2018 Holiday Gift Guide: For the Lover of All Things Local

November 16, 2018

Joy to the world! This week I’ll be sharing Olio in Iowa’s 2018 Holiday Gift Guide for every type of traveler on your holiday list. From the stylish jetsetter to the intrepid roadtripper, I’ve compiled some of my favorite items so you can give a little bit of adventure to everyone on your list this holiday season.

One of the things I’ve come to love most about living in Iowa, and Des Moines specifically, is the pride that people here have for their city and state. Iowans will never miss an opportunity to tell you why they love living here. On a regular basis, I notice that people from Des Moines seem incapable of bragging on their city more than once and awhile.

In fact, it’s become one of my favorite things about central Iowa. It’s one of the reasons I jumped at the chance to be a part of Brand Launch’s Hummingbird Project, where I’ve really enjoyed lifting up local businesses with other like-minded Iowans. It’s something that continues to delight and encourage me the more Iowans I meet.

So in the spirit of celebrating some of my favorite central Iowa small business owners, I’ve compiled a handful of ways you can give a little piece of Iowa to everyone on your holiday list. These gifts for the lover of all things local are sure to be hits with the Iowans in your life.

Des Moines is full of incredible shops, and Art Terrarium is one of my favorites. This combination plant shop and art gallery has become my go-to spot when shopping for a gift. Even if your gift’s recipient doesn’t quite have a green thumb, the incredible team at Art Terrarium will help make sure they have the tips and tricks to give their new plant a good life. Plus, if you don’t feel confident picking out a plant of your own, the shop has some pre-made options like this darling cactus garden that are ready for your holiday gifting.

Cactus Garden, $35

If you’re looking for a gift that’s both practical and beautiful, look no further than Doe A Deer‘s darling flour sack towels. I absolutely adore Regan’s design aesthetic and her incredible vintage camper Della. I’ve given her towels as parts of wedding and holiday gifts a number of times, and their recipient has always been truly delighted.

If you’re looking for a thoughtful hostess gift or a sweet addition to a family member’s kitchen, one of Doe A Deer’s holiday towels will make the perfect present.

Shiny & Bright Flour Sack Towel, $13

I truly believe that gifts are more fun when you can give an experience. If you’re local to central Iowa, I can’t recommend a class with Becky Pospisal of The Knotty Nail enough! Not only is she a great teacher, but she’s also a truly generous and hilarious person. I was skeptical about my string art skills when I met Becky earlier this year, but I had a blast creating my own DIY masterpiece.

If you’re not able to make it to a class, consider gifting one of The Knotty Nail’s awesome string-it-yourself kits. This DIY project will give its recipient something fun to do after the holiday, and give them a unique way to display their Iowa pride.

String-It-Yourself Block Kit, $12

I’m a sucker for a good candle—especially around the holidays. So it’s no surprise that the incredible holiday themed scents from Dirt Road Candle Co have me swooning. Not only are these candles the perfect gift for everyone on your list—from your boss to your best friend—but their packaging is also so stinking adorable. Can’t decide which candle to choose? Dirt Road Candle Co also offers a holiday scent sampler!

16 oz Gingerbread House Soy Candle, $25

If you live in the Des Moines metro and haven’t heard of The Grateful Chef, you’re seriously missing out. During weeks where life has gotten crazy or I haven’t had the bandwidth to plan dinners, Brandy’s incredible meals have quite literally kept me going. Give that incredible gift to someone else by purchasing some of The Grateful Chef’s prepared meals for them.

While truly everything that comes out of this kitchen is delicious, some of my favorite menu items include the smashed chickpea wrap, chocolate avocado cookies, loaded baked potato soup, and apple BBQ turkey meatballs—just to name a few!

Week of Meals from The Grateful Chef, Cost varies

I first discovered Rosella Margaret‘s beautiful handmade signs earlier this year during a Vintage and Made Fair. Ever since I’ve loved following Emily on social media and seeing what darling new pieces she’s working on. Not only are her signs delightfully original and fun, but she also does all of the hand cut pieces herself. As someone who is pretty crummy with power tools, her talent is something I greatly admire! Gift one of her statement signs to your favorite Iowa expat. Or commission a custom piece for the Iowan on your list who has everything.

State of Iowa Home Wall Sign, $55

If I had to pick favorite places to have meetings, bump into friends, and get work done in Des Moines, Horizon Line Coffee would be one of them. The talented team at Horizon Line slings some of the city’s best lattes. But they also roast their own beans for you to brew at home. Grab a bag the next time you visit to gift to someone who appreciates a strong, locally roasted cup of coffee.

Horizon Line Coffee Beans, $12

ephemera was one of the first shops I visited in Des Moines that made the city feel like home. Even if I don’t actually need stationery, I always pop into this East Village shop to admire their beautiful work. Make someone on your holiday list feel special by giving them the gift of snail mail. While ephemera sells dozens of fabulous greeting cards, they also design personalized stationery. Nothing says “I’m a serious professional” like stylish custom notecards.

Personalized Stationery, Cost varies

Iowa doesn’t have any professional sports teams. Which means Hawkeye and Cyclone apparel tends to dominate when it comes to repping Iowa. But this denim baseball cap from dsmscreenprint is much more my style. This handmade hat is a much subtler way for your favorite Iowan to share their love for their home state. Bonus points if you give this hat alongside one of dsmscreenprint’s “Duh Moyn” tees.

Iowa Baseball Cap, $30

Lately it seems like enamel pins are my kryptonite. And these Iowa-themed pins from local graphic designer Bozz Prints are no exception. Bozz Prints’ fantastic graphic prints and T-shirts featuring Des Moines and Iowa icons have become some of my favorite depictions of home. But this collection of pins is the perfect way to incorporate his work into your every day! These are a stellar stocking stuffer for anyone who loves to share their local pride.

Des Moines Enamel Pins, $10 each

Bonus Gift Idea: Give Back with Wakonda

Help the golfer on your list become a Wakonda Club member for a day and play where the PGA TOUR Champions play. For a limited time, you can save 20% on the Wakonda Golf Experience. That includes a round of golf at the members-only Wakonda Club, as well as exclusive, weeklong clubhouse badges good for the 2019 Principal Charity Classic.

Plus, when you give the gift of golf, you’ll be giving back! All proceeds from Principal Charity Classic ticket sales benefit Iowa children’s charities. In fact, last year the tournament raised a record $4,356,321 for kids. Learn more and save on packages for individuals and twosomes beginning November 19!

Shop Local at These Holiday Markets

Looking for even more places to find local vendors to support this holiday season? There are dozens of holiday markets popping up around central Iowa in the next few weeks. Add one (or five) of these to your calendar and commit to shopping small this season: