June is often a time of celebrations – graduations, weddings, and summer festivals worth reveling in. Often we’re tasked with purchasing a card or gift to mark the occasion. Don’t go for generic! Check out these unique shops for local, artist-designed cards and gifts.
Bench Pressed (Minneapolis)
Seward-based design and letterpress company Bench Pressed has loads of hand-drawn and printed cards that will delight your giftee. "Tongue-in-cheek with a little sweet" is how owner-operators Jane and Andy Shannon describe the vibe of many of their cards. For custom printing jobs (like personalized stationery), visit their new sister shop, Good Lookin’ Print Co.
The Shop at MCBA (Minneapolis)
Located in the Open Book building in downtown Minneapolis, this shop is full of curated artist creations. Its offerings include handmade zines, gifts, books, papers, and cards for kids and adults. The shop is part of the Minnesota Center of Book Arts, which offers hands-on workshops on printing, box making, papermaking, marbling, and more (another gift idea for an artsy, handy person you know!).
Unicorn Eclipse (Woodbury)
Created by two Hmong-American sisters with illustration and graphic design backgrounds, this e-commerce-based business offers an array of products, including journals, notepads, and stickers. Chia and Hleeda’s work is rooted in the belief that life is about the little things, that there is beauty in the mundane, and magic in the simple. Customers shop through their website, Etsy, and TikTok Shop.
I Like You (Minneapolis and Saint Paul)
Since they started their business, Sarah Sweet and Angela Lessman have collaborated with over 300 artists. Their mission: To showcase handmade work by Minnesota artists. Their shops include wearables, housewares, cards, and much more. Their website is only a small fraction of what they offer, so take a look in person, or pick up a gift card so giftees can choose something themselves among all the wonders.
