You've chosen the destination, now what in the world are you going to give for pillow gifts? Successful Meetings is here to help, with a state-by-state guide (Washington DC included) offering unique gifts and edible treats under $20, along with a higher-end suggestion for good measure.
Alabama Give a tin of Mook's Cheese Straws, named for Tuscumbia, AL's Martha Grace "Mook" Blackburn who long made them for friends and family. $16.95
Tell attendees "Night Y'All" with a lavender-scented Southernness Candle from The Alabama Gift Company; it arrives wrapped in tulle with a satin ribbon. $18
The 261-page book American Paintings: From the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts features 105 works from the museum's permanent collection. $65
Alaska A 1.75-oz. jar of salmon caviar from Wild Alaska Smoked Salmon & Seafood is a real treat—they use only fresh, wild, Alaskan Pacific keta salmon eggs. $17.95
A traditional Ulu-style knife is certainly something new to attendees; try a plain, birch-handled option with a matching stand from Ulu.com. $16.95
Delegates will sleep well with a beautiful, freeform antler dream catcher from Alaskan Reflections nearby; each one is trimmed with beading and feathers. $100
Arizona Sphinx Date Ranch in Scottsdale offers gift tins of jumbo medjool dates, which were brought to the U.S. from Morocco in 1927 and now thrive in AZ. $17.15
Give attendees a set of seven note cards depicting the saguaro cactus, from Friends of Saguaro National Park; the purchase helps support the Tucson park. $15
Baskets crafted in the Native American tradition are available from the Heard Museum in Phoenix; a small one in Tohono O'odham-Papago style is a surefire winner (prices vary). $95
Arkansas The Preserve Gift Box from Ozark Mountain Smokehouse includes jars of peach and strawberry preserves, muscadine jelly (an American grape), and Ozark mountain mustard. $19.95
The fountain of youth: Joy Spa Formula's Hand and Body Lotion (available from the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa) uses mineral water from Hot Springs National Park. $11.25
Arkansas diamonds are pricey, but the state's quartz pieces are far more affordable; try a 2.5-in. crystal ball from Blue Moon Crystals & Jewelry. $100
California A bottle of Pacifica Culinaria's avocado oil allows attendees to enjoy this CA product year-round; 8.5-oz. bottles come in 10 flavors, including all natural. $9.75
The Missions of California, by Bill Yenne, gives an introduction to the history and beauty of the state's 21 missions, which remain open to the public. $17.98
Forget wine—CA's Ghirardelli Chocolate offers a "Three Months of Chocolate" package; recipients can expect a box filled with premium treats monthly. $99.95
Colorado Denver-based Udi's Granola churns out five flavors, based on a family recipe and using local honey as a sweetener; packaged as six 16-oz. bags. $36
ColoradoPine.com sells a Grow A Colorado Blue Spruce Pine Tree kit that includes seeds, growing medium, a mini-greenhouse, and instructions. $6.95
A wide-mouth Aspen wood vase from Made in Colorado is a beautiful way to bring a piece of CO home; a glass vial holds water to keep the wood dry. $64.95
Connecticut A Teacup and Tea Gift Set from The Colonial Tea Company contains your choice of teas—such as seasonal New England blends—cup, saucer, and strainer. $17.95
Celebrate Mark Twain's years as a Nutmegger with A Murder, a Mystery, and a Marriage, a lost piece from 1876 not published until 2001. $12.95
Noah Webster published the first dictionary in 1806 in CT; keep attendees smart with a leather-bound Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary. $99.95
Delaware Woodside Farm Creamery in Hockessin, DE, offers a 24-oz. box of fudge in flavors ranging from traditional (milk chocolate) to novel (pumpkin). $12.99
Explore the work of Howard Pyle, a renowned late-19th-century illustrator from DE, in Pirates, Patriots, and Princesses from the Delaware Art Museum. $15.95
Let attendees sample special reserve brews from Iron Hill Brewery, by creating a four-pack of 750-ml. bottles, which range in price from $16.50-$22.50 each.
