Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
Shop Local Ideas: Volume 1 (The Early Shopper)

Shop Local Ideas: Volume 1 (The Early Shopper)

Nov 28, 20144 min read

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

Sunday Brunch Basket at Blu a Wine and Cheese Stop with Stu's Bloody Mary Mix, Sour Puss pickles, olives and salami. Picture taken by Kristin Tovar
Sunday Brunch Basket at Blu a Wine and Cheese Stop with Stu’s Bloody Mary Mix, Sour Puss pickles, Empeltre olives and Creminelli Wild Boar salami. Picture taken by Kristin Tovar

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

Alchemist Visions AR-15 Cookie Cutter
Alchemist Visions AR-15 Cookie Cutter

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

Regional Corn Variety from Native SEED/Search
Regional Corn Variety from Native SEED/Search

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

Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil displayed at Alfonso Olive Oil  (Photo Credit: Michael Moriarty Photography)
Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil displayed at Alfonso Olive Oil (Photo Credit: Michael Moriarty Photography)

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

Sand Reckoner Vineyards
Sand Reckoner Vineyards

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

Iskashitaa Refugee Network Harvesting Pumpkins (Photo Credit: Iskashitaa Refugee Network)
Iskashitaa Refugee Network Harvesting Pumpkins (Photo Credit: Iskashitaa Refugee Network)

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

Stout Pint at Good Oak Bar
Stout Pint at Good Oak Bar

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

Bicycle With Rack from Transit Cycles (Photo Credit: Transit Cycles)
Bicycle With Rack from Transit Cycles (Photo Credit: Transit Cycles)

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

Fresh Grounds at Yellow Brick Coffee Cupping Event
Fresh Grounds at Yellow Brick Coffee Cupping Event

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.

Stay in the Tucson Foodie Loop

Weekly digest of new openings, events, and guides. No spam.

Advertisement

Article written by:

Alicynn Fink

Alicynn Fink

More about Alicynn
Alicynn Fink is a recent grad from the University of Gastronomic Sciences. Follow her stories at restaurantwife.com.

Advertisement

Get the Tucson Foodie app

Explore everything, build your foodie profile — and unlock the Insiders Club with perks at 100+ local spots.

Follow @TucsonFoodie on Instagram

Follow along for daily food inspiration, event updates, and behind-the-scenes looks at Tucson's culinary scene.

4.6K

posts

133.5K

followers

See More On Instagram
GIVEAWAY! We’re giving away 3 pairs of VIP tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival on Saturday, August 8!🎉

Experience an unforgettable evening featuring tasting experiences from 30+ celebrated Southwest chefs, showcasing the rich flavors and traditions of Mexican cuisine. Enjoy everything from heritage moles and handmade tortillas to fresh ceviches, carne asada, cochinita pibil, live music, art, and more at @Westinlapaloma. VIP tickets include early entry at 5 PM plus exclusive access to the VIP Lounge.

How to enter:
• Follow @artstateaz, @westinlapaloma & @tucsonfoodie
• Like this post
• Tag the friend you’d bring (unlimited entries!)

Winners will be randomly selected on August 3.

Looking to buy tickets instead? Head to the link in @artstateaz’s bio and use code 15FOODIE26 for 15% off your tickets!

21+ event.

#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventsGIVEAWAY! We’re giving away 3 pairs of VIP tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival on Saturday, August 8!🎉 Experience an unforgettable evening featuring tasting experiences from 30+ celebrated Southwest chefs, showcasing the rich flavors and traditions of Mexican cuisine. Enjoy everything from heritage moles and handmade tortillas to fresh ceviches, carne asada, cochinita pibil, live music, art, and more at @Westinlapaloma. VIP tickets include early entry at 5 PM plus exclusive access to the VIP Lounge. How to enter: • Follow @artstateaz, @westinlapaloma & @tucsonfoodie • Like this post • Tag the friend you’d bring (unlimited entries!) Winners will be randomly selected on August 3. Looking to buy tickets instead? Head to the link in @artstateaz’s bio and use code 15FOODIE26 for 15% off your tickets! 21+ event. #tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventsIT’S WEEK 11! 

