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Cheers to Local Holiday Gifts
This holiday season, make your gift-giving extra special with the Minnesota Grown Gift Guide; a collection of locally made products that bring the heart of Minnesota into your holiday celebrations. By choosing these gifts, you’re not only finding unique, high-quality items, you're supporting local businesses and contributing to the state’s vibrant economy.
Whether you’re shopping for a foodie, a beauty enthusiast, or anyone in between, the guide features a wide range of thoughtful gifts that highlight the best of what Minnesota has to offer. From stocking-ready gourmet treats to pampering personal care items, each product is crafted by passionate, hardworking, local producers who pour love into their work.
The Minnesota Grown Gift Guide makes it easy to shop with intention and meaning, offering a variety of options for everyone on your list. This holiday season, give gifts that are as heartfelt as they are impactful, and share the spirit of Minnesota with your loved ones.
Pro Gifter Tip: Flag this email so you are ready for Small Business Saturday shopping on Nov. 30!
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Photo courtesy of Cupkie Christmas Village
Tree Time: Cupkie Christmas Village
Nestled in beautiful northwest Minnesota near Perham lies Cupkie Christmas Village. Their story begins in 1998 when Todd Cupkie, fresh out of college, joined his father and stepmother, Lynn and Peggy Cupkie, at the family tax and accounting business and to help establish a Christmas tree farm on their 42 acres. “The weeds were taller than the trees when we started,” Todd recalls, chuckling. But despite the challenges, the Cupkies persevered, and what started with just 30 trees has grown into a thriving operation with 2,500 trees expected to be harvested this season.
Growing a Christmas tree is no simple task – it takes patience, dedication, and meticulous care. For the Cupkies, the work begins when the tax season wraps up in the spring and the ground begins to thaw. That’s when they start planting new trees – approximately 6,000 each year. When Christmas season arrives, it’s a whirlwind of activity. First preparing trees for wholesale, and then getting ready for the festive visitors.
Head to the Minnesota Grown blog to read more about Cupkie Christmas Village as well as tips for how to prepare for your visit to a Christmas tree farm!
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Photo courtesy of Festival Foods Andover
2025 Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year
Winners Announced
Eight Minnesota retailers who demonstrate excellence in locally grown and produced products have been named a 2025 Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year in partnership with the Minnesota Grocers Association. Along with awards given by region, a new beer, wine, and spirits award was given to recognize excellence in liquor stores!
“We applaud these grocers and their employees for their leadership in offering Minnesota grown foods and products,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “When shoppers have access to more foods grown and raised by their neighbors, it’s a win for everyone - Minnesota’s farmers, grocers, and communities alike.”
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