The Official 2022 State-Specific Gift Guide
This year we're taking 'shop local' to the next level with the best gifts from each state to give your loved ones.
The holidays are fast approaching, and if you still haven’t found the perfect present for everyone on your list, we’ve got you covered. There’s never been a better time to support small businesses, so we’ve rounded up unique gifts from all 50 states to help you shop local this holiday season.
Even better? Most of these products are also available online, so you can bring a little bit of home — old or new — to your loved ones this year.
In This Article
Alabama
Hornsby Farms Jelly
Want to gift a loved one something sweet that will warm them up in the colder months? Look no further than this peach habañero jelly from Hornsby Farms. They describe the flavor as “summer in a jar” thanks to the juicy peaches and warm habañeros. You could easily pair it with local cheese and a box of artisan crackers to round out the gift.
Alaska
Coffee Beans from Kaladi
We all have that friend who is a self-proclaimed coffee snob. Well, rather than going back and forth on how to give their favorite drink this season without offending their refined palate, order a bag of whole beans from Kaladi. Each roast features a generous amount of detail in flavor notes, acidity and production method so you can narrow your selection to just the right choice.
Arizona
Cutino Sauce Co. Hot Sauce
For that person on your list who adds hot sauce to everything, look no further than Cutino Sauce Co. Cutino’s habanero-inspired sauces are all-natural, free of preservatives and crafted in small batches. In addition, the brand is known for its small bottles packed full of flavor (and heat!). We recommend gifting a custom 4-pack, but make sure you don’t miss out on the Seasonal Ghost sauce.
Arkansas
Craft Chocolate from Markham & Fitz
Few would turn down their nose at craft chocolate. And if they’ve ever tasted a product from Markham & Fitz, they’ll be eager to rip open the packaging and sneak a bite of these decadent treats. While you could easily pick from their list of available online products, we recommend the Ooh La Lavender bar, a dark chocolate bar made with Patagonia honey and lavender that was so enticing it won the Good Food Award.
California
Windowsill Garden Kit from Back to the Roots
If you want to get a little more creative with your presents this year, consider picking up a Windowsill Garden Kit from Back to the Roots. Each kit includes everything you need to grow and harvest an entire windowsill garden all year long. As a result, your friends can grow their own herbs, mushrooms or vegetables without even leaving the kitchen. All it takes is a little sunshine and water, and you’ve given a gift that keeps on giving!
Colorado
Boca Java
Denver-based Boca Java has been roasting fresh, gourmet coffee since 2002. Its Coffee of the Month Club includes two bags of popular coffees. Choose a three, six or 12-month subscription and select single origins or flavored coffees in regular or decaf, whole bean, or ground. It’s a gift recipients will be buzzing about. Shop online at bocajava.com.
Connecticut
Milk House Chocolates
Not even the Grinch could resist artisanal chocolates made from fresh milk, cream and butter, as well as fresh fruit, garden herbs and honey. Milk House Chocolates is part of Goshen-based Thorncrest Farm. The farm’s owners, Clint and Kimberly Thorn, consider their No. 1 job to be giving their cows a stress-free life. Stressed cows affect the taste of the milk, which in turn affects the taste of the chocolate. They believe the flavor of the chocolates can be altered depending on which cow’s milk is used; therefore, each variety of chocolate is made from a single cow’s milk. Options include dark, milk and white chocolate, truffles, citrus dipped in dark chocolate and more.
Delaware
Caramel Popcorn from Fisher’s
We all know someone who is just impossible to buy presents for. Yet, most of these people seem to have everything they need already. Well, we have the perfect solution: caramel popcorn from Fisher’s. No one could refuse the decadent, melt-in-your-mouth flavors, and everyone enjoys a quality popcorn treat on the weekends. Bonus: if they enjoy it, you could enroll them in Fisher’s popcorn of the month club for 3, 6, 9 or 12 months.
Florida
Hale Groves Citrus
Looking for a gift for office workers, Grandma or even that health-conscious friend? Pick up a fruit basket from Hale Groves Citrus, or have one shipped with a medley of delicious and juicy fruit. Since 1947, Hale Groves has offered unique gift baskets with a wide variety of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, apples and pears picked fresh from groves in the Indian River Region. Hale Groves also sells nut tins, fruitcakes and cookies. Shop a wide selection of gift baskets online or spring for a Monthly Fruit Club, which includes a sample of the season’s freshest fruit every month.
