You Don’t Have to Be Rich to Give Generously

It’s that time of year for Gift Giving…and we’ve got you covered! Give generously, these options won’t break the bank!

If you’re like us, the Holiday Season brings invitations to a wide variety of celebrations and events. The struggle to find the perfect host or hostess gift is real!  Often you just need a little something to give, but you’d like it to be unique, fun and most importantly useful.  Here are a few simple (and mostly local!) host/hostess gift ideas for the foodies in your life.  Give one, or give generously and make a basket containing all of them! You’ll be invited back every year – we promise.

1. For the breakfast lover:  Barnstormer Granola’s Nuts for Chocolate.  Minnesota made, this granola is amazing. It’s the perfect combination of chocolate, nuts, and cinnamon (and they don’t skimp on the chocolate).  Fabulous by itself, it is also fantastic when paired with milk or mixed with yogurt.  $6.49, Lakewinds Food Co-op, Golden Fig, Linden Hills Market, Local D’Lish. www.barnstormergranola.com
2. For the foodie: Bare Honey’s Vanilla Bean Honey Spread.  Made by another Twin Cities based company,  I can eat this by the spoonful. It is also a lovely spread for bread, served spooned over ice cream, or dabbed on graham crackers for the kids.  $7 for 10 oz.  Lakewinds Food Co-op, Lund’s & Byerly’s, Kowalski’s + many more. www.barehoney.com  
3. For the gourmet:  Stillwater Olive Oil Company’s Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars.  These little bottles of olive oils and balsamic vinegars were given to me on my last birthday and were one of my favorite gifts!  They taste amazing and elevate any recipe. Bonus: the store is always fun to visit!   Multiple varieties, sizes, and prices.  www.stillwateroliveoil.com
4. For the kids: Angie’s Holidrizzle Boom Chicka Pop Dark Chocolatier Sea Salt Kettle Corn.  I cannot lie, I could eat bags and bags of this popcorn wonder.  It is one of the few treats my kids agree on (they both beg for it).  The White Chocolate and Peppermint is darn good also. Do yourself a favor and try both. Mankato-based.  $4 for 4.5 oz.  Lakewinds Food Co-op, Lund’s & Byerly’s, Kowalski’s, Cub Foods + many more.  www.boomchickapop.com
5. For those who need relaxation:  Pacha Bulk Soaps and Bath Salts. I recently discovered these products at my local co-op and am wondering how I lived so long without them.  These organic, all natural soaps are not only beautiful, but each purchase helps to support programs aimed at reducing poverty worldwide.  My personal favorites are Tangerine Eucalyptus, Sweet Orange Ginger, and Lavender Lemongrass.  Nebraska-based.  Prices Vary.  Lakewinds Co-op, Linden Hills Co-op, Whole Foods Market + many more.  www.pachasoap.com
6. For the bubbly lover:  2011 Gratien & Meyer Dry Rosé.  This sparkling Rosé was recently served at an amazing dinner hosted by great friends.  I have dreamed about it since.  I finally called one of the hostesses, who graciously went out and bought me a few bottles.  She is clearly now elevated to BFF status!  I have to confess this one is far from local, but sometimes we just have to break the rules.  From the Saumur region of France.  $19 for 750 ml.  Lake Wine and Spirits.  www.lakewinespirits.com, www.gratienmeyer.com

What are some of your favorite hostess gifts to give or receive?  We would love to hear your suggestions!

Disclaimer: We are not paid to market any specific products or services, we just really love and use these products and want to share.