Olio in Iowa

2019 Holiday Gift Guide: Made in Iowa Gifts

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! In the coming days I’ll be sharing Olio in Iowa’s 2019 Holiday Gift Guide for every type of traveler on your holiday list. From the frequent jetsetter to the lover of all things local, 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.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Travel Iowa. However, all opinions are my own.

Graphic of three made-in-Iowa gifts including an Amana woolen blanket, Iowa Nice shirt and wood engraved cutting board

In my opinion, there’s no better way to embrace the spirit of the season than to support an Iowa-based maker. When I travel, I make a point to eat a local restaurants and support small businesses in the communities I visit. When I’m home in Des Moines I do the same. So it should come as no surprise to learn that I love to shop small during the holiday season.

This year I’m excited to team up with Travel Iowa to share some of my favorite items from their 2019 Made-in-Iowa Holiday Gift Guide. The guide highlights a variety of products from seven shops across the state that specialize in everything from homemade foods to artisan jewelry and home decor items.

To celebrate some of my favorite Iowa makers, I’ve selected a few of my favorite items from this year’s Travel Iowa guide perfect for your favorite Midwesterner or lover of all things local.Continue Reading…

The Best Places to Shop for Gifts in Des Moines

There are so many incredible small businesses to support in our community! No matter the occasion, you're sure to find the perfect present with this collection of places to buy gifts in Des Moines, Iowa.

We’ve all been there. You need a gift for someone, but don’t know where to turn. Instead of heading to Target or ordering something off of Amazon, why not take the time to support a small business and shop for your gifts in Des Moines? I promise it’s a no brainer once you have a list of places to go. And now that I’ve put this handy guide together, it’ll be even easier.

Sure, it’s great to shop small during the holiday season. But it’s even better to support businesses in our community year-round. No matter the occasion, there are so many incredible shops and small businesses you can support by buying gifts in Des Moines. If you’ve ever wondered where to find the perfect gift in and around the metro, look no further. These local shops have unique items for every occasion and gift recipient.Continue Reading…

2017 Holiday Gift Guide: For the Iowa Aficionado

Tis the season! This week I’ll be sharing Olio in Iowa’s 2017 Holiday Gift Guide for every type of traveler on your holiday list. From jet-setting friends to outdoor enthusiasts, 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.

For the proud Iowan in your life, there’s no such thing as too much state swag. From T-shirts to handmade art, there’s no shortage of Iowa-themed gifts. These gifts for the Iowa aficionado are the perfect ways to represent the Hawkeye State in style.

I’ve been a big fan of the The Side Garage for awhile now, and I’m sure your proud Midwesterner will be, too. Their custom T-shirts are beautifully designed and thoughtfully created. Plus, you might even have the chance to print one yourself thanks to their mobile screen printing studio.Continue Reading…