Local Folk
A Tonka Box is great way to get to know your neighbors. No hotdish needed!
Our Story
ABOUT US:
The Lake Minnetonka Area is amazing… pure and simple! We created this box to celebrate the unique culture around lake, often referred to as “Tonka”. This box is a sampling of bits and bites from cities on the periphery of the lake. Interestingly, the lake borders 13 cities. With about 125 miles of shoreline it is easy to see how this is possible That said, the lake area has a wonderful diversity of local “makers”. We want to celebrate, share and introduce locals, visitors and guests to the one of a kind Tonka experience. Reality is, even if you live around the lake, chances are you haven’t been exposed to the diversity of artisan makers and thriving businesses near its shores.
HOW IT BEGAN:
So many good stories start around Lake Minnetonka. Ours is the same. The box concept was founded by Tonka native Alan Haskins. Alan was fortunate (and extremely grateful) to have grown up on Gideon’s Bay near Excelsior, Minnesota. Alan explored almost every square mile of the lake as a charter boat captain (even owned his own charter boat “Barefoot Bay Charters” at one point). Although no longer a charter boat owner, he still owns a small business called Nimble Impressions, a metro based Marketing Agency.
Using his time and talents this box combines an awesome box design and exception products. One of the most fun aspects of creating this brand was seeking out products to be in the boxes. There are so many incredible products made around the lake. We have only scratched the surface of finding local makers and look forward to exploring the shores to find more.
PART OF THE ELEVATED BOXES FAMILY OF THEMED BOXES:
These boxes are part of a growing family of box concepts under the parent company called Elevated Boxes. We welcome you to visit the website and watch things grow. www.elevatedboxes.com
This is really a “passion project”. If you ever dig into box concepts like these you will quickly learn that it is not about the profit… cause there isn’t much. When you purchase these boxes feel good that you are truly part of the local community and economy.
If you have gotten this far and are still reading this, know that we are so grateful that you are here.
Cheers,
Alan Haskins
Owner
The Tonka Box is the perfect gift. Whether you are from Minnesota or surrounding states, love for local culture is everywhere. The Tonka spirit is friendly and welcoming.
The box concept was born in Lake Minnetonka Minnesota. As a result, many items are found in close proximity to the hometown. However, we want the box to be appealing to people across Minnesota and the country. Every item in the box can be enjoyed regardless of where you hail from.
A major source of inspiration was to draw attention to local businesses. Big name brands have a time and place, but so do the small businesses. However, those businesses often don’t have the budget or time to gain the attention of the masses. The Tonka Box gives these great local businesses another place to be seen, tried, and liked.
We consider this one of the best Minnesota gift giving experiences. We have award winning products from proud business owners. It has a wonderful place in main holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving. Beyond that it can always make for a great birthday gift, house warming present, party gift, anniversary gift, and so many more. It can also be used as a business gift. With many businesses seeking unique ways to thank clients at traditional times, nothing says unique like and Tonka Box. Additionally, it is a great gift option for employers to give employees, and co-workers to give each other. Just think of how great it would be to receive an Tonka Box as a Secret Santa gift.
It’s pretty trendy to be a fan of the Midwest and have a Minnesota identity. Many brands are emerging using words like Sota and doing a great job of promoting our great state. We would like to explore all types of options for the box. They would include clothing, hats, gloves, headwear, apparel, bottle openers, key chains, candles, patches, cookie cutters, holiday ornaments, and many other options.
There is so much potential and fun to have with the concept. You betcha we’ll continue to focus on reflecting the pride of our great state and this region of the country.