It isn’t Oprah’s favorite things but since I find myself devouring her list only to think, we have equally as cool things I can buy here, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite local gifts.
Coffee. Yes. I know it is predictable. But, here’s the thing, coffee shops truly serve as the third stool in my life. They are a place for connection, caffeine and contemplation. It is a ritual that post writing retreat, family vacation, or road tripping for work, that I can find a little joy and bring it home with me. A perishable that most cool people will enjoy consuming and hopefully bring a bit of joy to their life. And, there’s no shortage of options, but a few of my favorites include: Contrast Coffee for serving me well on work-related road trips. Wonderstate for bringing me great joy on the South Shore after hitting up Honest Dog Books for some great book deals. Duluth Coffee Company for being a mainstay choice at a number of area shops. And last but certainly not least, Keeweenah Coffee Works for their fun packaging, gifts, and reminding me of one of my happiest places on earth.
Flowers. This gift started as my husband securing a 6-month flower subscription from our local flower shop in-town during the heart of winter. In doing so, he covered Christmas, Valentine’s Day, my birthday and Mother’s Day gifts, simplifying his life. What I discovered is that for the price of a good lunch, I could bring some color and joy into my house. Now, I supplement that with supporting our local boy scout troop with an annual evergreen AND supporting Wild Hollow Farm. Melissa’s summer arrangements are a regular staple in our house but if I had to choose, her dried flower wreaths are my favorite. The wreaths are intricate, inspiring and surprisingly hardy – having tested that theory out when my son hit one while playing indoor football (a different story for a different day).
Candles. Are we sensing a hygge theme? Perhaps. But I’m Scandinavian and live in northern Wisconsin. I love a good fire and candlelight is no exception. We light candles during most family dinners so you’ll find me buying candlesticks on just about any vacation or Hobby Lobby sale that draws me in. But, my favorite candlemaker I stumbled across by pure accident when checking out Empire Coffee in Superior. Heartland Trading Post makes a variety of candles that capture the heart of Lake Superior literally. Uniquely local but universal in their beauty.
Local Authors. Too many to list here but as an aspiring author, I’ve made an effort to invest more in the craft. In return, I continue to be informed and inspired about universal and local issues alike by books that traditional publishers are quick to overlook or perhaps market as frequently. It is a heft reminder of how critical independent bookstores are and I’m so grateful to places like Honest Dog Books, Redberry Books, Drury Lane, Zenith Bookstore and countless others for supporting the notion that everyone has a story to tell and their voice deserves to be heart.
Chocolate. More specifically Mayana chocolate made in Spooner, Wisconsin. IYKYK.
Last but not least, the service industry. Polish Me Pretty, Trends, Backwoods Nutrition, and so many more. These places bring me such joy and what a simple way to share that while supporting businesses setting out to make people’s lives a little better. What more could you want this Christmas?
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