21 Charming Minnesota Gifts To Take Home in 2024
Whether you’re a Midwesterner, sharing the magic of MN with others or heading home after an extended stay in the Land of 10,000 lakes, you’ll want to have some special Minnesota gifts on hand. Once you’ve experienced a Minnesota summer, you know it’s probably the best part about the state, but since you can’t bottle sunshine and lakes, you’ll have to rely on some other special tokens.
Luckily, the state has an incredible culinary scene that rivals more “international” cities across the country. Not only that, but the sports teams (and fans) give it their all, plus the deep Scandinavian history bleeds through into just about everything. Certain parts of the city are more hipster and modern, while other pockets of the state take you right back to an old-timey Swedish farm. This impacts the type of Minnesota gifts you can purchase — it will depend on where you’re located.
So when you’re gift planning and wondering, "Is Minnesota famous for anything?" The answer is yes, and it’s up to you to decide which aspect of the state you want to capture. Most people think Minnesota is just famous for being cold, but there is so much more to this beautifully complex place. So what is something that represents Minnesota that you can package up and save? You have to decide if you want a food-based token, something cozy for your home or a piece of MN fashion. Any store you stop in, you’re sure to be welcomed with a smiling face and someone eager to help you. What are people in Minnesota known for? Being nice. Seriously, "Minnesota Nice" is a thing and one trip to the state will confirm it. If you’re not sure what to expect, NPR breaks it down for you.
Feature image via the Swedish Institute
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Experience Minnesota Gifts
1. Minnesota Experience Gifts
You might not expect a humble state like Minnesota to have a booming culinary scene, but you’ll soon see that it has some of the best food in the country. Dining out is one thing, and there are plenty of top-notch restaurants that you should book your reservation for a month or two in advance, but Minneapolis cooking classes make for special Minnesota gifts that keep on giving. Learn to cook with special ingredients for traditional Scandinavian cuisine or embrace the long-standing Native American history and culture by cooking with indigenous ingredients and ancient methods.
These experience gifts like photography classes in Minneapolis or pottery classes in Minneapolis are ideal for individuals or groups. Anything with a touch of homemade is sure to be special. Plus, they’re ideal team building activities! If you want to purchase a Minnesota experience gift but don't know which class the receiver will appreciate the most, get a Classpop! Gift Card for a price that suites your budget and let them decide!
2. Kayak Tour of the Mississippi River
If you’re visiting when the weather is nice, or showing guests around town, then a kayak river tour is one of the most beautiful experience Minnesota gifts. There’s nothing better than an afternoon in the sunshine and fresh air. An experienced guide will show you all through the city via the water. It’s a special experience even for locals who may not have experienced Minneapolis from that perspective before. This is also a great team building activity in Minneapolis, especially if people use two-seater kayaks or canoes.
3. A Portage Through the Boundary Waters
They say the best things in life are free, and the best gifts are experiences, not things. A guided tour or portage around the Boundary Waters is one of the most spectacular experiences and is a truly magical Minnesota gift for someone. You’ll experience the night sky like never before, and miles and miles of (mostly) untouched shoreline. Crystal clear water surrounds you while day-time kayaking or canoeing expeditions will enrich you. This is an unforgettable experience gift for someone.
4. Dinner at Travail
It’s no accident that dinner at Travail is listed as an experience gift and not just a foodie gift in Minnesota. It’s so much more than just a meal. If the Michelin guide visited Minnesota, Travail would have at least one star (if not more). Their uber-talented chefs create bites that transport you, in a setting that will mesmerize you. Games, art and ambiance all come together for the most special night. Their menu is always changing, and tickets are limited so book yours in advance. This is one of the best date ideas in Minneapolis too, especially for celebrating a special occasion.
5. Tickets to a Sports Game
While Minnesota sports teams are famous for disappointing seasons, there is something so engaging about watching them live. And the Vikings do go on long winning streaks… But you can count on them to not follow through when it’s all on the line. The Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves and Wild (to name a few) are known for great ambiance at their home games.
Unique Minnesota Gifts
6. Hand-Knit Mittens from the Swedish Institute
There is a strong Swedish heritage present all across the state, and if you’re visiting from elsewhere, an afternoon at the Swedish Institute is a great way to spend the day. After exploring the exhibits and enjoying a snack at FIKA cafe, head to the gift shop for some unique Minnesota gifts. Handmade mittens, hats and scarves that will keep you nice and toasty come in handy whether MN is home or just a trip.
7. Nordic Goods from Ingebretsen’s
It’s always tough to leave Ingebretsen’s empty-handed, even if you just intended to look around. This charming Nordic market was founded by Norwegian immigrants in 1921 and is overflowing with traditional goods. From coffee mugs and tea cloths to books and a dedicated deli overflowing with lutefisk, cardamom buns and other goodies, you’re sure to find some unique Minnesota gifts here.
8. Faribault Mills Woolen Throw Blanket
Even if Minnesota isn’t home, a good throw blanket is a great housewarming gift. Faribault Mills makes beautifully crafted throw blankets in a variety of materials and patterns. They’re designed to last for generations, so they’re a bit of an investment, but worth every penny. These are thoughtful and unique Minnesota gifts for a local or visitor.
9. Red Wing Boots
A sturdy pair of leather boots can last a lifetime, especially if they’re made well. This particular local brand can be found around town, and is a popular choice for people of all occupations. A well-fitting pair of Red Wing boots is a unique Minnesota gift for anyone. Since they’re a bit spendy, they’re probably a better gift for someone who is done growing.
