23 Charming Minnesota Gifts the North Star State in 2025
Whether you’re a Midwesterner, sharing the magic of MN with others or heading home after an extended stay in the Land of 10,000 lakes, you’ll want to have some special Minnesota gifts on hand. Once you’ve experienced a Minnesota summer, you know it’s probably the best part about the state, but since you can’t bottle sunshine and lakes, you’ll have to rely on some other special tokens.
Luckily, the state has an incredible culinary scene that rivals more “international” cities across the country. Not only that, but the sports teams (and fans) give it their all, plus the deep Scandinavian history bleeds through into just about everything. Certain parts of the city are more hipster and modern, while other pockets of the state take you right back to an old-timey Swedish farm. This impacts the type of Minnesota gifts you can purchase — it will depend on where you’re located.
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Experience Minnesota Gifts
When you’re gift planning and wondering, "Is Minnesota famous for anything?" The answer is yes, and it’s up to you to decide which aspect of the state you want to capture. Most people think Minnesota is just famous for being cold, but there is so much more to this beautifully complex place. So, what is a Minnesota gift that represents the state that you can package up and save?
You have to decide if you want a food-based token, something cozy for your home or a piece of MN fashion. At any store you stop in, you’re sure to be welcomed with a smiling face and someone eager to help you. What are people in Minnesota known for? Being nice. Seriously, "Minnesota Nice" is a thing and one trip to the state will confirm it. Don't just take our word for it; NPR has even explored the subject. These Minnesota gifts embody that spirit.
1. Minnesota Experience Gifts
You might not expect a humble state like Minnesota to have a booming culinary scene, but you’ll soon see that it has some of the best food in the country. Dining out is one thing, and there are plenty of top-notch restaurants that you should book your reservation for a month or two in advance, but giving a Minneapolis cooking class is a Minnesota gift that adds a whole extra dimension.
They can learn to cook with special ingredients for traditional Scandinavian cuisine or embrace the long-standing Native American history and culture by cooking with indigenous ingredients and ancient methods. It’s also a great way for newcomers to feel connected to the area’s food traditions without needing a Scandinavian grandma in the kitchen.
If you want to purchase this experience gift in Minneapolis but don't know which class the receiver will appreciate the most, get a foodie gift card for a price that suits your budget and let them decide!
2. Paint and Sip Nights
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Few things capture the easygoing Minnesota vibe better than grabbing a brush, a glass of wine and seeing what unfolds on the canvas. Paint and sip classes in the Twin Cities are a relaxed, social way to spend an evening, whether they're in downtown Minneapolis or tucked into a cozy St. Paul neighborhood studio.
The best part? Even if they can’t draw a stick figure, expert instructors will guide them through the process step by step so everyone leaves with art worth hanging. Add in a local wine or craft beer pairing and they've got a Minnesota gift that doubles as a weeknight date idea or group fun with friends.
3. Pottery or Candle-Making Classes
For something hands-on that’s equal parts soothing and creative, pottery classes are an unbeatable pick. Studios across Minneapolis and St. Paul welcome beginners with open arms — they'll get to shape mugs, bowls or vases and learn the art of wheel-throwing along the way. These sessions usually include glazing and firing, so a couple of weeks later, the giftee gets to pick up a finished piece they actually made themselves.
There are also amazing candle-making classes in Minneapolis to ignite some fire for artistic recipients. These unique gifts from Minnesota stands out because it pairs artistry with practicality — after all, nothing beats sipping morning coffee from a mug you created. Plus, they’re ideal team building activities!
4. Kayak Tour of the Mississippi River
If they're visiting when the weather is nice, a kayak river tour is one of the most beautiful Minnesota experience gifts. From the water, Minneapolis looks like an entirely different city, with skyline views framed by cottonwoods and the occasional heron swooping overhead. There’s nothing better than an afternoon in the sunshine and fresh air.
An experienced guide will show them through the city via the water. It’s a special experience gift in Minneapolis, even for locals who may not have experienced it from that perspective before. This is also a great team building activity in Minneapolis, especially with two-seater kayaks or canoes.
5. A Portage Through the Boundary Waters
They say the best things in life are free, and the best gifts are experiences, not things. A guided tour or portage around the Boundary Waters is one of the most spectacular experiences and is a truly magical Minnesota gift for someone. They'll experience the night sky like never before, and miles and miles of (mostly) untouched shoreline.
Crystal clear water surrounds you while daytime kayaking or canoeing expeditions will enrich you. Few experiences rival sipping camp coffee on a granite outcrop while the morning mist curls off the lake. That’s the kind of moment you can’t wrap in paper, but you can give as an unforgettable experience gift in Minnesota.
