Give a Little Bit of Nebraska This Holiday Season
For you holiday gift shopping this year it's a good bet you'll buy toys and household appliances made in China, electronics from Japan and South Korea, clothing from Thailand and Sri Lanka, jewelry from India, and, in truth, very few products "made in America."
But just for the good of it, how about considering giving a little bit of Nebraska to your friends and family this holiday season. Try buying a variety of items from Nebraska-made goods to travel-related temptations.
How about giving an overnight stay at a great Bed & Breakfast near one of the state's beauty spots? Tempt them to travel the state through coffee table books filled with beautiful photography or with subscriptions to magazines devoted to finding the best of Nebraska.
Then there are the homemade crafts and foods that are sure to please.
To help you be a part of Nebraska this holiday season, consider adding these to your shopping list:
GROW Nebraska
The first impression you'll likely get as you browse the GROW Nebraska store at Omaha's Oak View Mall, is the products creativeness. The items are all Nebraska-made or designed. Later, as you walk out with sack in hand, you'll agree "Nebraska is not only good at creating quality products but grows some pretty good talent, too."
That talent shows itself in Christmas decorations, candies, jellies and jams, framed nature photographs, paintings, wood art, clothing, gift baskets, gourmet foods, wine candles, and much more.
Janell Anderson Ehrke of Holbrook, conceived the idea of GROW Nebraska in 1998, envisioning it as an opportunity for small entrepreneurs to combine their marketing efforts for the good of each.
Not only has the non-profit organization grown from its original 51 members to 217 today, it has opened its first permanent store in August at Kearney's Hilltop Mall. Temporary stores timed to the holiday season have operated at Westfield-Gateway in Lincoln and Omaha's Oak View Mall during the last few holiday seasons.
Erhke said there are 83 vendors selling their goods on consignment at Oak View this year.
The organization's second permanent store will likely be in Omaha, Ehrke speculated, and probably within the next year or two.
In addition, gifts can be ordered on-line yearround at www.grownebraska.com.
Looking for an item you're hoping is Nebraska made? A query on the Web sill be answered with a phone call or via an e-mail, said teh organizations founder.
Some of the more intriguing gifts I found:
Genuine Ogallala Bay Rum
Want to smell like a cowboy who headed for the barbershop after weeks on the range? Then this is the "after shave" product for you, direct from the Western Nebraska town once known as "the Gomorrah of the Plains."
They even have something for your pet called Weiner Wash, a shampoo for Weiner dogs and other breeds ($6.95).
No No Bird Feeder
Tired of squirrels raiding your bird feeder? This unique feeder should put an end to this problem. Its looks are deceiving. It's round, 10 inches in diameter, and about an inch thick. Then you stretch it out like an accordion, fill it with seed, and watch the frustration of squirrels as they try to figure out how to get the goodies inside. Made in Bloomfield, Nebraska, these items range from $29.95 to $36.95.
Maggie's Memory Bears
Each handmade bear is one-of-a-kind. Made in West Point, Nebraska, these loveable teddy bears are really cuddly.
DeSoto Bend Alpacas
This entrepreneur raises her own alpacas to get the raw product. The yarn is said to be "warm, strong, soft, and less allergenic than wool."
Big Red Popcorn
Popped while still on the cob by this Schuyler, Nebraska company, it's sure to be a conversation subject for you guests ($2.99).
Car Window Scraper
Attach this disc-shaped scraper to your cordless drill and its three revolving blades will shave off the ice and frost in a matter of minutes ($22.50).
Home is Where the Mom Is
($15) A book full of tips for moms written by a Genoa RN.
You can also find honey from suppliers in Lexington and Ogallala; jelly and jams from Genoa and Ralston; jerky and sausage from Franklin; salsa from Elyria; bead-work from Kearney; hand-painted porcelain from Milford. These are just starters for your shopping expedition. See for yourself.
GROW Nebraska, open through December 24, is the second store on the left from the second floor's east exit from Younkers.
Story by: Barc Wade of New Horizons
