Local Food & Drink Gift Ideas
Local artisan foods, packed with flavor and a dash of love, are the perfect stocking stuffer or hostess gift. Even better, a gift basket laden with sweets, treats and sauces is sure to put a smile on any pouting face — maybe even add more of a twinkle to Santa’s eye.
The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, with twinkly lights and gleeful music and all those delicious sweets. There’s just one thing missing: Your gift list has you stumped. Don’t stress out — think local. Even better, think local food and drink. After all, who wouldn’t want to unwrap something tasty?
First thing’s first, let’s get some caffeine
Caramel Romance loose leaf tea.
Even during the holidays (perhaps more than ever), morning caffeine is a must. Whether they prefer seasonal drinks, like pumpkin spice lattes and peppermint mochas, stick to strictly black coffee all year, or go for less-caffeinated teas, there are a plethora of options.
Terra Nova Organic Coffee Roasters in Keene
Travel the world with a single cup of joe with a mixture of beans from Indonesia, Africa, Central and South America. Complex, smooth and delicious, all of Terra Nova Organic Coffee Roasters’ beans are responsibly sourced and roasted in small batches. terranovacoffee.net
Fired on the Mountain in Lincoln
For those who enjoy morning coffee or tea, give them a personalized mug. This family-run pottery studio offers “make-and-take” pottery pieces, paint nights, and ready-to-purchase ceramic mugs in a mix of beautiful, bold colors. firedonthemountain.com
The Cozy Tea Cart in Brookline
Sip on delicious warm tea as a respite from the freezing cold of January. Stick to a classic black or green, or try a trendy “blooming tea.” thecozyteacart.com
Teatotaller Café in Somersworth
The Teatotaller Café sells a variety of “Chai Curious” loose leaf teas, with a subscription option as well. Their clever blends combine tea leaves, fruits, nuts and seeds. Their Caramel Romance is a warm chai tea blend, with holiday spices such as cinnamon, clove and ginger — and heart-shaped sprinkles. teatotallercafe.com
Gift ideas for those with a sweet tooth
There’s no better complement to holiday cookies, pies, sweet cider and cocoa than more sugar! No one has ever been upset by receiving food as a gift — especially something sweet and locally made. Maple sugar candy is the obvious choice, but we have plenty of other suggestions for the sweet tooth in your life.
Chutters in Littleton
Home to the world-record-holding longest candy counter, Chutters offers a variety of candies, chocolates and fudge for every sweet tooth to indulge. Pick out your loved one’s favorites and wrap it all up with a shiny bow. chutters.com
Pearls Candy & Nuts in Salem
Centered around old-fashioned candy from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, Pearls also offers homemade fudge, delicious nuts and more modern favorites. Grab a couple classics or order a custom gift basket. pearlscandynh.com
Woodard’s Sugar House in Surry
Enjoy the iconic taste of maple syrup in Woodard’s maple leaves, maple-coated pecans and cotton candy. They also offer plenty of traditional maple favorites as well, such as their bottled pure maple syrup and maple cream. woodardssugarhouse.com
Süss Carümel in Nashua
Inspired by her German roots, Tammy Fahey gently cooks Bourbon Sea Salt Caramels in small batches for a velvety texture and layers of flavor. They are then wrapped in parchment for a classy look, or arrive in a sophisticated box.
susscarumel.com
Laurel Hill Jams & Jellies in Bedford
Simplify with a gift pack of wine jellies with choices ranging from sangria or malbec to celebratory champagne. Packed in a pine crate handmade by Toadstool Design of New Boston. laurelhilljams.com
Polly’s Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill
The Taste of Maple Basket is the perfect for the maple fanatic. Featuring local syrup, Polly’s own maple spread and maple granulated sugar, and your choice of one of their award-winning pancake mixes made from fresh-ground grains. Find many basket and gift wrapping options. pollyspancakeparlor.com
For the chocolate lovers
The Chocolatier in Exeter
The chocolate-covered cherries are exceptional, but be sure to get there early for this classic treat.
$23.95 lb., the-chocolatier.com
Byrne & Carlson Chocolatier in Portsmouth
For all the fancy folks on your list, look no further than Byrne & Carlson’s collection of elegant sweets, chocolates and truffles. Try a gift box of fresh cream-filled truffles in colorful foil wrapping. byrneandcarlson.com
Granite State Candy Shoppe in Concord and Manchester
Granite State Candy Shoppe offers nonpareils that are perfect for sneaking into the movie theater (although they do sell them at Concord’s Red River Theatres). The dark chocolate is delicious, but they’re also offered in milk and white chocolate with colored candy dots.
