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10 Holiday Gift Ideas for the Foodies in Your Life

10 Holiday Gift Ideas for the Foodies in Your Life

Dec 6, 20234 min read

‘Tis the season for surprising those you care about with a little extra something to brighten their days. And being the advocates that we are of for things food-related in Tucson — from local makers to small businesses — we’ve compiled a simple holiday shopping guide that will help you keep your dollars in your community while showering those in your life with thoughtful gifts.

Here are just a few ideas to get you going this holiday shopping season.

Creative Kind/Tucson Foodie Holiday Gift Boxes

text, letter
Creative Kind/Tucson Foodie Holiday Gift Boxes (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Each of the following Holiday Boxes (which have a limited quantity) is shipped in a gift box and includes a handwritten note in the greeting card. Just specify what you’d like your card to say at checkout. Also, if you’re a Tucson Foodie Insider, keep an eye out in the Tucson Foodie app for a 10% discount.

Learn more.

Antsy Nancy Cooking & Baking Classes

Antsy Nancy (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

How many times have you pinned a recipe and never found the time to execute it? Either you didn’t want to go shopping for all the ingredients you’d need or maybe you went out and bought all the ingredients — spending a small fortune. When you take a class at Antsy Nancy, all you need to do is register, show up, and have a great time learning something new

Learn more.

Desert Provisions’ Taco & Margarita Kit

Taco & Margarita Kit (Photo courtesy of Desert Provisions)

This Taco and Margarita Kit is a nifty gift for those looking to create a fiesta at home. Desert Provisions has “scoured the region and sourced the highest quality items for a gift everyone is sure to enjoy with minimal effort.” Recipes and endless inspiration are included.

Learn more.

Meat Packages from Vera Earl Ranch

a man cooking food on a grill
Vera Earl Ranch (Photo by Taylor Noel Photography)

The ranch has meat packages so you can stock up for the holiday season and beyond. Every piece of meat from Vera Earl Ranch is hyper-local, with the premium beef born, bred, fed, and finished directly at the ranch. The cattle undergo a meticulous process, being grass-raised and grain-finished, followed by a 21-day dry age. These traditions maintain a high standard, where ranching is conducted by horseback, emphasizing a deep respect for the entire ecosystem.

Learn more.

Whiskey Del Bac Gift Sets

a bottle of wine on a table
Arizona Old Fashioned Cocktail Kit (Photo courtesy of Whiskey Del Bac)

The award-winning Whiskey Del Bac has several gift sets for the whiskey lover in your life. Heck, get one of these gift sets for yourself. The packages range from an Arizona Old Fashioned Cocktail Kit to Cactus Water Cocktail Mixers and a Citrus Hot Toddy Cocktail Mix.

Learn more.

Sweets from Monsoon Chocolate

Bon Bons Monsoon Chocolate (Photo by Ryan Brownell)

Those divine, bejeweled, geometric, award-winning bon bons are so pretty it’s hard to eat them. Luckily, Monsoon Chocolate’s factory is constantly pumping them out so eat up! This is the perfect gift for those with a sweet tooth and a passion for locally-made goods.

Learn more.

Tucson Tamale To-Go Packages

a plastic container filled with different types of food on a table
(Photo courtesy of Tucson Tamale Company)

On November 21, 2008, Tucson Tamale Company opened a small little take-out shop on Broadway and Tucson Boulevard. That little restaurant earned local, state, and national accolades for the tamales they served. From that very first day, Tucson Tamale has been on an adventurous journey — opening a nearly 15,000-square-foot facility so that more of their tamales can be sold nationwide.

Learn more.

Tucson Foodie Passport

Obon Sushi + Bar + Ramen (Photo by Isaac Stockton)

For $299 a year, get over $3,500 in vouchers for 75+ local restaurants! All vouchers are redeemed via the Tucson Foodie mobile app. When you’re at a restaurant, simply go to the Redemption page for the voucher you want to redeem. Show your server your phone, tap Redeem and they’ll take it right off your bill. Easy!

Learn more.

Tucson Foodie Insiders

Tucson Foodie Insider Mixer
Colby Elliott – Tucson Foodie Insider Member #1 – wearing a huge smile at a member mixer (Photo by Taylor Noel Photography)

For $20 a month, Tucson Foodie Insiders is the community our city deserves. We designed Insiders based on hundreds of conversations over these past 18 months. Here’s what we heard:

  1. You want new ways to explore Tucson’s restaurant scene.
  2. You want fun, interesting, and unique experiences.
  3. You want to hang out with other foodies, perhaps making a few friends along the way.
  4. For those of you who just moved to Tucson (from either LA, Phoenix, or NYC, we’re guessing?), you’re ready to get tied into the local scene and see what this ‘City of Gastronomy” thing is all about.

Learn more.

Tucson Foodie Gift Cards

The Tucson Foodie gift cards are your golden tickets to a variety of experiences. Whether you’re eyeing the Tucson Foodie Passport, itching to become a part of the exclusive Tucson Foodie Insiders, eager to join the fun at local events and festivals, or just craving an adventure in taste, these cards have got you covered.

Learn more.

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José Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57.

The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org.

Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉

Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonnewsJosé Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57. The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org. Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉 Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonnewsItalian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her.

Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her. Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝

Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.

🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
• arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes
• Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card
• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards

Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.

🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• $100 Visa gift card
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card
• @desertmuseum passes 

More details in bio!Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝 Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August. 🎉 Week 5 Winners • Libby: $50 North Italia gift card • Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets • arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes • Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card • Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply. 🏆 This Week’s Prizes • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • $100 Visa gift card • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • @desertmuseum passes More details in bio!The Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️

Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. 

MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN:
@agustinkitchen 
@seiskitchen 
@prestacoffee 
@laestrella_tucson 
@dolcepastellocakes 
@zumitosjuicebar 
@santacruzriverfm 

MSA ANNEX:
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@kukai___ 
@bosburger__ 
@hidden_hearth 
@rolliestucson 
@westbound_tapandbottle 

THE MONIER:
@wholeslvcepizza 
@81barbersofficial 

Share your favorite stops with us!
More details on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucson #tucsonfoodieThe Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️ Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN: @agustinkitchen @seiskitchen @prestacoffee @laestrella_tucson @dolcepastellocakes @zumitosjuicebar @santacruzriverfm MSA ANNEX: @decibelcoffeeworks @kukai___ @bosburger__ @hidden_hearth @rolliestucson @westbound_tapandbottle THE MONIER: @wholeslvcepizza @81barbersofficial Share your favorite stops with us! More details on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucson #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. 

The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. 

Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛

From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. 

WEEK 6 WINNERS
Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week:
* Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia
* Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival
* arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
* donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe
* Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card
* Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card 

PRIZES
This week’s prize pool includes:
* Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets
* $100 Visa gift card
* @eljefecatcafe pass
* $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
* @desertmuseum passes

Presenting sponsor: @visittucson
Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollectiveHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛 From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. WEEK 6 WINNERS Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week: * Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia * Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival * arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum * donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe * Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card * Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card PRIZES This week’s prize pool includes: * Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets * $100 Visa gift card * @eljefecatcafe pass * $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe * @desertmuseum passes Presenting sponsor: @visittucson Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollective

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!