Affordable, Yet Indulgent, These Food Gifts Are a Total Treat
Lean on local makers to put together a better holiday spread.
Thomas J. Story
These are all examples of the greatest kind of gift: products that you could just as easily purchase for yourself as for loved ones. Or both! All of these food items, from some of our favorite Western makers, are relatively affordable indulgences, so you can set a gorgeous holiday spread for yourself and still be able to budget for gifting to foodies far and wide. Whether those on your holiday gift list have a sweet tooth, love a savory dim sum snack, or are uber-adventurous eaters (hey, don’t knock the chicatana ants until you’ve tried them—they’re a delicacy in Oaxaca), there’s something for every palate here.
Mini Always Pans
Compact innovation meets nontoxic ceramic in Our Place’s Mini Always Pan and Mini Perfect Pot, the tinier versions of its best-selling wares.
Salted Apple Caramel Spoon Preserves
Handmade on Washington’s Orcas Island, a jar of Girl Meets Dirt’s Salted Apple Caramel Spoon Preserves is as much a treat off the spoon as it is with pork chops or Gouda.
Chicatana Ants
Hormigas chicatanas, or chicatana ants, are a delicacy in Mexico. The Masienda team sources theirs from Oaxaca; serve in salsa or alongside mezcal.
Raw Wildflower Honey
Popular Oregon salt company Jacobsen Salt Co. also harvests single-origin Raw Wildflower Honey from the desert.
Frozen Dumplings, Snacks, and Sauces
Who knew frozen food could be so delicious? Xiao Chi Jie’s mouth-watering BBQ Skewers, Xiao Long Bao, and XCJ Crafted Sauces bring cumin, five-spice, and peppercorn to the party.
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