It’s the most wonderful time of the year—Olio in Iowa’s 2020 Holiday Gift Guide! Over the next two weeks I’ll be sharing gift ideas for every type of traveler on your holiday list.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Travel Iowa. However, all opinions are my own.
When it comes to holiday gift giving, I always prefer to shop small! It’s fun to find new small businesses to support when I travel. But shopping small year-round also helps strengthen our community when I’m at home.
This holiday season I’m excited to partner with Travel Iowa to promote an awesome new way to support small businesses! Shop Iowa is an online marketplace that brings together gift ideas from dozens of Iowa businesses from 79 counties and counting. This platform makes supporting small businesses quick and easy. Shop Iowa organizes products by category as well as shop, so you don’t miss any of your favorites.
Whether you need to find a gift for your favorite foodie or something small to show your love from afar, Shop Iowa is full of excellent options that support local businesses. To help you get started, I’ve compiled a few of my favorite gift ideas so you check a few names off your holiday list.
Gift Ideas from Shop Iowa
The holiday season is the perfect time to stock up on cozy statement pieces, and this jacket from Olive ‘et Boutique in Newton is the perfect blend of stylish and snuggly. Whether it’s paired with a professional top for an important Zoom meeting or on a winter walk around the neighborhood, this layering piece will be a great addition to anyone’s closet.
Perfect for: Your friend who needs a new work-from-home uniform.
Olive ‘et Boutique | Flannel Flyaway Jacket – Buffalo Check, $55
If I’m being honest, I can’t think of a holiday gift I would be more delighted to receive than a box cheese. Know someone who feels the same? This incredible box from Hinterland Dairy Farmstead Cheese includes a variety of the Iowa dairy’s flagship cheeses as well as an assortment of cheese curds.
Perfect for: Anyone who loves an at-home charcuterie board.
Hinterland Dairy Farmstead Cheese | Cheese Lover Gift Box, $75
Snail mail is one of my favorite ways to connect with family and friends, especially during the holidays. And these sweet cards from Iron Leaf Press are the perfect Iowa-centric option! This Mount Vernon-based shop is one of my favorite places to find unique letterpress cards. It also has an amazing selection of office supplies.
Perfect for: Friends and family you won’t get to see in person this holiday season.
Iron Leaf Press | Set of 6 Happy Holidays from Iowa Letterpress Greeting Card, $18
Looking for a gift for your favorite creative? The Art Center of Burlington has some great options, including this cheeky embroidery kit. Whether they’re a cross stitch novice or a seasoned pro, this kit will make for the perfect winter activity.
Perfect for: Your friend who wants to take up a new hobby in the new year.
Art Center of Burlington | Dangerous Create 8” Embroidery Kit, $33
What’s better than wine and chocolate? A sweet sauce that combines the two! Use it as a topping for your favorite ice cream or a dip for fresh fruit. This sauce from Glyn Mawr Winery in Mount Vernon is the perfect addition to any wine-themed gift.
Perfect for: A host or hostess gift.
Glyn Mawr Winery – The Local | Wine Chocolate Sauce, $10
Edible gifts are a great option for a cook that has everything. Shop Iowa also showcases producers like WG MEATBOX, which offers Iowa-raised meats. Give the gift of tacos with this box that includes savory cuts of beef barbacoa and pork carnitas.
Perfect for: Your favorite grill master.
WG MEATBOX | Eve’s FIESTABOX, $50
In addition to an amazing selection of books, Paper Moon in McGregor is one of my favorite places to find quirky presents. If you know someone who loves supporting small businesses, this jute tote bag would make for a wonderful gift. This sturdy bag is the perfect size for their farmers’ market haul or their next visit to the library.
Perfect for: The lover of all things local.
Paper Moon | Market Tote – Shop Local, $24.95
Ceramic Christmas trees are such a fun piece of nostalgic holiday decor. Now you can give someone on your list the opportunity to create their own. With this DIY kit from Renee’s Ceramic Cafe, you’ll choose the up to six colors and receive a ready-to-paint ceramic tree.
Perfect for: Your friend who goes all out with their holiday decor.
Renee’s Ceramic Cafe | Ceramic 9” Christmas Tree Kit, $35
Share Your Thoughts
I would love to hear from you! What are some of your favorite Iowa small businesses to support? Have you checked out Shop Iowa yet?
