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 That season is right around the corner (you know, the gift-giving one), and Minneapolis-St. Paulās gift shops are stocked full of treasures that represent the state and the makers within it. Whether you need a handcrafted ornament, a jar of locally made jam or a cheeky mug with a blue ox, these shops have 10,000 lakes worth of goodies for every quirky, nostalgic or practical whim. 
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general store of minnetonka
Boundary Waters-scented candles, potholders with cheeky phrases, cocktail mixes, and local candy baskets are among the treasures at this long-running gift shop, which has served the west metro since 1984. It has the vintage feel of a barn of treasures; every corner is piled with toys, throw pillows, lake-themed signs and brightly colored dinnerware. Thereās even a cafe with as-Minnesota-as-it-gets creamy wild rice soup and popovers.
  
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 š MINNETONKA
 
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i like you
Relationships with local artists are the core of I Like You, where makers consign their work at two shops, one in each of the Twin Cities. The treasures skew whimsical and handmade, down to the shopping bags for your purchases that come adorned with paper flowers. 
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Itās an especially good spot for finding gifts for babies, with loon-themed onesies, plush cat pillows, and silly books by local authors that capture Minnesota quirks. The greeting card game here is top-notch, too (e.g., āAdulthood: Where Lunchables Are Now Called Charcuteriesā). 
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 š MINNEAPOLIS & ST. PAUL
 
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sota clothing
ThisĀ Minnesota-pride clothing brandĀ (its signature design is two crossed paddles with M N on either side) began as a graphic design project at the U of M Duluth. It now offers all manner of slick and stylish Minnesota-themed apparel and gear ā even a canoe! For Minnesota-adjacent gifts such as cookbooks, puzzles and candles, look no further. 
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 š ST. LOUIS PARK & STILLWATER
 
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star of the north
Get into the Star of the North state of mind with gear made for cozy seasons and cabin days. Start crossing things off your gift list with soft plaid flannels for cabin weekends, warm caps for snowy strolls and playing cards for game nights by the fire. Pick thoughtful Minnesota gifts that feel like home (no matter where your loved ones wander). 
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      from top to bottom: Soundwoven in Minneapolis, photo by B SchneiderĀ  |Ā  General Store of Minnetonka in Minnetonka, photo by General Store of MinnetonkaĀ  |Ā  I Like You in Minneapolis, photo by I Like YouĀ  |Ā  Sota Clothing in St. Louis Park, photo by Sota Clothing courtesy of Meet MinneapolisĀ  |Ā  St. Paul, photo by Riley Hallaway  | 
     
   
 
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