Top Gift Shops In Minnesota
When you see something, feel something, do something that is memorable and moves you in new ways, you don't want to just leave it at that. You want to take something with you. You want memories and keepsakes that are tangible and will remind you or others for years to come of the beauty in the world. You want to pass along your experience and share it with everyone and anyone. You want to put a little piece of what you've seen in your pocket. These are Minnesota's best gift shops to do exactly that.
Loft Shop At The Loft Literary Center
1011 Washington Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55415
(612) 215-2575
www.loft.org
For the burgeoning writer, there might not be any place better in Minnesota to find the tools you need. Books you love or on writing, filled with tips and tricks; pens and paper to get the creative process flowing; gift cards to some of the lauded classes offered in the connected literary center... all of these things will help even the most green of authors get started. It's also a wonderful place for the veteran scribe -- it's a quiet space filled with the words and inspirations that make writing such a special practice. No matter what your interest, this shop will bring a smile to your face.
Minnesota History Center Gift Shop
345 W Kellogg Blvd
St Paul, MN 55102
(651) 259-3000
www.minnesotahistorycenter.org
You get two gift shops at this monumental temple of Minnesota history. One gift shop is fun, full of toys and trinkets, candies and games. It's the perfect place to bring history to life in colorful ways, and much of it is great for children (though adults can enjoy these items as well). These second gift shop is for those truly interested in Minnesota history. Incredible books bursting with stories and records and pictures from the past fill the shelves on the walls.
Como Zoo Gift Shop
1225 Estabrook Drive
St Paul, MN 55103
(651) 487-8201
www.comozooconservatory.org
The joy of interacting with living things is the best reason to come to Como Zoo. Not just the grinning tigers, playful penguins, lumbering bears, colorful fish, but also the greenery of the conservatory that features some of the coolest, trees, flowers and live plants of all sorts in the world. A little taste of all of it can be found in the expansive gift shop. Take home a bonsai tree, or maybe your favorite plush stuffed animal. There are also books, sculpture, garden tools and kits and plants, and plenty more to look through that will remind you of the beauty of the world around you. You could spend so much time in this gift shop you might forget about the rest of the attractions Como has to offer.
Walker Art Museum Gift Shop
1750 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 375-7600
www.walkerart.org
Modern art in Minnesota is alive and well, and the Walker is the crowning jewel. The gift shop wants to share that and more with the world, featuring jewelry, fashion, literature and more that seeks to push the boundaries of the imagination. This world-renowned modern art museum offers a little something to take with you in their gift shop, and whether you're visiting for the first time or come often, it's always worth stopping in.
Minneapolis Institute Of Arts Gift Shop
2400 3rd Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 870-3000
www.new.artsmia.org
A different selection that the Walker gift shop mentioned above, the MIA gift shop is the where you'll find the classics. The Rembrandts and the Monets. Books on the artists, postcards and prints of their works. But it's not just about those who have been, but also those who are working right now: There are featured artists and their works available to view and purchase nestled among the long-dead greats. Once your suitably inspired, you can also find items that will help you in pursuing your own art to take home as well.
Related: Best Museum Gift Shops In Minnesota
Adrian Schramm is a resident Saint Paul writer with a passion for all things local. Through his work with Saint Paul Almanac and Minneapolis Examiner at Examiner.com, as well as in the kitchens of bars and restaurants around town, he has discovered what truly makes the Twin Cities tick.
