Looking for the perfect gift for your favorite foodie, spirits lover, or outdoor enthusiast? Look no further! We've curated a list of 11 unique gift ideas that are made or inspired right here in the Bay Area. From chocolate subscriptions to hiking board games, there's something for everyone on your list. So, let's dive in and discover the perfect gift for your loved ones this holiday season!
EAT: Chocolate Deliveries
Treat your chocolate-loving friend to a world of small-batch, ethically-sourced dark chocolate made by American producers. Cococlectic, a San Francisco-based company run by women and minority-diverse owners, offers a bean-to-bar subscription box featuring top chocolate makers from around the country. These full-sized bars are vegan, non-GMO, fair trade, and made with less than five ingredients. Plus, they also offer virtual chocolate tastings so your giftee can have a truly immersive experience.
Image Source: Cococlectic
SIP: A DIY Cocktail Kit
Hanson of Sonoma, a family-owned distiller of premium organic vodkas, has the perfect gift for cocktail lovers. Their DIY cocktail kits offer a variety of mouth-watering options, from Old Fashioned to Inked Vodka Tonic. For a grander gesture, consider gifting the Martini & Caviar gift set or the Chocolate, Mules & Vodka tasting kit. Each kit comes with all the ingredients, recipe cards, and even the option to add engraved glassware. Cheers to a delightful cocktail experience!
Image Source: Hanson of Sonoma
PLAY: Campfire Story Prompts
Looking for a gift that sparks interesting conversations during outdoor getaways? Mountaineers Books' "Campfire Stories Deck: Prompts for Igniting Stories by the Fire" is the perfect choice. This collection of 50 cards will inspire meaningful conversations in the great outdoors. Whether you're hiking with friends, camping with family, or simply hanging out in the backyard, these prompts use nature and cherished memories to foster connection. Grab a cup of something warm, some s'mores, and get ready for some unforgettable storytelling.
Image Source: Mountaineers Books
EAT: Alice Waters-Approved Jams and Jellies
For a feel-good and give-back gift, consider purchasing jams, jellies, and baking mixes from the Homeless Garden Project in Santa Cruz. This urban farm and nonprofit provides transitional employment to the homeless and produces high-quality food products made from organically grown ingredients. From classic strawberry jam to smoky pumpkin jelly, these artisanal products are perfect for elevating salads, pizzas, and popcorn. They also offer a variety of teas and baking mixes, including a tempting Chocolate Rosemary Brownie mix.
Image Source: Homeless Garden Project
SIP: Mr. Espresso's "La Vacanza"
For coffee lovers, Mr. Espresso offers the perfect gift with their "La Vacanza" gift box. This set includes Steeped coffee bags, an extra-large MiiR camp mug, and Detours activity cards from Chronicle Books. The Steeped coffee bags provide a rich, smoky flavor with a silky body that any coffee aficionado will appreciate. The Detours activity cards add an adventurous twist to your coffee experience, encouraging you to try new things and capture the beauty of your surroundings.
Image Source: Mr. Espresso
PLAY: Trails, a Hiking Board Game
For a pint-sized version of outdoor-inspired fun, consider gifting "Trails," a hiking board game. Designed by the creators of the popular Parks board game, "Trails" offers an immersive hiking experience from the comfort of your own home. Players hike across iconic trails and national parks, spotting birds, taking photos, and earning badges along the way. The beautifully illustrated cards depict stunning artwork from the Fifty-Nine Parks project, making it an aesthetically pleasing and enjoyable game for nature lovers.
Image Source: Fifty-Nine Parks
EAT: Red Boat Holiday Gift Box
If your loved one is a fan of Vietnamese cuisine, consider gifting them the Red Boat Holiday Gift Box. This unique present includes Red Boat fish sauce, nuoc cham dipping sauce, kho sauce, a Red Boat bowl, a recipe booklet, a notebook, and a tote bag. Red Boat fish sauce is renowned for its vibrant flavors and high-quality ingredients. It's the perfect addition to any Vietnamese dish and will surely delight any foodie.
Image Source: Red Boat
SIP: Blend Your Own Wine
For a unique wine experience, Paso Robles' ONX Wines offers a blending kit that allows you to create your own signature wine at home. The ONX Blending Experience kit includes barrel samples, finished wine samples, and all the necessary equipment to blend your own wine. A 90-minute Zoom session with a professional winemaker guides you through the process. This blending kit is not only educational but also a fun activity to enjoy during virtual holiday parties with friends, family, or co-workers.
Image Source: ONX Wines
READ: Culinary Curiosities
For curious foodies and travelers, "Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer's Guide" is a must-read. From the creators of the popular Atlas Obscura website, this book takes you on a culinary journey around the world. Discover fascinating stories about Pad Thai's origin, the role of iceberg lettuce in "Titanic," and much more. With 500 entries that delve into the strange, delicious, and odd corners of the food world, this book is sure to entertain and inspire.
Image Source: Atlas Obscura
READ: Steven Mirassou Memoir
For wine enthusiasts, "Lineage: Life and Love and Six Generations in California Wine" by Steven Kent Mirassou is a captivating memoir that delves into the world of winemaking. Mirassou, a sixth-generation California winemaker, shares his personal journey, including the challenges, triumphs, and the deeper meaning behind the art of winemaking. This heartfelt memoir is a testament to the passion and dedication that goes into creating exceptional wines.
Image Source: Val de Grace Books
PLAY: A Funny Intro to Hiking
If you know someone who is new to hiking or loves outdoor adventures, "How to Suffer Outside: A Beginner's Guide to Hiking and Backpacking" by Diana Helmuth is the perfect gift. This humorous and relatable book offers valuable tips and advice for both newbies and experienced backpackers . Packed with checklists, resources, and vibrant illustrations, this book will make any outdoor enthusiast laugh and learn.
Image Source: Mountaineers Books
This holiday season, show your loved ones how much you care with a unique gift that reflects their interests and supports local Bay Area businesses. Whether it's indulging in gourmet chocolates or embarking on exciting outdoor adventures, these gift ideas are sure to create unforgettable experiences. So, get shopping and spread the joy of the Bay Area!