Georgia
Georgia Peach Coca-Cola
It’s one thing to crack open a cold Coca-Cola, but it’s another to present someone with the beloved taste of Coca-Cola infused with sweet Georgia peaches. Since the Coca-Cola brand was founded as a Georgia corporation in the 1800s, this fruity drink is the perfect gift for those who love the Peach State. And if you’re local to the area, you can even turn this gift into a daylong event with a trip to Atlanta to visit the iconic World of Coca-Cola museum.
Hawaii
Maui Gold Pineapples
Pineapples have been a symbol of Hawaii ever since the industry blossomed in the early 1900s. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love snacking on a fresh, ripe pineapple? So if you need a present for someone who already seems to have everything they need, consider sending them a few of these delicious fruits from the Maui Gold pineapple farm in Makawao, Hawaii.
Idaho
Edward’s Greenhouse Flowers
When in doubt, give the gift of fresh flowers. Edward’s Greenhouse opened in the Boise Valley in 1930 and has been going strong ever since. With more than 90,000 square feet of greenhouse space, you can pretty easily guess that their product selection is enormous. You have plenty of options, from bulbs and shrubs to garden baskets and fresh arrangements.
Illinois
Illinois Sparkling Co.
There’s no better time for a bit of bubbly than the holiday season, and what better company to purchase a bottle from than the award-winning producers at Illinois Sparkling Co.? Of course, if you’re local to the area, you can hop on over to their storefront to pick out the perfect bottle for the loved ones on your list (and maybe a few for yourself). But never fear. If you live a little too far away to go in person, you can browse their wide variety of flavors online.
Indiana
Debbie’s Handmade Soaps
Handmade soaps, bath bombs and skincare, are a great way to express your love to friends and family during the holiday season. Fortunately, Debbie’s Handmade Soaps carries everything you need to create a decadent gift basket. They even carry soaps made with essential oils and old-fashioned lye soap. Because they have everything from animal-shaped soap to charcoal and tea tree cleansing bars, you could also make Debbie’s your go-to shop for stocking stuffers.
Iowa
Cinnamon-Infused Maple Syrup from Great River Maple
Maple syrup with a hint of cinnamon? Sign us up! Concocted with Grade A rich syrup and organic cinnamon spices, this delicious flavor from Great River Maple will make already delicious pancakes and waffles sing. You could even add on a bottle of their cinnamon maple sugar or go all out with one of their cinnamon gift baskets. They come in small and large with enough delicious treats to make any foodie smile.
Kansas
Andre’s Confiserie Suisse Chocolate Orange Peels
The Chocolate Orange Peels from Andre’s Confiserie Suisse are a surefire way to please the foodies in your life. They are crafted from the oranges used for fresh juice in their Tea Room & Café, salted to soften the skin, candied in a simple syrup and then coated with their signature Swiss dark chocolate to guarantee a serious burst of flavor. And because they are available in three sizes, you can choose to purchase them as stocking stuffers or wrap them up as the main event.
Kentucky
Bourbon Smoked Pepper from Bourbon Barrel Foods
Kentucky is the land of bourbon, after all. So you can consider a number of liquor-related products if you want to shop locally this year. And if you want to go the non-alcoholic route, consider an intriguing alternative like this bourbon-smoked pepper. Quarter-cracked and slow-smoked in bourbon barrels, this addition to the spice cabinet will impart a world of flavor to burgers, steaks and roasted veggies.
Louisiana
Syrups and Mixers from Cocktail and Sons
The bartender, or aspiring cocktail connoisseur, will love a syrup or mixer from Cocktail and Sons. From mint and lemon verbena to honeysuckle and peppercorn, each one is handcrafted with all-natural ingredients using fresh produce and sugar cane grown right in the heart of Louisiana. You’ll never find any artificial flavors or colors in these products, either.
Maine
Maine Made Salsa
Salsa may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about wrapping and stashing presents under the tree. But we believe this Maine-made salsa from Todd’s Salsa will quickly alleviate any doubts you may have. This award-winning salsa started as a hobby in a small kitchen in Bangor, but it quickly grew in popularity until a full-blown business was born.
