PDD Gift Guide 2011

Here it is, the annual gallery of local goods, submitted for your holiday shopping approval. If you’re going to get all material this Christmas, it might as well be local material, right?

In most cases you can acquire these items in retail stores or shop online. Click on the images for more information and links.
 

Cat Toys from Marvelous Melissa
Marvelous Melissa Boyle reuses old socks and sweaters to make eco-friendly cat toys. Her Etsy site has a lot of different critter designs for your cat to chew on and bat around.

185Chocolat
Handmade, handpainted chocolates in gift boxes or for events. With names like Luscious Lemon, Caramel Knowledge, and Hungarian Heat, these are not your typical chocolates. Available at 185Chocolat.com or at JJ Astor’s and Art in the Alley.

BWCA-Quetico Magic Map
Magical Maps are a high-tech, interactive way to plan your primitive camping trip. Easily find any lake, entry point (on BWCA maps), campsite, portage and canoe routes. For the BWCA you can see hiking and ski trails, too.

Gourmet DipKits
The holidays mean parties, and parties need dips. Matt Ramczyk of Cornucopia makes dip kits bursting with flavor from herbs, vegetables and a special blend of spices. Each Gourmet DipKit makes 2 cups of dip.

Another Side of Duluth Does Dylan
Another spin on Bob Dylan songs recorded by the Black-eyed Snakes and Charlie Parr, James Moors, Rachael Kilgour, Two Many Banjos, Shaunna Heckman, Sarah Krueger, the Fontenelles, Dirty Horse, the Acceleratii and more. Another Side of Duluth Does Dylan is the third in the Duluth Does Dylan compilation series.

Frost River Bags
Even the investment bankers and IT professionals in Duluth have their rugged side. They can show it off with the handmade and highly functional Frost River bags. Check out the new Frost River storefront at 1910 W. Superior Street.

Lotus Guitar Pedal
Minimal in design and name – pick from “Yellow” for a delay, “Brown” for a fuzztone, “White” for an overdrive – Lotus Pedal Designs offer quality components and premium sound. Check out the videos on the site for examples of the sounds that come out of these stomp boxes, designed by Duluth’s Sean Erspamer.

Lifespan Closets
For the extremely practical gift-giver, there’s a shelving system from Duluth-based Lifespan Closets. Lifespan can help you organize every room from the bathroom to the garage.

Nate Lindstrom Photo Calendar
Duluth has plenty of people taking pretty pictures, but Nate Lindstrom has a particularly good eye for what makes this place awesome. Beautiful pictures and clean design make this a great gift option.

Migrations compilation
Sheila Packa has compiled and edited a book of poetry and prose by new and favorite Lake Superior area writers who tackle subjects relating to change. Read reviews and more at Sheila’s blog. Migrations is available at local bookstores.

Northern Waters Smokehaus
Northern Waters now has an online store, but you really should visit the actual store in the DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace so you can take in the fantastic smells. Gift packages, sandwiches, and lots of delicious stuff.

White Winter Winery
White Winter Winery offers wine, mead, hard ciders and non-alcoholic sparkling fruit drinks. Local fruit and honey are used in their creations, which can be purchased online or at several local stores.

Dogbooties.com Harness
Whether training for the Iditarod or just taking Fido out for a little skijouring, dogbooties.com can supply your dog with two styles and several sizes of dog harness.

Duluth Coffee Company
Mmmmm, Santa might appreciate a nice latté with the cookies you leave out for him. Duluth Coffee Company offers ordering through their web site and is also available at several restaurants around town.

North Shore Architectural Antiques
Find a truly one-of-a-kind gift for that hard to shop for person at the shop and yard of North Shore Architectural Antiques. Lights, doors, plumbing, stonework, cabinets and more. Show off some of the area’s history in your own home.


 

23 Comments

Paul Lundgren

about 13 years ago



Speaking of items that are not available, does anyone know why Duluth's famous Pajama Warmers are all out of stock?

Swan

about 13 years ago



Growlers from Fitger's Brewhouse are welcome under my tree any time.

Claire

about 13 years ago

People! I know Northern Lights Books & Gifts has gone to that Great Bookstore in the Sky, but if you are looking for good books, esp. some excellent regional titles, check out the Bookstore at Fitgers! Good selection, the store is owned by the company that owns the building, and managed by the very personable Sally Anderson.



Chris Monroe picture books would make an excellent present for the child of all ages in your life this year.

Zra

about 13 years ago



Your Friendly Neighborhood Specialty Coffee Roasters are still serving up hard-to-find microlot coffees, superb blends and fine teas ... individual packages and gift boxes alike.

Medium Control

about 13 years ago



The Medium Control = local modern goods
All goods are designed and hand screen printed by a Duluth husband + wife creative duo. Swing on by our Park Point store.

Cheers, Kristy+Tommy

Paul Lundgren

about 13 years ago

Two more 2012 calendar options:



The 2012 Duluth Memories calendar features historical photos from the Duluth News Tribune archives. It is available at the DNT office at 424 W. First St. for $7 or online for $10. Proceeds from sales go to support the Newspapers in Education program, which is a cooperative effort between schools and newspapers to promote the use of newspapers as an education resource.



Photographer John Heino shot the images for the Enger Tower calender. It costs $25, with proceeds benefiting the Enger Restoration Project. You can buy them at Duluth Grill, Happy Space in the Fitger's Brewery Complex, Lake Superior Magazine Gift Shop, Evolve Duluth, Berquist Imports, Jitters Coffee and Tea House, Larsmont Cottages, Thirsty Pagan Brewing, Duluth Playhouse and Takk for Maten, or online at engertowerduluth.com.

