Made in Iowa 2019 gift guide

 This post is sponsored by Travel Iowa.  All opinions are entirely my own. #thisisiowa #madeiniowa

It’s that time of year again!  Time to buy all those Christmas gifts for your loved ones.  I realized over Thanksgiving how incredibly lucky my family is when I sat there with my younger brother, brainstorming what to get my older brother for Christmas.  Because he doesn’t need anything, and none of us do.   Then I got to thinking about how Christmas should be less about scouring the internet for gadgets we don’t need and more about picking something out special for the people we love.

I have spent the majority of my adult life in Iowa.  Over the past 19 years, I have lived in Dubuque, the Quad Cities, Ottumwa, and Cedar Falls.  ( and this year my family moved back to Dubuque) Plus, my husband grew up in Iowa City, so we frequent that area as well.   I have seen how much Iowans support their local business with pride.  It’s quite refreshing to see how Iowans want to see their fellow Iowan’s thrive.  Iowans are genuinely the nicest people I know!

I have teamed up with Travel Iowa to help you find some local Iowa goodies! I know so many people who love to shop local, but don’t always know where to start.  Here are some of my favorite picks from all over the state!

The 2019 Iowa gift guide has everything for the people on your list.  Whether your family loves to cook, eat, wear comfy clothes,  or decorate, there is something for everyone!  Just think how fun a ” Made in Iowa” gift basket would be?

Let’s take a tour of the State to check out some Iowa goodies, shall we?

Maker’s Loft in Iowa City, Iowa

The Maker’s loft is a store in downtown Iowa City that features products from over 50 different Iowans.  They have food items, t-shirts, candles, and artwork.  My in-laws live in Iowa City, so I know where I’ll be shopping the next time I’m in the area.

Barn Happy in Cedar Falls

My family just spent the past six years living in Cedar Falls.  Barn Happy was one of my kids’ favorite places to visit!  The baked goods and jam at Barn Happy are delicious!  Barn Happy is a great place to shop local, but you can buy online as well!

1st Avenue Collective in Winterset.  Winterset is located Southwest of Des Moines when you’re visiting, and you should stop at

Carver’s Ridge in Gutherie Center, Iowa

Carvers Ridge is situated in Gutherie Center, which is west of Des Moines.  They make fantastic looking homemade gifts!  I’m talking carved stones artwork, HomeGoods, and more!  If you can’t make it out there, then make sure you shop online!

That Iowa Girl in Clarion, Iowa

I have heard a lot about That Iowa Girl over the years.  My brother’s wife is from Eagle Grove, and so I have traveled to the area for wedding showers and such over the years.   That Iowa Girl is a grocery store that carries local foods from the Midwest!  Not only is it a place that you must stop at if you are traveling through the area, but you can order local Iowa food products online too!

The Market Place in Manning, Iowa

Manning, Iowa is located in Carroll County, west of Des Moines.  The Market Place is home to a coffee shop and is a staple in downtown Manning.  The Market place is also home to many beautiful gifts made by local vendors.  You can find bath products, jewelry, and wooden signs.  I am a sucker for homemade wooden signs!

Little House on Main in Bondurant, Iowa

Little House on Main is located in Bondurant, Iowa, which is not too far from Des Moines.   This adorable shop is a clothing and gift shop.  You can buy homemade gifts, and it has loads of wooden signs that anyone on your gift-giving list would love!

Shopping local has always been important to me for a variety of reasons.  When you consider shopping local for this upcoming holiday season, You’re supporting Iowans instead of big box stores.  Plus, shopping local is better for our planet.  I particularly love getting consumables as gifts. ( probably because I love eating )

I don’t think people realize how many wonderful gifts we have, right here in Iowa.  Don’t forget to check out the 2019 Iowa gift guide as you shop this holiday season!