The Christmas shopping season is upon us, and as you’re making your list and checking it twice, all of us here at Culinary Crossroads hope you’ll consider supporting local for some of those holiday presents.
A made-in-Indiana gift does more than make the recipient happy. It also helps support the talented artisans who create all sorts of products right here at home. Head to your local winter farmers’ markets and you’ll find an array of giftable items, from sweets and seasonings to jams and jellies to sauces and rubs, perfect for the aspiring chefs or backyard barbecuers on your list.
You can find wines for every palate at your local winery – Indiana has more than 130 wineries and plenty of distilleries as well. You can find that perfect bottle of bourbon or cabernet, and you’re likely to discover some award-winners too.
For a bottle of a different sort, consider Indiana maple syrup and make someone’s holiday a little sweeter. Or spice things up with a local hot sauce. Those little bottles make perfect stocking stuffers.
Of course, we’re all about tasty treats, and consumable presents are always a hit. But head to Indiana Gifts, a charming store on Main Street in Lebanon, Ind., and you’ll find all that and more: T-shirts and jewelry, caps and coasters, candles and lotions and even gifts for the fur babies on your list.
As Indiana Gifts owner Mel McMahon notes on the store’s website, “we believe who we buy from matters. The brands found on Indiana Gifts create exceptional products that make fabulous gifts and turn into lasting local impact.”
You can shop local online at shopindianagifts.com and find more local businesses to support at indianaowned.com.
