Made in Ames: Your Hyperlocal Holiday Gift Guide

In this brave new world where "Made in China" is stamped on almost everything but our American foreheads, it's rare when you find a product not just made in the USA, but "Made in Your Town."

Since this Saturday marks the second Small Business Saturday, Patch thought it would be a good time to remind our readers of a few of the many products made right here in Story County. In our round-up we've featured gifts that are uniquely local - made with local ingredients, by local hands and sold in local stores. This Christmas and Hanukkah when you give that treasured gift you're giving a taste of home, not to mention supporting your neighbor's livliehood.

So enjoy our little list of gifts and feel free to submit your own because we know this is only a smattering of the good stuff out there.

 
• Going to a holiday office party and need a bottle of wine? We've got you covered with the local vintage from Prairie Moon Winery. Or if you're in town, stop by the vineyard from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday or noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.

• If it's more of a beer crowd you hang with, take along Long Face or Clone Ale from Olde Main Brewery.

• In the specialty treat category we have cupcakes from the Ames Cupcake Emporium or chocolate imported and delivered at the Chocolaterie Stam.

• In Ames one can find many places that make handcrafted jewelry. Gilger Design, Ames Silversmithing and Melissa Stenstrom Fine Jewelry are but a few. 

• If you are looking for a gift for a new homeowner, you can always go with the safe bet: a nice plant with low light needs. Try Coe's Floral or Evert's.

So now it's your turn. Where are you shopping locally this weekend? Add your links in the comments and submit your photos.