DSM Skyline Mug by Amanda Barr Ceramics
While there are local shops in the Des Moines areas that offer Iowa-themed merchandise, they’re not the only places where you can purchase items that display your Iowa pride. The next time you’re in search of apparel supporting your favorite football team or a gift for your best Iowan friend, look no further than the handmade wares sold on the popular e-commerce website Etsy. To get you started, here’s a list of five products featured on the site that showcase a deep love for all things Iowa.
Iowa State Capitol Print by YouandYoursPrints.
The tour guides at the Iowa state capitol often hail it as one of America’s most beautiful capitol buildings. This piece, which is a print of a hand-drawn design, illuminates the majestic 19-century domes of the capitol with crisp lines and a graphic two-tone color palette. And it also serves as a nod to the political importance of our great state—everyone knows that when election season rolls around, the Iowa Caucus is the first in the nation.
‘Game Day Infinity Scarves’ by ML Apparel.
This merchant is an Iowa native who knows that fashionable fan gear is something appreciated by Cyclone and Hawkeye fans alike. The variety of designs and color/print combinations is what makes this Etsy shop especially appealing, whether you prefer the clean silhouette of the Hawkeye logo or the classic image of Cy marching into game-day battle. The scarves are made of jersey knit fabric, perfect for looping around your neck when you’re watching at the stadium (or even in your living room).
Iowa BORN Onesie by HomelandTees.
If you’re the type of parent who loves to dress up your baby and you also have a fondness for Iowa, then this is the onesie for you (well, actually, for your kiddo). This Etsy shop makes apparel for many different states, but you’ll probably agree that the Iowa BORN onesie is among the best of the designs. When you’re little guy or gal sports this outfit, everyone will know that even the babies love it here.
Des Moines Skyline Mug by Amanda M Barr Ceramics.
As the cooler weather sets in, you’ll want to freshen up your collection of mugs with this cozy addition. This handmade mug is adorned with the Des Moines skyline anchored by a red umbrella—a tribute to the artist’s “favorite view” of Des Moines, described on the site as “the skyline at night with the Traveler’s umbrella lit in red.” This clever design reminds us that for some, Des Moines is considered the insurance capitol of the world—or at least of the Midwest.
Aluminum Iowa Key Ring by CharmedbyCindi.
When you’re on the road and traveling out of state, you’ll always have a little piece of home to carry with you in the form of one of these Iowa-shaped key rings. The best part is that they can be stamped with short, customizable messages (“bike,” “run,” and “home” are the ones featured on the site). You could even have them stamped with a certain date to commemorate a momentous event, like your first RAGBRAI or your family reunion on Lake Okoboji.