In Southern Arizona, we’re fortunate to be surrounded by bountiful offerings from chefs, farms, writers, vineyards, distilleries, confectioners, and artisans. Let’s celebrate our good fortune this holiday season.
We’ve put together some a food-centric homebody collection for our stay-at-home-watch-Hallmark-movies friend, but anyone would be lucky to have just one item from the abundance of local goods.
Time to warm up by the fire with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa in a beautiful, locally made mug. Perhaps, if you prefer, a lovely glass of wine. Whip up a batch of Chili Chocolate Brownies and get comfortable in front of a festive film.
The Homebody
Here’s what to stock a cozy gift basket with
Coffee from local roasters
- Adventure Coffee Roasting — Grab your bag at Heirloom Farmers Market in Green Valley or at Rillito Park. They are carried at Whole Foods, too.
- Arbuckles — get the coffee here.
- Exo Roast Co. — we love sipping Exo coffee at their cozy spot on Sixth Avenue (and picking up a few bags and goodies to go). If you’re ordering online, do so here.
- Presta Coffee — get yours at either of Presta’s two local coffee spots, or order online here. Time Market and Rincon Market also stock Presta Coffee.
- Yellow Brick Coffee — grab some special bags of their locally roasted beans at Ren Coffeehouse, August Rhodes Market, Casa Video, Rillito Park Farmers Market, and even at Ben’s Bells — where they sell their special Be Kind blend. Ordering online is also an option.
Read our article Ultimate Coffee Guide: 16 roasters in Tucson to froth over for more information.
Tea from local purveyors
- Maya Tea — order the tea here.
- Prep & Pastry — next time you are having a delicious breakfast/brunch/lunch at Prep, grab a tin or two of their loose-leaf teas along with some of their tasty pastries for a friend in need.
- Seven Cups — If you’re unsure what to buy, visit on Fridays for a free tea tasting in the afternoon. Otherwise, order online here.
Read our article A Tale of Two Teas: Tucson’s Seven Cups Fine Chinese Tea & Maya Tea for more information.
Delicious noshes
- Chili Chocolate Brownie Mix from Native Seeds Search — Tucson is lucky to have this amazing organization cultivating our local food heritage. Support them by purchasing delicious items either at their store or on their website.
- Local sweets from Monsoon Chocolate — did you know these folks are slaying it at international chocolate competitions!? They are. Order online here.
- Sweet & Savory small-batch popcorn from POPPED Artisan Popcorn — we don’t know anyone who isn’t obsessed with this stuff (and their seasonal flavors are incredible). Order here.
Handmade Ceramics
- Artisan mugs — Both the beautiful, locally made mugs featured in the guide are available to purchase at 5 Points Market. Shoutout to local artisans Ursula Basinger and Stoneware Wolf.
- Ceramics — Everything from HF Coors — dinnerware, specialty ware — is special. The products range from simple bowls to festive platters or precious olive oil dipping plates. Next time you are eating at your favorite restaurant, flip the plate and check out one of Tucson’s great local businesses. Get the local ceramics online here.
Wine
Sand-Reckoner Vineyards — grab and gift a bottle of their red blend called 2 (which is predominantly Sangiovese). You can find it online, at their tasting room or from markets like Maynards.
Gift generously and watch the receivers curl up and enjoy!
But wait, there’s more
For more gift ideas, including collections with hot sauces and salsas, festive beverages, a variety of local snacks, supplies for a home chef, cookbooks, and desert-influenced preserves, check out The Ultimate Food Lovers Gift Guide with Local Gifts from Tucson.
