Monday, December 02, 2013

Wrap up your Christmas list at these Minnesota businesses

It's time to do your part and support the local economy as you continue your full-on Christmas spending orgy. Check out the list of small businesses proudly manufacturing their goods right here in Minnesota.


William Rogue and Co. is based in Minneapolis and sells what could be considered a uniquely Minnesotan assortment of products. Included are the wood-carved Woodchuck iPhone cases, beard shampoo and men's and women's apparel.


Art in the Attic Studio produces a wide variety of what many would consider artistic goods. Working mainly with clay and fabric, owner Cassy creates amazing pottery, quilts, chairs and more. She even offers ceramics classes for groups of up to four people with plans to enlarge and accommodate parties of up to 10 people.


Frost River manufactures what its owner refers to as "reliable softgoods" from the company's base in Duluth, Minnesota. The canoe packs manufactured in Duluth are made form waxed canvas, leather from SB Foot Tannery in Red Wing, MN, solid brass hardware and rivest and are then sewn with care. You can find Frost River Trading Company at 1910 W. Superior St. in downtown Duluth as well as online or via phone at 1-800-FROST84.


Marked Minneapolis manufactures and sells everything from basic to high-end high quality leather goods. Hand cut and hand sewn in the USA, these lanyards, purses, wallets and key rings are the ultimate locally-made accessory.


CSA Images, located in downtown Minneapolis, MN, sells works of modern art, so to speak. Sourced from hundreds of talented illustrators, artists and photographers, these works of pop culture have a very classic and retro feel to them. The images are available as right-managed art as well as on a wide range of products guaranteed to bring a touch of the unique into a world of sameness.


Solid Manufacturing Co., operating through an Etsy shop, is based in Minneapolis and gorgeous wood and leather products. Their line included stools, tables of varying sizes, stands for your various electronic devices, beautifully modern candle holders and more.

Faribault Woolen Mill has been in existence for nearly 150 years and is a mainstay in its namesake city south of the Twin Cities. Blankets, throws, scarves and dozens more products are produced at the historic mill located on the banks of the storied Cannon River. Committed to quality and locally-sourced products, Faribault Woolen Mill's quality goods are sure to become family heirlooms.


Located in the north loop are of Minneapolis, Jeromeo Designs offers handmade, all-natural perfumes, home sprays, body oils and lotions are made in store from from pure essential-oils. Combined with a yoga studio and wellness center, this feel-good curiosity shoppe is a must-visit for your unique holiday shopping needs.


Squared Furniture produces unique and modern furniture at home in any Minnesota house. The tables, chairs, bookcases, cabinets and more and handcrafted from a designer's point of view which leads to furniture worthy of being a piece of art in your residence.

Don't let this list be the end of your source for uniquely Minnesota-made gifts. The shores of Lake Superior are lined with artist's studios for the art lover in your life. The same goes for other artistic hamlets like Red Wing, MN and small bluff country communities in southeastern Minnesota. Minnesota, too, is home to countless wineries worthy of your Christmas shopping dollars. Some of my favorites are Indian Island Winery east of Mankato near Janesville, MN; Flower Valley Vineyard south of Red Wing, MN and Cannon River Winery in Cannon Falls, MN -- all of which still have weekend hours throughout the month of December and have dozens of delicious and locally produced wines from grapes grown right here in Minnesota.

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