Minneapolis Gift Guide 2022

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GIFT GUIDE

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L O C A L .

2022

A T M O S P H E R E

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S T E E L C A S E

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D E S I G N T E X

HELLO there As the new year starts to peek around the corner, the season of hosting and giving begins! For us, this holiday season is all about slowing down, making up for lost time, and new memories. To help, we’ve developed this Minneapolis-local gift guide, stocked with some of our favorite places, along with party tips + tricks.

But wait!

Gifts that are purchased from locally owned shops are meaningful both to the receiver and to the shop owner. This season, we have a desire to slow down and connect with our family, friends and neighbors by being more intentional with our spend and time.

Kick off your holiday shopping by supporting your favorite nearby maker during Small Business Saturday!

Enjoy perusing our top favorite gifts— we are thankful for our local businesses and for you! We hope that this guide is helpful as you enter the bustle of the holiday season.

How can we be mindful in both gift giving + shopping?

When we give gifts mindfully, we give from the heart. Think about what is meaningful to the receiver of the gifthow do we want them to feel? Giftgiving is really an act of love— a true and thoughtful gesture can help articulate to loved ones what they mean to you in your life.

Claire x McKaela x Janine and the Atmosphere team

CLAIRE’S FAVORITE THING

LUXEscents Twentyseven28 Candles makes the most striking hand-poured soy wax candles. Located in the heart of Minneapolis, this small business started in 2020 and wanted to create a pleasant and safe candle. This gift is perfect for those who love the aroma and warmth of candles but prefer a more sustainable option.

Twentyseven28 Candles Dana with Vida Design Resource, started this company so that others could enjoy burning candles that has no parabens, plastics, or additives.

Shop the collection at https://www.twentyseven28.com/

NATASHA’S FAVORITE THING

BOLDlooks Feeling festive? Head on over to Larissa Loden’s new brick x mortar shop filled with showstopping jewelry.

From lifestyle finds, stationary, wellness, and statement jewelry, you’re bound to find something for a loved one. Check out their recent holiday collection inspired by the season with freshwater pearls, winter gemstones, and bold chain options!

Larissa Loden Larissa’s designs include stunning natural gemstones, custom metal pieces, and limited-edition special collaborations with other artists we admire. Whether you’re headed to a concert, the conference room, or the couch.

More than just jewelry at https://larissaloden.com/

LISA’S FAVORITE THING

SWOON cycle Do you have someone in your life who loves the thrill and adventure that cycling brings? Handsome Cycles makes artwork that moves! Give someone the gift of crafting and building their own Handsome bicycle.

Go where the riders go; you can stop by their shop in Minneapolis or visit their mobile pop-up shops throughout the twin cities!

Handsome Cycles Handsome Cycles was founded on the passion for making customized bikes at a very reasonable price. With a love for how bikes used to be, Jesse created Handsome Cycles.

Ride on at https://handsomecycles.com/

JANINE’S FAVORITE THING

HEARTH side Say hello to Backstory Coffee Roasters!

With two locations – one in the North Loop and the second in St. Paul, their coffee bars are the perfect place to enjoy a cup of joe. The environment of this coffee bar is welcoming and story like, a visit here is a gift within itself!

The unique roastings make the perfect gift for the coffee lovers in your life!

Can’t decide on which roast to gift? Gift the sample pack to try them all!

Backstory Coffee Roasters Backstory Coffee Roasters mission is to cultivate deeper connections between people by sharing their love of delicious coffee.

Order some deliciousness at https://backstory.coffee/

CLAIRE’S FAVORITE THING

ARTISAN goods As designers, we know that our homes are reflections of ourselves and our lives. Foxwell is filled with swoon-worthy artisan goods through pillows, throws, tableware + accessories. As a studio and a shop, Foxwell is genuinely a one-stop spot for designers. Find unique gifting and all of the inspiration here!

Foxwell A longstanding brainchild of HGTV’s “Should I Stay or Go” co-host and Fox Homes’ Lead Designer, Heather Fox, started this one-stop-spot for designers.

Make your house a home at https://www.thefoxwell.com/

MCKAELA’S FAVORITE THING

CRISPtaste Craft a tasty cocktail this holiday season using HER Spirit Vodka!

Found at liquor stores throughout Minnesota, you’ll swoon over this crisp taste that finishes very smoothly with a touch of creaminess. A woman-owned brand that supports other women in business? We'll drink to that!

