It's gift-giving season! Many agree that local gifts make the best gifts, and this week we're asking which items are your favorites.
Here's what we heard
Several folks recommended locally sourced food products, like wild rice, maple syrup and jellies.
We also heard from a listener who recommends porketta from Tabaka's Grocery in Longville. They said the porkettas "travel well frozen and feed a whole gathering. And have made it as far as Atlanta, southern California and Hawaii, both via US post and suitcase."
There were many suggestions of items from your local farmers' markets. You can think ahead for the holidays when shopping next summer, or some markets have winter options, too. For example, the Grand Rapids Farmers Market is having a market on Saturday, Dec. 21, where you order online ahead of time and then pick up your items.
Julie from Idaho texted, "Something I have given over the years is a gift subscription of the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer. Even though residents can email the DNR and request it for free, donations go to supporting the production of the magazine. It's very well done and it's nice for Minnesota expats if you have any in your family."
Mikki from Grand Rapids recommends a new shop called The Chocolate Dog in Deer River. She said, "She makes delicious truffles for humans and treats for dogs!"
Many local shops and makers were recommended on our Facebook post, including Peter's suggestion of Ajijaak Creations in Bemidji, and Adam told us about the gift shop through the American Indian Community Housing Organization.
For kids who want to give gifts, Mary from Cass Lake said, "I love all the pictures my students draw for me!"
Krista from Brainerd recommends books by local authors and shopping at your local bookstore.
Gifts of service are also a great idea! Daryl in Tamarack said, "Shoveling someone's sidewalk or plowing their drive can be very powerful."
Read our Question of the Week post on our Facebook page for more suggestions.
What are your favorite local gifts to give? Let us know!
