vintage gift

Vintage Gems: My Favorite Twin Cities Shops for Unique, Giftable Finds

If you know me, you know I love a good treasure hunt. And while I spend plenty of time sourcing furniture for clients, this list is all about the smalls — the gifts, the pottery, the quirky objects, the light fixtures you didn’t know you needed, and all the little things that make vintage shopping feel like magic.

These are the spots I keep coming back to for gifting season (and, let’s be honest, for myself). Each one has its own vibe, its own characters, and its own shelves of “wait… I’ve never seen this before.”

If you’re shopping for someone who loves beautiful, unusual, storied pieces — or you just want an excuse to wander and get inspired — this is your guide.

Retro Wanderlust — St. Louis Park

Karen’s shop is pure serotonin. Think: an entire fur coat section, fantastic pottery, sculptural lighting, funky art, and the kind of smalls that make you say, “OK… I need this.” It’s playful, unexpected, and one of my favorite spots for gifts with personality.

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Loft Antiques — Minneapolis

A staple. Beautiful dishware, linens, amazing art, curated furniture pieces, and so many small treasures tucked into every corner. Great for hostess gifts, design-lover gifts, or just inspiration overload.

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A Rare Bird — Minneapolis

An absolute hoot (pun fully intended). Incredible holiday décor, fun lighting, quirky art, and wildly entertaining smalls. Great place to find something festive or just plain joyful.

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Clarabel — Minneapolis

Holiday décor heaven. Incredible brass pieces, pottery, art, and tons of unique smalls. Beautifully curated and always full of gems.

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FindFurnish — Minneapolis

One of my forever favorites. A must-visit for vintage furniture, pottery, art, AND yes — vinyl records. Truly a feast for anyone who loves an edited, thoughtful mix. Gifts here feel cool without trying too hard.

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Carousel + Folk — Minneapolis

Perfect for shoppers who love a little bit of everything — clothing, art, plants, planters, baskets, lamps, smalls, gifts, you name it. Beautifully curated and endlessly charming.

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Hunt & Gather — Minneapolis

Sensory overload in the best possible way. Vintage cameras, apothecary bottles, skulls (!), cards, tiny peculiarities, and every odd + delightful object you can imagine. A perfect stop for the person who “has everything.”

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Wild Things Collective — Fridley

A massive treasure hunt with endless smalls, vintage clothing, toys, glassware, dishware, lamps, and more. It’s huge—and absolutely worth planning an entire afternoon around.

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Succotash — St. Paul

Glassware heaven. Small tables, lighting, taxidermy (!!), pins, funny gifts, and the kind of quirky pieces that make perfect stocking stuffers. It's impossible to walk out empty-handed.

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Missouri Mouse Antiques — St. Paul

A St. Paul classic packed with character. Think: brass objects, collected curiosities, vintage maps, prints, art, and beautiful dishware layered into soulful vignettes. A go-to for pieces that bring history and personality into a home.

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Style Society — St. Paul

The BEST cards in town — full stop. Plus: candles, books, quirky plates (one of my favorite gifts to give), brass treasures, holiday décor, disco balls, furniture, floral, and a whole crew of women vendors bringing their own flavor. The variety here is unmatched.

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Century Gallery — St. Paul

One of the best art selections in the Twin Cities — and amazingly reasonable. Gorgeous pottery handmade by Lynn, a beautifully curated gallery feel, great books, a sprinkle of lighting and furniture, and smalls that feel truly special. A perfect stop for a meaningful gift.

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There you have it — my personal treasure map. Whether you’re hunting for a last-minute gift, something meaningful for someone special, or just a beautiful excuse to browse, these shops always deliver.

Happy wandering… and happy gifting. ✨ And if you discover something fabulous, send me a pic.

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