The older you get, the more you appreciate practical gifts — read: presents you can eat. Whether it’s a housewarming gift for the hostess with the mostess, or something for your friend who appreciates playing with new seasonings, Raleigh has no shortage of mouth-watering foodie gift finds.
Places to peruse
After brunch, shop more than 300 specialty food products made in NC and the South at NOFO .
Build your own gourmet gift basket out of Midtown Olive Oil’s wide selection of oils, vinegars, and specialty food items or scoop up a premade bundle .
Pick up local foodie gifts from DECO like Big Spoon Butter, Crude Bitters, The Pit BBQ Sauce, and cute kitchen decor .
Gingham and Posh offers NC-filled baskets featuring products like Videri Chocolate Factory bars, Ginny O’s Cheese Straws, and Tonya’s Peanut Brittle.
Grab-and-go gifts
Even the big man needs a present — pick up some Howling Cow Egg Nog to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve.
Scott Crawford is offering a trio of yummy gifts from his kitchens + bars — make a basket out of Crawford and Son’s truffled eggnog, Jolie’s duck rillettes + crostini, and Cookshop’s pimento cheese + fried saltine crackers.
Nothing says “happy holidays” like receiving a popcorn bucket from Ella’s Popcorn.
Grab a caffeinated holiday basket from Gabi’s Grounds or a gift card from one of Raleigh’s coffee shops .
Add the City of Oak’s own Bone Suckin’ Sauce to your pit master’s stocking.
Make your hostess’ spread complete by bringing a seasonal loaf like the artisan snowman bread from La Farm Bakery.
The perfect stocking stuffer does exist — spice up a seasonal recipe with Nons Pinching Salts , available at local stores like Edge of Urge and Curate.
Last but not least, take a page from Raleigh chefs by gifting a cookbook from a local culinary expert.