Holiday Gift Guide: Fun & Yum for Foodies
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, December 9th, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! If you’re excited to go holiday shopping but armed with less than ample ideas, you’re not alone. If only everyone would be forthcoming with their wish lists, right? Santa has it so easy with everyone being so specific — minus all that travel and the length of his list.
At any rate, fret no more. Help is here. Inspiration shall abound. Your friends at SWAG have done all the homework so you don’t have to. Each weekday today through Dec. 13, score ideas for absolutely everyone on your list!
Today:
Fun & Yum for Foodies
Foodies may be discriminating, but you can bet they’ll appreciate anything you buy for their bellies. It’s the thought that counts after all. But these gift options will really get them licking their lips! (Warning: You may want to have a snack before you read on.)
What: Butcher’s Block Cheese, Marvelous Cheese Basket
(Photo courtesy of Butcher's Block)
Why: What is more devilishly delicious than cheese? Exactly. And this basket you can buy locally is especially stellar. It includes: a wooden cheese board, cheese markers, a cheese cleaver, cheese lyre, cheese plane, Miguel & Valentino tapenade, Miguel & Valentino Picos de Pan, Maille Cornichons, assorted apple and quince jams, balsamic vinegar jelly and Good Earth butter toasted almonds!
Where to Get It: Butcher’s Block in Alexandria
What It’ll Cost You: $83
What: Chocolate Lady Bugs (9 piece set in gift box)
(Photo courtesy of GiltTaste)
Why: If these aren’t cute enough, I don’t know what is? And what they’re made of is divine: Each little ladybug is filled with either John & Kira’s signature raspberry or garden mint Valrhona ganache.
Where to Get It: GiltTaste (Hurry, available for a limited time!)
What It’ll Cost You: $29.95
What: Spice & Tea Exchange Spice Gift Boxes
(Photo courtesy of the Spice & Tea Exchange)
Why: I have been using Spice & Tea Exchange spices ever since I discovered their store in St. Augustine, Fla., a few years ago. I’ve also bought their gift sets for family members who have loved them. Thankfully, they recently opened stores in Alexandria and Georgetown (now there are 20 stores thanks to their popularity), so you can peruse the selection in person without a plane ticket or shipping costs. Trust me, you basically can’t go wrong with the options. I’m especially a fan of the Butcher’s Rub and Grilled Fish Blend.
Where to Get It: Spice & Tea Exchange in Alexandria and online
What It’ll Cost You: Around $50-$90, depending on the size of the set
What: Ayrshire Farm Heritage Breed Beef Box
(Photo courtesy of Ayrshire Farm)
Why: If your favorite foodie will settle for nothing less than the best beef, this is a gift that will have him/her thanking you for months! We’re talking 45 servings of oven-ready roasts, steaks, stew meat and ground beef from one of Virginia’s most celebrated farms for USDA-certified organic, Certified Humane®, pasture-based meat and poultry.
Where to Get It: Ayrshire Farm Store in Middleburg or online
What It’ll Cost You: $175
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Tags: Alexandria shopping, Ayrshire Farm Heritage Beef Box, Butcher's Block, Cheese Marvelous Cheese basket, chocolate Lady Bugs, foodie gift ideas, GiltTaste, Holiday Gift Guide, John & Kira's, Natalie Kaar, Northern Virginia Magazine, nova mag, S.W.A.G., Spice & Tea Exchange, TBD shopping