2021 Holiday Gift Guide with Discount Codes

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Gift guide

Happy Holidays

The holiday season is here and I’ve put together a really fun gift guide for the adventurer in your life! This gift guide is filled with products and companies I love and fully support. Additionally, as a special thank you for supporting Expedition Kristen, I’ve worked with many of these awesome local businesses to pull together exclusive discount codes just for you. Most discount codes are good from November 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021, unless otherwise noted below.

Please note, this blog post contains affiliate links and if you click on an affiliate link and complete a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This does not result in any additional cost to you, and the affiliate money I earn helps pay the fees to keep this site up and running.

Thank you for supporting Expedition Kristen and thank you for supporting these awesome businesses!

pine city, Minnesota
north mallow

1. North Mallow S’mores Kit

A fun, local company started by two former camp counselors with square-shaped marshmallows and delicious chocolate flavors. No high fructose corn syrup or chemical preservatives here!

Use code KRISTEN15 for a 15% discount at northmallow.com

November 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021

Gift guide

2. Ely Log Cabin

Ely Log Cabin is a modern and sustainable log cabin rental located in Ely, Minnesota. The cabin features off-grid amenities like solar power and a cozy indoor fireplace. It’s located on 40 private acres of beautiful wilderness with groomed walking trails. It sleeps six and is an ideal vacation spot for outdoorsy folks.

Use code EXPEDITION10 for a 10% discount on your stay when you book directly on elyoffgridcollective.com

November 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021

Gift guide
Gift guide

3. Sarah’s Cottage Creations

Sarah is a local florist based in Stillwater, Minnesota. With several acres of flowers, Sarah and her team create incredible floral arrangements and provide landscaping services. You can also purchase a  subscription for a new arrangement to show up on your doorstep every few weeks or months. When you buy flowers from Sarah’s Cottage Creations, you support a small and local business with fresh flowers that are responsibly grown. 

Get a free dried bouquet with purchase of any CSA at sarahscottagecreations.com

November 20, 2021, through December 20, 2021

Oru Kayak

4. Oru Kayak

Awesome, lightweight kayaks that fold up like origami. They take only a few minutes to assemble and are durable to ensure no damage if they scrape against rocks or end up in rough waters. Shop here.

gift guide

5. MNimalist Goods

This local clothing company offers quality t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats, all made from eco-friendly and 100% recycled materials. A portion of all sales is donated to Minnesota environmental charities.

Use code KRISTEN20 for a 20% discount at mnimalistgoods.com

November 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021

Rumpl

6. Rumpl’s Outdoor Blankets

Rumpl’s blankets are awesome and should be a must-have for all outdoor enthusiasts. They are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic and can be tightly packed for easy storage. Shop Rumpl blankets here and read my full review on Rumpl blankets here.

Snowshoes

7. Snowshoes

These lightweight unisex snowshoes with trekking poles and a carrying bag are great for getting through the long winter months. They’re made from high-quality aluminum and are currently Amazon’s #1 seller for snowshoes. Shop here.

Jade Yoga

8. Jade Yoga

Jade Yoga offers high-quality, environmentally friendly yoga products such as mats, blocks, straps, blankets, and more. Shop here.

Gift guide
Gift guide

9. Birds Kept North

Founded by a local Minnesota mama back in 2012, Birds Kept North offers a variety of original designs for the whole family. You’ll find hats, t-shirts, windbreakers, onesies, and more all with unique midwest images like bison, loons, or Paul Bunyon and Babe the Blue Ox.

Use code KRISTEN15 for a 15% discount on the Etsy shop.

November 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021

travel

10. Thrifty Traveler Membership

Thrifty Traveler is my go-to spot for flight deals and it’s a local Minnesota company. The experts at Thrifty Traveler work to find quick flash sales, price drops, and mistake fares and you’ll receive an email alert as soon as a great deal pops up.

Use my code KRISTEN10 at thriftytraveler.com/premium for $10 off your Premium subscription.

This discount code is good year-round and will not expire.

gift guide

11. Name Stories

High-quality art print with the name or word of your choosing, along with its meaning, origin, and personality characteristics. You can also pick the background color and add a frame.

Use code KRISTEN10 for a 10% discount at namestories.com

November 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021

Gift guide

12. Sip and Bloom

Sign up for a DIY floral design workshop hosted at local breweries, cideries, and patios. David, the owner, and founder is a third-generation florist and is so knowledgeable about flowers and floral design. He’ll guide you through the process to help you create something beautiful! Or, order a kit online to be shipped nationwide and watch his tutorial videos.

Use code KRISTEN15 for a 15% discount at sip-n-bloom.com

November 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021

City Tins
City Tins

13. City Tins

Inside each tin, you’ll find 20 coasters with discounts to local restaurants, each good for $10 off your dine-in bill or $5 off takeout. Show the coaster to your server when paying your bill and the discount will be applied. Some restaurants include WA Frost, Borough, and PS Steak.