District of Columbia Okay, so it's not food, but the White House Cookbook, first published in 1887 and revised in 1996, will teach attendees how to prepare some first-class dishes. $18.95
Remind guests "you are here" with a bag from Maptote; the 15"-by-16" calico cotton tote comes emblazoned with a map of DC. $15
A cotton sateen robe covered in cherry blossoms from Red Envelope is a beautiful reminder of DC; the kimono-style robe hits at mid-calf and is available in two sizes. $125
Georgia GA produces 45 percent of the U.S.'s peanuts; give an 11-oz. can of honey-roasted nuts ($1.70) and a peanut cookbook from the GA Peanut Commission's gift shop ($5).
Make a donation in each attendee's name to the Georgia Aquarium's 4R Program, which recently rescued two Beluga whales, among other projects. $10 minimum
Touch of Georgia offers a large Stone Ground Grits gift box that includes two bags of grits, a 160-page cookbook, a chocolate peach, and other goodies. $47.95
Hawaii Kona coffee from HI is a delicious indulgence; give a half-pound bag of private reserve beans from Kona Premium Coffee Company. $15.50
Kukui nut oil is a sort-of magical cure-all, long prized in HI and only recently discovered elsewhere; a 4-oz. bottle from Oils of Aloha is a luxurious treat. $15
A ukulele, such as the Lanikai Standard from Bounty Music, is a special reminder of time spent in this island paradise. $79.99
Florida They're about more than citrus down here. Charlie's Gourmet Pastries is filled with tempting confections—try a pound of spritz, wafer, or lace cookies. $11.95
Give attendees a mug from Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge, and proceeds benefit this endangered animal, which numbers fewer than 100 in the wild. $8.50
Send a reminder of FL home; a three-month club enrollment to Harvey's Groves treats recipients to a quarter-bushel of grapefruit, oranges, or a combination. $94
Idaho For a new spin on potatoes, give Spudka. Created by Hood River Distillers following the launch of Sputnik, it is distilled from ID spuds. $12.95
Send a collection of nine note cards featuring the work of Kirk Anderson, who has been photographing the beauty of ID since 1974. $10
The Appaloosa Museum, devoted to this colorful horse breed from the area, offers a belt buckle, hand-cast in bronze, that depicts the "spirit horse" design. $79.95
Illinois Chicago is the world's "candy capital," and brands made here include Jelly Belly jelly beans; a 50-flavor box is sure to have something for everyone. $15.99
Elizabeth McNulty's Chicago Then and Now looks at the city before and after the fire that ravaged it in 1871, a calamity that drew great architectural talent to the area. $18.95
The Fullerton Hall Stained Glass Panel, a 10.5-in. replica of the 1898 Louis Comfort Tiffany dome, is available from the Art Institute of Chicago. $70
Indiana Shoup's Country Foods makes a mean mini-hog roast; take a taste home with a gift basket that includes two barbecue sauces, one seasoning, and a basting brush. $17.95
Give a copy of Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, in honor of #16, who spent much of his childhood here. $19.95
You know it from stamps, but an original LOVE sculpture by IN-native Robert Indiana (born Robert Clark) is on display at the Indianapolis Museum of Art; aluminum replicas available in five colors. $65
Iowa K&K Popcorn dates back to the Native Americans who inhabited the Shellsburg, IA, region in the 1800s; a 1.5-lb. bag makes a tasty and portable gift. $2.95
Give the Pedicure in a Jar from Two Rivers Soap Company, a Des Moines-based one-woman operation where each product is handmade. $11
IA's only operating woolen mill sits in the historical community of the Amana Colonies; give a replica of a Civil War blanket in one of four colors. $69.95
Kansas The Pain is Good snack pack from Kansas City's Original Juan, which specializes in foods with a kick, includes Hot Trail Mix, Jerk Nuts, and Hott Nuts. $18.95
A Van Gogh Sunflower print celebrates the Sunflower State's nickname and The Big Easel project in Goodland—an 80-ft. easel and sunflower painting. $11.99
George Jerkovich captures the awesome beauty of KS through panoramic photographs, which are matted and available in a variety of sizes. $70 for 6"-by-18" photo
Kentucky It doesn't get more authentic than a Deluxe Derby-Pie from A Taste of Kentucky; made using the original, secret recipe from the Kern family kitchen. $19.99
A mint julep cup is a perfect KY gift; pewter and sterling silver cups are pricey, but affordable options from retailers like Beaucoup are a great alternative. $18
Give VIPs a full-size 34-in. Louisville Slugger personalized with not just their name, but their signature, which is submitted during the ordering process. $77
Louisiana A bag of Louisiana Blend Medium-Dark Community Coffee ($7.99) pairs perfectly with melt-in-your-mouth glazed donuts from Southern Maid ($0.60 each).
