Gift giving has long been a cherished part of holiday celebrations, and in Wisconsin, it carries a special layer of tradition and local pride. From handmade treasures and family recipes to artisan cheese, maple syrup, or handcrafted goods, Wisconsinites find meaningful ways to share the spirit of home. 

Luckily, the Something Special from Wisconsin (SSfW) program makes it easy to find genuine Wisconsin products for all your gift giving needs this holiday season. A tradition itself, the SSfW program has been administered by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection since 1983. Members are local producers of all shapes and sizes, certifying that at least half of their product’s ingredients, production, or processing have come from within our state. With over 500 companies to choose from, SSfW offers something for everyone to enjoy. The following companies are a testament to the artisan craftsmanship of SSfW and offer tons of ways for you to “savor the season” during the holidays!

At Black Earth Creek Candle Company, winter coziness comes naturally. Their featured Winter Woods candle evokes a stroll through a pine forest on a crisp day, while their Cocoa Cashmere body butter combines shea butter, sweet almond oil, and apricot kernel oil for silky, nourished skin. Every candle and body product is handmade, clean, and safe; tested for a perfect, even burn; and crafted from locally sourced ingredients.

For those seeking to savor Wisconsin tradition in a new way, Mock & Co. offers a spirit-free take on the state’s iconic cocktail. Their non-alcoholic Old Fashioned Sweet and non-alcoholic Old Fashioned Sour are crafted with real fruit juices, apple cider vinegar, and custom bitters, allowing you to “savor the spirit of Wisconsin without the spirits.”

Fuel up for adventure with Olympia Granola with their numerous granola bar flavors, including the holiday feature Cherry Pepita Trail Bar. Packed with 8 grams of protein and bound with pure U.S. honey, these gluten-free bars are made for wherever the day takes you — from the hiking trail to the office desk.

Chocolate lovers can’t go wrong with Ultimate Confection Chocolates, Wauwatosa’s beloved destination for handcrafted treats since 1990. Their Ultimate Chocolate snack tin, Assorted Chocolate gift box, and SSfW chocolate bars make perfect gifts, with everything from creamy meltaways to chewy caramels. Each piece is hand-dipped the old-fashioned way and is a sweet testament to local tradition and community support.

Cheese lovers can spread the joy with Pine River Pre-Pack, whose award-winning Cranberry Cheddar and Spicy Pimento cold pack cheese spreads are on full display during the holiday promotion and crafted with Grade A Wisconsin cheddar and butter. Since 1963, Pine River has perfected the art of cheese spreads, earning more awards than any other brand while using local ingredients and skilled cheesemakers. Try them on your crackers for a holiday cheeseboard, or in a cheesy recipe for the main dish during a family dinner. 

Popcorn fans, meet your new favorite snack from It’s Poppin. A farming family turned popcorn pros, they’ve created over 75 flavors, including Reindeer Fuel Popcorn — a white chocolate delight with sprinkles and candies — and Crazy Corn Popcorn, a mix of caramel and cheese perfection. Owners Ali Bucholz and Danielle Colling enjoyed popcorn every night after coming in from harvest or chores. This could be you too, even if you don’t have a farm to tend to!

Duck Creek Winery and Denmark Distilling pair Wisconsin craftsmanship with community care. Their Salted Caramel Moonshine brings smooth, sweet warmth to cocktails, while the Veterans Vintage Pomegranate Wine gives back to local veterans with every bottle. Whether you enjoy it as part of a cocktail or straight to a glass, these products will surely add flavor you will savor.

Sustainability takes center stage with Ewe and Me Wool Company, whose Woolly Belly Pellets are made from 100% renewable Wisconsin wool. These natural fertilizer pellets hold three times their weight in water, releasing moisture and nutrients slowly into your soil — a planet-friendly boost for gardeners. Use these for potted plants during the colder months, and in your garden once summertime sun returns!

From dessert lovers to nostalgic diners, Kelly’s Pot Pies & More serves up family tradition with Kelly’s Cheesecake and Patio Club Lemon Torte. Both date back to the 1960s and the famed Milwaukee Patio Club restaurant that offered creamy, homemade flavor. Once you see these works of art, you will know that they are perfect additions for holiday tables.

Even four-legged friends get a taste of Wisconsin goodness with Mrs. Beaster’s Biskits, where small-batch, grain-free dog treats like Elk Sweet Pumpkin and CBD Peanut Berry Blasters are made with local ingredients — and with help from workers with cognitive disabilities and mental health conditions.

For those with a sweet tooth, Prairie Junction Co. crafts Brandy Old Fashioned Toffee using Wisconsin butter, Drink Wisconsinbly Brandy, and Rustic Oak mixers. Made in small batches on their family farm, this gluten-free treat proves “It’s Always Toffee Season.” Owner Sarah Coulman and team have previously partnered with local Wisconsin companies, making sure to support other small businesses across the state with their own business.

And surely no Wisconsin holiday is complete without a real Christmas tree. The Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association reminds us that a real Christmas wreath or tree isn’t just festive — it’s sustainable, renewable, and supports local farmers. Real trees are grown on farms across Wisconsin and the U.S., just like pumpkins or corn. For every tree harvested, one to three seedlings are planted in its place. Along with this, choosing a real Christmas tree or wreath supports a farming family, enhances rural communities, and upholds jobs during not just the holiday season, but all year long. The fresh scent and feel of real pine bring warmth and nostalgia to every home and reminds us of all the special memories that have been made already, as well as those that are yet to come.  

To discover local flavors and other Wisconsin-made treasures, visit www.somethingspecialfromwi.com. This year, savor the season with Something Special from Wisconsin.

—  Sarah Hagenow is the 78th Alice in Dairyland, Wisconsin’s agriculture ambassador who works with media professionals to educate consumers about the importance of agriculture to Wisconsin’s economy and way of life. She can be reached at sarah.hagenow@wisconsin.gov.