Some of the best made in Minnesota gifts are the ones that introduce you to the people, places and flavors that make the state special. From handcrafted chocolates and buttery caramels to locally made honey, savory snacks, cocoa and other small-batch treats, Minnesota has no shortage of delicious discoveries.
That’s exactly what inspires our Minnesota Advent Calendar each year. We spend the year seeking out local Minnesota businesses, meeting the makers and tasting plenty of treats along the way to curate a collection that celebrates the state one delicious surprise at a time.
Whether you’re searching for memorable Minnesota gift ideas for family and friends, sending a taste of home to someone who has moved away or looking for unique Minnesota food gifts to celebrate the holiday season, our Minnesota gift box makes discovering local flavors part of the fun.
Inside, you’ll find treats from makers across the state, including Duluth, Minneapolis, Brainerd, Park Rapids, Fergus Falls, St. Cloud and Worthington.
Below are three examples of Minnesota makers we're especially proud to showcase in our gift box:
Mike and Jen’s - Duluth’s MN
Dean and Amanda are the heart and soul behind Mike and Jen’s, a beloved two-person Duluth business that has been handcrafting rich, creamy cocoa since 2012. This family-run brand named after Dean’s kids Mike and Jen, got its start in a church basement where batches were mixed by hand. Now, more than a decade later, they have grown into a brand found in more than 1,000 stores nationwide.
Over the years the one that hasn’t changed is their classic recipe. The cocoa is made with just five ingredients, delivering a comforting flavor that belongs in a Minnesota winter. For the holidays, Mike and Jen’s brings a specially cozy creation: a single-serving Mocha Latte Stick, perfect for adding a little chocolate-and-coffee warmth to the season.
B’s Chocolate - Willmar, MN
Since 1987, they’ve been handcrafting premium chocolates in Willmar, Minnesota, using Belgian-inspired recipes and high-quality ingredients. We’re always excited when we get the chance to feature B’s Chocolates in our Minnesota box. B’s often has delicious treats that are perfect for the season including their Festive Christmas Shaped Chocolate Trio.
Fancy Pants Chocolates - Brainerd, MN
Fancy Pants Chocolates was founded in the heart of Downtown Brainerd and has been handcrafting chocolates since 2002. They have fresh, preservative-free sweets that are made with fine Belgian milk and dark chocolate. Our favorite treat might be their handcrafted s’more which is a take on a classic flavor with a sweet twist.
More Minnesota Makers to Discover
The makers above are just a peek at what’s waiting for you inside our Minnesota Gift Box. If you’re looking for unforgettable locally made gift ideas, our Minnesota Advent Calendar is filled with even more small-batch surprises. Each year, we curate every box with a mix of fresh discoveries, returning favorites, and exclusive items guaranteeing new local finds every year while celebrating as many Minnesota small businesses as possible.
Over the years, we have been proud to include treats from great businesses such as:
Aunt Belle’s Confectionary - Park Rapids, MN
B Friendly - Minneapolis, MN
Big Dipper Bee - Minneota, MN
Chocolate Shoppe - Mantorville, MN
Groveland Confections - Minnetonka, MN
Annie B’s Candies - St. Paul, MN
Sted Foods - Fergus Falls, MN
Abdallah Candies - Apple Valley, MN
Smokey Dukes Pretzels - Hutchinson, MN
Riff’s Smokehouse - Arden Hills, MN
The Secret Garden - Park Rapids, MN
P&TY Granola Co - Dayton, MN
The Minnesota Marshmallow - Duluth, MN
Funky Chunky - Eden Prairie, MN
Heavenly Treats - St. Cloud, MN
Nystrom Orchard - Worthington, MN
Sweet Goddess Chocolates - Bloomington, MN
Matter’s Farm to Table - Delano, MN
Our Minnesota gift box is designed to turn holiday gifting into a delicious daily experience. Instead of receiving one traditional gift, the recipient gets to open a new surprise each day and discover another local Minnesota maker. From chocolate and cocoa to caramel, granola, pretzels, honey, soup, syrup and other locally made specialties, every door offers another reason to look forward to tomorrow.
Why We Love Supporting Minnesota Makers
A great Minnesota food gift box is about more than what’s inside. Every day represents a real Minnesota business and often a family, chocolatier, baker, farmer, confectioner or entrepreneur who has spent years perfecting what they make. By bringing these products together, we get to introduce more people to independent Minnesota businesses while giving recipients an opportunity to discover flavors they might never encounter on a typical grocery-store shelf.
You're not simply sending someone something delicious. You're sharing the stories, traditions, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit found in communities across Minnesota. We want you to count down the holidays by making memories and supporting the people who make the land of 10,000 lakes so delicious. Explore this year’s Minnesota Advent Calendar today!
Do you have another state you love? You can find a box for each of the 50 states and we have a special 250 America box that highlights vendors from across the country.
Meet the Local Vendors Behind our Other Gift Boxes
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Meet the Makers Behind Our California Gift Box
Our Made In Wisconsin Gift Box and the Local Makers Behind It