It’s easier in some destinations—think Tennessee, which is world-renowned for its music scene and barbecue—to choose take-home gifts for attendees. But in a state like Delaware, gifting delegates gets a little tricky.
“It’s a difficult question: ‘What is our identity?’” says Esther Lovlie, CMP, director of meeting sales at the Greater Wilmington CVB, of the Diamond State, explaining that while Delaware is culturally rich, there is not one thing that sets it apart. “But bring your credit card for tax-free shopping.”
Following are several Delaware-based purveyors that will tip planners to gift ideas for their next event.
Delaware by Hand (www.delawarebyhand.org) is a convenient website that points its visitors to more than 125 artisans that live and work throughout Delaware, as well as many of the state’s galleries. The site conveniently breaks down participating craftspeople by medium, from basketry, including a creation by Sandra M. Ridgely, to jewelry, sculpture and works in glass or wood.
Located in downtown Dover, the Delaware Made General Store (302.736.1419; www.delawaremade.com) is a homey boutique shop chock-full of gifts that originate in Delaware. Among its goodies are hand-crafted pottery; Delaware-inspired aprons, potholders and sweatshirts; and art prints. At press time, the website was under construction, including an online store for easy ordering.
The Milton Historical Society (302.684.1010; www.historicmilton.org/shop/giftshop.html) has a gift shop that visitors can either browse online or in person. Affordable gifts range from Milton Firehouse Hot Sauce and various gifts from nearby Lavender Fields (302.684.1514), including homegrown lavender bunches, lavender honey and lavender vinegar, to ladybug wind chimes that celebrate Delaware’s state insect.
Nassau Valley Vineyards (302.645.9463; www.nassauvalley.com) in Lewes is Delaware’s first working farm winery that produces a variety of wines, from chardonnay to cabernet sauvignon. The winery is open for free tours and tastings and hosts private parties and corporate events throughout the year.
he Soap Fairy (302.645.4596; www.soapfairy.com) sells handcrafted soaps, bath salts, balms, and lotions that are all-natural and all crafted by hand. Items can be ordered online, and there is also a new manufacturing plant and retail store in Milford. Here, visitors can see (depending on the manufacturing schedule) items being made first-hand. Larger groups can also arrange tours.
At Odysea (302.226.9006; www.odyseabeach.com), located in Rehoboth Beach, planners will find customizable items, many of which are unique to Delaware, as well as Odysea’s own T-shirts, totes and sweatshirts.