Steak & Carne Asada Week starts today and runs through Aug 2 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🥩🔥

🏆THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: 
•Tickets to Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge
•(2) $50 @asadataqueria gift cards
•(2) $100 Visa gift cards
•$20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
•4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
•(1) gift card to @redbird_scratchkitchen 
•(1) $50 gift card to Charro Concepts

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @ameliastucson, @pinnaclepeaktucson, @casadelrioaz, @elcorraltucson, @agavehousetucson, @calletepa, @asadataqueria, @cielostucson 

Let’s support local ❤️

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazIT’S WEEK 11! Steak & Carne Asada Week starts today and runs through Aug 2 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🥩🔥 🏆THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: •Tickets to Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge •(2) $50 @asadataqueria gift cards •(2) $100 Visa gift cards •$20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe •4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum •(1) gift card to @redbird_scratchkitchen •(1) $50 gift card to Charro Concepts ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @ameliastucson, @pinnaclepeaktucson, @casadelrioaz, @elcorraltucson, @agavehousetucson, @calletepa, @asadataqueria, @cielostucson Let’s support local ❤️ #tucsonfoodie #tucsonazFor nearly 20 years, Diana and Jun Arai have helped shape Tucson’s Japanese dining scene.

When @ginzatucson opened in 2008, it became the first restaurant in Tucson to feature an izakaya style menu, bringing Japan’s popular shareable dining experience to the city. Today, it’s still the only restaurant in town with a dedicated izakaya menu, along with one of Tucson’s largest curated selections of sake, Japanese beer, and shochu.

In 2018, the couple expanded again with @raijinramen, Tucson’s first restaurant dedicated entirely to ramen. Known for its rich tonkotsu broths and seasonal specialties, Raijin helped pave the way for the city’s growing ramen scene.

From fresh fish flown in daily from Japan and California to chef’s choice omakase experiences, Ginza continues to showcase authentic Japanese cuisine while Jun and Diana regularly travel to Japan to bring back the latest culinary trends.

📍 Ginza Sushi & Izakaya: 5425 N. Kolb Rd.
📍 Raijin Ramen: 2955 E. Speedway Blvd.

Read @ediebjarolim’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com.

Photos by @sea_lyon 
#tucsonlocal #tucsonazFor nearly 20 years, Diana and Jun Arai have helped shape Tucson’s Japanese dining scene. When @ginzatucson opened in 2008, it became the first restaurant in Tucson to feature an izakaya style menu, bringing Japan’s popular shareable dining experience to the city. Today, it’s still the only restaurant in town with a dedicated izakaya menu, along with one of Tucson’s largest curated selections of sake, Japanese beer, and shochu. In 2018, the couple expanded again with @raijinramen, Tucson’s first restaurant dedicated entirely to ramen. Known for its rich tonkotsu broths and seasonal specialties, Raijin helped pave the way for the city’s growing ramen scene. From fresh fish flown in daily from Japan and California to chef’s choice omakase experiences, Ginza continues to showcase authentic Japanese cuisine while Jun and Diana regularly travel to Japan to bring back the latest culinary trends. 📍 Ginza Sushi & Izakaya: 5425 N. Kolb Rd. 📍 Raijin Ramen: 2955 E. Speedway Blvd. Read @ediebjarolim’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com. Photos by @sea_lyon #tucsonlocal #tucsonazBreakfast & Brunch Week runs through July 26 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer! 