Maryland
Baltimore Chef’s Table
Baltimore is home to several well-known culinary hot spots. But how much do you know about their foodie scene? Baltimore Chef’s Table is chock-full of recipes from some of the finest restaurants and chefs in the city and surrounding areas. With mouthwatering photographs and recipes like Feral Hog Banh Mi Sliders and Wagon Wheel Ranch Goat Goulash, this will be a well-loved (and used) present for the home cook in your life.
Massachusetts
Noted Candles
Chilly winter nights call for blankets and hot chocolate, but a candle or two doesn’t hurt either. Noted Candles began as a hobby in a Boston apartment but has since grown in popularity — and product offerings. Their scents range from cactus flower and Fraser fir to lime basil mint and fireside embers. But you can also peruse their gift sets or personalize a candle for those extra special loved ones on your shopping list.
Michigan
A Cap from Stormy Kromer
Stormy Kromer has been a Michigan tradition since 1903, handcrafted in Ironwood by people who understand a warm wool cap is more than a fashion statement. It’s a necessity to survive an Upper Peninsula winter. Stylish and durable, Stormy Kromer sells caps and clothing for men, women, kids and even furry family members. Plaid? Earflaps? Buttons? Fleece-lined? Shop by style, color, size, and price until you find the perfect fit. Mittens, vests, T-shirts and holiday stockings are among a wide variety of accessories.
Minnesota
A Set from Eversharp Knives
While Eversharp Knives might be a little on the pricy end of the gift-giving spectrum, we can guarantee they’re worth every single penny. The company claims to have begun “almost by accident” when they were building display cases for a knife company next door. When it shut down, they launched their own knife business and have welcomed visitors from all over the country ever since. Supporting these guys means buying from a local and family-owned business, which is an added bonus if you want to spread a little extra cheer this season.
Mississippi
Cocktails from Cathead Distillery
Cathead Distillery is notorious for being the first legal distillery in Mississippi. Two devoted blues music fans launched this business in 2010 and have been going full steam ahead, producing everything from classic vodka to honeysuckle and bitter orange varieties. They even have a rare and limited release called Old Soul on the docket. So whether you go with a bottle of their fine bourbon whiskey or their sparkling variety pack, these would make an excellent choice for the amateur bartenders in your circle.
Missouri
Cool Canine Natural Dog Treats
You didn’t think we’d forget about our four-legged friends, did you? With the help of Cool Canine Natural Dog Treats, give your pup-loving relative a gift that both they and their furry friend will appreciate. Handcrafted and locally made, you can shop these 100 percent natural treats online. In addition, the company offers a variety of uniquely flavored treats and gluten-free alternatives.
Montana
Leather Goods from Fort Omotse Creations
There’s something so enticing about the smell of genuine leather. Fort Omotse Creations is a family-owned workshop based in the tiny town of Roberts that creates custom leather pieces like bags, wallets and clutches that will last a lifetime — and only get better with age. You can also order beautiful two- or four-bottle wine racks made from copper, wood and leather.
Nebraska
Omaha Steaks
We’d be remiss not to mention the renowned Omaha Steaks for the holiday season. There’s a good reason their gift boxes are so popular all around the country, after all. Perfectly aged and trimmed by master butchers, their steak, chicken, pork and seafood selections are only the start. Throw in a dessert and a bottle of wine, and you’ve got yourself a top-notch present.
Nevada
Ethel M Chocolates
There are so many mouthwatering options available from Ethel M Chocolates that we don’t know where to start. Their copper gift boxes are stunning, but so is the Cactus Gift Bar Box. But how can you leave out the Nuts & Caramel Collection? Or the Truffle Collection? You might as well buy them all because narrowing down the list will be a serious challenge.
New Hampshire
Port City Pretzels
Your family may give you funny looks when they unwrap pretzels on Christmas morning. But trust us when we say these tasty treats will be all the rage as soon as they take a bite. Available in Tasty Ranch Dill, Cinnamon Sugar, Feisty Hot and Tangy Mustard’ n Honey, you can find something for everyone on your list from Port City Pretzels. When in doubt, just get the party pack, which includes all four flavors.
New Jersey
Gourmet Cotton Candy from The Asbury Park Cotton Candy Co.
As if cotton candy wasn’t already one of the best treats on the planet, The Asbury Park Cotton Candy Co. makes a gourmet version. These light, fluffy and organic treats have fewer calories than the average chocolate bar, so this tasty delight is practically a health food, right? Sea salt chocolate caramel, marshmallow, bubblegum, lemon, pineapple and banana are just a few of the many available flavor options. You can even find funfetti on the menu.
