Welcome to Successful Meetings' second-annual state-by-state guide to pillow gifts; for every state from sea-to-shining sea we offer a unique gift or edible treat $20 or below and a higher-end suggestion for good measure.
ALABAMA
Remind attendees that with perseverance and dedication, anything can be overcome; give a copy of Tuscumbia, AL-born Helen Keller's autobiography, The Story of My Life. A 100th anniversary hardcover edition was released in 2003. $14.93; www.amazon.com
For a beautiful VIP gift, look to Cal Breed's Orbix Hot Glass designs. Breed crafts creative pieces, such as the Optimist Pitcher—half colored glass and half transparent glass. (Another Orbix design is shown above.) $360; www.orbixhotglass.com
ALASKA
Smoked salmon is one of the ideal Alaskan gifts; Alaska Smoked Fish offers hickory, pepper, and teriyaki smoked varieties in addition to the traditional sort. The fish comes straight from the waters near Sitka, AK, from a certified sustainable fishery. $16.50; www.alaskasmokedfish.com
For fur-wearing guests, consider splurging on a handmade-in-Alaska gray fox hat. This warm gift will last forever and serve as a cozy reminder of their time in the northernmost state. $225; www.alaskafurcache.com
ARIZONA
Send guests home with a nine-ounce jar of prickly pear fruit spread. This miracle fruit has been shown to lower bad cholesterol without impacting good cholesterol; studies have also shown that it lowers a diabetic's need for insulin. $15; www.arizonacactusranch.com
For a unique luxury gift, look to Cosanti Windbells. Designed by former Frank Lloyd Wright student Paolo Soleri, these ceramic and bronze bells are hand-cast here in Arizona. The windbells begin around $25, but the more lovely and intricate bells, including those that benefit particular causes, can run far more. www.cosanti.com
ARKANSAS
One of the state's most well-known living figures is former President Bill Clinton. My Life, Clinton's 2004 autobiography will give them a feel for his story; and at more than 1,000 pages, it will keep them busy the whole trip home. $18.95; www.amazon.com
For the attendee who has everything, give a thumbdrum, handmade in the mountains of Northern Arkansas. Also known as kalimbas, they are available on cedar boards or made from gourds; the gourd makes for a particularly eye-catching gift. $36; www.historicarkansas.org
CALIFORNIA
Ventura Limoncello Originale is handmade using locally grown, tree-ripened lemons; this after-dinner drink makes a perfect gift for meetings in one of the U.S.'s premier lemon-growing regions. $14.99 for a 375 ml. bottle; www.venturalimoncello.com
Give a recycled wood frame from Trees for a Change, which will also plant a tree in the recipient's name. Trees are planted each spring in California's Plumas National Forest, in an effort to replace those destroyed by wildfire. $59; www.treesforachange.com
COLORADO
Everyone loves Denver's Big Blue Bear (officially titled "I see what you mean."). Give attendees a smaller version of the sculpture to take home; the five- or eight-inch replicas are made using the same 3D file that was used to create the 40-foot original. $12.99 or $18.99; www.thebigbluebeardenver.com
Rockmount Ranch Wear has been spotted on everyone from Elvis to Toby Keith to Clark Gable. Why not your attendees and VIPs? Rockmount has been a Denver institution since 1946 and its snap-front shirts are sure to be a hit with real Western-dwellers and wannabes alike. About $84; www.rockmount.com
CONNECTICUT
Give a taste of Connecticut with 100 percent local and organic honey from Three Sisters Farm in Essex, CT. Dandelion, aster, clover, goldenrod, and flowering trees in the area make for a particularly light honey. Available in eight ounces ($6.75), 12 ounces ($8.50), and one pound ($12.50); www.threesistersfarms.com
