This holiday season, why not make your gifts as meaningful as they are unique? Instead of spending hours hunting for the perfect present, create personalized gift baskets filled with distinctive, handcrafted products made right here in Utah. These baskets combine thoughtful curation with the best the state has to offer, making gifts that are both memorable and impactful.
Why Choose Local?
Utah is home to a wealth of talented creators who produce high-quality, distinctive products. Shopping local not only offers unique finds but also supports small businesses, strengthens the economy, and builds community spirit. From specialty stores like Backyard Birds, The Old Dutch Store, Pirate O’s, and Cabin Fever, to destination gift shops at Thanksgiving Point, This is the Place State Park, and Antelope Island, there’s no shortage of one-of-a-kind treasures.
Emily Ashby, of Utah’s Own, suggests starting with a shopping list and sticking to your budget. “It’s easy to go over when there are so many fun things to include in your basket,” she advises.
Crafting the Perfect Utah-Inspired Gift Basket
Gift baskets are more than collections of items — they’re opportunities to tell a story and celebrate the recipient’s interests. Start by selecting a theme to guide your choices. Here are a few ideas:
- Utah Gourmet Food Basket – Perfect for food lovers who savor local flavors.
- Outdoor Adventurer Basket – For those who thrive on exploring Utah’s great outdoors.
- Home Spa and Wellness Basket – A relaxing treat for anyone in need of self-care.
- Coffee and Chocolate Indulgence Basket – An irresistible gift for sweet-toothed caffeine enthusiasts.
Your “basket” doesn’t have to be traditional — think Pyrex bowls, tin troughs, or festive crates for added creativity.
Basket Themes and Product Ideas
Utah Gourmet Food Basket
Celebrate Utah’s vibrant food scene with:
- Beehive Cheese: Award-winning varieties like Barely Buzzed (espresso-rubbed) and Red Butte Hatch Chile.
- Slide Ridge Honey Vinegar: A versatile ingredient perfect for dressings and marinades.
- Butcher’s Bunches: Sugar-free preserves made with locally sourced, fresh ingredients.
- RubySnap Cookies: Flavors like Frida (Mexican chocolate) and Mia (vanilla bean apricot) bring a unique twist to dessert.
Outdoor Adventurer Basket
Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts:
- Gift Card to The Old Dutch Store for trail-ready sandwiches.
- Alpine Distilling Hand Sanitizer: A practical essential for adventures.
- Stoked Roasters Coffee: Adventure-inspired blends for on-the-go energy.
- DIY S’mores Kit: Marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate sourced locally.
- Canyon Meadows Ranch Beef Jerky: Made from grass-fed beef, offering a protein-packed trail snack.
Home Spa and Wellness Basket
Pamper your loved ones with:
- Tiff’s Tallow Skincare Products: Rich hydration in scents like lavender and cedarwood.
- Salt City Soap Works: Artisanal soaps crafted with sustainable, natural ingredients.
- Salt & Butter Soap Kitchen: Soaps with wellness benefits, born from a passion for creativity.
- Olio Skin Care: Oils and salts packed with nutrients to rejuvenate the skin.
Coffee and Chocolate Indulgence Basket
Delight the senses with:
- Ritual Chocolate Bars: Unique flavors like Lavender Juniper and Honeycomb Toffee.
- La Barba Coffee Beans: Locally roasted for the perfect brew.
- Daily Rise Coffee Beans: A Utah favorite known for its freshly roasted blends.
- Hatch Family Chocolates: Bold, handcrafted confections with exceptional quality.
- Amano Artisan Chocolates: Award-winning, small-batch chocolates.
- Muddy Bees Honey: Sweet and local, perfect for pairing with coffee or desserts.
Making Shopping Easier with Utah’s Own
Finding Utah-made products is easier than ever at the Millcreek Public Market, a unique community space created in collaboration with Utah’s Own and Millcreek City. The market provides local artisans a convenient way to share their work, allowing makers to display their products without needing to be present. Millcreek City manages the retail experience with a shared cashier, giving creators more time to focus on their craft while ensuring their goods reach a wide audience.
The Market Features a Variety of Local Makers, Including:
- Wild Waters Soapery: Handcrafted soaps and bath products made from natural ingredients.
- Pantala: Premium toppings to enhance any dish.
- Sprig Ceramics: Elegant pottery inspired by Utah’s natural beauty.
- Keeper of the B: Unique jewelry alongside locally sourced honey and beeswax products that celebrate the importance of bees in sustaining Utah’s ecosystem.
- Jake’s Bakes: Human grade dog supplments.
The Utah’s Own Holiday Shoppes at Millcreek Common provide a one-stop destination for unique gifts that reflect Utah’s creativity and culture. Shoppers can explore booths filled with handmade goods while supporting small businesses and the local economy.
Seasonal Events at the Millcreek Public Market
The market also hosts festive events for locals and visitors alike:
- Winter Solstice Bazaar: Join us Friday, December 21 (5:00–9:00 pm) and Saturday, December 22 (11:00 am–6:00 pm) for a unique shopping experience featuring vintage items and artisan foods, marking the start of winter.
Spread Cheer with a Local Touch
This holiday season, gift baskets filled with Utah-made treasures are the perfect way to celebrate the state’s creativity and culture. By choosing local, you’re not just giving a thoughtful present — you’re sharing a piece of Utah’s heart while supporting the small businesses that make our community unique.
Feature Image by Millcreek City. The rest of images by Golda Hukic-Markosian PhD.
