Shopping: Handmade in Nebraska Gift Guide
With the holidays around the corner, it is time to start thinking about what to get for the special people in your life. Thankfully, Nebraska is home to many great artisans that make fantastic products for gifting. From candles, soap and lotion to chocolate, jewelry and dog treats, there is sure to be something for everyone on your list.
Self-Care
With the busyness of holidays, it is common to postpone self-care. Gift your loved ones something to help them relax this season. Prairie Girl Candle Co. has amazing candles that will fill a space with a lovely aroma that relaxes the mind and body. You can order your candles from their online store this season.
For candles, perfume, incense and aroma diffusers with classic and seasonal scents, visit Copper Wax Co. Order online or you can visit the storefront in Lincoln to say hello to their shop rabbit as well as smell every scent that they possibly have.
For lotions, bath salts, fabric goods and a variety of other pampering products, Our Lavender Co. has products for everyone’s relaxation needs. With lavender infused within every product, every gift is sure to bring someone peace. Home grown in Big Springs, Our Lavender Co. is a mother-daughter business that makes lavender products for every occasion.
Out of Eustis, Gal & Goat creates simple quality gifts such as lotion, soap, home goods and so much more. Gal & Goat also sells products from other local artisans to support the community of small vendors. You can visit their multiple locations in Eustis or shop online.
For a locally sourced and created bar of soap, Benson Soap Mill makes it their goal to repurpose natural and discarded products to make some of the finest soap around. Perfect for the environmentally conscious person in your life, order online or pick up your soap gifts at select stores.
Beverages
Few things feel nicer than a warm beverage on a cold holiday. Give your friends and family locally roasted coffee to enjoy when the weather is cold or on the day to day. The Coffee Roaster in Lincoln has enough coffee variety that even your coffee snob friend is sure to find something delicious. With a philosophy of letting the coffee beans speak for themselves, you will never find flavored coffee here, only carefully roasted beans full of flavor.
Based in Kearney, Cup of Coa is dedicated to the perfect cup of hot cocoa. All their cocoa blends are designed to make every sip feel like luxury. It’s a perfect gift for those who don’t love coffee but still love a warm sweet drink. Their award-winning recipes are sure to dazzle anyone.
Sweets
A classic beloved Nebraska-based gift is the honey that you find in so many small shops across the state. Fat Head Honey based out of Clarkson is known for their infused honey and rich flavor that makes you never want to use grocery store honey again. With their bees gathering nectar from midwestern flora, the taste is always unique to Nebraska.
Another local honey brand in the state dates to the 1930’s. It’s All About Bees! is a family-owned and operated business in Ralston. Not only do they specialize in honey, but they have expanded into jams, jellies, sauces, body care, tea and bee merchandise. Order online or stop at the store front for a fun shopping experience full of opportunities to sample every product.
The chocolate lover in your life probably thrives around the holidays. Feed their craving by gifting them artisan chocolate, baked goods and other confections from The Chocolate Season. All their goodies are handcrafted in small batches using gourmet Valrhona French Chocolate and imaginative flare. The Chocolate Season is also a great gift to be shipped to friends and family in other parts of the country.
There is a chocolate wrapper that is famous to Nebraska and can only be associated with Baker's Candies' world famous Meltaways. With 13 flavors to choose from, these chocolates are potentially the most famous candy in the state. Plus, they are a great gift to bring to a holiday party for the host, wrap up for a White Elephant gift exchange or give to yourself.
Food
For those avoiding large amounts of sugar this holiday, gift them delicious granola from The Gourmet Granola. With products that are gluten-free, soy-free and dairy-free, these treats are also great for friends and family with allergies. They are also a nice treat without all the refined sugars.
We all know a person that is protein crazy. Gift them a way to eat protein on the go by giving them high quality beef jerky from The Jerky Factory. Made with the finest meats and in a wide variety of flavors without artificial flavors and nitrates, this beef jerky is sure to be something that your friends and family will crave.
Other Unique Gifts
If you’re looking for something beautiful for someone beautiful then look no further than Stagecoach Gifts and Jewelry in Kearney or on their online store. Specializing in handcrafted Native American jewelry, Black Hills Gold jewelry and other unique Southwestern gifts, there are many options that would make a beautiful gift.
Your dog is part of the family too. So, get your furry friends a present this year from Dogalicious. Specializing in all natural dog treats with few ingredients, Dogalicious dog treats are healthier for your pup than a majority of store-bought treats, and with multiple flavor options available, you will undoubtably find your best friend’s new favorite treat.
