BOISE, Idaho — What started as a holiday pop-up has transformed into a year-round celebration of Idaho creativity, bringing together the best local makers all in one convenient location.
Handmade Idaho, located at 350 N Milwaukee St Ste 1141 on the lower level of Boise Towne Square Mall, showcases goods from small artisans across the Gem State.
Handmade Idaho brings the best of local artisans to you.
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Handmade Idaho brings local artisans together under one roof at Boise Towne Square
Owner Angela Stewart says the business grew out of a need to support local creators.
“We started as an organization to provide more opportunities for local artisans to sell their goods. So we had a holiday show for several years, and then COVID hit, and we had to cancel,” Stewart said.
After the pandemic forced cancellation of their holiday show, Stewart opened pop-up shops at The Village and later at Boise Towne Square Mall. The mall convinced her to return full-time, and she’s been operating there since 2022.
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The permanent location allows customers to shop from local artisans seven days a week. Stewart accepts new makers through an online application at HandmadeIdaho.com.
“We still feature like local artisans from all over Idaho, but now, you know, people can shop them 7 days a week instead of just during the holidays,” Stewart said.
Inside the store, huckleberry items are particularly popular since it’s the state fruit.
Greenlee Clark / Idaho News 6
“We have everything Idaho huckleberry you can imagine, from soap to edible things, to tea towels,” Stewart said.
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The store also features potato-themed products, including chips, soup mix, and bread mix, along with sweet treats, unique jewelry, apparel for all ages, hats, candles, glassware, and mugs. Some items are printed right in the shop, and apparel goes up to 3XL on many designs.
Greenlee Clark / Idaho News 6
The store’s most popular offering is custom and ready-to-go gift boxes available in three different sizes. Pre-made options include huckleberry-themed boxes, spud boxes, kitchen boxes, and spa boxes.
“You can pick all the goods you want, we’ll make it fit in a box, and we can ship it, or you can take it with you, but this is like a really ideal fun gift,” Stewart said.
For uncertain shoppers, Stewart offers guidance.
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“If you’re buying a gift for somebody and you don’t know what they like, food is always a hit,” Stewart said.
About 90% of the inventory is available online, but the remaining 10% consists of one-of-a-kind items made by different artisans. The business also specializes in corporate gifting and helps customers with Secret Santa and white elephant gifts.
Greenlee Clark / Idaho News 6
“People come in here all the time. I don’t know what to get, and they just give us a budget, we’ll figure it out for you,” Stewart said.
Stewart, who also owns Ladybug Press and features those products in the store, emphasizes the community impact of supporting small businesses.
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“When you shop our store, you’re helping your neighbors, you’re helping people in our actual community, and I think that, you know, that’s a really huge thing to be able to like vote with your dollars,” Stewart said.
Handmade Idaho is open seven days a week at 350 N Milwaukee St Ste 1141 on the lower level of Boise Towne Square Mall, with online shopping available at HandmadeIdaho.com.
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The rotunda as seen on March 16, 2026, at the Idaho State Capitol Building in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)
Ahead of the 2026 primary elections, the League of Women Voters of Idaho is teaming up with several local groups to hold candidate forums and voter education events in the hopes of boosting voter turnout.
The groups invited all candidates for public office in Ada and Canyon County’s commissions, and inlegislative district 11, which is in Canyon County.
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The groups that are hosting include Mormon Women for Ethical Government, the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce, the American Association of University Women’s Boise branch and the College of Idaho’s Masters of Applied Public Policy Program.
Here’s when and where the forums are:
Ada County Commissioner District 2:7-8:30 p.m. April 24 at Meridian City Hall, located at 33 E. Broadway Ave. in Meridian.
Ada County Commissioner District 1:7-8:30 p.m. April 28 at Valley View Elementary School, located at 3555 N Milwaukee St. in Boise.
Legislative District 11:6:30-8:30 p.m. April 30 at Caldwell City Hall, located at 205 S. 6th Ave. in Caldwell.
Canyon County Commissioner:6-8 p.m. May 7 at Caldwell City Hall, 205 S. 6th Ave. in Caldwell.
Learn more about candidates at the League of Women Voters’ online voter guide,VOTE411.ORG.
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BOISE (Idaho Statesman) — Idaho drivers wanting to celebrate America’s anniversary this year now have a unique way to do that. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles has released an America 250 license plate to mark the occasion.
The new license plate includes an American flag on a blue background with the words “America 250” and the dates “1776 – 2026.”
The plate requires an extra fee that will go toward supporting the Idaho Heritage Trust, according to an Idaho Transportation Department news release. The specific fee wasn’t listed.
“This plate gives Idahoans a chance to mark a historic milestone and show their pride on the road,” said Lisa McClellan, DMV administrator, in a statement. “We’re proud to offer a design that honors our country’s past while supporting Idaho’s efforts to preserve its own history.”
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The America 250 license plate was released to celebrate a historic national milestone. | Idaho Transportation Department
Idaho’s favorite license plate
The new license plate may give Idaho’s favorite a run for its money.
The Idaho Transportation Department recently held a “Battle of the Plates” vote to find out which license plate Idahoans loved best.
The Forests Forever plate was crowned the champion on April 7. Funds generated from this plate go toward Idaho replanting and reforestation projects, as well as environmental education programs for Idaho students and teachers.
“One of Idaho’s newest plates, Forests Forever made a strong run and came out on top, highlighting just how much Idahoans value our forests and natural resources,” the transportation department said in a social media post.
Idahoans chose Forests Forever as their favorite specialty license plate. | Idaho Transportation Department
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