Tag: Gifts

From Iowa With Love

November 27, 2012
by Gary Huber

From Iowa with Love

By Rita Pray

 

Being of the age when I need to start getting rid of clutter instead of collecting more, I am inclined to give gifts that are consumable rather than “stuff” that sits around.  Hence, for the last couple of years, I have shopped the Co-op for holiday gifts.   I especially like to send all-Iowa gifts to my family that is flung all across the country—a sort of “look what you could have if you lived here” reminder.

 

A recent blog posting on this website listed the wide variety of products that would make great holiday gifts.  Obviously, you have to consider things like mailing and timing of the gift-giving when purchasing food-related items.  I recently boxed several collections of items to send to out-of-state family—things that won’t be spoiled if they aren’t opened for a month.   I love that all of the items show the from-Iowa label.

 

My finds for a non-perishable, family-friendly, general-happiness gift box were as follows:

Salamander Farms Popcorn on the Cob ($2.00/2 ears)

Elements of Rejuvenation Soy Candle  ($7.50)

Fieldstone Farms Beeswax Candles ($6.50/2 3” pillars)

Two Rivers Honey Bear Sample Size ($2.00)

Wildwood Farms Spiced Cocoa Mix ($2.00)

Twin Girls Autumn Jam ($5.50)

Country Harvest Blueberry Jam ($5.00)

Timber Ridge Summer Sausage  ($6.00)

Heart of Iowa Soapworks Pot Scrubbie ($2.50)

Fieldstone Farms Honey Straws  ($1.25/5)

 

Approximate Dollar Value=$40.00;

Recipients’ Iowa-Product Induced Happiness=Priceless.

 

11/27/2012

IFC Christmas Gift Ideas

November 26, 2012
by Gary Huber

The holiday shopping season is officially upon us! If you’re like me, you probably struggle over what to get for everyone on your Christmas list. Why not give them something from the IFC this year? You can not only find something for everyone on your list, but your shopping dollars stay in Iowa as well! Here are a few ideas.

For the Beauty Product Lovers:

-Rosebud Botanicals has several really great all natural and environmentally friendly health and beauty products that would make great gifts. They offer 3 facial gift baskets with everything needed to moisturize, exfoliate, and cleanse. Their lip balms would make cute stocking stuffers too!

-Heart of Iowa Soapworks offers homemade soaps with real essential oils and natural ingredients. I can tell you from my own personal experience that all of their products smell great! Their shampoo bars would be a nice gift for ladies who are looking for a more natural way to care for their hair.

-Grandma’s Soap, a sixth generation old-fashioned soapmaker, has aromatherapy packs. These are perfect for the holiday season, which can be a bit stressful.

-Griffieon Family Farms, our beef producer, now has a daughter making soaps and lotions from natural ingredients. The lotions and soaps would make a nice gift, or a perfect addition to your own guest washroom.

For the Ladies on Your List:

-Our four candle producers: Two Rivers Honey, Fieldstone Farms, Elements of Rejuvenation, and Ebert Honey Co have all your candle needs covered. You can find the perfect scent for your friend who loves aromatherapy, or an unscented beewax candle for someone sensitive to smells. I can personally say the scented candles smell amazing!

-Live Now, Rest Later has handmade sterling silver jewelry. She can even personalize what will be stamped onto your jewelry, perfect to add a meaningful touch to your gift.

For Everyone Else:

-Get the birdwatcher on your list a suet-cake or suet-lollipop from Ebersole Cattle. They are sure to draw birds into your recipient’s yard!

-For the knitter on your list, add some yarn from Hedgeapple Fiber Studio. The yarn comes from sheep hand-reared on Hedgeapple Farms, and are available in many beautiful colors.

-If you have a wine-lover on your list, Rosey Acres Winery offers wines ranging from dry to sweet. These Iowa wines are made and hand bottled in Runnels, Iowa.

-Iowa Orchard’s Fudge makes the perfect gift for ANYONE on your list. You really can’t go wrong with their rich chocolatey fudge.

Also be sure to check out our awesome assortment of baked goods from our hardworking producer members. Every product is made by hand locally, and will make a great addition to your holiday get together or work party. Gift memberships are also a great option for friends and family who aren’t already an IFC member! Be sure to look through our product listings when you’re looking for that hard to find gift, you may be surprised what you can find at the IFC. Happy holiday shopping to you all!

Lynn Fallon Kicks-Off August Membership Drive

July 28, 2010
by Gary Huber

Dear Friends,
Happy Summer!

I am very excited to share the good news that we now have nearly 450 members! When I first visited with Gary and Jason last December, one of the things I was impressed with was their ambition. They set a high, challenging goal of getting 600 members by the end of September. I, for one, like a good stiff  challenge – especially when it’s for a good cause.

But I’m also a big believer in the power of community, and I know that’s what has gotten us this far. Many of you have hosted a house party (and I’m hoping many more will do so in the future!) and they have been very successful. Others share information about the Iowa Food Cooperative with family, friends, and co-workers whenever you have the opportunity and that too has generated new members.

We want to up the ante and tell you about the next big push to reach our goal of 600 members before the first of October. And, we want to provide some incentive to you to help. During the month of August, each person who brings a new member to the Iowa Food Co-op will receive a $10 gift certificate to the IFC. But for those who like a good challenge – we’ll have three gift baskets that will go to the three people who bring in the most new members. These gift baskets will, of course, have a food theme: a Breakfast Basket, a Lunch Basket, and a Dinner Basket.

Many of our producers are donating to the baskets, so you know they’ll be good!

When you invite someone to join, just make sure they put your name in Section 5 where it says, “Please give more detail.” We’ll tally up the new members on September 1, and announce the winners in the September newsletter.

Let’s make it happen!
Lynn