🏆🍳☀️❤️🥞THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: 
• Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival 
• (2) $100 Visa gift cards 
• $20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
• 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
• $25 gift card to @beyondbreadbakerycafe 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: 

@5pointstucson 
@ajocafetucson 
@bajacafetucson 
@barista_del_barrio 
@bluewillow.tucson 
@bobos_az 
@theofficialbreadandbutter 
@buendia.breakfast.lunch 
@cafealacarttucson 
@cafepassetucson 
@cappysbreakfastcafe 
@hotelcongress 
@delcielotamal 
Frank’s Restaurant 
@ghinisfrenchcaffe 
@gourmetgirlsglutenfree 
Gus Balon’s Restaurant 
@knellersdelicatessen 
@lachaiteria 
@lebuzzcaffe 
@lebuzzcaffeplaza 
@localetucson 
@lovinspoonfulstucson 
@nookdowntown 
@prepandpastry 
@raptorcanyoncafe 
@rencoffeehouse 
@sunny_daze_cafe 
@teaspoontucson 
@coronetrestaurants 
@thehungryfoxrestaurant 
@themonicatucson 
@tohonochulgardenbistro 
@tumerico 
@urbanfreshaz 

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazBreakfast & Brunch Week runs through July 26 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer! 🏆🍳☀️❤️🥞THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: • Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival • (2) $100 Visa gift cards • $20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe • 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum • $25 gift card to @beyondbreadbakerycafe ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @5pointstucson @ajocafetucson @bajacafetucson @barista_del_barrio @bluewillow.tucson @bobos_az @theofficialbreadandbutter @buendia.breakfast.lunch @cafealacarttucson @cafepassetucson @cappysbreakfastcafe @hotelcongress @delcielotamal Frank’s Restaurant @ghinisfrenchcaffe @gourmetgirlsglutenfree Gus Balon’s Restaurant @knellersdelicatessen @lachaiteria @lebuzzcaffe @lebuzzcaffeplaza @localetucson @lovinspoonfulstucson @nookdowntown @prepandpastry @raptorcanyoncafe @rencoffeehouse @sunny_daze_cafe @teaspoontucson @coronetrestaurants @thehungryfoxrestaurant @themonicatucson @tohonochulgardenbistro @tumerico @urbanfreshaz #tucsonfoodie #tucsonazMassaman tofu curry at Char’s Thai. Stop by and show them some love.❤️ 

5039 East 5th Street, Tucson, AZ

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz #localtucsonMassaman tofu curry at Char’s Thai. Stop by and show them some love.❤️ 5039 East 5th Street, Tucson, AZ #tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz #localtucsonA sunset gathering featuring chef-made plates, plant medicine experiences, live music, and a deep connection to the Sonoran Desert.🌵✨

Join us Saturday, August 29 after sundown at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a celebration of the Sonoran Desert’s edible and medicinal plants through food, herbalism, music, and story.

Stroll through the gardens while enjoying chef-prepared plates inspired by native desert ingredients, a botanical welcome cocktail, and hands-on experiences like sound healing, acupuncture, massage therapy, tarot, astrology, cacao ceremony, herbal workshops, and more.

Chef lineup + dishes will be announced shortly.

Your $75 ticket includes all food, workshops, experiences, and a welcome cocktail. Space is limited, and we expect to sell out in advance. 

❤️Tucson Foodie members get 50% off
🎟️ Ticket link in bio

Photos by @jackie_tran_ 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnewsA sunset gathering featuring chef-made plates, plant medicine experiences, live music, and a deep connection to the Sonoran Desert.🌵✨ Join us Saturday, August 29 after sundown at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a celebration of the Sonoran Desert’s edible and medicinal plants through food, herbalism, music, and story. Stroll through the gardens while enjoying chef-prepared plates inspired by native desert ingredients, a botanical welcome cocktail, and hands-on experiences like sound healing, acupuncture, massage therapy, tarot, astrology, cacao ceremony, herbal workshops, and more. Chef lineup + dishes will be announced shortly. Your $75 ticket includes all food, workshops, experiences, and a welcome cocktail. Space is limited, and we expect to sell out in advance. ❤️Tucson Foodie members get 50% off 🎟️ Ticket link in bio Photos by @jackie_tran_ #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!