Since 1952, Woodbury Pewter has been creating high quality, hand-crafted pewter pieces here in Connecticut. More than 350 lead-free styles are available in-stock, with custom projects welcome. A six-inch Olde Tavern vase is $84.50; www.woodburypewter.com
DELAWARE
Treat guests in the Dover International Speedway area to a chocolate replica of the Miles the Monster statue that towers over the speedway. Miles is less hulking and intimidating when he can be stowed in a carry-on bag. $6.50 or $10; www.doverdowns.com
The Air Mobility Command Museum offers hand-crafted models of aircraft made of Philippine mahogany. Models are available in 1/100 and 1/150 scale and are mounted on pedestals for easy display. $155 for a C-119 Flying Boxcar model; www.amcmuseum.org
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Attendees will hopefully take in at least one of the Smithsonian museums during their stay in DC. Remind them of the trip with a gift subscription to Smithsonian magazine, which includes a year-long Smithsonian membership. $12; www.smithsonianmag.com
For your President, why not give them the ultimate in home decor—the Great Seal Rug, a five-foot round wool rug hand-tufted with the seal of the United States of America. $650; www.whitehouseholidays.com
FLORIDA
The Key Lime Gift Basket from Olde Naples Chocolate includes key lime meringue, dark chocolate key lime truffles, and white chocolate key lime bark, tucked in a bright green takeout container. $15; www.oldenapleschocolate.com
Help attendees do a good deed and sign them up as an Adopt-a-Manatee Guardian. The program funds manatee rescue, rehabilitation, and research efforts as well as public awareness projects. How can you not love that face? $100; www.savethemanatee.org
GEORGIA
Peach Buds hard candy in a retro package offers the sweetness of Georgia peaches and the portability of candy—and there's no need to worry about being in town during peach season. Available in a three-ounce box ($2.75) and a nine-ounce box ($4.75). www.gapeaches.com
Wine of the Month—been there. Fruit of the Month—done that. Give Honey of the Month a try. Every month for six months, a new artisan honey will be delivered: raspberry, tupelo, sourwood, orange blossom, certified organic acacia, and winter white. $130; www.savannahbee.com
HAWAII
Big Island Candies is the number one spot for macadamia nut shortbread cookies. Go for the dipped assortment that includes dark-chocolate-dipped original, milk-chocolate-dipped chocolate, and milk-chocolate-dipped mocha varieties. $17.74; www.bigislandcandies.com
Koa wood keepsake boxes are handcrafted around Hawaii. Look to purveyors like Kauai Frame for solid boxes made from this native Hawaiian hardwood. $185; www.kauaiframe.com
IDAHO
It doesn't get much more authentic than Idaho potatoes. Give a box of six, packaged in gold foil and cradled in a nest of straw, ready for giving with the message "A gift from Idaho" stamped across the top. $11.95; www.idahotaters.com
A Blue Pine framed mirror from Sandpoint, ID-based Northwest Handmade would make for a lovely gift for high-ranking attendees. At 25-by-31 inches, this is one to ship home, though. $125; www.northwesthandmade.com
ILLINOIS
A can't-miss treat is a tin from Garrett Popcorn. Established in 1949, this Chicago institution offers fabulous flavors from plain to Cashew CaramelCrisp. The Shorty Pack ($139) includes 12 giftable tins filled with the Garrett Mix. www.garrettpopcorn.com
Tiffany & Co may not be Illinois-based, but one look at the "bean" necklace and attendees will feel like they're right back in Chicago's Millennium Park. $140; www.tiffany.com
INDIANA
Travelers love to seek out local hotspots for dining and drinking. Help attendees out with Home Grown Indiana: A Food Lover's Guide to Good Eating in the Hoosier State. $16.95; www.amazon.com
For the very serious fan, who is also a very important guest, look to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway INDY 500 Tag Heuer watch. Only for those who would truly appreciate it. $1,450; www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com
