Food. Other than friends, family and general merriment, is there anything more synonymous with the holiday season than food? The short answer is no. Try to find a gathering in the coming weeks that isn’t centered around food. We bet you can’t do it. With that in mind, we’ve picked out all the perfect gifts for your foodie friends and family.
Nobody will complain if you shower them with the gift of wine and finger foods. The folks at Haskell’s can put together some pretty nice baskets, including the La Forge chardonnay/brie cheese & crackers ($15 wine/$10 food), Flechas de Los Andes malbec/spicy sausage/salami and dried figs ($20 /$15 ), and the Terraces zinfandel/spicy pretzels with honey mustard ($30/$20). If you’re unsure of the perfect pairing, just ask anyone on staff and they can help make a fine selection for any palate. 6445 Lake Road; 651.714.4188.
Just because you do your grocery shopping at Kowalski’s doesn’t mean you can’t do your holiday shopping there as well. Have you ever seen a Cooks of Crocus Hill Chemex pour-over coffee maker ($48)? If you haven’t, it not only makes great coffee, but also makes for a great decoration in the kitchen (no more cords or clocks you never set). Not everyone is into coffee, but the Escali Arti digital scale ($36) comes in handy for any chef. If a recipe calls for a pound of meat, you’ll know you’re using exactly a pound of meat. This last item from Kowalski’s may not be food-related, but it’s locally made and that’s something anyone can appreciate. The Lume Soapworks Men’s Face and Body Kit ($52.99) makes a great gift for any man in your life. 8505 Valley Creek Road; 651.578.8800.
Like Kowalski’s, Byerly’s isn’t just for groceries. They have delicious treats that make for the perfect gift items. Grab a Lunds and Byerly’s chocolate gift box ($3.99) for literally anyone on your list, because who doesn’t love chocolate? If you’re feeling a little more exotic, try the Lunds and Byerly’s lemon and blood orange pepper jelly ($5.79). It’s not the craziest of jelly flavors around, but it’s definitely a bold move for anyone who is stuck in a grape and strawberry rut. (Both items available November 24–December 31.) 7050 Valley Creek Plaza; 651.999.1200.
Quite frankly, you could stroll into The Woods and get all your shopping done in one afternoon. There’s a little bit of everything for everyone. In fact, this shop can take care of an entire holiday meal from start to finish. Start with some Pasta Shop pasta ($5.95–$6.50), which comes in fun holiday shapes like snowmen, reindeer and Christmas trees. Don’t forget to grab a handful of Hammond’s Candies candy canes ($3.50) for an after-dinner treat. They’ll even take care of cleanup with fun seasonal dishtowels and dish rags ($8.50–$10). That’s a trio of gifts anyone can appreciate. 8300 Tamarack Village, Suite 110; 651.458.4011.
What good is the holiday season without some hot chocolate? Grab a gift pack ($25) from Sugar Love Bakery featuring homemade cocoa mix and peppermint marshmallows, plus a fun 16 oz. holiday mug. Otherwise, you can always indulge anyone’s sweet tooth with mini pumpkin or pecan pies ($5), or a gingerbread man 3-pack ($5). Both make for great stocking stuffers or gifts on the cheaper side. All the goods are made from scratch. 707 Bielenberg Drive; 651.340.1483;
Because it’s impossible to get too many sweets during the holidays, head from Sugar Love to Dorothy Ann Bakery. Festive choices include a gingerbread sleigh ($30) which, yes, is a delicious homemade sleigh made of gingerbread. If you’re buying for a chocolate lover, try the chocolate lover’s cookie tray ($25). It features three dozen assorted chocolate-centric cookies. Last, but certainly not least, grab a kringle cane coffee cake ($15) for a perfect breakfast gift. It’s a homemade coffee cake shaped like a candy cane and decorated with festive colors. 710 Commerce Drive, Suite 100; 651.731.3323.
Olive Branch Oil and Spice Co.
Everyone on your list is different, which is why the build-your-own options from Olive Branch Oil and Spice Co. are so great. Is there some Italian in your aunt’s blood? Pick up a basket of olive oils, balsamic vinegar and pastas ($30 and up). You’ll be shocked by all the flavor options, and if you feel like you’re in over your head, the staff can help make your selection (but they have a bacon flavor, so that should make things pretty easy). You can also leave out the pasta and instead get a four pack of olive oils and balsamic vinegar ($23.50). Perhaps your brother or sister is a griller? Try the grill master gift box ($15.95). It features two olive oils and three rubs; there are eight sets to choose from. 9000 Hudson Road, Suite 602; 651.340.9169.
