Midwest Living 2022 Midwest-Made Holiday Gift Guide

I would happily take anything in Vera Bradley's new Hedgehog Wild collection. It's so cute! Roly-poly hedgehogs and pretty flowers adorn more than 25 products, like quilted bags and pouches, an umbrella, slippers, and these 100 percent cotton poplin pajamas. I'm assured they're prickle-free. - Amy Lynch, MWL Writer

Give someone the gift of not baking on Christmas morning. I'm a sucker for pecan rolls, and these, from Nichole's Fine Pastry, are a steal for the quality—laced with spices, pebbled with nuts and shipped fresh to warm in the oven. - Allison Vancura, Digital Editor

Superlight polymer clay earrings are everywhere now, but the ones from designer Bao Yang stand out. Her work is intricate and eclectic, and the selection changes often. - Stacy Brooks, MWL Writer

Rhum is French for rum, and Nobletons Distillery crafts several. My vote goes to Duckett Rhum 103. With notes of smoke and cherry, it's rum through-and-through but drinks like a bourbon, ideal for a Christmas sipper or in an Old-Fashioned. Almost all rum is made with molasses, but Nobletons uses fresh-pressed sugarcane juice, in the old French agricole style—hence the name. - T.J. Olwig, MWL Writer

Kiley Busko's watercolor birds are so vivid and evocative, they practically lift off the page—or the water bottle or laptop. (Not into stickers? She sells lovely postcards too.) - Alicia Underlee Nelson, MWL Writer

Cool people doing cool things: Kori and Adam Fuerst became known in the photo world for refurbishing vintage cameras—mostly Polaroids. Their team of young techs and artists fixes the guts to guarantee functionality and applies throwback designs, like this Polaroid 600 Malibu Barbie model. The packaging is top-notch too. - Kevin J. Miyazaki, MWL Photographer

My friend Prasana, who is Indian American, tipped me off to Diop, a company that makes trendy apparel and accessories with Ankara textiles from West Africa. Cofounder Mapate Diop's mom is from Nigeria, and he says the brand reflects the unique identities of second-generation Americans—born in one country, forever influenced by another. - Erin Keefer, Assistant Art Director

Amana Woolen Mill has been around since 1857, and though it has wool in its name, the all-season cotton blankets win my vote. They're soft, hold up to washing beautifully, and come in an array of bright or muted patterns. - Diane Penningroth, Copy Editor

I'm obsessed with Anna and Nathanael Bailey's modern wall hangings. Their graphic large-scale pieces top my personal wish list, but the Heritage Round monogram is ideal for gifting. Available in three colors, measuring 6, 15 or 23 inches. - Julia Sayers Gokhale, Travel Editor

Each year, thousands of food brands launch, but only a handful survive. Here Here Market aims to change that by showcasing Midwest makers in gift boxes and subscriptions. Their roster includes tiny start-ups, established labels and celeb chefs like Stephanie Izard. The company is BIPOC- and LGBTQ-owned, and I love their commitment to featuring diverse entrepreneurs and international flavors. - Hannah Agran, Executive Editor

Kory Helgens started Spring Run Design after a huge storm knocked down 63 trees on his family farm. His gorgeous boards are satin-smooth, and the spoons are lighter than air. - Joanna Linberg, Contributing Home Editor

$24, Jupmode

$32, Ampersand Design Studio

Made by Sandlot Goods. $40, Made in KC Co.

$4, Bozz Prints

$35, Ope Life

Four cities available. $19, Hippy Feet

$9, Ray Gun

My fiancé and I plan to toast each other with a behind-the-bar tutorial from the expert mixologists at Parlour. (They make the best Old-Fashioneds.) - Jess Hoffert, Projects Editor

My son and I went to a Packers game this fall. I would love to go back and visit the Hall of Fame, do a stadium tour, or dine at 1919 Kitchen and Tap inside Lambeau Field—gift cards are available! - Gary Thompson, Senior Staff Writer

My girlfriends and I loved Penn and Beech Candle Company. My custom English Ivy, Elderflower and Olive Blossom blend smells like a spring arboretum. And they served drinks! - Ruby Pierce, Senior Graphic Designer

I want to go on a Big Muddy Adventures trip so badly—especially a Full Moon Float or the Rivertime Supper Club. See the Mississippi from a Voyageur-style canoe and eat a chef-prepped dinner on an island? What's not to love? - Amanda Doyle, MWL Writer

I'm all about cool pop-up dinners. One on my bucket list: chef Abra Berens' popular veggie-forward feasts at Granor Farm. - Joie Probst, Assistant Digital Editor