The time to spend money we don’t really have is upon us. So why not give that money from the future to our friends and neighbors? With that sentiment in mind, the folks at Perfect Duluth Day have compiled a selection of locally produced goods and services to add to your shopping list.
The fabulous showcase below is by no means comprehensive, of course. We at PDD would like you to contribute to it through the comments. If you know of a local something special for that special someone, let it be known.
What started out as waste from skateboard parks has turned into some of the finest kitchen cutting boards available. Epicurean also makes knife racks, barbecue trays and more.
Rick Allen has been making gorgeous prints for many years, and now technology allows him to make them more affordable and available. Through the Kenspeckle Letterpress, he sells posters, cards and more. Available online, at area galleries, and occasionally at the Kenspeckle headquarters in the DeWitt-Seitz Building.
Tim Kaiser will build you your own retro-futuristic sonic doo-hickey. Peruse his site, Atomic Sonic, for examples of things he’s built for musicians around the world and for his own mesmerizing shows.
A little bit punkrok, a little bit haute coutoure, Duluth’s Cut Loose Creations makes clothing, bags and more out of recycled clothing.
She says she wants a big rock for Christmas? Here’s the answer for the guy afraid of the big commitment, or maybe just really proud of his roots on the Iron Range.
Don’t forget Fido, Bo, Precious or Floyd when the holidays roll around. Keep the canines busy with their own stocking stuffer from Joni’s Barkery.
This keyboard for kids from Chester Creek Technologies separates vowels, consonants, punctuation and numbers — and has a smaller mouse for little hands.
For that sibling, friend or colleague who is totally clueless about the ways of love and courting, WooHer, a “romance concierge” service can help put the spark back in a relationship.
Local cheese from the Hedquist family in the Carlton area. Available online at Green Pastures Dairy’s website, and also at stores like Northern Waters, Whole Foods Coop and Cloquet Natural Foods.
The sequel to Chris Monroe’s Monkey with a Toolbelt came out this year, and if you haven’t picked it up for your favorite niece or nephew, it’s available at the Bookstore at Fitger’s
Granny always loves pictures of the kids, and several local photographers bring some new ideas and style to portrait photography. (Photo by Mark Fitzgibbons)
Fitzphoto
Magic Box Photography
Set sail from Grand Marais for a two-hour trip aboard the Hjordis, a 50′ traditionally-rigged Schooner. Trips are purchased through the North House Folk School, where you can also sign up for classes in boatbuilding and sailing.
Beer! Tasty local beer! There are many choices, and many varieties to choose from. Pick up some growlers for your next holiday hoedown from Thirsty Pagan Brewing or the Fitger’s Brewhouse.
Connolly’s Bakery in Superior began whipping up its brand of Tom and Jerry Batter 60 years ago. The bakery closed in the 1980s, but the yummy batter — perfect for serving warm with a shot of rum and a shot of brandy — remains a holiday tradition. Pick some up at Keyport Liquor.
Agreed! The Tournament Game of Quotes is another local gem. It was created by Steve Benson of Two Harbors.
