The Rochester community has amazing gift shops catering to a wide variety of interests, making it easy to find anything from a housewarming gift to a teacher’s gift, or even just a thoughtful surprise to say you’re thinking of someone. Each of these shops is full of creative items, and every local purchase gets invested right back into our community. So grab a coffee and spend a fun afternoon discovering these great local gift shops!
Located in downtown Rochester, Threshold Arts offers a curated selection of art and handmade items from more than fifty local artists and makers. Each item at Threshold Arts is uniquely made and created with intention. Drop in Wednesday-Sunday to explore the shop or share the experience with a gift card.
Art Heads Emporium
Just down the block from Threshold Arts is Art Heads Emporium, an interactive art studio where you can gift the experience of creating something beautiful. With artist-led classes and workshops, as well as a gift shop for crystals and thrifted oddities, Art Heads Emporium invites all of us to come, play, and create. Upcoming classes include pressed floral frames, resin earrings, junk journaling, and vintage florals. The gift shop is open during the studio’s open hours.
Rochester Art Center
30 Civic Center Drive SE Ste 120
The Rochester Art Center is a contemporary art museum located along the Zumbro River in the heart of historic downtown Rochester. Inside, The Gallery Shop features a unique assortment of handmade pieces by local artists. Looking for a gift that keeps on giving? Spread the love of art by gifting a membership to the Rochester Art Center!
socius design
401 North Broadway Avenue #140
Located in the Bryk on Broadway building on North Broadway, socius design is an experiential design shop and community gathering place. It features a curated selection of home décor, textiles, candles, coffee appliances, and hosting essentials. While the physical storefront is temporarily open by appointment only for some exciting upcoming updates, the online shop is fully active. The website features an expanded inventory, making it the perfect time to find unique gifts for the upcoming holiday season.
Griot Arts
Just up the street from socius design is Griot Arts bookstore—a vibrant, empowering bookstore and art space dedicated to celebrating Black art and culture. The shelves feature a beautifully curated collection of new and used books by authors of color. Wanting to gift a book that the bookstore doesn’t carry? You can also support Griot Arts Bookstore by shopping online through their Bookshop.org and Libro.fm (audiobooks) pages. Proceeds from your purchase of ANY title go directly to the shop when purchased on these sites.
Garden Party Books
If you have a book-lover in your life, Garden Party Books is a delightful independent bookstore offering used books, as well as a wide variety of new gift items, such as cards, craft kits, stickers, and more. Located in the Cooke Park Design District, gifting is made easy as you can browse many different genres of books, then pair your choice with the perfect whimsical card. And if you bring 5 or more used books for donation, you’ll receive a coupon for 20% off used books and puzzles!
Food Union
1300 Salem Road Southwest #900
Whatever the occasion, food often makes the perfect gift! At Food Union, you can find unique food items for gifting, as well as fun tabletop wares and vintage finds. Located in the TJ Maxx Plaza, Food Union is known for its cheese and specialty food gourmet gift boxes. We particularly love the chocolate provisions gift box! Stop in or shop online to find something special and unique to share with those you love.
Treedome
Located right next door to Threshold Arts, Treedome is a music lover’s dream, featuring a huge assortment of new and used vinyl, CDs, Tapes, as well as thrifted clothing and vintage memorabilia. Beyond the music gear, comic enthusiasts can also browse an impressive comic inventory showcasing rare keys and classic covers.
Hunt Drug
Since 1959, Hunt Drug has been a staple of the Rochester community, offering a wide assortment of gifts, collectibles, and cards for all ages. Located in the Silver Lake Shopping Center, Hunt Drug makes it easy to find and share meaningful gifts. You will also find a great assortment of Minnesota-themed items, perfect for sharing Midwest pride with loved ones near and far.
Ama La Vita
104 1st Avenue SW (Peace Plaza) | 1624 US 52 (Hillcrest Shopping Center)
Ama La Vita is a charming lifestyle boutique featuring women’s clothing, accessories, home décor, and unique gifts for kids and dancers. With two brick-and-mortar locations in Rochester and a fully stocked online store, the boutique inspires everyone to share a love of life with those around them. Stop by or browse online to find something meaningful.
Sargent’s on 2nd
Filled with natural sunlight and bright blooms, shopping at Sargent’s on 2nd feels like a getaway on its own! Open year-round, the garden center features a wide variety of annuals, perennials, gifts for the gardener, and specialty items such as bird feeders and pottery. Make a whole morning of your visit — grab a delicious drink from Café Aqui and enjoy strolling through the greenhouse while you shop.
Flowers By Jerry
Located near Silver Lake, Flowers By Jerry is a lovely floral shop, greenhouse, and gift boutique. Their high-quality floral arrangements help to bring beauty to life’s meaningful moments. Stop by to explore the boutique, or surprise someone special with a beautiful custom delivery. No matter the occasion, Flowers By Jerry makes it easy to turn any day into something memorable.
