Edible Gifts

'Tis the season of giving! Holiday shopping lists can get way out of control this time of year, leaving you with little time to actually enjoy your time with loved ones. Not to mention that a lot of gifts we purchase out of a perceived need to have a gift -- any gift -- to give, can end up unused and in the garbage. So how to show you care and really know that your gift will be used?

One of the best and most versatile gifts -- especially for the people who have everything -- is the edible kind. Make sure you first know if the recipient has any food allergies or restrictions that would cause them to not be able to consume your gift and then get creative! Here are a few ideas on what to cook up this holiday season.

Something Sweet

Sweet treats are a lovely way to show you care and are often -- bonus -- easy to package and beautifully presented. If you don't have time to do the baking yourself, go for a beloved and Fair Trade chocolate item, or maybe pick up a jug of maple syrup that can be enjoyed over pancakes while you hang out together in your pajamas. If you're looking for something a little more handmade, you could always...

• Make your own chocolate bark and package it in a reusable jar
• Candy some citrus peels
• Can up fruit butter, jam or jelly
• Bake a DIY gingerbread house kit
• Infuse honey with herbs like rosemary
• Cook caramel sauce or make caramel popcorn

Something Boozy (& Other Beverages)

For those of us who drink alcohol, a thoughtful bottle of wine, whiskey or seasonal beer is always a nice touch. Pick something you know is well loved by your recipient, or else offer one of your favourites that they maybe haven't tried yet. Bonus: alcohol can last for a long time around the house, so you don't have to worry about this gift going bad.

If there are folks on your list who aren't drinkers, loose leaf tea or coffee is always a welcome gift. And if you want to make your own...

• Brew up some homemade beer (this needs to be started mid-November to be drinkable by Christmas)
• Mix up your own herbal tea mixes, or flavour black teas with herbs like lavendar and rose hips
• Infuse vodka with just about anything you can think of: from hibiscus to cucumber and lime
• Put together a mulling spice kit with instructions

Something Savoury

Some people just don't have a sweet tooth. Luckily, there are loads of delicious savoury things to give at the holidays. Flavoured salts, incredible cheeses, local meats. And there lots of things you things you can make yourself, like...

• Simple (or fancy) homemade mustard
• A granola sampler
• Ready-to-bake muffin or bread mix (bonus if your recipient is gluten-free!)
• Infused salts
• Glazed nut mixes

This year, we're excited to carry lots of delicious holiday items, which, of course, make great gifts. Get in touch if you're looking for something specific or need more ideas!