HER Spirit Vodka Her Spirit Vodka is 100% woman owned by Kjersten Merila. Kjersten believes the achievement of starting her own company and working on Her Spirit is incredible but is outweighed by the rewarding feeling of giving back to other women entrepreneurs.

More than just drinks at https://www.herspiritvodka.com/

JANINE’S FAVORITE THING

TRULY organic If you have little ones, you know how tricky it is to find clothing that is not only good for your kiddo, but good for the environment as well. Colored Organics stays committed to creating clothes that do good, not just in our homes, but throughout every stage of production and beyond the clothing industry. They sell cutsie wooden toys (and in the cutest sets!), teethers + rattles, burp cloths, and clothes!

Perfect for anyone with littles or expecting littles around the holidays!

Colored Organics Founder, Amanda, started Colored Organics with two little ones in tow and a mission to make a difference in the clothing industry.

Stay soft + cozy at https://coloredorganics.com/

LISA’S FAVORITE THING

BUILT mosaic If you’re a frequent participant of the Minnesota State Fair, you may have run into Bailey Builds! This maker wanted to utilize the scraps from her garage and turn it into beautiful art. They provide interactive and fun gifting options through “buildable” wood mosaic kits!

Or opt for a stunning piece of jewelry for those less crafty!

Bailey Builds Wood Mosaic Artists, dog lovers, and pun aficionados Anna and Nathanael Bailey are the Duluth-based owners and wood artists behind Bailey Builds. The dynamic duo strives towards inspiring their community through all things art!

Get crafty at https://baileybuilds.com/

MCKAELA’S FAVORITE THING

MESS maker The Mess Hall offers art experiences and messy activities for all ages that you want to avoid doing at home! Art experiences ranging from neon paint night, paint + sip, or their signature session make for a perfect snow day activity! Roll up your sleeves and start creating!

The Mess Hall The Mess Hall was founded by Zan, a creative who wanted a space to get messy outside of her home. She offers a space to make art, create, and explore your passions within the maker community.

Get messy at https://www.messhallmn.com/

CLAIRE’S FAVORITE THING

HEATseeker We are obsessed with Heart Soul Heat and their Ghost Honey; it's impeccable when added to pizza, charcuterie boards, or cocktails! It's just the right amount of heat to make it interesting but not so hot that you can't taste other flavors. Add to a hosting gift or use it for your gatherings! Your tastebuds will thank you.

Heart Soul Heat As a creative entrepreneur, Raoul Benavides wanted to create a simple but unique experience utilizing his grandfathers miel picoso recipe.

Drizzle + Delight https://heartsoulheat.com/

NATASHA’S FAVORITE THING

HOME body Henri Home is a brick x mortar shop in the quaint city of Wayzata, Minnesota, that has everything you need! Filled with lush home goods, you’ll get your gifting done in one quick swoop through larger furniture pieces, mugs, kitchen linens, and candlesticks that are all gorgeously designed.

The Nordic Mugs especially are a great find that make for a perfect gift– stuff them with a boozy hot cocoa mix and your gift is complete!

Henri Home What started as a home building journey evolved into a friendship and what we know today as Henri Home.

Fill your home at https://myhenrihome.com/

MCKAELA’S FAVORITE THING

RETRO finds If you’re in for an adventure, head to the quaint town of Stillwater and visit Midtown Antiques! This antique mall is filled with coins, flatware, jewelry, vintage clothing, art, furniture, and much more. With three floors packed with products, gift a day of digging through vintage goods together with your loved ones!

Midtown Antiques Established in 1991 in downtown Stillwater, Minnesota, Midtown Antiques has become the Midwest’s largest antique mall with over 65 dealers each with their own inventory.

Rifle through history at https://www.midtownantiques.com/

CARLENE’S FAVORITE THING

THEMED goods Minny & Paul make the sweetest curated gift boxes that are filled with thoughtful, high-quality and perfectlythemed products. Running around for a last-minute gifts? Minny and Paul is your one-stop-shop for an easy yet adorable gift!

Minny & Paul Minny & Paul is a woman-owned gifting business based in Minnesota.

Launched in 2016, their founder Laura Roos had a vision to help the community discover and share more high-quality, local products.

Shop the themes at https://www.minnyandpaul.com/

CLAIRE’S FAVORITE THING

GREEN thumb Located in the heart of St. Paul, Mother Co. Plants is your go-to plant shop. With hard-to-find species, interesting objects, and smooth jams, there’s a perfect gift for those who have a green thumb in your life at Mother Co.!

