Great gift-giving gets giddy grins…
Yup, that’s a lot of words that start with ‘G’. Kinda cheesy, maybe, but this list of Minnesota-based gift shops will help make sure you never give a bad, cheesy gift (unless that’s what you’re going for of course), again. These shops are full of fun and unique gifts, from home decor to toys to clothes, so you’ll be sure to find something for everyone on your list and definitely something for yourself. 
General Store of Minnetonka
14401 Highway 7, Minnetonka, MN 55345 • generalstoreofminnetonka.com
The General Store of Minnetonka is two levels of fun and interesting, with nooks and crannys of more goodies in a total of 15,000 square feet, make sure you don’t miss an inch. Have a unique name that you can never find on a souvenir key chain? A unique service you’ll definitely want to check out is their personalizing. Hand painted items with any name, any spelling. After roaming the 15,000 square foot store, you may get a bit hungry. Have no fear, they’ve got a Café and Bistro inside too. Complete with breakfast, soups, salads and of course desserts including my favorites, seven layer bars and cookies with globs of frosting. YUM.
The Woods
15825 95th Ave N, Maple Grove, Minnesota 55369 • davlinswoods.com
I drove by the Maple Grove location hundreds of times, wondering what The Woods was. A community center? A nature center? But, after a few more hundred drive-bys, I finally decided to check it out. What I found was a gift shop full of unique gifts from Minnesota towels, frames and puzzles to one-of-a-kind handmade gifts you can’t find anywhere else. Now is the season for weddings, so why not get a unique gift instead of the same-old, same-old Crock Pot?
Other Locations:
- 8300 Tamarack Village, Ste 110, Woodbury, Mn 55125-5359
- 2060 Southdale Center, 6600 France Ave S, Edina, Minnesota 55435
Bibelot
1082 Grand Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55105 • bibelotshops.com
Bibelot has fun and different items with something a little extra. They pay particular attention to sourcing fair-trade and environmentally responsible products and focus on supporting local artists, designers, and craftsman by selling their creations. Be sure to check out their apparel with lots of Minnesota options and their range of stationery products full of inspiring patterns and colors.
Other Locations:
- 4315 Upton Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55410
- 2276 Como Ave. Saint Paul, MN. 55108
- 23 University Ave S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55414
Patina
1009 W. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55405 • patinastores.com
My two favorite things at Patina are their unique selection of home goods and decor and their collection of handbags and scarves! The uncommon goods at Patina are artsy and with so much variety in style and colors, you’ll find something for every taste. You never know what you’ll find there, so be sure to check back often.
Other Locations
- 821 50th St. W., Minneapolis, MN 55419
- 2305 18th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
- 7814 Olson Memorial Hwy., Golden Valley, MN 55427
- 2057 Ford Pkwy, St. Paul, MN 55116
- 1581 Selby Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104
- 8320 City Centre Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125
Goodthings
12139 Elm Creek Blvd N, Maple Grove, MN 55369 • shopgoodthings.com
My favorite stop at the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes. As you walk by, you see a colorful, inviting swirl of products through the window. The fun and unique home products in the front of the store are just the beginning. You’ll find a kitchen gadget for everything. As you continue back, you’ll pass a delicious section of retro candies including wax bottles! It was here that I found my first Damnit Doll (pictured above). And at the back of the store, a wonderful array of toys and books you won’t find at any Target.
Other Location:
- 2184 4th St., White Bear Lake, MN 55110