Give the CD Goin' Home: A Tribute to Fats Domino; proceeds benefit the Tipitina's Foundation, which works to preserve the musical cultures of LA. $20
Ralph Brennan's New Orleans Seafood Cookbook, a brand-new offering from the owner of three NOLA hot spots, features 150 recipes along with tips and notes. $45
Maine A 16-oz. jar of Bar Harbor Blueberry Jam from Maine Gold, made with fresh, wild ME blueberries, is the ideal way to bring a taste of the state home. $13.50
You may not be allowed to leave ME without a visit to the L.L. Bean flagship store in Freeport—and a Boat and Tote Bag is a great gift option. $20 for the medium size
Artful Wares uses regenerated lobster, clam, and mussel shells to create tableware and accessories; give a salad set made from ME shells and stainless steel. $98
Maryland Crabmeat is blended with fresh vegetables in the 12-oz. jar of mild Blue Crab Salsa from Baltimore's Toto's Gourmet/Mama Vida, Inc. Bon appetit! $5.25
Just for fun, give a pack of Babe Ruth Collection baseball cards from the Sports Legends Museum Store, in honor of Baltimore's native son. $7.50
Preserve the bay for future generations; give to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and have a tree planted on Holly Beach Farm. $25 minimum, but why not give more?
Massachusetts Boston Cream Pie is the official state dessert of MA; how about giving attendees the individual-size pie from Legal Sea Foods, which comes in a two-pack? $10.95
Stockbridge, MA's Norman Rockwell painted the perfect picture of American life; give attendees a cube of notepaper depicting Main Street Stockbridge. $11.95
Handmade Nantucket baskets are a beautiful collectible from the area; Nathan Taylor offers cane-on-cane woven baskets topped with a carving of a shell. $72
Michigan Ann Arbor institution Zingerman's sells specialty foods through its MI outposts and by mail; try a box of 30 handmade vanilla and chocolate marshmallows. $19
In honor of MI's musical history, give Motown Classics: Gold, a two-disc set of hits, including songs from The Marvelettes, Stevie Wonder, and the Jackson 5. $19.98
Lake Michigan beachstone, mudstone, and petoskey are used in the handsome Petoskey and Beachstone Letter Opener from Becky Thatcher Designs. $125
Minnesota Chokecherries, members of the wild cherry family, make for a unique treat. Try chokecherry spread from Stoney Creek Garden at LocalHarvest.org. $6
Hotdish, a casserole-like MN favorite, is a must-try. The book Hotdish to Die For (a regional best seller) includes mystery short stories and 13 recipes. $9.95
Crafts made by members of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians make for a special gift; look for the star birch bark basket, signed by the artist. $40.99
Mississippi The muscadine grape is indigenous to MS and lends a distinctive taste to products; give a jar of handmade jelly from The Mississippi Gift Company. $6.50
Nick Lichter's The Road of Souls: Reflections on the Mississippi, explores the river's past, based on the author's canoe trip downriver from MN to LA. $14.95
Give attendees a real piece of Mississippi Mud—Mississippi Mud Works stoneware pottery, that is; consider a teapot, made by hand using local clay. $60
Missouri Anheuser-Busch may be based here, but it's not the only game in town; give a Saint Louis Brewery six-pack ($8.59), with the corresponding pint glass ($3.50).
