Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Travel Iowa. However, all opinions are my own.
With the holiday season just around the corner, shopping small is more important than ever. One of my favorite things about traveling is finding new-to-me small businesses. And Iowa has no shortage of unique boutiques, one-of-a-kind shops and creative local makers.
Now with Shop Iowa, supporting small businesses from around the state is easier than ever. With products from hundreds of small businesses across the state, this online platform makes it easy to shop local no matter where you are. Plus, Shop Iowa allows you to easily browse and buy online from many Iowa businesses all with one checkout. Choose local pickup from a nearby business, or have items shipped directly to your doorstep from a business you haven’t yet had the chance to visit. You’ll find everything from local sweets, cheeses and meats to home décor, apparel and so much more.
No matter what you choose to give this season, you’ll have the added bonus of supporting small businesses around Iowa. Need some help getting started? Keep reading to discover a few of my favorite holiday gift ideas that you can find on Shop Iowa this season.
Gifts from Shop Iowa
One of my favorite souvenirs to pick up while traveling is coffee beans from a local shop. Now thanks to Shop Iowa you can gift beans roasted in Tama, Iowa at Ross Street Roasting Co. Help your favorite coffee drinker take the experience to the next level with the Flight of Fancy, which features four five-ounce bags of coffee for them to sample.
Perfect for: The coffee aficionado
Ross Street Roasting Co. | Flight of Fancy: Single Origin coffees, Four 5oz bags, $36
Did you know that the Iowa State Fair publishes a cookbook of the best of the fair’s food department every other year? While you can buy these anthologies during the annual fair, you can also find a back catalog of them through Heart of Iowa Marketplace. Choose a recent edition and gift two years of the Fair’s Blue Ribbon-winning goodness.
Perfect for: The Iowa State Fair fanatic in your life
Heart of Iowa Marketplace | Iowa State Fair Cookbooks, $15 – $25.99
Often found in Scandinavian homes, these wooden stars hang in windows year-round to welcome friends and fill the home with Koselig, the Norwegian concept of coziness. These cozy pieces of decor come from Decorah’s Gallery of Tops and symbolize bringing the warmth and comfort of the season into the recipient’s home.
Perfect for: The homebody who is ready to hunker down for winter
Gallery of Tops | Koselig Lighted Hanging Scandinavian Welcome Star, No longer available
Share something sweet with the foodie in your life with Sunday Night Foods’ decadent chocolate sauces. This delectable three-pack includes the Sweet + Rich, Dark + Decadent and Dark Chocolate + Sea Salt sauces, which can be added to all sorts of deserts and snacks to create a truly delicious chocolate euphoria. The best part? This sweet topping was created by an Iowa native.
Perfect for: Your favorite foodie with a sweet tooth
Sunday Night Foods | Three-Flavor Gift Pack, $39.99
In addition to some stellar local honey, Meadow BlazingStar Honey also creates some truly beautiful 100% beeswax candles. These unique creations make for the perfect gift to bring along with you for the host of your next seasonal gathering or holiday party.
Perfect for: The host or hostess of seasonal festivities
Meadow BlazingStar Honey | Beeswax Candle – Snowflake Ball, $9 | Beeswax Candle – Snowflake Pillar, $26
Share Your Thoughts
I would love to hear from you! Have you bought holiday gifts from Shop Iowa? Who are your favorite Iowa makers to support during the holiday season?
