9 Local Makers to Shop This Holiday Season
I couldn’t sleep the other night because I had too many ideas/plans/thoughts about the blog I’ve been wanting to start for years, The Landscaper’s Daughter. After months of research, logo mock-ups, and questions about what my focus would be, I got out of bed in the middle of the night and purchased my new domain: landscapers-daughter.com.
I have dozens of post ideas that I can’t wait to share (hello, local product giveaways and curated back road drive-abouts!) but this post is the one that really lit the fire under my rear. I’m looking forward to expanding the website (#wip) and introducing myself properly, but I wanted to make sure I featured these talented folks before the holidays are over!
Take a look below for nine of my favorite items/makers in the St. Croix River Valley. I hope you give them a follow and find some gifts you love! xx
Flower Bouquet Subscription
Miminka, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin
Subscribe to receive beautiful bouquets every other week, July through September, hand-created by this woman-owned business in St. Croix Falls, WI. This is such a thoughtful gift for someone who loves flowers and gives them something to look forward to this summer! There will be multiple pick-up locations at several local small businesses as well as on-farm pick-up. USE CODE “EARLYBIRD21” for $10 OFF UNTIL JANUARY 1.
Artisan Cocktail Bitters
Änna’s Apothecary, Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota
Änna’s meticulously handcrafted bitters are getting a lot of use in our house lately; we purchased the Spice, Orange and Floral. She also offers Citrus and Hibiscus Bitters, plus mulling spices, handmade wreaths and more. Änna’s Apothecary is open weekends in December (located at 101 Judd St. in Marine on St. Croix), and keep an eye on her Instagram page for pop-up shop announcements (who doesn’t want to visit the adorable Marine on St. Croix?) or DM her to purchase!
Tallow Balm and Body Butter
Tangled Antlers, Osceola, Wisconsin
Small batch, handmade, and one of a kind creations made by Amber, an extremely talented artist, hunter, forager, teacher. My favorite is the Rose Hips + Rose Geranium Tallow Balm, and I can’t wait to try the Whipped Tallow Body Butter w/ Rose Hips + Geranium.
Elderberry Syrup
Plant & Page, Scandia, Minnesota
Suzanne’s products are crafted with the spirit of transforming dark seasons into times of magical, sacred growth. A gift of her zine, The Cold Spell, and a bottle of her Elderberry Syrup (there’s one in our fridge right now), would help anyone thrive during the dark days of winter.
Clay Earrings
Chronicles Clay, Lindstrom, Minnesota
Tori’s handmade clay earrings come in a wide variety of colors and styles. I’ve purchased many pairs over the last few months and look forward to gifting a few this Christmas (shhhh, don’t tell). Check out her Instagram for current offerings!
Farmstead Herb Salt
Heirloomista, Amador Township, Minnesota
I recently purchased this Farmstead Herb Salt, and wow, it tastes good on pretty much everything! Celtic sea salt infused with biodynamically grown herbs from Heirloomista’s five acre farm in Amador Township, Minnesota. Kelsey Love is the owner and driving force, with a mission to heal the earth through agriculture and inspire people to engage with this planet in a meaningful way.
Beer Crowlers
Trap Rock Brewing Company, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin
Trap Rock Brewing Company is one of our favorite local breweries. We used to visit their taproom frequently (Wrenna was really good at sleeping in her car seat while we enjoyed a pint) and during the pandemic shut downs we’ve been purchasing crowlers to take home. My favorites are the Vanilla Porter and the Devil’s Chair Dubbel (I’ll share the history of the Devil’s Chair in Taylors Falls in a future post). A couple crowlers or a gift card would make a tasty gift for the beer-lover in your life.
Silk-Screened Scarves
JLaurene, Chisago City, Minnesota
Local artist Linda French offers painting classes, commissioned paintings, and hand silk-screened textiles, including Pashmina scarves (pretty sure I have at least five). With a variety of beautiful designs and colors, you’re sure to find something your loved one would enjoy.
Franconia Honey
Franconia Sculpture Park, Shafer, Minnesota
Okay, I know I am biased because I am an employee at Franconia Sculpture Park, but I’m just so excited that we now have bees on-site and they seriously rocked their first year with us! Our Queen-Bees-in-Residence, Laurel, Gem, and Bee-yoncé, crafted this delicious honey and I love telling folks about it; it’s seriously delicious and tastes like the flavors of Franconia’s restored prairie. DM the Park to purchase.
