I've been living in Florida on and off for over a year, but whenever anyone asks me where I'm from, I always say without hesitation, I'm a New Yorker. That's not to say I don't love Florida, but I guess you could say I'm still very proud of where I'm from. Best of all, there are so many state-encouraged gifts that allow you to show how excited you are to be a hometown native.
There's a big difference between where you're from and where you live, which is a good thing for me because I don't know yet where I'm actually supposed to end up. Some people don't care much and settle into their new home quickly and then never really think about where they come from, but there are others who will always hold their hometown and country close to their heart.
Want to show off that pride every day? You can easily add items you use every day to your home, such as a coffee mug or cutting board. Or, show your love through your wardrobe by wearing some cool clothes and accessories. No matter what you choose to do, there are many ways to stay true to your state and show the world how happy you are to be a part of it.
1. Create your own coaster set
Create your own bamboo coasters (set of four) , $25, Amazon
This coaster set is customizable and perfect for couples from different states. This way, you both can show off your hometown pride.
2. Collect bottle caps and display them proudly
Beer bottle cap map of all 50 states, $35, Amazon
If you love drinking beer and like to remember the beers you've tried, a beer cap chart shaped like the state of your choice is a great way to showcase them. All you need to do is insert each lid into a slot, eventually filling the whole thing. Bonus points if you can fill the entire map with beer from your state!
3. Drink whiskey from a glass with your favorite city on it
Personalized City Map Whiskey Glass, $50, Amazon
Next time you have guests over for drinks, show them how much you love your city with a set of beautiful, customizable engraved rock glasses.
4. Serve your guests on a state chopping block
Texas Cutting Board, $63, Amazon
Show your love for the Lone Star State with a carved wood cutting board. If you don't want to piss off Texas (i.e. you're not from there), you can simply choose which state you want your app to be served in.
5. Wear a sophisticated and classic necklace every day
Dogeared State of Mind Delaware Necklace, $50, Amazon
Wear it around your neck to show your national pride wherever you go. These dainty necklaces are perfect for layering and are small enough to match almost any outfit. If Delaware isn't home for you, don't worry - there are plenty of other states to choose from.
6. Show your team pride with a chic pair of earrings
Ohio State University Block O Logo Earrings, $20, Amazon
Whether you're there for the next tailgate, game day, or just because, people will know how big of a team fan you are every time.
7. Drink coffee out of your cup
Friends Long Distance State Coffee Mug , $18, Amazon
Sometimes life picks you up and puts you in a different state. Sadly, this means you have to leave your friends and your home. If you have a friend who is moving, or you are a quiet person who wants to show pride in your new and old homes while keeping everything nice and sentimental, this mug makes a great gift.
8. Show your pride with wall art
Alaska Wall Decal , $15, Amazon
Wall decals are a great way to add decoration to a room because they look great and are easy to apply, and a decal in this state is a great way to show how much you love it.
9. Hang a cool piece of handmade wall art
University of Tennessee Wooden State Flag Sign, $75, Amazon
Whether you are from Nashville, Memphis, or any other city in Tennessee, this beautiful piece of handmade art will look great hanging in your home. It was completely custom made and featured the Tennessee flag cut into the shape of the state.
10. Rock peach Keen State shirt
Georgia Peach State Pride Shirt (Sizes S – XL), $20, Amazon
This "Georgia Peach" shirt is a fun and easy way to show off all your love for your hometown. Plus, it comes in five different colors.
11. Cook with shaped pans
Wisconsin Skillet, $125, Amazon
Serve your next casserole (or, in Wisconsin, your next cheese sauce) in a quality cast iron skillet.
12. Ask your team to toast you
NFL ProToast MVP Toaster, $39, Amazon
Show everyone exactly how loyal you are by smearing your favorite team's logo on bread every morning. It also has 25 different teams to choose from, so you can buy one as a gift for a friend whose favorite team is different from your own. Just think of the possibilities of Instagram!
13. Create a set of team mascot ice cubes
Penn State Silicone Ice Tray, $30, Amazon
If you love entertaining your fellow college football fans on game day, make the day even more special with ice cubes in the shape of the mascot’s paw.
14. Bring security and style to your next tailgate
Oklahoma State Cowboys Silicone Oven Mitts, $26, Amazon
Wear these silicone oven mitts when you're grilling food for friends at the next tailgate. It protects your hands from burns while showing everyone where your loyalties lie (as if they didn't already know).
15. Choose your country bracelet
I Love Connecticut Choose Your State Bracelet, $24, Amazon
Adding a hand-stamped bracelet to your wrist is easy, everyday wear, and looks cute.
16. Drink tea from your new favorite cup
Massachusetts coffee mug , $25, Amazon
With its positive message, this cute blue mug will quickly become your go-to every morning. It's engraved with the state's name and says "I love it here," reminding everyone how much you love your state.
17. Decorate your car with crimson pride
University of Alabama Crimson Tide NCAA Vinyl Car Mat, $60, Amazon
If you're a die-hard fan of a team, chances are everyone in your life already knows it. But now, you can remind them every time you take them for a ride with vinyl car floor mats featuring your team's logo.
18. Hang a beautiful print of your favorite city
Charleston SC letterpress map print, $60, Amazon
I have a map of every place I've lived and honestly it makes for a terrible home gallery section. That’s why I can tell you first hand, this gorgeous print will look great hanging on your wall.
19. Wear a vintage flag shirt
California Republic Unisex Baseball Jersey (Sizes XS-XL) , $24, Amazon
A great way to show your hometown pride: Wear a shirt with your state flag on it. This one is great because of the retro baseball jersey design and bright colors.
20. Pair it with some pretty map jewelry
Hand-stamped New York State Earrings , $28, Amazon
These beautiful hand-stamped sterling silver earrings are the perfect addition to your jewelry box and feature the prettiest little map of New York.
21. Match your pride with a cute graphic tee
Maine T-Shirt (Sizes XS-XL), $20-$29, Amazon
This adorable graphic tee, available in five colors, features Maine's "Home Is Where The Heart Is" message to let everyone know where your home is.
22. Use a high-heeled bottle opener
Officially licensed NCAA shoe bottle opener , $10, Amazon
This clever bottle opener with a high heel is perfect for the super fan of great beer. There are 14 different college teams participating in the opener, so pick one for you and pick one for your friends.
23. Liven up your kitchen with towels
Georgia dish towels, $17, Amazon
This is a great gift for the Georgia lover in your life, especially if that's you. It has several cities marked in different funky fonts, adding a truly unique element to any kitchen.
24. Wear a team baseball cap
NFL '47 Clean Up Adjustable Hat , $17, Amazon
Besides being the easiest way to show your pride, hats are truly a girl's best friend when you're having a bad hair day.
25. Drink hot cocoa from this team glass
NCAA 16-ounce Stainless Steel Lincoln Tumbler, $20, Amazon
This double-walled insulated travel mug is a great addition to your game day arsenal. It can be a little chilly to drive to watch your favorite team play early in the morning, so sip some cocoa, tea, or coffee from this cute glass.
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Image: Pexel (1); Amazon (25)