IOWA
You can't send them home with Kevin Costner, but what about a Field of Dreams baseball from Dyersville, IA, where the movie was filmed? $7.50; www.fieldofdreamsmoviesite.com
Des Moines-based Sticks makes handcrafted wood pieces, painted with whimsical, imaginative designs. Work ranges from candlesticks and dog treat boxes to large-scale furniture; consider a 21-inch round mirror. $550; www.sticks.com
KANSAS
Grace's Best sunflower seed cookies by Earthly Endeavors have developed quite a following. A 12-ounce package is $5.99; www.kansasoriginals.com
After your meeting, you won't be in Kansas anymore, but remind guests of their time in-state with the 100th anniversary edition of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. This heavily-illustrated hardcover volume is designed to be a collector's edition for readers of all ages. $24.99; www.barnesandnoble.com
KENTUCKY
Maker's Mark Bourbon hails from Loretto, KY, and in addition to excellent bourbon, Maker's Mark offers other goodies, like a half-pound box of these delectable treats: bourbon-laced nougat, covered with dark chocolate and topped with a pecan. $16.95; www.makersmarkgiftshop.com
And give them something to drink their bourbon in: a mint julep cup from the Kentucky Derby Store. Choose from the sand cast aluminum cup ($45) or the official Brown-Waterhouse-Kaiser Jewelers cup ($585) engraved with the name of the Derby winner and year that they won. www.thederbystore.com
LOUISIANA
Long a popular symbol in New Orleans, the fleur-de-lis has taken on greater significance since Hurricane Katrina— it has become a symbol of the city's recovery. Show your support with a brass fleur-de-lis business card holder that can be a desktop reminder of The Big Easy. $7.95; www.nancyscorner.com
If you're going to New Orleans, you're hearing great music while you're there. Remind attendees of the good times with compilation albums from past years of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. $29.95 each; www.munckmusic.com
MAINE
A balsam fir-filled pillow will allow attendees to keep the scent of fir trees with them long after your event ends. Five-inch square pillows are easy to pack and will make luggage smell wonderfully woodsy. $12.95; www.palabrashop.com
In addition to lobster rolls and gift certificates, Catch a Piece of Maine offers the Lobsterman of the Month Lobster Share. Recipients enjoy a bounty of seafood, as well as information on the lobsterman who caught their food and when and where it was caught. Cooking instructions, bibs, sea salt, and even wet-naps are included. $249; www.catchapiece-ofmaine.com
MARYLAND
Prior to your event, send each attendee two individually wrapped, five-ounce crab cakes made with fresh Maryland crab meat. The meat comes from the oldest picking plant in the world, located in Cambridge, MD. $9.95 each; www.marylandbluecrabexpress.com
For sailing aficionados, a model of a Skipjack, used to harvest oysters on the Chesapeake Bay, is a surefire hit. $82; www.tilghmanislandtreasures.com
MASSACHUSSETTS
The Cape Cod Lavender Farm in Harwich, MA, offers a myriad of fragrant products; give the gift of peace with a 16-ounce soy candle made with pure lavender essential oil. $18; www.capecodlavenderfarm.com
Give a nod to Massachusetts' nautical history with a Not for Navigation canvas tote. These map-adorned bags, created by a MA-based company, are a great way to send attendees home with a piece of the Bay State. Start at $21; www.notfornavigation.com
MICHIGAN
Mackinac Island is Michigan's hidden gem. For groups lucky enough to visit, give Mike Fornes' book Mackinac Bridge, which tells the story of the island opening up to the world. $19.99; www.amazon.com
