Holiday Gift Giving – Made in Missouri
Missouri is home to some of the best “makers” in the country. You can find artists, craftsmen, chocolatiers, brewers, distillers, winemakers, soap makers, furniture makers and more perfecting their craft throughout the state. With the holidays quickly approaching, a made-in-Missouri gift is a great way to spread some holiday cheer.
Here are several ideas for the special people on your shopping list:
Askinosie Chocolate(link is external), Springfield
Askinosie Chocolate makes fantastic chocolate, and owner Shawn Askinosie has the accolades to prove it. But the company’s mission makes the chocolate even better. Working directly with cocoa farmers from Ecuador, Tanzania and the Philippines, the company ensures the farmers receive a fair price for their beans and strives to improve conditions for families in the surrounding communities. You can order the bean-to-bar chocolate in a variety of flavors as well as chocolate covered snacks. The most devoted chocolate lover might like a “Support Your Local Chocolate Maker” sweatshirt.
Missouri Star Quilt Co.(link is external), Hamilton
At the urging of her son and daughter, Jenny Doan opened a quilt shop in the small town of Hamilton in 2008. Within a decade, Missouri Star Quilt had become one of the largest quilting companies in the United States. Order pre-cut fabric, sewing notions, patterns, books or quilting kits for someone who enjoys quilting or would like to learn how. Be sure to include a link to Doan’s popular how-to videos on YouTube.
Charlie Hustle(link is external), Kansas City
What’s better than giving a Kansas City Chiefs fan a sweatshirt featuring the reigning Super Bowl champions? Giving them a Chiefs sweatshirt made in Kansas City. In addition to clothing honoring the hometown football team, Charlie Hustle produces a variety of collections that pay tribute to the best the city has to offer, including the Barbecue Collection, the Brewmasters Collection and the KC Restaurants Collection.
Arch Apparel(link is external), St. Louis
Aaron Park was born in Melbourne, Australia, but he’s proud to call St. Louis home. Fourteen years after coming to the U.S. as a foreign exchange student, he created Arch Apparel, a clothing brand that promotes his city and all it has to offer. Shirts, hats and other items feature quintessential St. Louis favorites – hockey, baseball and beer.
Damhorst Toys(link is external), Hermann
Nearly 30 years ago, family-owned Damhorst Toys began making personalized name puzzle stools, patterned after a jigsaw puzzle. The stools became an instant hit as a fun way for young children to master eye-hand coordination, recognize shapes and spell their name. Today, the company’s heirloom-quality, kid-friendly products include wooden puzzles, bookends, chairs and coat racks made with nontoxic paints and finishes.
Indigo Wild(link is external), Kansas City
Goat’s milk, botanical extracts and other natural ingredients are transformed into a variety of body care and home products at Indigo Wild’s Zum factory – one of the best smelling businesses in Kansas City. The Zum products includes soap, lotion, lip balm, aromatherapy sprays and soy candles in dozens of scents, including lemongrass, sandalwood-citrus and lavender-mint.
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