Looking for Minnesota gifts? Specifically Minnesota gifts for kids and babies? Well, you’ve come to the right spot.
As a MN girl I have a deep love for my state and all of the amazing brands that are from here! And as a mom of 3, I love starting my kiddos early with a love for their home state and love showing them the joys of shopping local!
Below you’ll find a variety of brands – some giant, some small, some new and some that have been around for seemingly forever!
Many of these brands are run by people (mostly moms) who’ve I’ve had the opportunity to meet in real life and I’m so excited to share their stories with you.
Whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts, birthday gifts or baby shower gifts, these Minnesota gifts will definitely be a hit for kids (or moms!).
A handful of these brands have sent me product to share with you which I’m sharing more in depth on my Instagram stories. Check out my MN Gift Guide highlight there to check out these brands and some fun Minnesota gifts in more detail!
I hope you’ll take the time to read their stories, check out their products and shop local! In a year where many events that these makers sell their products have been cancelled, I wanted to do what I could to support these amazing brands and share their stories!
If you’re looking for more MN Gift ideas, be sure to check out my other MN Gift Guides!
I have these Minnesota gifts broken out into different categories and each category has their own page. Just click the link below to head to each gift guide! (This gift guide was too giant for just one page!)
In addition to the brands you see below, there’s some great brick and mortar shops to visit! Here’s some of my favs:
And without further ado, your ultimate guide to Minnesota Gifts: Kids & Babies!
Minnesota Gifts: Kids & Babies
*indicates a BIPOC owner
This post contains affiliate links.
I should also note that there are SO many amazing brands that are still out there that I didn’t include on this list! I would love for you to share your favorite local MN brand in the comments so we can all be introduced to more brands.
Many of these also have adult options so be sure to check them out for some matching apparel or accessories!
1. Austin Fowler*
Austin Fowler was started by Stephanie, a mom of 4, who was frustrated with never being able to find anything she needed in her diaper bag, especially after she had her twins!
She started with one diaper bag and has launched backpacks, work bags, travel bags and more! Use code Paisley15 for 15% off!
Product Pick: Sarah Mini Backpack
This is the backpack I own and am completely in love with! The Sarah mini is a gorgeous full grain pebbled leather backpack purse that will leave you feeling chic and polished when heading into an important meeting, traveling across the world, running errands, and also on date night.
2. Nickichicki
Nickichicki isn’t your typical knitwear – it’s all about color, style and fun! It was started by Nicole Brown who taught herself how to knit! After filling her family’s closets with her designs and creations, she started Nickichicki and began selling her hand knit accessories worldwide.
She has now hired on a all-female knitting team who all focus on creating fun products with unique color combinations, amazing oversized pom-poms, hearts (see my product pick!) and faux fur. There’s everything from hats for adults and kids, scarves and a luxury line!
Their slogan is “Hand Knit with Heart(s)” which reflects both the signature hearts used in their designs and the amount of love and care Nicole and her team put into the knitwear.
Product Pick: Tiny Hearts Faux Fur Pom-Pom Beanie in XOXO
Stay cute and cozy all fall and winter with this handmade, chunky knit pom-pom hat! Featuring a tiny heart design throughout and a faux fur pom-pom for extra fun!
Negative Space features colors winter white and black with a solid black faux fur pom!
3. Heartfelt Blooms
Heartfelt Blooms makes adorable felt flower heirloom pieces. It’s run by Misty who loves flowers but realized they don’t last forever and wanted to give us all a way to enjoy beautiful flowers all year round!
She makes everything from centerpieces to wedding bouquets to garlands. They’re made in Edina MN.
Product Pick: Crib Mobile
This adorable flower mobile is PERFECT for nurseries, little girl rooms or anywhere that needs a bit of homemade love!
4. Little Roos
I had the pleasure of meeting Melissa who owns Little Roos at a Minne Mama Meetup event! She shared about how she started making bows in our house and it’s turned into a giant production employing several local moms! She has leos and bows and everything is so beautiful!
