Unique to Here
Sharpen your knife skills before your next dinner party with a knife skills class at Vivront. After, be sure to shop its selection of knives from around the world, plus kitchen gadgets and tools, cookbooks, and gifts any entertainer will love. 4948 France Ave. S.
Host With the Most
Enlist the flower pros at The Petal to spruce up your tablescape with a seasonal arrangement. Or go the DIY route and play florist at the boutique’s bloom bar. 5029 France Ave. S.
Cin Cin
Grab your gals and reserve an afternoon teatime at The Lynhall, where a tasty (and ’gram-worthy!) assortment of teas, sandwiches, pastries, and desserts awaits. Pinkies up! 3945 Market St.
(Tiny) Trendsetters
Spark joy for the littles in your life. Amazon doesn’t hold a candle to locally owned baby and kiddo stores Oh Baby! (5005 France Ave. S.) and Pacifier (4942 France Ave. S.).
Solo Indulgence
Need an updo or a blowout for a holiday bash? Wrap a shopping trip around a hair, nail, or skin treatment at Spalon Montage for some seasonal dazzle. Plus: Grab gift cards for the college co-eds. 3909 Market St.
Linden Hills
Trendsetters
A true one-stop shop when you’re gifting for someone hard to buy for, Serge and Jane curates cool edits for the ladies, gents, kiddos, and even fur babies in your life. Primarily fashion with layers of lifestyle. 4532 France Ave. S.
Unique to Here
The holiday season calls for a little sparkle. Jen Bellefleur’s New Gild shines with vintage and custom baubles that stand the test of time. 4300 Upton Ave. S.
Vintage Lovers
Rich and eclectic charm meets vintage flair at home and gift boutique Victory—shiny objects for your home and those you’re buying for. A forewarning: You’ll want owners Lisa Balke and Susan Blankenship to style your living room shelves! 3505 W. 44th St.
Bibliophiles
Check out Comma, a Bookshop (4250 Upton Ave. S.) for the adults on your list. We suggest the “Blind Date with a Book,” where shoppers can pick out an already-wrapped book with just a few clues. Then hop over to Wild Rumpus (2720 W. 43rd St.) for kid-friendly titles and gifts.
Host with the Most
One step inside Bean and Ro and you’re reminded that every day can be a celebration. Impress your guests with made-to-order stationery, monogrammed entertaining wares and essentials, and gift selections galore. 4528 France Ave. S.
Love the Place You’re in
Gift ideas that allow a Twin Citian to proudly rep their roots—while earning serious style points.
5 Shops To Explore
- Upstate MN: Minneapolis quilt ($300) and “Upstate MN” T-shirt ($26), Grand Marais, 218-877-7802.
- General Store of Minnetonka: Minnesota cookie cutter ($2), red mug ($12), and trucker hat ($25), 14401 Hwy. 7, Minnetonka, 952-365-7507.
- Bench Pressed Letterpress: Loon ornament ($15), “City of Lakes” T-shirt ($25), stainless steel water bottle ($20), Gay Candle Company x Scout “Lost Forty” ($44), postcards ($3 each), stickers ($4 each), and You Betcha Cannabis tea ($24 for a pack of four), 2010 26th Ave. S., Mpls., 612-406-3250.
- Wet Paint: Rondo coloring book ($20), 1684 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-698-6431.
- Faribault Mill: Adam Turman loon wool pillowcase ($95), 3922 W. 50th St., Edina, 612-314-7268.
Hit Up a Holiday Market
We are all about supporting actual stores—yet one can’t deny the festive nature of a bustling holiday market and the opportunity to interact with local artisans and craft makers. Here are a few of our faves to add to your calendar.
Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis
The hotel’s Nordic Village market, with curated collections in cozy cabins, is a market with stunning city views from the fourth-floor rooftop terrace. Saturdays and Sundays Nov. 2–Dec. 22, 11 am-3 pm, 245 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.
Skip the plane tickets to Germany and head to Union Depot’s annual market, featuring craft vendors, European treats, and more. Friday–Sunday Nov. 29–Dec. 22, 240 Kellogg Blvd. E., St. Paul
Tinsel Tree Town and Holiday Market at
The Market at Malcolm Yards is partnering with local florist and workshop host Sip ‘n Bloom to curate an outdoor tree and wreath market (Dec. 1–15), plus its annual makers’ market (Dec. 14–15). 501 30th Ave. SE, Mpls.
The Dayton’s Holiday Market
One of our Cities’ most distinctive holiday shopping experiences takes place in one of our most distinctive (and iconic!) retail spaces, featuring more than 100 local vendors. Open daily (hours vary) Nov. 14–Dec. 28, 700 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.
The American Swedish Institute’s mansion packs full with more than 60 local artists during its Scandi-inspired winter fest. Dec. 6–8, 2600 Park Ave., Mpls.
Help Put Food on the Table For Others
- Loaves and Fishes: In 2023, this local group rescued 12.5 million pounds of food headed toward waste—that’s equivalent to 347.2 school buses—and used it to provide free community meals all over the metro. If you’re having a corporate gathering this year or have booked a restaurant for your holiday party, you can prearrange a pickup of leftover food with L&F, and it will help feed others in the Twin Cities. 721 Kasota Ave. SE, Mpls., 612-377-9810.
- Appetite for Change: Giving the gift of an Appetite for Change cookbook not only passes along affordable, healthy, innovative soul food recipes; it also helps support the efforts of this north Minneapolis kitchen building change in its community. 2520 N. 2nd St., Mpls., 612-588-7611.
- Sharing and Caring Hands: This North Loop nonprofit provides thousands of locals experiencing poverty with warm clothing, hygiene items, and meals every year. 525 N. 7th St., Mpls., 612-338-4640.
Buy Someone a Drink!
Count us solid supporters of the latest trend to deck out local bars with baubles and bangles in the holiday tradition. If you want to throw in specialty cocktails in festive mugs, all the better. Travail’s Basement Bar in Robbinsdale feels like your best escape from the family function; an upscale drinks list with cheeky names and glassware helps keep you sane among the hubbub. If you’re gathering for a festive brunch, find Hell’s Kitchen in downtown Minneapolis tied up with bows. And if you’re making a whole night of it, check out the Down the Chimney bar at Hotel Emery, also downtown. If you have enough tinsel in your life but seek a barstool for other reasons, check out the spots below. —Stephanie March
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