It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to summer. Though we'll miss the long days of warm sunshine, the cozy promise of fall in the Midwest is calling our name. The multicolored, crunchy leaves, chilled air, and layered outfits are cornerstones of the season in this region and every year they signify to us that the world is experiencing a reset, that the shifting weather indicates a new beginning. This year, though, we're relying on some traditionally Midwestern fall comforts to really get me into the spirit. 

A Cozy Sweatshirt

We know it’s autumn when we reach for the sweaters in our closets after a summer filled with t-shirts and tank tops. The Sun Will Always Rise sweatshirt was just added to the shop, as well as some other comfy picks to keep you cozy all fall long. This sweatshirt will keep you warm as temperatures dip, and still keep you looking put together.

 

Incense

Bored of burning candles? Then try out these new delightfully, smelling incense. Inspired by the agave fields of Mexico, these sticks are sure to warm up your home on a cool fall day. They come in four different scents, and we're sure you'll find one you'll love.

Track Your Trails

As the leaves begin to change, people will begin to partake in the ever to popular activity of "leaf peeping". Wisconsin is home to more than 66 state parks, which are perfect places to peep at the trees as they make their reset. This Wisconsin State Parks Checklist Map is the perfect way to track your trails as you explore this fall.

 

Saying "Chai" to Fall

Become an at-home barista, and make your favorite fall drinks in a few easy steps with this soul-warming chai powders. Offered in both a caffeinated and caffeine-free option, the bold, spicy-sweet taste of this chai is sure to warm you up all season long.

 

Smells Like Fall

Candles are a great way to transition your home into the colder months. This Apple Cider Donut tin candle is the perfect scent for the fall season. Transform your home into a local pumpkin patch that makes the most mouth watering, homemade apple cider donuts. This scrumptious smelling candle is made in Highland Center, WI, and will have you be craving this sweet treat all fall long.

Morel Spoon Rest

To add a bit of Midwest hominess, this Morel Mushroom Spoon Rest can be a perfect touch. This delightful piece of decor is a perfect place to rest your spoon as whip up your favorite fall soups for cozy nights in or for a lazy Sunday. It’s a subtle way to add an autumnal feeling to your home without making a permanent change.

These picks from our shop are helping me get into the fall spirit this year, one cozy day at a time. What Midwesty items are you using to celebrate the transition into autumn this year?

At Grasshopper Goods, we’re passionate about sharing stories of artists, makers, and dreamers—and for all your gift-giving endeavors, we’d like to spotlight five of our (many!) favorite makers from the Midwest, so you can shop small and surprise your loved ones near and far with something totally unique and so very them.

The Midwest Girl®

Started in Wisconsin by two sisters born 12 years apart, The Midwest Girl® shop is a must for t-shirts, sweatshirts, jewelry, and more that are perfect for proclaiming your love of the Midwest. The founders grew up learning to honor tradition and their roots, and you’ll find this in their products. Their best seller, and our's as well, would have to the one of the many Midwesty tee or sweatshirts, which allows you to show off your midwest pride anywhere you go.

Ruff House Print Shop

Since 2009, Ruff House Print Shop has been creating the letterpress-style stationery of our dreams, with original artwork created delicately by hand in the form of planners, greeting cards, and calendars, along with pencils, enamel pins, and more. This shop based in Lawrence, Kansas, is woman-owned-and-operated, and similar to Grasshopper Goods, it was created when the founder chased her dream after seeing the signs in a 1915 antique letterpress. We recommend this mug to start the day on a bright note, a mini notebook for your friend who always has wanderlust, and this roller skate enamel pin for the lover of everything funky. 

Luminous Rose

Now more than ever, self-care is crucial. So get your loved one a gift that will leave them feeling pampered and loved, whether they live near or far. Woman-owned Luminous Rose provides natural, affordable products that are environmentally healthy—meaning in turn, they’re good for you, too. With a Wisconsin upbringing, Luminous Rose's creator, Maria, is an expert in herbalism, crystal healing, and organic skin care. Send your loved one off into a blissful night’s sleep with the Dreamy Sleep Balm, or opt for the Feel Good Muscle Balm to soothe and relax tired, sore, and aching muscles, and the Moon Ritual Bath Soak to immerse into the healing energy of taking time to slow down

Token Jewelry

Based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Token Jewelry is one of our absolute favorite shops for classic, beautiful jewelry. Each piece is handmade from start to finish in their Wisconsin studio. They believe that your jewelry should feel amazing when you wear it and it should stand the test of time. While you can’t go wrong with any of their lovely pieces, we recommend the delicate Unity Necklace, the simple Labradorite Orb Necklace, and this fun Rainbow Necklace.   

 

stitch M

Located in the Chicago area, stitch M is one of our go-to for clever, handmade decor. Handcrafted by Marie and Mary, two sister-in-laws, each piece is unique and by hand. Since 2011, these two have been putting people in "stitches" with their punny and brilliant pieces. We've even worked with them to create some custom works for the shop. Our favorites would have to be any of the little birds, the custom Lil Kayaks for our beloved Madison lakes, and this fowl-mouthed bird.

At the end of the day, it’s all about who you’re with and how you show them you care. We hope this year, you can spread love and joy in a time that needs it most.

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At Grasshopper Goods we encourage everyone to take part in self-care. Whether that may be through meditation, watching reality TV, or going on a walk to clear your mind, doing what’s best for you to reset and recharge is an important part of mental and physical health.

One of our favorite forms of self-care would be breaking out our favorite apothecary products and having a makeshift “spa day”.

We believe that when you look good, you feel good, so take time to relax.

A great first place to start when it comes to self-care would be to create a calm and serene environment. One way to do so is by lighting a candle. We have a vast selection of candles at the shop, but the Cancelled Plans candle is perfect for creating a "spa like" atmosphere. With notes of aloe, agave, chrysanthemum, green floral, and patchouli, any bathroom can be instantly transformed into a spa.

Drawing a relaxing and warm bath or shower is always a great step in a self-care routine. Elevate the experience with this Exfoliating Sugarcube Set. Each set comes with four different scents: Coconut, Peach, Juice Cleanse and lavender Dream. We also carry a Moon Ritual Bath Soak, that helps benefit the body through grounding, relaxing, and connection to self. Create an extra calming experience by using a lavender eye pillow.

   

After a nice, relaxing bath or shower, treat yourself from head to toe with the Jojoba + Rose Quartz Body Oil and Cooling Peppermint Foot Cream from Luminous Rose.

For any ailments, such as a headache or muscle aches, we also carry a Headache Balm and Muscle Balm to help you feel your best.

 

End your self care routine with the Dreamy Sleep Balm to help yourself drift off to dreamland.

 

We have a few more items that we didn't feature in this post, which can all be found here in our Apothecary section.

Happy relaxing :)

 

Back to school is just around the corner!  We’ve compiled a list of Back to School Must-Haves that are as unique and fun as you are.