I'm someone who would much rather get and give a beautiful assortment of locally made preserves, spices, body care products, candles, and the like than mass-produced objects from big-box stores that I'll likely donate or throw out within a year.
I love making and sharing lots of preserves from my garden and supplementing them with other specialty products from local farmers and makers.
If you're the same, I encourage you to check out some of the makers and organizations below who have a wonderful variety of locally made and produced goods that you can share with your friends and family this holiday season.
The Perennial Homestead is a family business that is ran from a homestead in Omaha, Nebraska. Think of The Perennial Homestead as an online version of a farm store - open year-round featuring a seasonal array of locally crafted items and specialty goods to elevate your daily life and add magic to your special times. Or as they like to say, “Simple Things for Special Days”.
They offer lots of delicious confections like caramels, peanut brittle as well as seasonings, candles, soaps, decorations, and more!
Michelle and Mark Brannen own and operate Benson Bounty, a family farm located on 1.5 acres of land in Omaha, Nebraska.
They have gift baskets, seasoning mixes, soaps, lip balm, candles, and more available. They grow Nebraska’s finest heirloom garlic as well as countless varieties of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs—both culinary and medicinal.
Aster Acre Cooperative is an evolving cooperative connecting small-scale growers with folks in their communities, sharing knowledge, skills, and food. AAC carries a variety of goods like caramels from the Perennial Homestead, herbal products from Mullein Hill Farm, and cookies from Fraîche! Check out their brand-new online store here.
Crazy Gringa Hot Sauce has been partners with City Sprouts South since 2015. Every year, we grow peppers for Mary to use in her delicious hot sauces, and she gives back a certain amount of the proceeds over the summer. Add a little heat to your cold winter with some Crazy Gringa Hot Sauce!
Lone Tree brings together produce and products made by local producers. They carry everything from dog treats, to aromatherapy spray, to cured meats, coffee, kombucha, and preserved goods. Way too many things to list, check them out!
Artemis Tea & Botanical is run by the duo Andrea Lawse and Sarah H. Kluth. They offer a variety of tea blends and teaware.
From the website:
"We care passionately about plants and the health of the environment. Where and how plants are grown, harvested, processed, blended, and packaged matters. You can be sure that each cup of Artemis tea is full of love and intention—from planting to packaging.
Our blends are built to accompany you on any daily aspiration. Whether it be for taste and inspiration, habit or healing, each cup counts for something wonderful. Let us introduce you!"
A coffee shop owner - turned plant seller, (drips) offers a variety of plants and more: houseplants, plant accessories including handmade pottery, plant stands, soil, terrariums, crystals, herbs, teas, coffee(beans), ritual tools, and other lifestyle items for the earth/plant spirited.
Need more ideas? Check out Nebraska Extension's Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska guide for more local producers and farmers!
City Sprouts is postponing our annual Holiday Market this year, but we are sure you will be able to find some amazing gifts and finds between some of these local orgs and makers!
Happy shopping!
Addie Gengenbach
Communications Manager