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