New to caring for plants? No problemMother Co. Plants offers advice on plant health and care! Their vases, planting tools, sun hats, and swag are all one-of-a-kind.

Mother Co. Plants Come for plant therapy and leave with a new friend!

Get dirt on your hands at https://www.mother-plants.com/

LISA’S FAVORITE THING

QUALITY matters Looking to better support your community of BIPOC designers, brands, and businesses? Hazel + Rose is a cutsie boutique located in Minneapolis that carries goods that are all well-crafted, sustainable and ethically made because how it was made, and who made it, matters.

Hazel & Rose Hazel & Rose was founded by Emma Olson in 2016 when she couldn't find a place in town that carried sustainable and ethical brands in one place. This Northeast Minneapolis shop now showcases independent local and international brands.

Shop thoughtfully at https://www.shophazelandrose.com/

JANINE’S FAVORITE THING

SILVER smith We’re obsessed with Everthine Jewelry for a permanent, one-of-a-kind experience!

The Everthine permanent collections include bracelets and necklaces on dainty chains that are welded closed onto the recipient, creating a clasp-less, seamless accessory! Head to their adorable studio located in the Northeast Arts District to peruse the stunning pieces.

Everthine Jewelry Each Everthine Jewelry piece is handmade in owner and artist Aisha Formanski’s studio. Her work includes hand-stamped jewelry with messages, often secret with a little bit of edge.

Pick out your favorite piece at https://everthinejewelry.com/

MCKAELA’S FAVORITE THING

SIMPLE home The Foundry Home Goods is my go-to shop to make your house a home.

With unique findings and sourced products, you’ll find valuable and beautiful objects for the home.

Located near the Stone Arch bridge, the Foundry bursts at the seams with gorgeous goodness. I mean, even their cleaning brushes are beautiful!

The Foundry Home Goods Are a bunch of humans (and a few sweet pups) dedicated to sourcing simple, useful, and beautiful objects for the home.

Shop all things home at https://thefoundryhomegoods.com/

NATASHA’S FAVORITE THING

GAMEjunkie Located up north in Duluth, MN, The Moon Market is a humble boutique hidden in the trees. The boutique is a modern-day mom + pop shop filled with glorious gifting options.

Currently, I’m swooning over these illustrated playing cards! For any game night connoisseur in your life, head to Moon Market for the perfect gift and fun nights ahead!

Moon Market Come up North for a stay and leave with a few extra bags!

It may be time for a trip, https://shopmoonmarket.com/

LISA’S FAVORITE THING

SOFT touch Stella Handmade and Natural is an online shop run by a mother of two from Minneapolis. She handmakes everything from home products to skincare and beauty using only highquality, natural ingredients- even down to the container. Her body and hand creams cure everything the cold and dreary winter throws at our skin! Did I mention that everything smells delicious?!

Stella Handmade and Natural Anna is a mother of two, who stumbled her way into making home and body products using only natural ingredients.

Stay natural at www.stellahandmadeandnatural.com/

DARLA’S FAVORITE THING

GOOD vibes The Vine Room on Mainstreet in charming downtown Hopkins focuses on happy people, good vibes, and great wine through their public and private spaces, fun workshops, wine education classes, and events.

Pop in to find an assortment of quality wines focusing on small-mid sized producers, family-owned wineries, and wines made with sustainable farming and production methods!

The Vine Room With an emphasis on culture & community, the Vine Room aims to make wine fun & approachable by offering a well-curated, thoughtful range of products & services.

Let’s gather at https://www.vineroom.co/

HELLO there Oh, hey!

I'm Sydney Houge, Atmosphere's Social Media + Events Coordinator. At Atmosphere, I aim to make guests and clients feel welcome by creating inspiring, comforting spaces and experiences.

Hosting has always been a passion of mine and it always brings up a bit of nostalgia- perhaps this holiday season more than any other holiday. There's a passion and drive to bring people together from all walks and stages of life.

Gathering together invites connection, second helpings, laughs, and cheer.

Hosting doesn’t have to be stressfulthrough preparation, good food and self-assurance, your guests are bound to have a beautiful time! If you're hosting this holiday season, here are a few ways that you can make all who fill your table feel warm and welcome.

Cheers!

VELVET galore When the weather outside is a fright, deck your halls and gifts with trendy delight! This year’s twist on classic holiday wrapping is swoon-worthy and luxe with rich tones and textures. The staple item that makes this wrapping so beautiful? Velvet ribbon!. Stop by your nearest craft store to purchase a halfyard of velvet fabric. Simply cut strips in various sizes and lengths to make your ribbon- the velvet edges will curl a bit, giving it a homey holiday look. This holiday wrapping hack will also help cut down the (never-ending) holiday costs!

