Shop Local Ideas: Volume 1 (The Early Shopper)

The holidays are upon us. Break out the eggnog, hang the mistletoe and start the shopping. Have a Tucson Foodie on the list but not sure what to get them? Have no fear, below are some ideas to make gift giving a piece of cake.

For Your Cheesy Friend

Offering a variety of wines, gourmet products and specialty domestic cheeses, Blu, a Wine and Cheese Stop is crafting the perfect gift baskets for the holidays. Some of the baskets include the Wine Adventurer, I Love Arizona, Spice of Life, Pucker Up and the Gluten Free Goddess. If one of the pre-designed baskets doesn’t tickle the fancy, poke around and create a one of a kind.

Custom Cookie Cutters

Check out Pablo Sua of Alchemist Visions on Etsy.com for some of the most creative cookie cutters around. From a full set of Pac Man characters to an Air Jordan Jumpman, with the state of Arizona in between. They are sure to bring a smile and just might result in cookies as a thank you.

For the Green Thumb

Visit Bon at the Broadway Village for one of a kind pots and decorative items for the garden. Then stroll over to Native Seed Search for something to put those lovely pots. They have assembled collections of seeds to intrigue any gardener. Choose from the chile seed, heritage seed, herb garden, or low desert wildflower collection just to name a few. Go rogue and put together a collection, throw in a pound of heritage beans and a book on seed saving and you might just want to keep the gift.

For the Home Cook

Blood Orange Olive Oil. Blackberry Ginger Balsamic Vinegar. Serrano Honey Vinegar. Intrigued yet? With dozens of specialty vinegars and olive oils to choose from at Alfonso’s Olive Oil, it’s easy to find a great pairing for the home cook. Make sure to ask one of the friendly staff for cooking ideas and good luck not buying a bottle or two of your own.

For the Host with the Most

Bottles of wine are always a hit. Keep it local and check out one of the many unique wineries in Arizona. Want to give something other than wine? Stop by the Hacienda Del Sol Gift Shop for western inspired dish towels, aprons, and wine bags. Farmer’s Markets are full of surprises like fragrant soap from Desert Oasis Soap company or hand made wooden spoons and cutting boards. Looking for flowers? La Fleur Plantscapes for eco-friendly floral design sure to make any holiday table a bit more special.

For the Philanthropist

The holidays are also a season of giving gratitude. Support one of the local charities that help put food on the table. Visit the websites for Community Food Bank, Iskashitaa Refuge Network or Native Seed Search and find the charity that identifies with the philanthropist on your list.

For the Beer Geek

Stroll over to 1702 bottle shop, Tap & Bottle, or one of the many breweries and assemble the ideal six pack. Give the gift that keeps on giving and visit Brew Your Own Brew. They can help put together a brewing kit for pale ales well into the New Year.

For the Outdoors Lover

What goes best with a Sunday bike ride? A Sunday picnic of course. Visit Transit Cycles in the Mercado San Agustín for a variety of tools that make both bike rides and picnics a beautiful pair. For example an aesthetic basket for the front of a bike or an adjustable water bottle cage perfect for carrying a bottle of wine.

For the Caffeine Junkie

Every morning your giftee will be sending positive thoughts your way as they sip a warm cup of coffee. Check out Stella, Exo, Savaya or Cartel for special gift bags for the season. Want to give a coffee subscription? Visit Yellow Brick Coffee for specialty coffee beans from around the globe. Not sure which coffee to pick? Tucson Foodie has you covered.