Made in Iowa- Shop Local Gift Guide

If you are looking to support small businesses, look no further! I love giving and receiving unique gifts and what better thing to do is to gift something made for your state of Iowa! They usually come with a little story or history to them and people appreciate something that has meaning behind it. I think the white elephant and office gifts are the hardest things to find unique gifts for and I hope with this list below, you can cross off just about everyone from your list this season! Remember to shop small and support local businesses!

Below I have highlighted just a few of the gifts available on the Travel Iowa website! Even if you are not in the market for a gift at this time, definitely check out the website as it highlights Things to Do, Places to Stay, Trip Ideas, Travel Regions and of course Gift Ideas. Click HERE to take a look!

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I love these shelves for your basement bar or man cave! They are made from the barrel ends of used Templeton Rye Whiskey barrels. They are 21" diameter and 1" thick and theshelf is 8" deep. Made in Bondurant. $125. Purchase HERE

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Hello perfect housewarming gift, hostess gift or gift for that Grandma who has everything! These are made by Dirt Road Candle Co. in Atlantic, Iowa! $24 for a Holiday sampler of 3 candles. Select your gift HERE

The image below is another great hostess gift! For only $5.95, add a few of these to your cart to accompany a bottle of wine as a gift set. Zaza’s Artisan Pasta is made in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Shop HERE

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The older I get the more I love receiving experiences as a gift. Seven Oaks is a great place to ski, snow tube and snowboard in the winter, and to kayak/canoe, river tube and paintball in the summer, all in central Iowa! It is located in Boone – a quick drive from the surrounding cities. Choose your gift certificate amount HERE

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Everyone needs a shirt from Raygun, so start em young! This Iowa-adorable shirt is for the littles in your life. Raygun is located Downtown Des Moines and they are known for their T-shirts with style….and sayings! Purchase yours HERE for only $20.

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Are you really from Iowa if you have not had a Dutch Letter from Jaarsma Bakery? Looking for that perfect gift to take to the office for the staff or bring into your ladies or mens groups? Grab 12 dutch letters for $27 so everyone can experience a little bit of Pella, Iowa. They ship well. Click HERE to browse their website for other tasty treats too.

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I love these printed candle holders $12 each, made by Kara Lynn Schlabaugh out of Iowa City, Iowa. I also think they would be really cute to keep salt and pepper in on the table as decor! Browse all of the styles HERE.

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One of a kind sculptures from Davenport, Iowa are made by Isabel Bloom. Choose from designs that are whimsical, children, animals, inspiring angels, and outdoor statues. Each sculpture comes with a card perfect for the occasion. Looking for something to get a teacher, a mentor, a retiree, or need a gift in a time of sympathy, Isabel Bloom is timeless and sure to make a lasting memory. You can search for the perfect occasion gift HERE.

I have only highlighted a fraction of the gifts available through their website! Start your own search by clicking HERE for a full tour of the website, Travel Iowa.

Amana Woolen Mill Throw-$85

Amana Woolen Mill Throw-$85

Bannor Toys Iowa Rattle- $19.99

Bannor Toys Iowa Rattle- $19.99

Iowa Outdoors Magazine Subscription- $15

Iowa Outdoors Magazine Subscription- $15

Great River Maple Syrup- $20

Great River Maple Syrup- $20

Hostess & Housewarming Gift Guide!

Tis the season for gift giving, Holiday parties, and dinners with friends, so I thought the Fill the Cart Friday should be about what to bring your Hostess or Hostesses! Of course a bottle of wine always works too, if they drink it, but if you want to take something memorable, check out my top gifts below. I have made it easy buy choosing items from the same store, so if you have multiple parties coming up, you can add 1 thing or all of these to the same cart πŸ˜‰ (If you want to shop a piece directly, use the links below this image. Simply click on the image you want to purchase and it will take you right there.)

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