In honor of Motown's 50th anniversary this year, give The Complete No 1's, a 10-disc set of every number one song to come out of Hitsville U.S.A.—totaling 202 tracks from 50 different artists. $169.99; www.hip-oselect.com
MINNESOTA
Betty Crocker was created by General Mills in Minneapolis. For a nostalgic gift, consider Betty Crocker's Picture Cookbook. Originally published in 1950, it includes helpful ideas like 12 months of birthday cake suggestions. $17.97; www.bettycrockerstore.com
The fly fishing in the Land of 10,000 is phenomenal. Get VIPs ready to roll with a set of flies or a new fly rod from Sage Fly Fish, which comes with an unconditional lifetime warranty. Rods start around $330; www.sageflyfish.com
MISSISSIPPI
Let guests take a taste of Mississippi home with a box of Original Mississippi Mud Pie mix; the gooey chocolate dessert in a crispy crust will be a great way to remember their time here. $6.95; www.preparedpantry.com
A dwarf magnolia tree will remind attendees of Mississippi for years to come. This beautiful flowering tree is much smaller than traditional magnolias. $34.80; www.aaronsfarm.com
MISSOURI
Leave a long-neck bottle of St Louis' own Fitz's Root Beer for attendees to enjoy upon their arrival. 12 bottles for $23.95; www.fitzsrootbeer.com
Davis Baskets creates hand-woven oak baskets in Macks Creek, MO. Round, square, and rectangular styles are available, with or without handles. The large rectangular basket is a particularly useful size at 17-by-11-by-7-inches. $28.99; www.davisbaskets.com
MONTANA
Filmmaker and ski great Warren Miller is now largely based out of Big Sky, MT; remind attendees that skiing is supposed to be fun and life an adventure with one of Miller's DVDs. $17.95; www.warrenmiller.net
Cowboy boots, handmade in Livingston, MT, will make city-slickers feel very cool both during and after their event. Bowman's Wilson Boots will also create custom boots. $465; www.wilsonboots.com
NEBRASKA
Go ahead and drink the Kool-Aid. After all, it was invented right here in Hastings, NE! For old time's sake, give attendees a container of the powdered drink mix—you know it will make them smile. $24.92 for six, 20-ounce containers; www.amazon.com
Half-a-million sandhill cranes stop in the Platte River Valley every spring as part of their migration, to the delight of birders. Give attendees a statue of welded steel and sheet metal in honor of these annual visitors. $85; www.finestofnebraska.com
NEVADA
Craps, anyone? Get them in the mood to roll the dice with a pair of real dice from a Las Vegas casino. Starting at $4; www.oldvegaschips.com
If you're meeting anywhere near the blazing, colorful lights of The Strip, consider having custom neon signs created for the VIPs in your group. Prices start around $250; but vary widely. www.theneonstore.com
NEW HAMPSHIRE
L.A. Burdick Chocolate in Walpole, NH, is known for its mouse- and penguin-shaped novelty chocolate. Don't let the charming look fool you, though; this is serious chocolate. A box of four includes two dark chocolate mice with orange and dark chocolate interior, a milk chocolate mouse with mocha, and a white chocolate mouse with cinnamon and dark chocolate. $11.50; www.burdickchocolate.com
The Canterbury Box Shop produces handcrafted boxes in the Shaker tradition. The milk painted oval boxes are particularly striking and come in colors such as pumpkin, barn red, and marigold. Start at $36.50; www.canterburyboxshop.com
NEW JERSEY
Bruce Springsteen transcends generational limits—no matter how old your attendees are, they know the words to "Born to Run." Give Springsteen's Greatest Hits album and they'll be dancing in the dark. $16.97; www.amazon.com
With the plethora of world-class spas now in Atlantic City, give guests a gift card that allows them to enjoy their favorite service at spots like Qua Baths and Spa at Caesars Atlantic City, Spa Toccare at the Borgata, or The Red Door Spa at Harrah's Atlantic City. Prices vary.