New Mexico
Green Chile Cornbread from Sweet Hots
Green chilies top the list as one of New Mexico’s most iconic flavors, so it’s no surprise that Sweet Hots’ green chile cornbread mix is a best seller. The green chilies add a kick to the cornbread, providing a regional twist on a traditional recipe. Plus, this cornbread mix is the ideal gift for your foodie friend trying to cook up some comfort during the winter season.
New York
Jacques Torres’s Hot Chocolate Mix
If you’ve never tried anything from Jacques Torres, prepare for your world to be turned upside down. From truffles and caramels to chocolate chip cookies, you can’t go wrong with anything you purchase. But if you’re tackling Christmas shopping early this year and need something with a slightly longer shelf life, we recommend stocking up on their Classic Hot Chocolate mix. Made with 60-70% dark chocolate, all you need to do is add milk to enjoy a delicious cup of the world’s best hot chocolate.
North Carolina
Butterfields Candies
It wouldn’t be Christmas without candies from Butterfields. The confectioner has been making candies in Nashville, North Carolina, since 1924. Although they are best known for its classic Peach Bud hard candies, the company also produces dairy- and gluten-free candies made from pure cane sugar in flavors like Key lime and cherry. In addition, they have reintroduced gift tins with four flavors of hard candies just in time for the holidays.
North Dakota
The Smart Seed
Flaxseed is one of the state’s top crops (North Dakota ranks as the No. 1 producer of flaxseed in the nation!), but did you know you can use it to help with back pain? Bismarck’s The Smart Seed makes flaxseed therapy packs sized for the back, neck/shoulders and abdomen, in addition to eye pillows. The packs can be used for heat or cooling therapy, depending on your needs, and are hand-filled and sewn using adorable fabrics.
Ohio
Skyline Chili
There are more varieties of chili out there than we can count, but the Cincinnati style is known for its flavorful meat sauce that can include spices like cinnamon, chocolate or cocoa, allspice and Worcestershire sauce. Bowls of Cincinnati chili are also a bit thinner than other varieties. So if you have a chili lover in your life, or you simply want to introduce friends and family to the best chili in town, consider surprising them with a few cans of authentic Skyline Chili — and maybe a box of oyster crackers too. Or, if they are really hardcore, order them some of the brand’s official apparel.
Oklahoma
Ben Jack Larado’s Bloody Mary Mix
Spice up Sunday Funday, or any day of the week, with Ben Jack Larado’s world-famous Bloody Mary Mix. Still packaged and produced in the heartland, this award-winning line of gourmet pickled goods and custom seasonings is sold in specialty shops across the United States. Ben Jack Larado products make the perfect gift and can be ordered individually or as a customized gift basket.
Oregon
Pendleton Blankets
Pendleton Woolen Mills has been producing blankets, wool clothing and a variety of Southwestern home décor since the 1800s, and they are based in none other than the world-famous city of Portland, Oregon. It would be impossible to narrow down their long list of quality products, but if push came to shove, we recommend gifting a Pendleton blanket. You can choose from many designs, styles and patterns and have confidence that this gift will last your loved ones for generations to come.
Pennsylvania
Cheese from Haven Farmstead Table
Know someone who is challenging to shop for year after year? Consider ordering them a variety of artisan cheeses from Haven Farmstead Table. Their raw milk cheeses range from Alpine-style to Farmhouse-style. Consider building your own sampler box with a few items from each. Curds, French-style blue, washed-rind, and Spanish-style mountain cheese could easily be paired with a few choice crackers and local honey to round off an already luxurious present.
Rhode Island
Newport Sea Salt
Ever heard of reef-to-table sea salt? That’s precisely what you will find at Newport Sea Salt. Their top-notch finishing salts are the perfect topping for savory bruschetta, grilled fish and much more. In addition, each salt is as natural as it gets, free of anti-caking agents, bleaches and other common ingredients you’d find in many commercial salts. An added bonus? Newport Sea Salt Co. is a veteran and woman-owned small business.
South Carolina
Biscuits from Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit
Buttermilk, county ham and cinnamon are just a few of the many biscuit varieties available at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit. You can even get a quarterly biscuit subscription. How delicious does that sound? Their bestsellers even include biscuit crackers and cheese crisps. There’s no shortage of choices here. If we were forced to pick a favorite, though, we would go with the quarterly subscription. Besides, who wouldn’t want a box full of Southern staples like biscuits, hot sauce and butter?
