Bright Lights and Merry Nights with Something Special from Wisconsin™

Whether you started your holiday shopping in September or you’re holding off for December deals, there’s always a chance to add Something Special from Wisconsin™ (SSfW).

Something Special from Wisconsin members certify that at least 50% of the value of the product or service is attributable to Wisconsin ingredients, production, or processing activities. Since 1983, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has administered this program to showcase Wisconsin companies.

More than 450 companies offer a wide selection of handcrafted signature pieces, agricultural goods and products, agritourism destinations, and so much more. From the Northwoods to the coast of Lake Michigan, the sandy central region, and everywhere in between, there is something special for everyone. You can enjoy Bright Lights and Merry Nights with Something Special from Wisconsin this holiday season as I feature 35 SSfW companies on social media and media outlets around the state! A small sampling of these wonderfully Wisconsin companies includes Carr Valley Cheese, Palo Popcorn, Olympia Granola, Fika Spice, Jam Session Honey and Preserves, Fazio’s Chocolate, Ellie Joe Design Co., and Moose Lake Mustard.

Carr Valley Cheese is a fourth-generation, family-owned artisan cheese company in Wisconsin’s Driftless Region, known for their traditional cheesemaking methods, local milk, and innovative American Original Recipes. Their Holiday Bread Cheese and Blue Spruce Blue are wonderful additions for any holiday gathering or gift! You can find Carr Valley Cheese at their seven retail stores, online through Wisconsin Cheese Mart, or check at your local retailer

Palo Popcorn has been family owned since 1963, and every batch is made in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin. From savory cheddars to sweet caramel corn, their popcorn is made for sharing, because everyday snacking should feel a little special. Palo Popcorn is available at most grocery stores in Wisconsin, Blain's Farm & Fleet stores, and select Walmart stores, plus several Wisconsin shops and online at PaloPopcorn.com or Amazon.

Olympia Granola helps you fuel up for adventure with their numerous granola bar flavors, including two holiday favorites, Tart Cherry Pepita and Honey Almond. Packed with eight 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. Visit OlympiaGranola.com to find a local store near you or order online!

Fika Spice LLC is a family-owned company founded by Holly and John Ellenson in Shell Lake, Wisconsin. The carefully crafted blends combine real spices selected for amazing flavor and naturally occurring antioxidant compounds, helping people enjoy delicious coffee! For the coffee lover on your gift list, Original Fika Spice and Maple Sugar Fika Spice are great Wisconsin additions! Order yours at FikaSpice.com or find them in a growing collection of independent kitchen stores, coffee shops, and specialty retailers across four states.

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Jam Session Honey and Preserves produces award-winning Wisconsin wildflower honey in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Each jar captures the flavor of southeastern Wisconsin, where the bees forage among clover, wildflowers, and orchard blossoms. Give the gift of Wisconsin flavor this holiday season with Jam Session Honey and Preserves. Find these delicious products at Pine Acres General Store in Union Grove, Wisconsin, and Queen Bee Artisan Market in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, which also offers convenient shipping.

Fazio's Chocolate’s three-time Wisconsin State Fair Best of Show Grand Champion Chocolates are a unique gift to keep or share. This award-winning 15-piece trio consists of five Decade of Decadence, five Cheers from Wisconsin, and five Cherry Chipotle Crush chocolates. Experience this special Wisconsin offering from Fazio's Chocolate in Elm Grove, Wisconsin. Visit them in store in Elm Grove or order online for in-store pickup.

Ellie Joe Design Co. blends modern design with Midwest soul, offering everything from wood creations to playful greeting cards and art that speaks to real life moments. Founder and creator Monica Faucheux’s favorite projects are those that tell a story. Her Wisconsin state ornaments and paint-your-own farm scene watercolor greeting cards help share the holiday spirit of Wisconsin! Order yours at CustomByMonica.com.

Moose Lake Mustard is a unique style mustard thatyou can put on EVERYTHING! It can be used as a Condiment, Dipping Sauce, Marinade and Toppingfor all kinds of foods. It comes in Original, which is Sweet and Sassy and Spicy, which has a bit ofheat. The original family recipe has remained largely the same, with only a few tweeks, keeping the memory of family members alive. They are so grateful for all of the support and love making people happy with their products!

Enjoy Bright Lights and Merry Nights with Something Special from Wisconsin ™ this holiday season. Visit SomethingSpecialWI.com to explore hundreds of Wisconsin businesses of all types and sizes!