Many of you know I have strong ties to the great state of Iowa! I lived in both Sioux City, IA and Storm Lake, IA as a little girl. I grew up just on the other side of the Mississippi River from Iowa throughout elementary, middle, and high school. I’ve been an Iowa Hawkeye fan for as long as I can remember and ended up attending the University of Iowa and meeting my husband there! We are a die-hard Hawkeye family. My parents, as well as my sister and her family all currently live in Des Moines, IA (just 3 hours from us), as well as many other friends and family. A large piece of my heart will always be connected to the great state. And of course, everyone in Iowa affiliated with the state is “IOWA NICE”! Here is an Iowa Gift Guide for easy shopping!
Iowa has a spirit of loyalty and kindness and is down to earth. The many towns across Iowa have some fabulous “makers” and products and foods to be shared! I can’t wait to show you some of the fun items available through the 2019 Made In Iowa Gift Guide. A great way to give back is to shop local and support Iowa shops, artists, and craftspeople! This year’s guide has been curated to showcase gift ideas from across the state. One of my favorite parts about the gift guide is the story background of how all the shops came to be! Truly inspiring. ALSO…I’m hosting a giveaway to give a lucky winner an item from one of the shops! Details at the end of the post!
Iowa Gift Guide
First up is 1st Avenue Collective out of Winterset, IA. They have an online shop where you can purchase art, crafts, and jewelry. I love how they include the name of the maker when you click to purchase! This minimalist jewelry is so pretty!
Next up is The Maker’s Loft. It’s located in the downtown area in one of my favorite cities ever – Iowa City, IA. Iowa City has such a cool, eclectic vibe about it. I strongly encourage you to visit if you have never been! This shop is where my “Iowa Nice” tee shirt is from! Only $20! What a great gift idea! They also sell candles, and sweatshirts, and throw blankets from local makers! They also sell unique items like beard oil and tonic mixers!
The next small business you can support is Carver’s Ridge out of Guthrie Center, IA. They sell personalized and engraved goods. Perfect gift ideas for teachers and friends and family members! How awesome is the recipe engraved on the cutting board?!
Let’s talk local foods! That Iowa Girl out is out of Clarion, IA, She supports other local businesses by selling and delivering Iowa-made food products! How cool is that?! Be sure to visit her online shop to buy all the goodies for gifts or your next get together!
Next up is Barn Happy, a shop located in Cedar Falls, IA. They sell a wide variety of products and work with over 100 vendors! You can find everything from soaps, to jams, to custom Iowa gift baskets! They also have a little cafe open for lunch and brunch, so if you are in the area, be sure to stop by!
Next up is The Market Place located in Manning, IA. It’s owned and run by Jaime England, who moved back to her hometown to open this shop along Main Street. She sells home decor and gift products from local vendors. There is also a coffee shop inside the store! I’m obsessed with these beaded tassels! The perfect gift idea! She also sells cozy throw blankets!
And last, but certainly not least, is The Little House on Main, a boutique and clothing shop in Bondurant, IA. The store looks absolutely adorable! She sells wooden signs and gifts, knit hats, and the cutest tea towels.
Giveaway
I’m hosting a giveaway on my Instagram feed! One lucky winner will receive a Swedish dish cloth and beer bread kit from one of the shops that The Little House on Main supports called Doe A Deer. Click here to head to my feed to enter! * GIVEAWAY CLOSED*
When you shop the 2019 Made In Iowa Gift Guide, you support small business and makers. Your support helps a state you love. Imagine you will bring a smile to the face of the recipient when you gift them something locally handmade and sourced. You can find something for every single person on your list! It’s an all around win/win!Â
*This is a sponsored post. All opinions and writing content are my own!*