Keep it simple while adding a personal touch with clay tags! Purchase clay or make simple air-dry clay to shape with cookie cutters and etch with simple designs.

This snowy day craft doubles for holiday gift tags and adorable ornaments!

Happy Gifting!

MONO tone When thinking about your tablescape for this holiday season, consider the colors you have already used when decorating your home. Bringing the same tones into your table setting will bring sophistication and overall clarity to the space. Layering textures and different materials make the scene feel thoughtful and will set your event's mood.

Keep your dinnerware, serving pieces, and glassware simple so the centerpiece can have its moment. For my place setting, I used an organic white plate to give a firm foundation while layering a more structured black ceramic plate on top so the linen napkin and name card pop! Thoughtful details show a guest that they're welcome at the table- get creative when making name cards through birch stumps and natural materials with hand drawn initials.

@wantwingz

Finish your tablescape with simple flourishes, such as mini pine stems or berries, to create a sense of celebration in the tablescape. Topping off the table with elegant candlesticks will make the space feel warm and just like home. @blaziankitchen

BUTTER board If you haven't already, this holiday season is the perfect time to try out the latest hosting sensation- the butter board! It's the next best thing since the classic charcuterie board, and the two pair beautifully together with flavor and simple customization.

The concept is simple- spread softened butter on a serving board and top it with anything you'd like from savory, sweet, and salty! Serve simply with sliced baguettes and it'll be a showstopper at your party!

Topping Ideas + honey + jam (fig is my favorite!) + chopped walnuts + balsamic glaze + dried cranberries + pistachios + fresh basil + everything but bagel seasoning + pomegranate seeds + fresh rosemary

FEELIN’ festive Spice up your holiday party with a festive cinnamon bourbon fizz! This drink makes for the perfect, cozy winter cocktail. For a smooth and easy serve, make a large batch in your favorite glass punch bowl or pitcher with nearby cocktail glasses and garnishes ready to go!

Tip: Don’t have enough of the same glass to serve everyone? Mixing and matching will be your best friend!

Gather a variety of your own glasses, or pop over to your local thrift store to collect more stunning crystal glassware.

And I will be raising my sugar-rimmed glass to you all— I hope you have a very happy holiday season!

@wantwingz

@blaziankitchen

cinnamon

BOURBON fizz

Cinnamon Honey Syrup makes enough for 6+ drink 2 cinnamon sticks 1/2 cup honey 1 sprig fresh rosemary

Bourbon Fizz recipe

1 ½ cups bourbon 1 cup aperol ½ cup lemon juice 3-5 dashes orange or rosemary bitters cinnamon syrup (recipe above) 3-4 can sparking water, for topping regular ice cubes Fresh rosemary and cinnamon, for garnish Instructions

1.

To make the cinnamon syrup. In a medium pot, bring 1/2 cup water, the honey, cinnamon, and rosemary to a boil over high heat. Boil 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Let cool, then strain the syrup into a glass jar .2.

In a punch bowl, combine the cinnamon syrup, bourbon, Aperol, lemon juice, and orange or rosemary bitters. Stir to combine, chill until ready to serve. Before serving, add ice, then pour the sparkling waters over. Serve with sugared rosemary

Recipe through www.halfbakedharvest.com

SEND love The holidays can be overwhelming for many. If you are looking for nearby nonprofits and charities to support, here’s our list of local favorites.

East Side Neighborhood Services Help East Side Neighborhood Services build pathways toward equity by disrupting social and economic barriers. www.esns.org Still Kickin Still Kickin started in 2015 when their founders teamed up to provide unrestricted financial grants to good people going through hard things.

Today, they work to build empathy, encouragement and economic relief for people in need. www.stillkickin.co the Playwrights' Center When you give to the Playwrights’ Center, you support the brave, talented playwrights who are creating new work for our times. www.pwcenter.org

Twin Cities Community Rebuilding Coalition This group stands together to create a stronger, more equitable, and more just community that is focused on rebuilding Minneapolis, in a way that recognizes Minnesota’s long history of racial injustice in property ownership, lending, and individual opportunity. www.tccrc.org Joy Collaborative Help to build unique environment for children with life-limiting medical conditions. www.joycollaborative.org Valley Outreach Donate supplies and food at Valley Outreach to help people move their lives forward through basic needs, services and personalized support. www.valleyoutreachmn.org