Claire

about 13 years ago

Oh, I am going to get my friend in NYC the calendar with the pics of the King of Norway, she was so impressed that he came to Duluth and didn't go to NYC! She has a new respect for Duluth.

Shane Bauer

about 13 years ago

We have a new local series in our line of Listen To Nature Sustainable Apparelâ„¢ at Happy Space that would make great gifts.

  

Duluthian By Nature includes Enger Tower, the Lakewalk and lots in between with a nod to our music scene. Long sleeve bamboo with organic cotton.

Park Point is for Lovers is from one of Starfire's PDD shirt design contests. Short sleeve bamboo in standard fit, organic cotton in ladies jr. fit.

Keep Our North Shore Superior is coming in December in sustainable zip hoodies, recycled Ts & bamboo ladies long sleeve V-necks.

You can see the details by clicking Alternate Images in the product descriptions here.

We're just down the hall from those growlers at the beer store, across from the Chico Bon Bon books at the book store, and we carry Marvelous Melissa's cat toys and the Enger calendars - all shown above. Thanks for the local listing each year, Brian.

brian

about 13 years ago

Here are a few music releases from this year. Some acts are selling actual CDs, some are bandcamp downloads. The CD releases are probably available at Electric Fetus too.



Sarah Krueger, Dancing with Phantoms (CD and download options)


Excuse Me Princess (Bandcamp)

The Surfactants (Bandcamp)

Lions and Creators (Bandcamp)

Danecdote (Bandcamp)

Manheat (Bandcamp)

brian

about 13 years ago



I'm looking forward to reading this kid's book by Kevin Kling and Chris Monroe. That's an awesome match up.

Paul Lundgren

about 13 years ago



The Skyline Planning and Preservation Alliance will be selling the old Skyline Parkway signs at the Coppertop Church on Saturday, Nov. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds go toward the removal of trees from blocked lookouts along Skyline, and to the Enger Tower and Park Restoration Fund.

Claire

about 13 years ago

I am so going to Shane Bauer's store at Fitger's! Now if they carried Marvelous Melissa's slippers I'd be in heaven.

moosetracks

about 13 years ago



I would also recommend Portage's new album, The Unsalted Sea.  The lead singer is Trent Waterman of North Shore Sessions.  The album is available at portage.bandcamp.com.

Emily

about 13 years ago



May I also throw my local hat in the mix? I sell on Etsy, but I'm local and available for custom orders and fittings. 

Moe Sew Co. Millinery

brian

about 13 years ago

The Soggy Doggy Jennifer Lynnifer

I illustrated 2 new kid's book this year. Probably available at your favorite bookstore.

Paul Lundgren

about 13 years ago

A few more albums:



Though not exactly local, Minnesota Beatle Project Vol. 3 includes former Duluth band Cloud Cult covering "Help," as well as current Duluthian Charlie Parr (with Nicholas Mrozinski) covering "Rocky Raccoon." It's due out Dec. 6, with proceeds benefiting music and art education in Minnesota Public Schools. It's available at Target.com and Target stores throughout Minnesota, independent record stores, iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby and Rhapsody.



Big Top Chautauqua has released Blue Canvas Christmas, featuring the Blue Canvas Orchestra.  



Christmas by the Lake, Volume V, has reportedly already exceeded the 2010 sales of Volume IV. It features 20 songs by musicians from throughout the region and sells for $12 each at area Super One stores, Pam's Hallmark in the Miller Mall, Big Daddy's Burgers and online at lundeenproductions.com. Proceeds benefit the Northern Lights Foundation. Performers are: The Superior Singers, Tom Cawcutt Sr., Jane Aas, Maxi Childs Trio, Hermantown High School Vocal Point, Mark Rubin, Just Friends, Lake City Smokin' Section, Doug Greenwood, Les Hazelton, Mary Lou Williams, Rose Hoene, Sound of Strings Ensemble, All About Music, Denfeld High School Little Mob, Hallbjorn, Greg Tiburzi, Ripple Effect, Jen West, Northwestern High School, The Downbeats, Denfeld High School Solid Gold and Ken Ahlberg.



And my favorite EP of 2011 is Old Knifey and the Cutthroats After Hours Hoe-down.

adam

about 13 years ago

Chris Monroe will be signing copies of Monkey with a Tool Belt & the Seaside Shenanigans at The Bookstore at Fitger's Sunday, December 11, at 12PM.

obera004

about 13 years ago

Gift certificates from Midi Restaurant make a great gift anytime of the year.

Paul Lundgren

about 13 years ago

 

I suppose these two albums from City Pages' list of Minnesota's Best Albums of 2011 should be included in a few stockings this year.

adam

about 13 years ago

Technical clarification: is Haley still considered a Duluthian?

Paul Lundgren

about 13 years ago

I think Haley is still a Duluthian in the same sense that Bob Dylan is still a Duluthian. If you live here for a while and achieve some level success, we will latch on to you like rats clinging to a meat truck. Whether it's a motherly kind of love of a stalker kind of love is not something we should analyze.

Paul Lundgren

about 13 years ago

News from Mayor Ness:

For a limited time, for every Duluth-area album you buy from the Electric Fetus, you'll get a free copy of the Mayor's Mix.



Quoth the mayor: "Charlie Parr has a new album out there, so does Sarah Krueger! There's a lot of great local music to choose from -- get yourself down to the Fetus and pick up a few for your friends."

Paul Lundgren

about 13 years ago

For your more refined flannel-shirted friends, there's always Lake Superior caviar from Dockside Fish Market in Grand Marais.



Star Tribune: "Lake Superior caviar? You betcha."

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