Here it is, the annual PDD Holiday Gift Guide. We’ve always been proud to highlight items with a local connection. This year it seems even more important to support local, take advantage of online ordering, and spread the word on what’s offered from our own community. Below are 15 items; feel free to add to the suggestions in the comments, or email us at info @ perfectduluthday.com with things we may have missed and we’ll continue to build this list.
MinnBox
Rather than try picking out the perfect single thing to gift your loved one, give the gift that keeps on giving … every other month. A team of tastemakers at Swim Creative in Duluth stuff each MinnBox with a variety of regional creations for “a curated encounter with Minnesota culture.” Subscribe at minnbox.com for $55 per box to get the bimonthly shipments started.
Camp Cocktails: Easy, Fun, and Delicious Drinks for the Great Outdoors
In her first book, Vikre Distillery owner Emily Vikre combines two of her passions — craft cocktails and the outdoors — to produce a collection of drink recipes for imbibing in wilderness. The book also offers tips for batching cocktails into flasks and planning and packing cocktails for car-camping adventures, stargazing outings and boating on Minnesota’s many lakes. Available for $16.95 on Amazon. For a list of more local books visit the PDD post “Duluth Book Releases in 2020.”
Epicurean Lake Superior Apron
Duluth’s maker of fine cutting boards can also help keep the slicing splatter off your clothes with this adjustable cotton apron, featuring images of kitchenware in the shape of ol’ Gitche Gumee. Available for $15.99 at epicureanfactoryoutlet.com.
Glørud Design Innsjø Canoe Paddle
Josh Rude designs and builds custom paddles, along with other wood creations such as furniture and vases, at his Glørud Design shop on Duluth’s harborfront. The 14-degree bent-shaft Innsjø canoe paddle, named after the Norwegian word for lake, can be supplied in custom lengths. Available for $215 at gloruddesign.com.
Holiday Soy Candles
Danette Thacker has been making soy candles for about seven years and opened her Riverside Soy Candles shop in the Lincoln Park Craft District early in 2019, hand pouring 100-percent soy candles in small batches. A variety of holiday candles are available, including “Snow Day,” a blend of “Sandalwood + Musk + Crisp Air.” Available for $18.95 at riversidesoycandles.com.
Camp Out
A family-friendly card game by Duluth designer Gary Lundstrom where players collect camping equipment and experiences. For 2-6 players, ages 8 and up. Available for $16 at greatlakesgiftsandgallery.com.
Cedarbound Cabin Kit
Described as “luxury glamping accommodations for the adventurous at heart, bridging the gap between luxury canvas tent and modern two-story cabin.” The cabins are sold as customizable kits, and a catalog is available at cedarbound.com. Sizes and levels ranging from $15,900 to $37,900.
Dance Attic at Christmas Time EP
This six-song holiday package from guitar/accordion duo Dance Attic is available as a digital download wrapped in a whimsical gift card. $10, info is on the Dance Attic Merch page. For more local music gift ideas visit the PDD post “Duluth Album Releases in 2020.”
Romp Bags
Fanny packs, bike bags and more, handmade in Duluth. Store your phone, snacks, keys and other hiking and traveling essentials. Available at Great Lakes Gear Exchange and Backalley Duluth. See more on Instagram.
Craftigail Creations Jewelry
Duluthian Abigail Blonigen makes homemade jewelry, with a particular flare for tassel earrings. Available for a variety of prices, generally in the $15 to $30 range. at etsy.com.
Wild Rice Pancake Mix
‘Tis the season for wild-rice flapjacks. Red Lake Nation Foods presents this 24-ounce sack of all-natural mix. Available for $12 at indigenousfirst.org.
Steger Arctic Mitts
Durable, warm, flexible moosehide mittens, made in Ely by Steger Mukluks, are the double-layered quick-drying delight of anyone who can’t keep from burying their hands in the white stuff. There’s even a shearling patch on the back for wiping your drippy nose. Available for $99.95 at mukluks.com.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Pendant
Handmade by glass artist Dan Neff, this pendant comes in a gift box with a black cord, adjustable from 14 to 26 inches. Available for $46 at lakesuperiorartglass.com.
Guided Ice Fishing on Lake of the Woods
Captains Marty and Nathan are both charter fishing guides on Lake Superior during the spring and summer. In winter they gear up and ice fish Lake of the Woods — “walleye capital of the world.” It’s a 70-mile-long lake about 180 miles northwest of Duluth that occupies the northernmost tippy top of Minnesota and parts of Ontario and Manitoba. Their LOTW Sleepers experience features custom-built sleeper ice houses at prices ranging from $225 to $375 per night. Book online at lotwsleepers.com.
Superior Hiking Trail Flannel Shirt
A cotton flannel shirt with a leather Superior Hiking Trail patch, available in red and black or black and tan. $42, at superiorhiking.org. Sales support the efforts of the Superior Hiking Trail Association.