Personal Memoirs, by Ulysses S. Grant, delves into the life and career of this Civil War hero and 18th president, who lived with his family in St. Louis. $16
Celebrate MO's part in the evolution of the blues with a print from Michael Allen of Kansas City's Crossroads Blues Gallery, who works in oil and collage. $98
Montana Huckleberries, enjoyed by MT's bears and citizens, make a sweet treat for attendees when you give huckleberry jelly beans from Sweet Palace. $1.99
National Geographic's The Journals of Lewis and Clark gives us the observations of this pair, who spent much time exploring MT. Spelling and grammar are modernized. $16
Bear Mountain Mercantile's hooked wool pillows depict fish, moose, pinecones, or any number of other images attendees are sure to see for themselves in MT. $82
Nebraska Omaha Steaks—you know them and you love them, but they're tricky as room drops, so give an 8-oz. bag of beef jerky from the company instead. $15.99
A Friendship Loop Wheat Weaving from the From Nebraska Gift Shop is a good-luck piece said to bring health and happiness to the person who displays it. $14.98
"Mission Accomplished" by NE artist Mayda Jensen makes for a whimsical post-meeting gift; the 3-in. bronze sculpture is a mouse clutching a raspberry; available through the Courtyard Gallery. $100
Nevada The 16-piece Taste of Las Vegas box from Ethel M Chocolates includes assorted delights in a box displaying an equally enticing image of Vegas at night. $17
Reno's Lavender Ridge Gift & Garden Shop offers up a variety of handcrafted products using local lavender. Try the 8-oz. soy candle in a glass container. $16.50
A perfect gift for VIPs who are high rollers—or the ones who want to feel that they are—is a set of two roulette martini glasses from KlinQ.com. $50
New Hampshire Give pure medium amber maple syrup from Parker's Maple Barn in Mason, NH, which dates back to 1782; the syrup comes in an attractive, 8.5-oz. glass bottle. $9.99
On Golden Pond was filmed on NH's Squam Lake more than 20 years ago; give attendees a DVD of this Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn classic. $14.98
Put together a basket of Badger products, including the famous Badger Healing Balm ($8), Lip Balm Gift Set ($15), and other goodies from this Gilsum, NH company.
New Jersey The 2-lb. box from James and Fralinger's Salt Water Taffy is filled with 16 flavors of original, "long-shape" Atlantic City taffy in a 1920s reproduction box. $16.99
Sandra Sutherland paints lighthouses—like NJ's Cape May, Barnegat, and Sandy Hook—onto shells from Long Beach Island, to create special ornaments. $14.95
The show may have ended, but the fame lives on: Give the complete first season of The Sopranos, a four-disc set including the pilot from '99. $59.98
New Mexico Bizcochitos are the official cookie of NM; try the anise-seed bizcochitos from Bite Size Bakery, which are tossed in cinnamon and sugar while still warm. $4.25
Who doesn't love the cuisine of the Southwest? Give the cookbook Salsas & Tacos: Santa Fe School of Cooking so attendees can try it at home. $12.95
Santa Fe's SkyStone Trading Co. offers Sleeping Beauty Arizona Turquoise earrings, made and signed by Navajo silversmith Geneva Apacheto. $58
New York There is always a line outside of Magnolia Bakery—even in the dead of winter—because the cupcakes are just that good; give attendees a taste of downtown NYC. $2.25
Wineglasses etched with the image of a horse at full gallop or heading to the post make a fun gift from Impressions of Saratoga, home of the famed racetrack. $18.99
Scenes from the City: Filmmaking in New York is a collection of stills and commentary that trace the last 40 years of movies in the Big Apple. $49.95
North Carolina NC is split on the best BBQ sauce style; let attendees decide with Bone Suckin' Sauce (west, $5.25) and Scott's Barbecue Sauce (east, $4.50) from the Carolina Sauce Company.
