9 Most Popular Illinois Gifts People Say They’d Give Out-Of-Towners

Think about every time you've went out of state to visit friends, did you ever make an effort to bring them a gift or souvenir?

I used to travel a lot when I was in my later teen years.  Every time I'd go to California, I always made sure to bring a piece of Los Angeles back with me to give to my best friends.  Whether it was a Cali t-shirt, keychain, or a cute shot glass, I always made sure my friends would get a souvenir just in case they were never able to visit themselves.

That got me thinking... if I went to visit a friend who didn't live in Illinois, what type of gift would I bring them?  It obviously has to be something Illinois related because it's only right!  So I took it to Facebook and the responses were pretty awesome.

13 Most Popular Illinois Gifts People Say They'd Give Out-Of-Towners

Some responses catered to Rockford and some talked some serious smack about Illinois.  Take a look at the top 8 most popular responses!

#1: Edward's Apple Orchard donuts

Yes.  1000% yes.  If you don't pick up some delicious apple orchard donuts on the way, you're the worst gift-giver ever.

#2: Lou Malnati's Pizza

Yummm, give your friends a taste of Chicago pizza!  Food is always a great gift.

#3: A construction cone

Prepare them early for what they're going to see when they come to the Prairie State.  By that I mean endless construction. EVERYWHERE.

#4: Malort 

'nough said.  I don't drink it, but Chicagoans certainly do!

#5: A pothole

I guess it's not necessarily a physical gift, but a gift of awareness since there's a pothole just about every mile in Illinois.  Prepare them early!

#6: Rockford Peaches memorabilia

If you don't know the Rockford Peaches, they were a professional women's baseball team in Rockford, Illinois in 1943. If you've seen the movie A League of their Own, it's all about them!  Your friends would not be disappointed to get a Rockford Peaches shirt or a mug.

#7: Mrs. Fisher's potato chips

This famous bag of chips is one of the more popular gifts Illinois people like to give their tourist friends.  It hits home for me because they're made right here in Rockford, Illinois!

#8: Snow shovel

Cuz you know, we're an all seasons state.  Sigh.

#9: Beefaroo seasoning salt

I worked at Beefaroo for a few months and the salt shakers always got stolen.  The reason?  The salt is just that good.  That's why gifting this would be the right choice!

So, next time you're headed out of town or have friends visiting Illinois, make sure to surprise them with a gift they'll never forget!  Maybe one of these on the list will help!