a gift from Iowa?

Mrs.Reem

I'd like to bring a gift to the couple out east when I go next week. I am having troubles coming up with ideas that I can bring in my carry-on though. Can you think of anything relating to Iowa or otherwise that would make a nice gift?

eriness`

There's the Heart Of Iowa store in Valley Junction that has lots of Iowa themed items.  For my DH's friend and new DW who now live in Thailand (she's Thai), we got them corny (ha, ha corny) Iowa shirts, a few postcards, and playing cards for them.  But the store is full of different items that would work.

nataloo314

The Historical Building is another resource.

Something that is kind of Iowan is the "1000 things to do before you die book" as it mentions the iowa state fair...but a lot of other cool things to do as well.

Are they coming to Iowa to visit you at all during this process?

Mrs.Reem

Ohhhh yes. They plan to fly in for every ultrasound and she will be here for a month in advance of the delivery.

We're in the book!? How cool!   lol

sept508

I haven't traveled domestically in awhile so I'm not sure what the restrictions are for carry-ons anymore. If you can take something edible, I know the Heart of Iowa store has several options. Here's their list of items.

For our exchange students, we did a basket with some of our hometown items: CHS blanket, CHS shirt or socks, a water bottle, and a key chain (with the house key on it for them, of course!). We put some "American" snack foods in their basket too, but I can't remember what those were.

Cygal

Hawkeye stuff?

Coffee beans that are roasted locally? 

 

sept508

Since she'll be visiting, maybe a book of some places around Iowa or Des Moines that she could visit while she's here.

If you had more time, I'd suggest a scrapbook of sorts with information for local attractions, maps, and a dining guide. Actually, this would probably be better to present to her when she's here for a month.

Mrs.BWilliams

I'd recommend the Botanical Center gift shop - they have a lot of unique local gift ideas.

nataloo314

we're in there!

if you did the book and she'll by chance be here during fair time, you could flag the page with the fair and then put a cute note about how a & k would like to show her the fair firsthand.

grbnik

Not sure if you can take edible items, but we just purchased chocolates from Chocolaterie Stam on Ingersoll for our guests from our annual conference (nationwide speakers).  They have all sorts of chocolates with Iowa meaning (including an awesome Hazelnut Mocha in the shape of a yellow corn!)

http://www.stamchocolate.com/

buzzeroo

Some of the local wineries have awesome Iowa themed flavors with cool labels. But that could get heavy...

Mrs.Reem

these are AWESOME ideas!

I don't think I can take wine but I can take food. I think??

I'm pretty sure whether it's open or closed, it has to be 3oz or less of liquid. I'm trying not to check a bag if I can help it. 

Cygal

When they visit you can treat them to some yummy Iowa brews....I love that new Peace Tree brewery and they make a good root beer too! )

mishy112

Mrs.Reem:

these are AWESOME ideas!

I don't think I can take wine but I can take food. I think??

I'm pretty sure whether it's open or closed, it has to be 3oz or less of liquid. I'm trying not to check a bag if I can help it. 

Yep, that's exactly right. 

Off-topic, but related to flying: If they have one of those new x-ray machines at the airport you fly out of (DSM doesn't, but when you return, they might), I would recommend not going through it. They claim it is safe for pregnant women, etc., but I declined to go through it even though I'm not pregnant nor trying anytime soon. I am no expert on this, but my thought is why take any chances? If they have this and you do decline (which anyone can do), you will get the pleasure of a very thorough pat-down.