Thoughtful gifts, delicious finds, and a little something for everyone. All from brands we've had the pleasure of working with!
Shop small, gift thoughtfully, and support local this holiday season!
One of my favorite parts of running Venlo Studio is getting to work with some seriously amazing small businesses. From handcrafted foods and specialty coffee to beautiful stationery and everyday essentials, I've had the joy of getting to know the passionate people behind these brands.
This year, I thought it would be fun to put together a holiday gift guide featuring ten of our incredible clients! Every business on this list has partnered with Venlo Studio for branding, design, or photography, and I'm so excited to share their products with you.
Whether you're shopping for family, friends, coworkers, or treating yourself (no judgment here!), these local brands have something special to offer.
Let's get shopping!
1. Under the Bark Syrup Co.
For the foodie who loves trying new flavors.
If you think maple syrup is just for pancakes, think again! Under the Bark Syrup Co. creates handcrafted pure and infused maple syrups in so many incredible flavors. Drizzle them over breakfast, mix them into stir-fries, add a splash to cocktails, or sweeten your morning coffee. The possibilities are endless!
Their flavored syrups make such a fun gift for anyone who loves experimenting in the kitchen. Pick a few flavors to create your own little gift bundle!
Shop Under the Bark Syrup Co. →
2. MINNEØATS
For the breakfast lover (or anyone who appreciates a good snack).
I'm not exaggerating when I say MINNEØATS makes some of the BEST granola I've ever tasted! It's delicious sprinkled over yogurt, added to oatmeal, or eaten straight out of the bag. Trust me, it's hard to stop!
Founded by two friends with a passion for wholesome food and meaningful community, MINNEØATS also has some adorable branded merchandise that's perfect for gifting. Grab some granola and matching merch for the ultimate cozy breakfast bundle.
3. Elo Coffee Co.
For the coffee enthusiast who appreciates quality and purpose.
A NEW coffee brand you're going to want to know about! Elo Coffee Co. recently launched, and they're already making an impression with their specialty-grade coffee and meaningful mission.
Their beans are carefully sourced and third-party tested for mold, mycotoxins, pesticides, and heavy metals. Even better, they donate 10% of their profits to organizations doing meaningful work locally and globally.
A bag of Elo Coffee makes a thoughtful stocking stuffer or a wonderful addition to a coffee-themed gift basket.
4. Regina's Candies & Fine Chocolates
For the person with a serious sweet tooth.
There's something so nostalgic about walking into an old-fashioned candy shop, and Regina's Candies is the real deal!
I had the pleasure of visiting their St. Paul location, watching candy being made, and, of course, sampling a few treats. WOW. Their beautiful boxes of chocolates and delicious peanut brittle make wonderful gifts for teachers, neighbors, hosts, and just about anyone who loves sweets.
If you're local, I highly recommend visiting one of their shops for the full experience. This family-owned business has been making candy since 1926!
5. PROV 31 Home
For the homebody who loves thoughtful, everyday essentials.
Founded by a fellow Minnesota mom, PROV 31 creates household and personal care products with a focus on ingredient transparency and thoughtfully selected ingredients.
From natural soaps to everyday cleaners and laundry essentials, their collection makes a practical and beautiful gift for someone who cares about what goes into their home.
I'm personally excited to stock up on some of these goodies! Pair a few products with a pretty cleaning cloth or basket for a thoughtful housewarming or holiday gift.
6. Bound Jewelry
For the jewelry lover (or your next girls' day!).
Looking for a gift that's a little more personal? Bound Jewelry offers beautiful ready-to-wear pieces and permanent jewelry experiences at their gorgeous storefront in Minneapolis's North Loop.
Shop for a special piece to wrap under the tree, or plan a permanent jewelry appointment with your best friend, sister, or mom. I love the idea of gifting an experience you can enjoy together!
Their beautiful shop is worth a visit while you're out holiday shopping in Minneapolis.
7. Namaste Brows & Boutique
For the person who loves meaningful, handcrafted gifts.
I recently had the pleasure of developing a full rebrand for Namaste Brows & Boutique, and through the process, I got to know owner Jeena and the heart behind her beautiful shop in Roseville, Minnesota.
Jeena is passionate about sharing her Nepali culture with our Minnesota community, and that passion shines through her Suru product collection. From handcrafted Nepali earrings and luxurious cashmere shawls to unique hemp and felt gifts, every piece has a story. Even more meaningful, proceeds help support the women in Nepal who handcraft these beautiful items!
Stop by the boutique to find a one-of-a-kind gift, or treat yourself to a soothing brow threading treatment while you're there. I love seeing small businesses make an impact both locally and across the world!
Shop Namaste Brows & Boutique→
8. Facepunch Foods
For the person who likes a little HEAT!
Give someone the gift of flavor this Christmas! Facepunch Foods creates a bold lineup of hot sauces, seasonings, and other flavorful goodies that are perfect for the adventurous cook.
I recently worked with owner Mark to photograph his product lineup, and it was so fun getting to test out some of the flavors along the way. These products certainly live up to their name!
Grab a few different sauces or spice blends to create a gift bundle for the grill master, hot sauce collector, or foodie in your life.
9. Sprouted Planner
For the planner lover who's ready for a fresh start.
Give the gift of organization! Sprouted Planner creates beautifully designed planners, notebooks, and accessories with so much intention behind every detail.
Based in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, this is a brand I've had the pleasure of working with for multiple product launches. And I personally use their notepads and notebooks DAILY to keep track of my never-ending to-do lists!
With the new year just around the corner, a 2027 planner makes such a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves setting goals, staying organized, or simply putting pen to paper.
10. Bath Bomb Key
For the self-care enthusiast.
Everyone loves a little self-care bundle! Bath Bomb Key is a newly launched Minnesota product designed to make opening those tightly wrapped bath bombs SO much easier.
This cute, reusable tool helps remove bath bomb wrappers without the struggle. Pair it with a few colorful bath bombs, a cozy towel, and maybe a candle for a thoughtful little spa-night gift.
It's a fun and practical addition to any self-care routine, and we love supporting a new product as it makes its way into the world!
A Little Holiday Thank You
As a small business owner myself, I know how much heart, time, and effort goes into building something of your own. Every order, referral, review, and kind word makes a difference.
I'm incredibly grateful to have worked alongside these talented business owners, helping bring their products and stories to life through branding, graphic design, and photography.
This holiday season, I hope you'll consider shopping small and supporting the businesses that make our local communities so special.
Happy shopping and happy holidays from Venlo Studio!
P.S. Know someone who loves discovering local brands? Send this gift guide their way!