The notorious pirate Blackbeard lived for a while (and died) here in NC—his legend lives on in Blackbeard's Cup and Stories of the Outer Banks. $13.95
Golf fanatics will appreciate "A Moment in Time" tile box from Pinehurst, commemorating Payne Stewart's pose after winning the '99 U.S. Open here. $52
North Dakota The Jerky Assortment from Granville, ND's Big Sky Buffalo Ranch gives attendees the chance to try original, teriyaki, peppered, and jalapeno varieties. $11
A North Dakota Horizons wall calendar will keep this destination top-of-mind all year with gorgeous photography of the ND scenery. $13 (bulk pricing available)
At Pipestem Creek, heartwarming charm comes in the form of beautiful wreathes like the Midnight Sun, handmade by owner Ann Hoffert with flowers and grains. $88
Ohio You can't go wrong with a Cheryl & Co gift. Try a medium tin of assorted cookies, including frosted classic, snickerdoodle, chocolate chip, and others. $19.95
Give kitsch-lovers a "major award"—a leg lamp night light from Red Rider Leg Lamps; A Christmas Story was, after all, filmed in Cleveland. $14.99
A quilt handmade by women in Ohio's Amish community would be treasured for generations; available at Farmer's Country Store. Prices vary, start around $65
Oklahoma Head Country Food Products' OK Ultimate Gift Basket includes Original Bar-B-Q Sauce and Championship Seasoning as well as salsa and marinade. $19.75
Give the Double Soap Dish from the Red Dirt Soap Company, named for OK's red clay; it features two soaps on a dish, all wrapped for gifting. $17.50
Chihuly: Oklahoma City Museum of Art delves into the artist's life and career as well as each installation in the Oklahoma City Chihuly Collection. $40
Oregon Moonstruck Chocolates are beloved in the Portland area; treat attendees to a five-bar gift set that includes milk, dark, ivory, chile variado, and espresso bean. $15
The handcrafted Myrtlewood Slim Pen from Made in Oregon highlights this hardwood, which is unique to the southern portion of the state. $17.95
Maritime climates are ideal for pinot noirs; Wine Spectator rated the Benton-Lane First Class 2005 a 92, and said it can be enjoyed through 2015. $60
Pennsylvania The Welcome Box from A Little Bit of Philly includes two bags of Herr's Potato Chips, two packages of Tasty Cakes, and two waters or sodas. $12
An appropriately desk-sized Magic Cube from the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, where Warhol grew up, displays nine of the pop artist's works. $7.75
Give the candle box and log candle from the Lancaster Heritage Center Museum; the handcrafted box features colonial colors and graining techniques. $84
Rhode Island Indian pudding, a colonial dish especially popular in RI, is now considered a dessert best enjoyed with ice cream; available at NewportMansions.org. $6.25
RI is home to the first outdoor jazz festival in the U.S.; make attendees feel a part of it all with the CD Ray Charles at Newport, recorded live in 1958. $13.98
American Splendor & The Residential Architecture of Horace Trumbauer explores the classical revival architect's work, which can be experienced in Newport. $79
South Carolina Abbot Farms offers a gift box that includes three ciders: peach, muscadine (an American grape), and scuppernong (a southeastern U.S. green or bronze grape). $9.95
The Save the Light poster by Charleston photographer Julia Cart features the Morris Island lighthouse; proceeds help preserve this area icon. $20
Architecture of the Old South, South Carolina, a 250-pg. volume, features Drayton Hall on the cover; it can be purchased from the plantation home's website. $65
South Dakota Fry Bread Mix from Little Chief Specialty Foods uses a traditional Native American recipe, and the bread can be used in a myriad of ways. $12 for three bags
The Black Hills Rosemalers Cookbook, available at the Mt. Rushmore gift shop, includes recipes from locals of Norwegian, Danish, and Swedish ancestry. $13.95
To be "Black Hills Gold," items must be made locally and be tri-gold with a grape leaf design; give a pendant from Mt. Rushmore Black Hills Gold. Most under $100
Tennessee Nashville's GooGoo Clusters were one of the first candy bars—a combination of caramel, marshmallow, peanuts, and chocolate; give an Original six-pack box. $3.40
The National Civil Rights Museum's Opportunity print displays a Martin Luther King Jr. quotation that speaks to overcoming barriers and believing in yourself. $13.99
