Holiday shopping? TRY THESE HIDDEN GEMS

By Molly Milroy

Finding that perfect gift for someone can sometimes feel like a chore, but it doesn’t have to. There are multiple shops across the Northland that offer unique gifts for the holidays. From beard oils to beaded moccasins, something special can be found for everyone on your holiday gift list.

Shop Superior

Once Again Used & New is a quaint store that specializes in home décor. Located on Belknap Street near the University of Wisconsin Superior, the store is set up with curated themed rooms to shop in.

“We have five rooms that touch on different areas of the home and change for the seasons and holidays,” said owner Twila Uotinen.

For example, in the kitchen area you’ll find various soaps, towels, washcloths and an assortment of other products. The store also carries a good variety of rugs, prints, valances, table toppers, candles and an assortment of wood products.

Cindy Telega and Brianna Lorenze, the product buyers, also provide homemade items.

“Cindy is our local professional painter,” Uotinen said. “She paints on vintage windows, chairs and a variety of other things. “Brianna came on recently bringing her sewing skills and woodworking skills.

She has embroidered tree ornaments and has made wood candy canes.”

The shop also has a large variety of snowmen and light-up prints. And if you’re looking for gift wrapping, you’ll find that here as well.

“If you are looking for a gift, we are a one-stop shop that you can buy a small gift, a card, and have it gift-bagged for free,” Uotinen said.

Website: https://once-again-used-new.business.site/

The Bee’s Knees Gifts and Crafts

“Our shop first opened up April 2019,” Louise Fransen said.

“We are a large gift shop located in Two Harbors. We are attached to Agate City Rock Shop.”

Fransen, who co-owns The Bee’s Knees with Jackie Carlson, said the shop carries a wide variety of items.

“We specialize in bee décor and gnomes of every size — especially Christmas gnomes.”

The shop has a plethora of T-shirts, ceramics, soaps, and home décor, too. It’s the perfect spot to find a Minnesota gift or souvenir.

“We have Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish items, hats, gloves and mittens,” Fransen said.

There are also a variety of gifts for those who like to bake or cook.

“We have aprons, pot pads, and lots of cups and mugs,” she said.

If you’re looking for neat homemade items, The Bee’s Knees has it. Both shop owners make items. Fransen quilts and Carlson finishes off hand towels with crochet hangers. The shop also has plenty of holiday supplies, including boxed Christmas cards, holiday candles and other Christmas adornments.

“We feel it is unique in that we have a never-ending inventory,” Fransen said.

Website: https://www.thebeeskneesgifts.co/

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Indigenous First: Art & Gift Shop

Located in downtown Duluth at 202 W. Second St. in the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) building, Indigenous First: Art & Gift Shop displays a wide variety of gifts and goods.

“We have some wonderful blankets that are perfect for the cold weather, many teas and coffees to pick from, shirts that honor the resiliency of Indigenous peoples while also bringing awareness to social causes, original art, jewelry, and so much more,” said co-coordinator of the shop, Khayman Goodsky.

This store includes work from more than 80 regional Indigenous artists and businesses.

“Shopping here means supporting authentic artists,” Goodsky said. “We have so many beautiful products to choose from, whether it's original art, birch bark wall pieces, a multitude of authors, clothing designed by Indigenous fashion designers, Indigenous foods, and our many homemade bath and self-care products.”

Looking for a special gift for your mom or sister? Stop in and find the perfect earrings. Made with intricate beadwork, this gift will be sure to impress. Is there a nature lover on your gift list? Try one of their handmade birch bark designs. For the foodie on your list, there is wild rice, specialized coffee, maple syrup and more. If you haven’t already visited this shop, it is definitely one you will want to stop by this holiday season.

Website: https://www.indigenousfirst.org/

63 Moose Lane

Want to stay inside and shop online but also locally? Try 63 Moose Lane, which specializes in bath, body and home products, all handcrafted in Duluth.

Owner Cyndi Burley said she started making the lotions and creams after friends and family were asking for better products to help combat their dry winter skin.

“We specialize in what’s good for our bodies and what supports us and finding that balance between modern medicine and ancient remedies,” Burley said.

Check out the all-natural lotion bars made with essential oils ranging in scents from patchouli to lavender, or the unscented, Bare Moose.

“There’s always a purpose behind the blend we do, whether it’s supporting emotions or a headache,” Burley said.

For that special man in your life, there are a variety of beard oils available.

“The blends we’ve come up with and created in the North Shore collection have scents that reflect the local area,” she said. “Cascade Falls is refreshing and meditating, while Palisade Creek is woodsy.”

Gift sets make the perfect holiday gift and 63 Moose Lane offers a wide variety of them. Shop online and either have your gifts shipped or arrange for local pickup within the Twin Ports area.

Website: https://www.63mooselane.com/s/shop

Shop local

There are so many places in the Twin Ports to shop for unique gifts this holiday season. Browse the stores in person or online and find unique holiday hidden gems, items which will surprise the lucky recipients. At the same time, you will be supporting local small businesses and entrepreneurs — a holiday win for all. D