NEW MEXICO
The New Mexico: A Guide for the Eyes book includes information about 100 icons around the state, from bolo ties and cowboy buckles to cliff dwellings and aliens, accompanied by gorgeous original photography. $19.95; www.eyemusebooks.com
The tribally owned Gaitsi Gallery at the Sky City Cultural Center offers handmade Acoma pottery, known for its remarkably thin walls. Prices vary widely depending on size. http://sccc. acomaskycity.org/gaitsi-gallery
NEW YORK
The Great and the Gracious on Millionaires' Row: Lake George in its Glory, by Kathryn O'Brien, brings to life the stories of the families who inhabited the estates around the lake in its heyday. $22.50; www.barnesandnoble.com
Zabar's is quintessentially New York; give attendees the New York Goodies box, that includes cinnamon rugelach, black and white cookies, a chocolate babka, and other treats in a signature Zabar's box. $65; www.zabars.com
NORTH CAROLINA
Will your attendees need good BBQ while in-state? If so, give them Bob Garner's Guide to North Carolina Barbeque. Garner is a noted expert on the state's BBQ offerings and in this book he runs through his top 100 picks state-wide. $12.95; www.blairpub.com
A classic rocker from Nags Head Hammocks will remind VIPs of North Carolina's breezy, beachy beauty, without taking up as much space in the yard as a traditional hammock. The rope seat is available in multiple colors, as is the included pillow; two colors of rope are also available. $259; www.nagsheadhammocks.com
NORTH DAKOTA
Widman's Candy has been around since 1885 and their most famous treats are the salty-sweet Chippers—chocolate covered potato chips using potatoes grown in North Dakota's Red River Valley. $8.50 for a half-pound bag; www.carolwidmanscandyco.com
Surprise! North Dakota has caviar! Paddlefish caviar comes from the cold waters of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers here. It is mild, contains no preservatives, and is best enjoyed alone, but can be eaten with toast and creme fraische or as a garnish. $45 for a two-ounce jar; www.northstarcaviar.com
OHIO
Milk chocolate Buckeyes are the perfect gift for Ohio-visitors (remind them not to eat the real thing—they're poisonous). These chocolate and peanut butter treats are always a hit. $13.95 per pound; www.buckeyechocolate.com
Handcrafted Longaberger baskets make an ideal luxury gift when meeting in Ohio. Consider the medium market basket, a favorite of founder Dave Longaberger. $72; www.longaberger.com
OKLAHOMA
Pecans are big business in Oklahoma; give a 16-ounce jar of pecan praline honey butter from long-time pecan farmers, the Bryant family. $6.95; www.enjoypecans.com
Leave Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! on their pillows and attendees will come to your event singing "Oh What a Beautiful Morning"—not a bad way to start a meeting. $26.99; www.tcm.com
OREGON
Since 1909, the Tillamook County Creamery Association has been famous for quality cheese made by small, independent producers; give The Tillamook Cheese Cookbook: Celebrating 100 Years of Excellence. $19.99; www.tillamookcheese.com
For more than 140 years, Pendleton has been crafting stylish and durable, 100 percent virgin wool blankets. Many are in honor of America's national parks and include Native American-inspired designs. Around $190; www.pendleton-usa.com
PENNSYLVANIA
Groups in Pennsylvania should certainly leave the state with a couple of Hershey bars to enjoy on the plane. This wallet-friendly gift is sure to make every guest smile; bars can be customized with corporate logos and messaging. About $1; www.hersheys.com
The beauty of a handmade quilt from Lancaster County, PA, will last a lifetime. Each piece is made in an Amish or Mennonite home, so no two are exactly alike. Small quilts start around $200; www.amishcountrylanes.com
RHODE ISLAND
Del's Frozen Lemonade got its start in Naples, Italy, in 1840, but has been a Rhode Island institution since 1948. Allow attendees to take home a taste of Del's with a half-gallon container of Soft Frozen Lemonade Mix. $16; www.dels.com
Give a taste of the good life with the recently released Newport Villas, a 384-page hardcover tome exploring the Gilded Age mansions of Newport. $85; www.barnesandnoble.com
SOUTH CAROLINA
The Benne Wafer is a thin cookie made from sesame, which was brought to the area from East Africa and became a popular crop throughout the South. These cookies from Olde Colony Bakery have been a local favorite since 1940, although the recipe dates back well over a century. $3.50 for a five-ounce bag; www.oldecolonybakery.com
Sweetgrass baskets, handmade in South Carolina's Low Country, make for a beautiful and useful gift. Prices vary widely, but a striking option is the elephant ear basket woven by Lillie Howard. $340; www.edistosweetgrassbaskets.com
