Though I think that I have a viable idea I'm having immense trouble finding wholesalers. The reason the wholesaler you contacted asked for a sales tax ID number is because of a pesky, but very serious biz duty called sales tax reporting. You, as the buyer, don't have to pay sales tax on your supplies because you're reselling them. So, if this is a major problem for your business, you might want to rethink it or relocate it. The bottom line is a sales tax ID number is standard fare for other U.S. wholesalers as well.
Some states are more stringent on their sales tax reporting and rougher with penalties and interest.
Just to let you know, wholesalers are often audited by the local sales taxing entity. They either have to go back to the customer and try to collect it. Start with what specific products you want to offer. You mentioned favors for special occasions. One source could be a local confectioner, which is more likely visible as a local chocolate company.