6. Tickets to a Sports Game
While Minnesota sports teams are famous for disappointing seasons, there is something so engaging about watching them live. Whether it’s the Twins at Target Field, the Timberwolves at Target Center or a cold afternoon with the Wild at the Xcel Energy Center, these events come with a side of collective heartbreak and joy that’s uniquely Minnesotan.
And, of course, Minnesota Vikings gifts in the form of tickets make for a winning surprise, even if the scoreboard doesn’t. Pair them with a team scarf and some game day snacks, and you’ve got one of the most spirited Minnesota gifts around.
7. Dinner at Travail
It’s no accident that dinner at Travail is listed as an experience gift and not just a foodie gift in Minnesota. It’s so much more than just a meal. If the Michelin guide visited Minnesota, Travail would have at least one star (if not more). Their uber-talented chefs create bites that transport guests in a setting that will mesmerize them.
Games, art and ambiance all come together for the most special night. Their menu is always changing, and tickets are limited, so book in advance. This is one of the best date ideas in Minneapolis, too, especially for celebrating a special occasion.
Unique Minnesota Gifts
8. Hand-Knit Mittens from the Swedish Institute
The American Swedish Institute isn’t just a museum — its gift shop doubles as a treasure trove of cold-weather gear. The hand-knit mittens, patterned with traditional Nordic motifs, are locally made and designed to handle Minnesota’s infamous winters.
Stop in after touring the Turnblad Mansion and you’ll find these tucked among scarves, candles and Swedish cookbooks. They’re Minnesota gifts with both function and story — perfect for anyone who’s braved a January windchill here.
9. Nordic Goods from Ingebretsen’s
It’s always tough to leave Ingebretsen’s empty-handed, even if you just intended to look around. This charming Nordic market was founded by Norwegian immigrants in 1921 and is overflowing with traditional goods. Their deli counter alone is worth the visit — stocking lefse, herring and specialty sausages.
Picking up unique Minnesota gifts here means you’re also carrying home a slice of the city’s immigrant history, preserved by a family-run shop that’s lasted over a century.
10. Faribault Mills Woolen Throw Blanket
Even if Minnesota isn’t home, a good throw blanket is a great housewarming gift. Faribault Mills makes beautifully crafted throw blankets in a variety of materials and patterns. They’re designed to last for generations, so they’re a bit of an investment, but worth every penny. Operating since 1865, every blanket is still woven in its southern Minnesota factory.
A Faribault blanket isn’t just cozy; it’s built to last decades. Tucked into Minnesota gift baskets with cocoa or local honey, they make practical yet impressive gifts from Minnesota. These are thoughtful and unique Minnesota gifts for a local or visitor.
11. Red Wing Boots
Red Wing Shoes, founded in 1905, still produces boots in the town of Red Wing along the Mississippi River. A sturdy pair of their leather boots can last a lifetime. This local brand can be found around town and is a popular choice for people of all occupations.
Visit the flagship store and you’ll also see the “World’s Largest Boot,” a quirky roadside attraction that’s become part of the brand’s lore. As Minnesota gifts go, these are as tough and long-lasting as the people who wear them.
12. Nordic Ware Kitchen Tools
Nordic Ware makes high-quality cookware, bakeware and a variety of other kitchenware. These items make unique Minnesota gifts for Christmas or another holiday. Create a cute gift basket with other local ingredients for a homemade baking kit that’s made with love from Minnesota.
The factory outlet is the spot for seasonal one-offs you won’t find online and pairing one with regional baking staples — like wild rice flour or maple syrup — turns it into a cooking gift that’s unmistakably Minnesotan.
13. Prince Memorabilia
Prince’s music and legacy travel far beyond the borders of Minnesota, but his home state sure knows how to celebrate him. Whether you visit Paisley Park (Prince's Home and Studio) or stop and snag a photo at one of the many murals around town, any purple rain gear is one of the most memorable Minnesota gifts. Engraved lowball glasses are tasteful, but a purple hoodie/robe with his logo is just as appreciated.
If you're bringing guests along, stop at First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis afterward to see the star mural where Prince’s name is immortalized — and pick up concert posters or shirts tied to the venue that launched his career.
Minnesota Gifts for Kids
14. Loon Stuffed Animal
Many Minnesotans joke that mosquitoes are the state bird, but it’s actually the Common Loon. There’s nothing common about these beautiful creatures, though, and their call is just as mesmerizing as their sleek black and white bodies. For young kiddos, a stuffed loon (that has a built-in sound maker) or two is a perfect Minnesota gift. There are tons of Lenny the Loon children’s books as well if you want to keep the Loon theme going strong.
