The Kentucky Gifts Guide: What to Give from the Bluegrass State

Short answer: the best Kentucky gifts are bourbon balls, Derby-Pie®, an official Kentucky Derby mint julep glass, a Kentucky gift basket, bourbon-barrel-smoked spices from Bourbon Barrel Foods, and keepsakes made from real bourbon barrels. Pick edible gifts for quick gratitude and barware or décor for something that lasts.

1. Bourbon balls: Kentucky's signature candy

A bourbon ball is a creamy, bourbon-laced center dipped in dark chocolate, usually topped with a pecan. Frankfort's Rebecca Ruth Candy is widely credited with popularizing it in the 1930s. Distillery-branded versions from Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, Maker's Mark and Evan Williams are popular too. Shop bourbon balls and Kentucky candy.

2. Derby-Pie® and Kentucky sweets

Derby-Pie® is the Kern family's chocolate-nut pie, created in the 1950s. The name is trademarked, so the real one comes only from Kern's Kitchen. Other Louisville favorites include modjeskas (caramel-dipped marshmallows), handmade pull candy and bourbon barrel cakes. Browse Kentucky foods.

3. Mint julep cups and official Derby glasses

The mint julep (bourbon, sugar, mint and crushed ice) is the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby, which is run the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs. Each year's official Derby glass is a collectible, and pewter or silver julep cups make heirloom gifts. Shop julep cups or the Kentucky Derby shop.

4. Kentucky gift baskets

When you can't pick just one thing, a gift basket combines Kentucky foods, candy and a keepsake. Gift baskets work well for clients, sympathy, thank-yous and Derby parties. See all Kentucky gift baskets.

5. Bourbon gifts for the bourbon lover

Choose barrel-stave serving boards, barrel-head signs, etched rocks glasses, decanters, cocktail syrups and bourbon cherries, or bourbon-smoked salt and pepper for the cook. Bourbon gifts · Cocktail mixes and barware · Sauces and spices.

6. Home, art and keepsakes

Thoroughbreds, bluegrass fences, the Kentucky cardinal and the fleur-de-lis appear on prints, pewter, serveware, ornaments and jewelry. Wall art and décor · Serveware · Jewelry · Ornaments.

Gifts by recipient

• Kentucky gifts for her
• Kentucky gifts for him
• Corporate and client gifts
• Host and hostess gifts
• Gifts under $25

Shipping tips

A Taste of Kentucky usually ships the same weekday via UPS Ground. In June, July and August, it holds chocolates, pies and cakes over weekends so they arrive fresh, so order heat-sensitive treats early in the week.