Every one of Elvis' #1 singles, packaged together in a boxed set—if that isn't the perfect Graceland gift, what is? Available from ShopElvis.com. $69.98
Virginia The Simply Steamin' basket from Blue Crab Bay Co. packages Chesapeake Bay Seasoning, Fine Sea Salt, and Steaming Spices for Crab and Shrimp. $17.99
Faberge's Imperial Czarevich Easter Egg is housed at the VA Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond; playing cards adorned with a variation on the egg make for a fun gift. $10
"A little rebellion now and then is a good thing," said Thomas Jefferson. These words embellish a porcelain dish from the Colonial Williamsburg Marketplace. $34
Texas Get cooking. The three-sauce gift box from Goode Company Barbeque includes original, jalapeno, and heavy garlic sauces packaged in beer bottles. $14.95
The Lone Star rustic-metal business card holder from Austin's Guitars and Cadillacs translates well to business environments outside of TX, too. $15.95
BBQ with the best of them: The Houston restaurant A Taste of Texas sells a rosewood- handled five-piece grill set in a carrying case. $119.95
Utah Deer Valley Turkey Chili Mix—available directly from Deer Valley Resort—allows attendees to make a batch at home to feed eight to 10 people. $5.95
Soothe tired feet with the Hot Lava Pedicure Treatment from Mountain Body; volcanic mineral mud, aloe vera gel, beta carotene, and jojoba do the job. $20
The Local's Favorite basket from Rocky Mountain Baskets and Gifts includes a variety of UT treats like Park City coffee; it can be customized for your VIPs. $80
Vermont A 2-lb. brick of aged VT cheddar from The Vermont Country Store is available in five flavors—sharp, extra sharp, smoked, sage, and garlic. $19.95
Ice cream doesn't travel well, so send attendees home with coupons for pints of Ben & Jerry's, which calls the Green Mountain State home. $4
A hand-blown glass medium-sized Shelburne bowl from Windsor, VT-based Simon Pearce is a lasting reminder of a meeting in this beautiful area. $95
Washington Give a Fran's Chocolates seven-piece box filled with signature gray-salt-topped dark chocolate caramels or smoked-salt-topped milk chocolate caramels. $11.50
There's only one original Starbucks, and it's here in Seattle's Pike Place Market. Give attendees a gift card from the store that launched an empire. Any amount.
Surprise guests by sending a piece of traditional or garlic-and-pepper Alderwood smoked salmon from the Pike Place Fish Market straight to their door. $75
Guam Recipes for Tita Jr. Cookies have been passed down for three generations; try the coconut cookies, with six 6-oz. bags per package. $31
For most, a visit to Guam will be a once-in-a-lifetime trip; help attendees get the most from the experience with the Field Guide to Caves and Karst of Guam. $9.95
Many resorts on Guam have Mandara Spas; give the Twilight Trio, a set of three candles, from Elemis, which is also a Steiner Leisure company. $65
Puerto Rico Yauco Selecto Gourmet Coffee is a full-bodied and creamy estate coffee, which comes from two farms in the southwestern mountains of PR. $14.25
PR's Jose Feliciano, who has been performing for nearly 50 years, released The Soundtrax of My Life in 2007, which he considers to be a very personal album. $13.98
Spicy Caribee allows guests to take the flavor of the island home with gifts like the Four Seasoning Crate ($35), Banana Ketchup ($9), and Puerto Rican Vanilla ($9).
U.S. Virgin Islands Cruzan Rum, produced on St.Croix, is available in light, dark, and flavored one-liter varieties, so there is something to please the palate of each attendee. $12.99
Sir Francis Drake: The Queen's Pirate, by Harry Kelsey, shows the seedier side of Drake, who is said to have spent time on St. Thomas. $18.95
The sterling silver Island Hook Bracelet has a romantic legend behind its creation; each bracelet from Moon Mosaic comes with a copy of the story. $54 and up
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For meeting planners across all industries, Successful Meetings educates and provides resources for all levels of corporate, association and independent meeting managers and buyers about how to create and execute all types of meetings.
MeetingNews - the pulse of the industry, informs and provides resources for all levels of managers and buyers responsible for meetings, conventions, trade shows and incentives about events shaping the industry.
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