Use KRISTEN20 for a 20% discount on citytins.com

November 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021

Gift guide
Gift guide

14. Minnetonka Moccs

Founded in 1946 in Minneapolis, this company was named after Lake Minnetonka. Here you’ll find high-quality shoes, sandals, and slippers for men, women, and children, plus accessories like socks, hats, and keychains. Shop here.

Use code FestiveFrost for free US ground shipping on orders $35+

December 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021

essential travel gear
essential travel gear

15. REI Outdoor Shoes and Gear

I love most things from REI and I especially love these Vasque hiking shoes. (Vasque is part of the Red Wing Shoe Company). I have the Breeze Lite and they have become my go-to hiking shoe because they’re waterproof and lightweight. REI sells these walking shoes and so much more great outdoor gear. Shop here.

Gift guide
Gift guide

16. GoPro

I love my GoPro camera! They’re durable and get great video and sound. I also have a waterproof case so I can bring mine on underwater adventures! Shop here.

Hammock

17. Camping Hammock

A lightweight, durable hammock that comes with straps and a storage bag. Bring it camping, or read a book at the park and relax! Shop here.

Gift guide
Gift guide

18. Sony A6000 Camera

Great, lightweight mirrorless digital camera. Performs better than my iPhone 11 but is considerably more affordable and beginner-friendly than most DSLR cameras. It also has a WiFi connection so I can easily share images to my phone. Shop here.

things to do in Taylors Falls

19. Merrell Hiking Boots

I’ve loved my Merrell shoes for years and take them with me on all of my adventures. I have a variety of styles from low-cut shoes to boots with high ankle support. Merrell is always running some kind of deal or discount on their website. Shop here.

Gift guide
Gift guide

20. Tripod

Tripods are a quick and easy way to get great photos when you’re traveling solo or you don’t want to rely on strangers. This one folds down and fits easily in my backpack. It holds phones and cameras and can rotate to take vertical and horizontal photos.  Shop here.

Gift guide

21. AirPods Pro

I love my Apple AirPods Pro because they’re compact and have excellent noise cancellation. They can seamlessly switch between my music or podcast and a phone call that comes in. And once fully charged they’ll last for hours. Shop here.

cross country skiing

22. Cross-Country Skis

Cross-country skis are a great way to get outside and enjoy winter. I especially love going out with my Newfoundland, Ole when the lakes freeze over. Shop here.

Passport holder

23. Travel Wallet with Passport Holder

This travel wallet is a pretty way to organize your money, credit cards, and passport. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Shop here.

Gift guide

24. Woolly Bear Knits

Woolly Bear Knits is a local Minnesota company that offers cozy, modern handmade knitted hats. Choose your yarn color, hat style, and pompom colors. Mine is so warm and beautifully made.

Use code KRISTEN10 for a 10% discount at woollybearknits.shop

November 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021

gift guide

25. LovePop Cards

Beautiful paper cards that pop up into 3D shapes and come to life. Find a unique card for any occasion. Watch the LovePop founders on Shark Tank to hear how it all got started! 

Use code EXPEDITIONKRISTEN for a 10% discount on all orders $13+ at lovepop.com

November 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021

free air life co
free air life co

26. Free Air Life Co.

Based out of Duluth, Minnesota, Free Air Life Co. is an eco-driven and eco-conscious clothing and accessories shop. Many of the items they sell are made from local Minnesota businesses, as well as a few specialty brands like Vuori and Howler Bros.

Use code KRISTEN20 for a 20% discount at freeairlifeco.com

November 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021

Gift guide

27. Sweet Silhouette Co.

This custom silhouette art is created by a local Minnesota artist. She’ll design beautiful images of your children, pets, or special moments.

Use code KRISTEN25 for 25% off at the Sweet Silhouette Etsy shop.

November 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021

28. Nothing Bundt Cake

Don’t have time to bake this holiday season? Gift someone a delicious bundt cake from Nothing Bundt Cake. They’re most known for their signature thick cream cheese frosting, and for having a wide variety of flavors. For sizes, flavors, prices, and cake decoration options stop in-store or visit nothingbundtcakes.com

Use code MINNETONKA15 for 15% off purchases made in-store or over the phone at 12987 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka, MN.

November 1, 2021 trough December 31, 2021

gift guide

29. Up North Coffee Co.

Ethically sourced Minnesota roasted coffee made from 100% organic coffee beans. In addition to quality coffee, they sell cozy sweaters, mugs, and gift boxes.

Use code KRISTEN10 for 10% off any purchase made at upnorthcoffee.com. This discount can be stacked on top of other promotions including free shipping for orders $50+.

November 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021

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