Sandeen’s Scandinavian Gifts

Walked into this treasure trove the other day. It is slightly hidden on a quiet street in East St. Paul. The only other shop I know of that compares to this place is the Uffda Store in Redwing MN.
I have German-​Swedish descent in my blood and love to always learn more about these two cultures. The store’s Swedish section will not disappoint. There is also a good selection of other Scandinavian cultures here too. You will find books, calendars, Christmas décor, knick knacks, food, plates, etc. For such a small store there is a good selection of items to be found here.
Prices are very affordable, especially being a small boutique-​like store. This store beats out any other shop like it in the Twin Cities Metro. They lady who owns the shop is extremely nice and very welcoming. She even tried to speak Swedish with me and taught me a few words.
This place is a must right before Christmas for all of your decorating needs.

Well gosh, if this just isn’t the cutest little shop. Visiting here will delight your Scandinavian heart – or the Secret Scandinavian that lies hidden in all Minnesotans regardless of their actual heritage.
At Christmas time, this is the place to go to find straw and wooden ornaments (a wider variety than at IKEA, that’s for sure), cards, napkins, St. Lucia crowns… pretty much anything you need to complete your Scandinavian Christmas fantasies.
Sandeen doesn’t judge. They carry things to delight the Swedes, the Norwegians, the Dutch, the Finnish and the Danish. From tompten to trolls.
Plus, it smells like my grandma’s house in here. In really the absolute best way.
Outside of Christmas you’ll find woodcrafts like rosemaling kits and various other types of needlecraft. You’ll also find children’s books, cookbooks, dala, glassware (so THAT is where my old Scandinavian aunts found our wedding gift…) and the best soaps – egg white for face and pine for when you want to smell like a Swedish lumberjack. And who doesn’t want to smell like a Swedish lumberjack?