SOUTH DAKOTA
Bison sticks in two-ounce portions are a tasty treat. Dakota's Best uses federally inspected game meat and spices, and finishes the sticks over hickory hardwood. $4.75; www.dakotasbest.biz
Traditional tea pots made by Sioux Indians in Rapid City, SD, of Black Hills red clay will make a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gift for guests. $47; www.mtrushmorenationalmemorial.com
TENNESSEE
Tennessee T-Cakes are so popular that even Oprah has endorsed them as some of the best cakes in the country. Give a box of one-dozen original T-Cakes and be sure to read about the legend behind the treat. $10.95; www.tntcakes.com
Nothing says Tennessee quite like the Grand Ole Opry. For music-loving VIPs, the Opry Shop offers an acoustic/electric guitar made exclusively for them by Takamine. $429; www.opry.com
TEXAS
For a special gift, plan ahead and have a flag flown over the Texas Capitol, and then presented to your guests. Flags come with a certificate of authenticity and can be accompanied by a presentation box. Prices start at $13.03; www.flags.house.state.tx.us
Goode Company Pecan Pies come in a gift box that declares across the top: "You might give some serious thought to thanking your lucky stars you're in Texas." Duly noted. $29.95; www.goodecompany.com
UTAH
Outlaw Tales of Utah tells the tales of the state's most famous robbers, rustlers, and bandits, including Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch. $10.95; www.utah.com
The Encore Collection from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra includes four discs of live music ranging from Broadway hits to patriotic tunes to inspirational favorites. $39.95; www.mormontabernaclechoir.org
VERMONT
If you're meeting in Vermont, you must send guests home with a bottle of pure Vermont maple syrup—nothing tastes better on pancakes, waffles, or French toast. A half-pint will run you about $6; www.vermontmaple.org
You're never too old to appreciate a teddy bear. Vermont Teddy Bears can be customized for your group, or choose from a wide assortment of in-stock bears. Those that benefit pandas, moon bears, grizzlies, polar bears, black bears, and koalas are also available. Prices start around $50; www.vermontteddybear.com
VIRGINIA
For a taste of Virginia, give a box of 12 sweet potato biscuits and thinly sliced Virginia ham. The Country Ham Biscuits are perishable and should be shipped to attendees or enjoyed on-site. $19.95; www.virginiatraditions.com
Quart jack mugs are made of leather and coated in pitch to make them watertight. Common in the colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries, this is surely an item your attendees do not already have at home, but will be a neat addition to a living room bar. $119; www.williamsburgmarketplace.com
WASHINGTON
Chukar Cherries uses local fruit to make delicious treats that are sold at Seattle's Pike Place Market and online. Give guests a handmade box filled with a chocolate cherry quartet that includes milk, bing, cabernet, and Amaretto Rainier varieties. $20.95 for a 13.5-ounce box; www.chukar.com
Yakima Valley wine has come into its own. Give special guests an award- winning bottle, such as the 2002 Meritage from Tagaris Winery, which tastes of cherries and chocolate, with oak and spice notes. $53; www.tagariswines.com
WEST VIRGINIA
Did you know that West Virginia is the home of the pepperoni roll? When in Rome ... so serve attendees a piping hot roll of meat-stuffed goodness. $18 per dozen; www.dannunziosbread.com
Founded in 1893, West Virginia-based Blenko Glass Company offers a myriad of handmade items ideal for use as a luxury pillow gift. An eight-inch glass carafe comes in 11 colors and includes the William H. Blenko Sandblasted Signature. $52; www.blenkoglass.com
WISCONSIN
The Tasty Dozen gift set from the Wisconsin Cheeseman combines 12 cheese spreads in two-ounce containers; everything from jalapeno and horseradish to milder flavors like port wine and garden vegetable are included. $19.99; www.wisconsincheeseman.com
With a three-month Wisconsin Specialty Cheese Club membership, recipients enjoy an average of two- and-a-half pounds of Wisconsin cheese each month. Most are accompanied by serving suggestions, food and wine pairings, a recipe, and information about the selection. $100; www.wisconsincheesemart.com
WYOMING
Sure it sounds a little wacky, but soap encased in felted alpaca wool turns it into a natural washcloth and exfoliator. The wool comes from Mariann and Jeff Foster's farm in Parkman, WY. $6; www.bhmalpacas.com
Photographer Ansel Adams' shot of the Tetons and Snake River in Wyoming is the perfect way to remember time spent in this natural wonderland. $70 for an 11-by-14-inch matted print; www.anseladams.com
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