Use the code MNGIFT for 10% off!
5. Colored Organics
Amanda, one of the sweetest mamas ever, started Colored Organics to make a difference in the clothing industry! She knew that switching to organic, ethical fashion could create a huge impact which is why she started Colored Organics and is committed to creating clothes that do good throughout every stage of production and beyond!
Colored Organics is 100% sweatshop-free using organic cotton. We’ve owned CO products since our first was a baby and have loved every single piece!
Product Pick: Emerson Sleeper
No joke we put Miles (our third baby) in these sleepers from day one until today! They’re so soft, wash amazing and are truly the cutest sleepers! Comes in a variety of colors!
6. Manhattan Toys
While Manhattan Toys was originally started in the big Apple (NYC), it now lives right here in the Mini-apple! 😉 It was launched in 1978 by Francis Goldwyn who believed in making timeless toys for both parents and kids!
We’ve owned, used and loved so many of Manhattan Toys over the years and I couldn’t recommend them enough!
Product Pick: Stella Dolls
Explore the world of Stella with 12 inch Wee Baby Stella and 15 inch Baby Stella dolls. These award-winning soft dolls are made for endless cuddling!
We have a Manhattan Toys doll (baby Stella) and they truly last!
7. Mika And Gaea
Mika and Gaea was started by Alisha a mom of 2 sweet kiddos! She makes personalized blankets, cute kids clothing (banana leggings, anyone?) and other fun kids gear!
Product Pick: Unicorn Personalized Apron
I don’t know about your kids, but my kids LOVE to cook with me! They pull out their little aprons and make a giant mess. 😉 This fun little dinosaur apron can be personalized to any kid! The perfect way to make some memories together (and stay a little bit clean!).
8. Made In Minn
Everything in the Made in Minn shop is embroidered by Natalie! She is someone I totally admire because she left her corporate job after her 2nd child was born to focus on her health after suffering from anxiety and depressions. She found embroidery to be therapeutic and launched her business in July 2020.
She has everything from sweatshirts to hand towels to hats, totes and more. She even does custom work! Definitely check out this brand, I know you’ll love it! Use code JEN15 for 15% off!
Product Pick: Baby Onesie
The original MN baby onesie – embroidered MN state to perfection on front of onesie. This bodysuit comes in baby pink, baby blue, gender neutral slate gray, and gender neutral baby yellow. All MN stitching is in white thread. Newborn through 24 months.
Use code JEN15 for 15% off!Â
9. Minnetonka Moccasin
I’m sure you’ve heard of Minnetonka Moccasin prior to this post. 🙂 Minnetonka Moccasin has been a family owned business for over 75 years! It was originally named after Lake Minnetonka.
They’ve evolved from a souvenir shop to shoes on to sandals, slippers and more! Minnetonka Moccasin has recently taken a stand to acknowledge the Native influence on their design and support the Native community.
To date, there’s still 3 generations of family working at Minnetonka Moccasins which is pretty incredible!
Product Pick: Back Flap Booties
We bought these for Penelope and barely took them off her! They’re super easy to get on and off and amazingly soft.
I also bought the women’s version of these!
10. Beeper Bebe
This fun, whimsical brand uses secondhand fabrics to make adorable stuffed toys, plushies and more! From fabric books to tag animals and characters (I seriously need to get Miles the cloud one!), they have tons of items for kids of all ages.
Product Pick: Unicorn
P is a total unicorn girl so of course I had to go with one of Beeper Bebe’s original designs! With mane made out of yarn and a horn made out of wool, it’s sure to make any unicorn fan out there smile.
11. Avid Designs Co
Avid Designs Co creates custom goods that are insanely adorable! All baby clothes are made of soft, organic cotton (she sources her kids clothes from Colored Organics!) and adult clothing is eco-friendly and made with sustainable products.