15. Minnesota-opoly
A Midwest take on a classic board game, Minnesota-opoly is one of the most fun Minnesota gifts for kids. All your favorite symbols of the state, like Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, meet Split Rock Lighthouse and Lake of the Woods for an engaging game experience. Board games will always come in handy, and this one has lots of Minnesota memorabilia.
16. Salted Nut Rolls and Nut Goodies
Kids (and adults) love a little sweet treat, and there are a couple of MN-made candies that you can’t go home without. Salted Nut Rolls and Nut Goodies are both made by Pearson's Candy Company, based out of St. Paul and they’re just one of those famous products made in Minnesota that you have to try. The perfect mix of sweet and salty, they’re easy and well-loved Minnesota gifts for kids or grown-ups.
17. MN Rocks Puzzle
This Northern state is known for lots of lakeshore, and the Northern parts are made up of colorful layers of spectacular rocks. For the nature-curious kiddo, a Minnesota rocks state puzzle is one of the coolest Minnesota gifts for kids. It’s the kind of gift that sparks an interest, especially when kids start asking if they can spot those same patterns on the North Shore or along the St. Croix River.
18. Anything from Oh! Baby
This whimsical kids’ store is bursting with special Minnesota gifts for kids. You can find everything you need at Oh! Baby from fashionable kids' clothes to wands, tiaras or superhero outfits. If you’ve ever struggled to find Minnesota gift ideas for kids that feel both stylish and practical, Oh! Baby nails the balance every time. As you'd expect, they also have plenty of options for baby gifts, too!
Foodie Minnesota Gifts
19. Local Coffee Beans
It’s not just amazing food here in Minneapolis, but high-quality coffee as well. You could spend weeks going around the state and popping into local coffee shops that roast and sell their own beans. From the North Shore of Duluth to the Southern edge of the city, a bag or two of local, specialty beans is a great foodie Minnesota gift to level up their morning cup of Joe.
Beyond the taste, there's value in the story each roast tells — Peace Coffee, for instance, started as a bike-delivery operation and still roasts with sustainability at its core. Check out Peace Coffee, Ember Coffee Co. or Duluth Coffee Co.
20. Specialty Spirits
If you’re over the age of 21, you can (and should) visit some of the best distilleries and breweries around the cities. A bottle or two of locally made vodka or a variety of craft beers are great foodie Minnesota gifts. Some honorable mentions include Skaalvenn Distillery — located just outside the city — you’ve got to try their habanero-infused rum, and swing by their cocktail bar for some of the most creative cocktails anywhere.
O'Shaughnessy Distilling Co. is conveniently located near the city. The same goes for Surly Brewing. J. Carver has an impressive selection of bourbons right in the Minneapolis suburbs.
21. Hot Dish Cookbook
There are a few foods that define Minnesota, but none compare to Hot Dish. What everyone else knows as "casserole," Minnesotans know as a "hot dish." While one of the classics combines tater tots, ground beef and gravy, there are tons of iterations. One or more Hot Dish cookbooks are thoughtful and useful Minnesota gifts for foodies or out-of-towners. They just might find their new favorite weeknight meal.
Wrap one up with a casserole dish from Nordic Ware, and you’ve turned this into a gift basket of famous products made in Minnesota that’s as practical as it is nostalgic.
22. Burger Stuffing Tool
Minnesota is famous for a lot of things, but most importantly, it’s the home of the Juicy Lucy — a burger that’s filled with cheese and oozes out when you bite into it. There’s nothing quite like it! Minnesotans may disagree about where the Juicy Lucy originated, or who makes the best one, but it’s always fun to try it at home with a burger stuffing tool.
These foodie Minnesota gifts make for a perfect hosting tool. Put together a burger basket with small-batch buns, specialty sauces and this tool. Goldbelly will deliver all the goods on ice so you can make stuffed burgers for 10.
23. MN Wild Rice
While a bag of rice might sound like an underwhelming thing to receive, for a foodie, it’s actually pretty cool. This is a quintessential Minnesota gift and often comes in cute little gift bags that feature a hearty recipe for wild rice soup or something else delicious. It’s an affordable and easy gift to bring with you if you’re traveling, too.
Add a recipe card for creamy wild rice soup — a winter staple in countless homes and diners across the state — and you’ve given something that connects directly to Minnesota’s landscape and culture.
Whether Minnesota is home or just a stop along the way, there’s so much to love. It might not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re planning a family vacation, but after one trip here, you’ll understand why Minnesota has one of the highest retention rates in the country. The weather is unpredictable, but the people, food and nature here can’t be beat. Share a piece of Minnesota with loved ones with any of these special Minnesota gifts.
For even more fun Minnesota gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