10. Nordic Ware Kitchen Tools
Nordic Ware makes high-quality cookware, bakeware and a variety of other kitchenware. These items make unique Minnesota gifts for Christmas or another holiday. Stop into their headquarters near Hopkins, MN for the latest seasonal offerings, like adorable holiday-themed bundt pans or cake molds. Create a cute gift basket with other local ingredients for a homemade baking kit that’s made with love from Minnesota.
11. Prince Memorabilia
Prince’s music and legacy travel far beyond the borders of Minnesota, but his home state sure knows how to celebrate him. Whether you visit Paisley Park (Prince's Home and Studio) or stop and snag a photo at one of the many murals around town, any purple rain gear is none of the most memorable Minnesota gifts. Engraved lowball glasses are tasteful, but a purple hoodie/robe with his logo is just as appreciated.
Minnesota Gifts for Kids
12. Loon Stuffed Animal
Many Minnesotans joke that mosquitoes are the state bird, but it’s actually the Common Loon. There’s nothing common about these beautiful creatures though, and their call is just as mesmerizing as their sleek black and white bodies. For young kiddos, a stuffed loon (that has a built-in sound maker) or two are perfect Minnesota gifts. There are tons of Lenny the Loon children’s books as well if you want to keep the Loon theme going strong.
13. Minnesota-opoly
A Midwest take on a classic board game, Minnesota-opoly is one of the most fun Minnesota gifts for kids. All your favorite symbols of the state like Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox meet Split Rock Lighthouse and Lake of the Woods for an engaging game experience. Board games will always come in handy, and this one has lots of Minnesota momentos.
14. Salted Nut Rolls and Nut Goodies
Kids (and adults) love a little sweet treat, and there are a couple of MN-made candies that you can’t go home without. Salted Nut Rolls and Nut Goodies are both made by Pearson's Candy Company, based out of St. Paul and they’re just one of those famous products made in Minnesota that you have to try. The perfect mix of sweet and salty, they’re easy and well-loved Minnesota gifts for kids or grown-ups.
15. Anything from Oh! Baby
This whimsical kid’s store is bursting with special Minnesota gifts for kids. You can find everything you need at Oh! Baby from fashionable kids' clothes to wands, tiaras or superhero outfits. It’s a go-to spot for birthdays, holidays or special occasions.
16. MN Rocks Puzzle
This Northern state is known for lots of lakeshore, and the Northern parts are made up of colorful layers of spectacular rocks. For the nature-curious kiddo, a Minnesota rocks state puzzle is one of the coolest Minnesota gifts for kids. It shows off the spectacular agates that can be found all over the state, and it’s a great way for kids to spend their time and explore their creative side.
Foodie Minnesota Gifts
17. Local Coffee Beans
It’s not just amazing food here in Minneapolis, but high-quality coffee as well. You could spend weeks going around the state and popping into local coffee shops that roast and sell their own beans. From the North Shore of Duluth to the Southern edge of the city, a bag or two of local, specialty beans are great foodie Minnesota gifts to level up your morning cup of Joe. Check out Peace Coffee, Ember Coffee Co. or Duluth Coffee Co.
18. Specialty Spirits
If you’re over the age of 21, you can (and should) visit some of the best distilleries and breweries around the cities. A bottle or two of locally made vodka or a variety of craft beers are great foodie Minnesota gifts. Some honorable mentions include Skaalvenn Distillery — located just outside the city — you’ve got to try their habanero-infused rum, and swing by their cocktail bar for some of the most creative cocktails anywhere. O'Shaughnessy Distilling Co. is conveniently located near the city. The same goes for Surly Brewing. J. Carver has an impressive selection of bourbons right in the Minneapolis suburbs.
19. Hot Dish Cookbook
There are a few foods that define Minnesota, but none compare to Hot Dish. What everyone else knows as "casserole," Minnesotans know as a "hot dish." While one of the classics combines tater tots, ground beef and gravy, there are tons of iterations. One or more Hot Dish cookbooks are thoughtful and useful Minnesota gifts for foodies or out-of-towners. They just might find their new favorite weeknight meal.
20. Burger Stuffing Tool
Minnesota is famous for a lot of things, but most importantly, it’s the home of the Juicy Lucy — a burger that’s filled with cheese and oozes out when you bite into it. There’s nothing quite like it! Minnesotans may disagree about where the Juicy Lucy originated, or who makes the best one, but it’s always fun to try it at home with a burger stuffing tool. These foodie Minnesota gifts make for a perfect hosting tool. You could put together a burger basket with small-batch buns, specialty sauces and this tool. Goldbelly will deliver all the goods on ice so you can make stuffed burgers for 10.
21. MN Wild Rice
While a bag of rice might sound like an underwhelming thing to receive, for a foodie — it’s actually pretty cool. This is one of the quintessential Minnesota gifts and often comes in cute little gift bags that feature a hearty recipe for wild rice soup or something else delicious. It’s an affordable and easy gift to bring with you if you’re traveling, too.
Whether Minnesota is home or just a stop along the way, there’s so much to love. It might not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re planning a family vacation, but after one trip here you’ll understand why Minnesota has one of the highest retention rates in the country. The weather is unpredictable, but the people, food and nature here can’t be beat. Share a piece of Minnesota with loved ones with any of these special Minnesota gifts.
For even more fun Minnesota gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
