The food lover's gift guide: small and local business edition
My last-minute shoppers: I see you. Let's talk foodie-focused gifts from small and local businesses (because supporting small business is hot).
I know what you’re thinking: great, another overpriced and/or boring gift guide. Listen, I have my gripes with gift guides too (especially the ones that suggest an $800 bracelet as a casual gift), that is until I find the one gift guide that becomes my personal wishlist. As an avid dinner party host, kitchen-dweller, and self-proclaimed epicure, many of the gifts I desire reside in the “food” niche. Of course, I’d love a new Loewe 001 perfume and a pair of sherpa Boston clogs, but sometimes the mass consumption feels generic and overdone. The world is filled with incredibly talented artisans and makers with a passion for their products, so I’d love to highlight these cuisine-themed goods and consumables in my food lover’s gift guide *small and local business edition.* If you’re into the vibe, stick around. You may also file under: gifts-to-self (because that’s important, too!)
Baguette Candle (The Wednesday Co.), $40
Starting off strong: this Baguette Candle from The Wednesday Co. would be so sweet for a dinner party table scape moment. I first noticed these at a shoppe called The Nest in San Francisco, and recently received the croissant version from a white elephant gift-exchange. The quality is beautiful and the attention to detail is striking–I almost mistook it for a real, itty bitty croissant.
Oyster Plate (Goobs Ceramics), $165
In the spirit of eating with our hearts, tastebuds, and our eyes, I give you: the Oyster Plate. Goobs Ceramics is a Brooklyn-based ceramicist creating functional, understated kitchenware, ranging from snack plates, to salt cellars, candle holders, and even caviar plates (ooh la la). She often sells out quickly, but announces her upcoming pre-orders on her social platforms.
Hot Garlic Chili Crisp “OG Heat” (Mama Teav’s), $16
I am always seeing chili-crisp variations on gift guides, so forgive me if this is unoriginal, but I think it’s for good reason. Mama Teav’s is an Oakland-based Hot Garlic Chili Crisp brand, and when I tell you their crisp is highly addictive, I mean it. I’ve sampled the whole gamut of chili-crisp variations out on the market (thanks to my food development days at Williams-Sonoma), and the OG Heat is the real deal. It’s made with only 7 ingredients, packs a perfectly pungent punch of garlic, and literally goes on e-ver-y-thing.
High-End Boxed Wine (Vino Disco), $25-30
Fancy boxed wine is most definitely in for 2025, and with gorgeous designs, sustainable practices, and an excellent value, I absolutely see why. Vino Disco is a San Francisco-based boxed wine company selling three varietals: a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Rosé of Pinot Noir. They each contain 1.5L of wine (if my math is math-ing, this is two bottles of wine), and in my book, that’s a steal. Perfect for: sunny park hangs, girl-dinners, or beachside sips.
“Déjeuner S’il Vous Plaît!” Tee (Yarrow Goods), $30
Yarrow Goods is a husband-wife duo crafting chic, handprinted tees that feel elevated yet playful. Although they feature a variety of motifs and characters, the cat clamoring for a nibble of fish accompanied by the French phrase “Lunch Please!” is just too cute to pass up. I find I’m always lacking graphic tees that are not XXL sleeping shirts, so this is most certainly on my shopping list this year.
Signature Hot Chocolate Trio (Dandelion Small-Batch Chocolate), $68
One of my favorite San Francisco confectionary staples (can you tell there’s a theme here?) is Dandelion Chocolate’s goods, particularly their Hot Chocolate. I was lucky enough to take a chocolate-making class and tour of the factory in the Mission District, and they are the real deal. They ethically source their beans, don’t add a single preservative or additive, and truly care about their craft (the quality shines through when you taste it). Their Signature Hot Chocolate Trio is wonderful for gifting, and they sell single jars that make a great stocking stuffer or gift-to-self.
Pie Crimes Hard Cider or Cider Box Subscription (Far West Cider Co.), $20/4-pack or $90/Cider Box
If you show up to the potluck with these, you win. Pie Crimes is exactly what it sounds like: boozy, refreshing, thirst-quenching hard cider, with notes of mulling and pie spices that leave a warm, soothing after-taste. Far West Cider Co. is bottled in the Bay Area, and I discovered them when I first tried their “You Guava Be Kidding Me” cider from the farmer’s market, which is perhaps one of my favorite alcoholic bevys of all-time. They also have a Cider Box subscription you can purchase on their website, and I think it’s the perfect gift for the experimental friend.
Quarterly Cowgirl Cheese Club (Cowgirl Creamery), $120
If you’ve never had Cowgirl Creamery’s Mt. Tam Triple Brie, I’m sorry, but you’re missing out. The beloved creamery, celebrating the sustainable agriculture of Marin and Sonoma counties, now ships on Goldbelly, which means you can have their delectable cheeses delivered anywhere in the US. I can’t think of anyone who would dislike receiving a gigantic box of artisanal cheese (except your lactose intolerant friends, maybe skip them).
