UNIQUE GIFTS NEEDED? No problem

Between coordinating online store delivery times to negotiating returns of goods purchased online or traipsing around town for Auntie’s gift — she’s got everything already — or, what about your work colleague? Shopping at one of the Northland’s unique stores, you’re likely to find that one-of-a-kind gift, perfect for all the people on your shopping list. Here are some local specialty spots to inspire:

Cedar Barn

1424 Tower Ave., Superior

In-person or online

“It’s an investment back to the community,” owner Rika Weiberg said, when we shop locally. Weiberg takes pride in offering a variety of unique Wisconsin and Minnesota made items, supporting hobbyists and local makers without their own shop fronts.

An array of Northland woods and Lake Superior themed decor, sauna supplies, European imports such as jewelry from Helsinki, Finland, and traditional Puukko knives made with elk antler handles. Many items in the shop are also both “edible and giftable,” Weiberg said.

Cedar Barn is proud of servicemen and women, featuring products that support U.S. Veterans.

INDIGENOUS FIRST ART & GIFT SHOP

202 W. 2nd Street, Duluth

Online or curbside

Featuring over 80 indigenous authors, artists, and agriculturists, “a lot of our items help beautify one’s home,” gift shop coordinator Jazmin Wong said.

From bags, coasters, cushions, and giclee prints to food boxes and gift boxes, with every gift purchased from this shop, “you’re supporting indigenous entrepreneurs,” Wong said.

Some of the indigenous farmers are women. The Indigenous Foods or Intertribal Food boxes feature a variety of items such as tea, cornmeal, wild rice, jam, maple sugar.

John Buskala welcomes shoppers to his Cloquet store; the building was built after the 1918 Fires.

Buskala Jewelry And Gifts Too

Owned by fourth generation John and JoAnne Buskala, this traditional jewelry store’s been around for over 100 years.

They have the “bread and butter things that say, ‘I love you,’” owner John Buskala said. “It’s a great place for last minute

They listen and help customers with personalized suggestions depending on taste of the person receiving the gift and unique

A goldsmith and diamond vetter, they even handle engraving

Namast Gifts And Healing

400 West Superior Street, Duluth

In-person, online, curbside

“It isn’t just a typical store,” Kathy Kubiski, owner and energy healer, said, “we’re a healing store.”

This family-owned business has knowledgeable staff, offering customers service in-store, or via a video call walk-through for a remote, yet personal experience.

“We have the largest supply of crystals in the Northland,” Kubiski said.

For eight years, this shop’s offered unique gifts, everexpanding their collection, featuring fun gifts from organic soy candles to statues, wall hangings to jewelry.

Molly Ovenden is a Duluth freelance writer.

This tourmilated quartz ring is an example of the myriad pieces of jewelry found at the Duluth Namaste shop.

Photo courtesy of Namaste Gifts & Healing