I like Chris Monroe's "Duluth Does Dylan" t-shirt. Maybe some CDs of local musicians. There's also some Minnesota-made treats at that store next to Duluth Pack, I can't remember its name. That's the kind of stuff I usually bring friends and relatives elsewhere. Except one year, I gave my brother a Jesse Ventura action doll.

You know, one of my favorite bands is from Newfoundland "Great Big Sea."  Not exactly sure how similar the cultures are there and Nova Scotia but if music is half as important there it's still gonna be huge.  I would grab some TBT music, maybe go out to Beaner's Central and pick up a stack of those "One Week Live" local CDs to give an idea of the breadth of local music.  I'm also very partial to the Boomchucks CD.  Maybe grab the Mayor's mix from the Fetus?  Luckily there is so much local music and so varied that you have rich proving grounds there.   

Other ideas.  If you do wild rice go out to Fond du Lac/Cloquet area and get some harvested "wild" by Native American people. Fisher people and others close to the land are going to appreciate such a thing as sustainably harvested, nutritious local food, and there is a difference between "wild" wild rice and the grocery store stuff.  Go to the FDL store and ask for someone who has some, otherwise they sell it there, too.  

Other idea but on the spendy side would be a Duluth Pack or Duluth Pack Gear if it is a family or you could give a group gift.  

+ 1 on the rhubarb, but make it a pie or some bars, maybe a jam whatever is easy enough to transport.

bring 'em some Alakef! roasted right here in town, a stone's throw from the Lake...

A growler from the Brewhouse or some agate jewelry.

+1 for top the tater...newfies don't know nuthin about top the tater...

if they have something they can't catch over there in Nova Scotia, smoked fish from that place in Knife River.

I brought wild rice along to Cameroon for my study-abroad experience, and they confiscated it at the airport!  Actually, they told me they could open it and sterilize it, but somehow I thought that would make it into a less impressive gift.

"Duluth Is A Cool City" t's from Bullseye silkscreening.  I took 24 to family members one year in Australia and they went over big time.  Add a couple issues of Lake Superior Magazine in your gift basket, wild rice (good w/lobster) and of course the state hostess gift-maple syrup.  You will be well received.

Agates, gabbro and amygdaloidal basalt..

Ya really gotta watch the wild rice between countries, as it's considered a 'seed' which could prompt non-native species/weeds/disease, etc., yadda yadda.

When I sent wild rice to my mates in Australia many years ago, WA confiscated it and sent me a threatening letter to the effect of: You do this again and we'll deport you and you'll spend time in gaol... I laughed, bring it, deport me to Australia and set me up in an Aussie Cuntry Club. (note: I'm still here. *cries*)

QLD, and Vic, however, never said boo. My mates in those states got theirs, no dramas.

Go figure.

Then again, different 'things' are 'legal' in each state. heh heh heh

"fabulous granola" from the New Scenic Cafe

Maybe some cool art cards from Lizzards? I wonder if they sell my friend John Steffl's cards there, he takes close up photos of flowers, they are AMAZING. There are so many artists in town, I am sure you can find something great and one-of-a-kind. Rick Allen's cards are at Sivertson's, I love his stuff.

they sell some great local products at the New Scenic...

I think 3rd Street Bakery makes the best cookies in Minnesota/anywhere.  You can get a dozen in a bag with a cute little label on it.  Good gift from Duluth.