South Dakota
Dog Biscuits from Shop Dog Boutique
Know someone who is downright crazy about their dog? Then, we’ve got the perfect present for you (and Fido). Mount Ruffmore biscuits come in a huge bag packed with chewy and delicious peanut butter and jelly biscuits that will have your loved ones’ dogs drooling. The goods are endless at Shop Dog Boutique. Of course, this would make a great stocking stuffer for your own family dog, too!
Tennessee
Goo Goo Clusters
Give a taste of Tennessee to friends near and far with the iconic Goo Goo Cluster, made in Nashville for over 100 years. The roundish mound of caramel, marshmallow, peanuts and milk chocolate is always a hit and comes in three-count boxes or 72-count bulk bags, so you can add one to the top of every present you’re gifting this season. They also sell funny T-shirts with sayings like, “What a Cluster!” and “Don’t Touch My Goo Goo,” that make fun gifts for die-hard fans. Also, you can book a chocolate-making class at their storefront!
Texas
A Campfire Candle from Manready Mercantile
Most candles are marketed to women, but not the ones at Manready Mercantile. Travis Weaver launched this venture by repurposing a whiskey tumbler and creating scented candles that appeal to both genders. When it comes to picking out the perfect scent for your loved ones, you have a variety to choose from. But we recommend taking a closer look at the Texas Campfire Candle, which is packed with pecan, oak and mesquite wood fragrances.
Utah
Seasonal Flavors from Bitters Lab
Located in the heart of Salt Lake City, Bitters Lab has a reputation for making premium, small-batch cocktail bitters for those passionate about flavorful drinks. You can find all kinds of unique flavors on their shelves all year round. Varieties range from aromatic and charred cedar and currant to habanero lime, apricot vanilla and blueberry cardamom. But you can also explore their seasonal selections during the chilly winter months, which include fig and black walnut. You might even want to consider giving a subscription box, which makes the perfect present for home bartenders.
Vermont
Runamok Maple Syrup
Narrowing down the list of places to buy top-notch maple syrup isn’t easy, but we feel good about recommending Runamok Maple Syrup this season. You can quickly fill up stockings for the whole family with their collection of goodies. They even have banana rum-infused maple syrup, wildflower honey-infused maple syrup and smoked star anise-infused maple syrup — and that’s just the beginning of the list. You can also purchase honey, gift boxes and cocktail bitters.
Virginia
Blue Crab Bay Co. Seasonings
Is someone on your list a little crabby? No need to give them a lump of coal. Instead, try Blue Crab Bay Co.’s Chesapeake Bay Seasoning, which you can sprinkle on crabs, shrimp, chicken, popcorn and a host of other foods. It comes from Virginia’s Eastern Shore, located between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The seasoning and all of Blue Crab Bay’s products will remind you of summers at the shore all winter long.
Washington
Glass Eye Studio Ornament
For that person on your list who truly has it all, a unique, handblown glass ornament from Glass Eye Studio is sure to be treasured for years to come. Glass Eye Studio has several collections to choose from, but our favorite is the Vintage Holiday collection of stars, Santas, pinecones and candy canes. The studio also creates ornaments for each birthstone. Everything they create is stunning, so you really can’t go wrong!
West Virginia
Mountain Mindful Soap
When you make a purchase from Mountain Mindful Soap, you not only support a small West Virginia business. You also support their mission of helping people who face barriers to employment to create socially and environmentally sustainable products. Scent offerings range from classic lavender to pine, lemongrass and more. The store also has an impressive roster of apparel.
Wisconsin
Lake Nokomis Cranberries
In operation since the early ’70s, this cranberry farm in Eagle River provides marsh tours to visitors, but for anyone who can’t make it here to see the harvest, you can send a bottle of its famous cranberry wine as a lovely gift. Available in several different combinations, like cranberry-strawberry and dark chocolate-covered cranberries, Lake Nokomis Cranberries ships to most states and is a welcome addition to any holiday table.
Wyoming
Red Bison Studio Handmade Ceramics
When in doubt, send someone a cozy mug so they can savor their morning cup of joe in style. Just make sure you’re up for the challenge of choosing one of the multitudes offered at Red Bison Studio. They feature everything from aspen trees and bison to bears and constellations.
This list first appeared on our sister site, FarmFlavor.com.