Avid Designs Co evolved in the fall of 2018 when the owner, Kailee, felt a major need for some consistent creativity. As the Vice President of a small insurance agency by day, she desired a creative outlet. She first made personalized onesies for a baby shower, which were a hit and really launched her business.
There are onesie options, t-shirt styles and sweatshirts that are just adorable! There’s also adult sizes so you can get matching tops!
Product Pick: Custom Sweatshirt
This adorable is made with organic cottons and is super soft and cuddly! Take a fun family photo in coordinating sweatshirts or announce your new baby’s name in this cute top!
12. oh baby!
oh baby! was launched by Mary Lauer after the birth of her twin boys in 1990. They inspired her into creating hand-painted furniture and cute, comfortable children’s clothing that wouldn’t irritate their sensitive skin.
oh baby! has everything from infant and children’s fashion, shoes, bedding, furniture and interior design services. They value comfort, style, function, safety and quality fabrication both the product we sell and the home spaces they design!
Product Pick: Popcorn Knit Cardigan
This adorable all over popcorn knit cardigan is perfect for fall (and family photos!).
It’s 100% hand knit and made in Minnesota! It also comes in a variety of colors!
13. Rocky Robinson*
I had the pleasure of meeting the owner of Rocky Robinson this year and what an amazing woman she is! Audra is someone who is full of joy and excited about what is to come.
She launched Rocky Robinson after noticing that something was missing in the retail world – a brand that was relevant and specifically made for Black girls. So she made one! She created products with a beautiful Black girl on each label with the hope that it encourages Black girls to be their very best.
Product Pick: Self Care Set
Give your little girl the ultimate self care essentials with this set!
Included in the set are body lotion, shower gel, hand sanitizer, lip balm and a headband
14. Prince
Are you a MN parent if you don’t have your kids wearing something Prince related? Or at the very least requesting “Purple Rain” as soon as they can talk. 😉
This fun, kid friendly Prince shirt will introduce your little one to one of the most popular artists from MN!
Product Pick: Prince T-shirt
A fun When Doves Cry purple t-shirt perfect for any Prince loving kid (or one who has Prince loving parents!).
Only question is, when will they make this in adult sizes?
15. Lark Toys
Another family owned company that’s been around for a while is Lark Toys! It’s one of the largest toy stores in the country at over 20,000 square feet. It was also voted the best toy store in Minnesota!
There’s a hand crafted wood carousel, LARK made toys, a book store and so much more. You can also order their toys online!
Product Pick: Michael
Michael, a boy in a wheelchair, comes in a variety of different skin colors! He has hands that help propel him forward.
Fun fact – he was named for LARK friend Michael Seifert, whose parents founded Hiawatha Homecare!
16. Sota Clothing Co
Sota Clothing is another brand that was started by a former UMD student! Spencer Johnson sketched his initial designs as part of a class project and while the objective was to create a fictional brand, Spencer created a clean, finely designed Minnesota apparel brand he felt was lacking.
Sota Clothing deputed to a classroom back in 2011 and has been making strides ever since! He has everything from clothing to accessories to prints for all of us MN loving people show our state pride in a cool way!
My family owns everything from onesies to toddler sweatshirts (Roy loves to match me!) to adult sweatshirts and we love it all!
Product Pick: Sandbar Sweatshirt
Cute and cozy, this sweatshirt is perfect for these cool fall mornings that are quickly turning into cold winter days!
This neutral sweatshirt will be great to pass on to siblings or cousins when you’re little one has grown out of it!
And there you have it!! I hope you loved getting to know some local brands and found some Minnesota gifts to give this holiday season!
I would love it if you shared this with your friends to spread the local love a bit!
Want more gift guides? Check out this gift guide page for all my gift guides with more to come for 2020!
Want FREE Christmas gift tags? I created 64 beautiful gift tags that can be used not only for Christmas but every holiday! They’re free to download!
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Enjoy!
Thanks for supporting me and supporting all this amazing Minnesota Makers!
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