Holiday Gift Guide
This year has been tough on everyone. In the Minneapolis community we call home, we know small businesses have felt the impact especially hard. As an independent business ourselves, we wanted to share some of the great local shops we’ll be supporting this holiday season, and why we love them.
Retail
Whether you make an order at their online store or safely stop in during store hours, these are some of our favorite Twin Cities retailers.
“I met Junita serving on the board of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day. Her cookies are delicious, and a portion of proceeds benefit organizations that work to end relationship violence.” – Lisa Hashbarger | Director, Talent
“Owner Jordyn DiOrio is my mentor. Each MEND piece has ‘healing gemstones and crystals that offer restorative and empowerment to conquer circumstances.’” – Hamy Huynh | Integrate Associate
“After announcing the closing of Handsome Hog, his restaurant and local staple, owner Justin Sutherland is selling his signature spice blends.” – Taylor Lovaas | Senior Manager, Influencer & Brand Partnerships
“Oh where to begin with E’s! They are simply the best spot in the city for vintage wares. Their taste (and prices) are unparalleled.” – Laurel Osman | Group Director, Integrated Production
“I really like their stuff, and that the company’s carbon emissions are less than what they contribute to organizations fighting climate change.” – Erik Lindquist | Integrate Associate
“Love their clothing. MN and MI based. Cozy, comfy and chic. Was introduced to this by a local blogger who I met a year ago and is one of my favorite follows.” – Allison Checco | VP, Integrated Teams
“This local resale shop is woman-owned and spends a ton of time and effort fighting for racial and gender equality. In store they give space for other local retailers to sell their items, while also having a huge selection of curated used clothing.” – Maggie LaMaack | Group Director, Influencer & Brand Partnerships
“Part all-things-CBD retail shop, part warm and welcoming refuge, this southwest Minneapolis gem knows how to help you get your chill on. And who doesn’t need that this year?” – Robin Rooney | Group Director, Integrated Teams
Sacred Blossom Living Herbal Teas
“My neighbor in rural Wisconsin grows, harvests, creates and sells a variety of fantastic herbal teas, which can be found in select Twin Cities co-ops and restaurants. He’s mostly a one-man band who works hard and does things the right way — small scale and by hand.” – Jörg Pierach | Founder
Services
Whether it’s beauty, mental health or fitness, giving a gift card or subscription to one of these services is sure to delight.
“This former Fast Horse team member creates retreats for women, including life coaching, yoga, amazing food and drinks, but also in-person and now virtual events like wreath-making for the holiday season. She teams up with other women to help round out her services. I love what she’s doing to help women find balance in the world.” – Allison Checco | VP, Integrated Teams
“Hands-down the best place to get your haircut in Dinkytown. Fun, low-key atmosphere with hip-hop music playing in the background. You get treated like a longtime friend the first time you stop in. They also have a location on Lake Street. Plus, they cut Kris Dunn’s hair when he played for the Timberwolves!” – Erik Lindquist | Integrate Associate
“The least bro-y gym in town. Twin Town has been operating out of an old garage in Uptown for more than 10 years. It’s a hard time to be a gym right now, but their online classes are the best I’ve experienced since the pandemic began (and I’ve tried a lot!).” – Laurel Osman | Group Director, Integrated Production
“My yoga teacher, from the days when we could practice indoors, has been hosting regular virtual sessions each week from her home. Sign up through her Patreon (pay what you can) and you’ll have access to more than 50 taped classes, or join one of her live sessions.” – Maggie LaMaack | Group Director, Influencer & Brand Partnerships
“My brother has his doctorate in physical therapy, works at HCMC but is also getting his own small business up and running. Specializing in sports therapy, he does bike fittings, allowing for better bike performance (and for people like me with spinal issues) to bike comfortably.” – Lisa Hashbarger | Director, Talent
Restaurants
Consider giving a gift card to one of these incredible local restaurants, or ordering takeout for your holiday dinner at home.
“My partner and I love eating at Pimento. They’re located right down the street from my family’s business so we frequently visit.” – Hamy Huynh | Integrate Associate
“Costa Rican restaurant and catering company that has amazing traditional Costa Rican staples.” – Daniella Keith | Integrated Producer
“I fell in love with their Nashville hot chicken when it was just a food truck. Now I make trips across the river to their brick and mortar.” – Eric Hansen | Associate Creative Director
“My old house was walking distance from the old location and my roommates and I would go there almost every Sunday before football games. Super friendly and the food is amazing.” – Taylor Lovaas | Senior Manager, Influencer & Brand Partnerships
“I grew up eating Ethiopian food and Mesob is one of the best in the city. Do yourself a favor and after you place your order, walk down to E’s Emporium to stock up on reasonably priced vintage treasures, then come back to pick up your food.” – Laurel Osman | Group Director, Integrated Production
“Chef Jorge Guzman has been a friend since his line-cook days back in college. Through every triumph and challenge of his culinary career, he’s stayed true to himself and his craft, which come to life in every detail of his newly opened restaurant.” – Robin Rooney | Group Director, Integrated Teams
“If I could project myself into a future where Minnesotan cuisine has finally left the Jucy Lucy behind like a vestigial tail, I would hope our popular foods look a little more like the menu at Afro Deli, plentiful vegetables and a mix of East African and Middle Eastern dishes… a guy can dream. That, and the owner happens to be my next-door neighbor.” – Ryan Philippi | Content Director
“I consider Soul Bowl one of the great wonders of the world and I will stand on the top of Mount Everest and proclaim it.” – Adam Wahlberg | Copy Chief
Leadership