Following is Part II of the Patriot’s shopping local feature that focuses on numerous local merchants who have some fantastic gift ideas for your gift-giving process.
Shopping local keeps your holiday shopping money right here in the community. Retail small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy, with an estimated 90% of all U.S. retail companies employing 100 or fewer people.
Our annual Holiday Happenings article gives shoppers the unique opportunity to schedule their shopping at small businesses rather than the big box stores. The whole process can feel a bit more exciting when you find unique gifts for loved ones and support your community at the same time.
Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it from a locally owned shop. Here are some great options.
McDonald’s Meats
8601 Main Ave,
Clear Lake, MN
320- 743-2311
Looking for the perfect gift? McDonald’s Meats’ holiday gift boxes are packed with delectable assortments of their finest meats and treats. From savory sausages to mouthwatering jerky, each box is a celebration of flavor, ideal for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself. Thirteen gift boxes to choose from in prices ranging from $14.99 to $83.99.
Marvel Energy
12172 Hancock St,
Becker, MN
320-224-2426
A great destination for unique and appreciated gifts is Marvel Energy in Becker. They offer gift cards in all denominations...buy $25 and get $5 free! They also have To-Go Drink Kits...buy six and get two free! Pick up an awesome 40 ounce tumbler or grab some kids kits in seven flavors for just $15.
B&J Evergreen Christmas TreesFarm
12946-47th St. SE,
Clear Lake, MN
320-743-2255
B&J Evergreen Christmas Tree Farms, a family-owned business, has been growing Christmas trees for over 40 years. We take pride in providing traditional experiences and quality products. Our experienced team plants, grows, trims, and harvests our trees here on our Farms. Cut your own Christmas tree or purchase a Pre-Cut tree. Free photos with Santa, free petting zoos with a famous camel, free pony rides, free face painting, and more.
Riverside Nutrition
800 Nelson Dr Ste 105
Clearwater, MN
(Located next to American Heritage Bank)
320-558-1102
Riverside Nutrition is a great place to purchase gift cards for those healthy-conscious recipients on your list. Buy $20 worth of cards and get $5. Or, buy $50 worth and receive $10! Or, buy $75 and get $15 and to top it all off, buy $100 worth and get $20! They also have baseball hats for just $25 and t-shirts for just $15!
Andra K Salon & Spa
615 Smith St,
Clearwater, MN
320- 558-6620
Stop in and pick up some great Christmas gift ideas at Andra K Salon. Snatch up some gift cards in any amount or nab a hat, some jewelry, makeup, body & skin care items — starting at just $12 and up! A pedicure would make a great gift and at Andra K’s, it starts at just $53. Or, gift the gift of a facial starting at just $58!
O’ Brothers Wine & Spirits
7890 Front St
Clear Lake, MN
320- 743-0139
O’ Brothers is a great gift-giving stop where you can find Fireball Candy Canes for just $8.99 or a Rum Chata gift set for just $22.99! You can also pick up a 99 Ornament Gift Pack for just $8.99 and they also offer a wide variety of bourbons and other cordials!
Lupulin Brewery
570 Humboldt Dr
Suite 107, Big Lake, MN
763-263-9549
While you are at Lupulin or happen to be driving by, stop in and pick up punch cards for the Christmas stockings. They are good for 12 beers or THC seltzers in their taproom and it costs just $85 (up to $144 in value). Or how about gift cards? As a Holiday special, Lupulin allows you to buy $100 worth and get $25 free. They also have new waffle beanies for just $20 and a Growler Gift Box which includes a growler, four pint glasses (one free) for just $40! Purchase three THC Seltzers & Gummies and get one free. They also have Lupulin hats in over 20 different designs and colors for just $20-$25.
Charlie’s Sports Bar
12287 Hancock St,
Becker, MN 55308
763-262-4000
Charlie’s Sports Bar & Grill in Becker has baseball caps and winter hats starting at just $20. Or, pick up beverage tumblers, koozies, shirts, sweatshirts and tank tops. They also have great gift card stocking stuffers where if you buy $50 worth you get $10 free!
Ralphie’s Minnoco
7988 Front St,
Clear Lake, MN
320- 743-4638
Ralphie’s Minnoco has gift cards in any amount. They also sell Mora Hand Ice Augers and Engel Minnow Coolers for that outdoor enthusiast. They also offer a variety of toys starting at just $4.99 and up. Yummy Glenwood Beef Jerky can be snatched up for just $15.99. They also have Lightning 10-ft. phone cords that make great stocking stuffers and gifts for juts $8.99. To top it all off, they have Curt’s Gourmet Salsa, BBQ sauce, pasta sauce, Bloody Mary mix, pickles, olives, Keweenaw jams and more!
J’s Junction
14087 Bank St #3,
Becker, MN 55308
612-599-6562
Is there a better place to stop locally for great, unique, seasonal-appropriate gifts for Christmas? J’s Junction has stocking stuffers for all ages from $2 to $10! They have a plethora of Holiday decor including gnomes, Santas, reindeer, bells and snowmen! Local crafters have items such as cutting boards & charcutière boards made from wood from all over the world! They also have handbags, jewelry, scarves, soaps, lotions and candles...and gift cards in any denomination. 12 Cookies, Co. Too!
J’s Junction is also a Toy Drive drop-off site for the UofM Masonic Children’s Hospital. Stop in!
Grand Champion Meats
6634 Hwy 25 NE
Foley, MN 56329
320-968-7267
Grand Champion Meats has a Grand Champion Tote for just $44.99. Or, how about a Jingle All The Way gift box for just $19.99? Or, a Merry Christmas gift box for just $22.99! Check out their Santa’s Grand Sampler gift box for just $32.99 or their Smoked Meat Tote for just $44.99!
Golden Nursery
15621 5th Ave NW,
Rice, MN 56367
320-393-2155
Golden Nursery & Tree Farm is your perfect destination for pre-cut tress and wreaths. Or, cut your own Balsam Fir or Colorado Spruce from 5-14 feet for only $28. Hours are M-Th., noon to 7 p.m.; Fri., Sat., and Sun., 9am to 7 p.m.