14 ounces, $13.98, granitestatecandyshoppe.com
Van Otis Chocolates in Manchester
Van Otis has an impressions chocolate and candy counter as well as gift baskets that have just about everything to celebrate this state of sweetness.
$68-$130, vanotis.com
Enna Chocolate in Exeter
The Monthly Bar Subscriptions are especially lovely for everyone on your list. It’s $30 a month for three of their favorite bars with free shipping. Bean-to-bar is an experience to treasure on a regular basis.
ennachocolate.com
Learn more about Tamworth Distilling’s unique spirits (including the Deerslayer Venison Whiskey) here.
For the beer, wine or spirits enthusiast
Excellent wineries, craft breweries and distilleries continue to pop up all over the Granite State. Choose a gift card to any of these places, pick out an old favorite or ask for their recommendation — the holidays are a great time to experience something new. Try a fun, fruity wine, creative craft beer or spiced hard cider to ring in the New Year. By the way, the state is filled with great local breweries. Click here to find one (or a great craft beer store) near you.
Flag Hill Distillery & Winery in Lee
Every wine and spirit at Flag Hill has its own unique and carefully crafted flavor profile. What better drink to celebrate the holidays than their sparkling apple cranberry wine that combines fall and winter flavors with delightful bubbles. flaghill.com
Coös Brewing Co. in Colebrook
The beers available at this North Country brewery are constantly revolving, so be sure to check on their social media for the latest updates. Try Woodland Wit, with notes of spices and citrus. coosbeer.com
North Country Hard Cider in Rollinsford
With their website advertising their Fire Starter cider as tasting of “warm apple pie” or “fireworks in your mouth,” this is a perfect choice for the holiday season. northcountryhardcider.com
Granite Roots Brewing in Troy
Beer plus coffee. Their Java Roots stout is just that. Need we say more? Available in dozens of locations across the state, Granite Roots offers a variety of IPAs, stouts, sours and more. graniterootsbrewing.com
Auspicious Brew in Dover
Arguably even trendier than microbreweries these days are kombucha breweries. Using fermented tea, fruits and spices, this woman-owned business crafts delicious flavors such as “Lilac Rain,” “Rose Colored Glasses” and “Swamp Thing.” auspiciousbrew.com
Tamworth Distilling in Tamworth
The Deerslayer is a whiskey flavored with the flora and fauna of New Hampshire in autumn — in particular, venison (learn more here). They sourced the red deer venison from a local New Hampshire farm, then hand-chopped the meat and tossed it with cranberries, porcini mushrooms, juniper berries and green peppercorns. After fermenting overnight to accentuate the meat’s delectable gaminess, it is then slow-smoked over a mix of seasoned branches from New Hampshire’s boreal forests. A 3-year old white wheat whiskey serves as a lighter-bodied whiskey backbone, allowing the truly unique flavoring to shine through after its final distillation in the rotary evaporator. Savory and smoky notes characterize this one-of-a-kind spirit, with a subtle spice on the palate and a lingering finish.
Price varies, tamworthdistilling.com
Hermit Woods Winery & Deli in Meredith
We recommend that 2020 Wild Blue, which is a light yet rich and refreshing, medium-dry sparkling blueberry wine. At 8% abv, this sessionable sparkler can be enjoyed anytime. Made with over two pounds of wild blueberries in every bottle, this is a very nutritious and tasty drink! Enjoy chilled.
$15.95, hermitwoods.com
Salty and satisfying snacks
Port City Pretzels in Portsmouth
The tasty Ranch Dill pretzels are are very addictive, but others may favor the cinnamon sugar or zesty hot versions. portcitypretzels.com
Brookford Farm in Canterbury
This farmstead raw-milk Shade of Blue Cheese is a favorite of local chefs and can be found at several winter farmers markets. Blue fans will love its tang and depth.
brookfordfarm.com
Popzup Popcorn in Dover
This company is known for its innovative approach to microwaving popcorn at home, but now they’re selling it ready-popped. Just pair with one of their creative seasonings and let the Netflix bingeing begin.
$7.50, popzup.com
Dip and sauces lovers
Spicy Mike’s in Kingston
If ketchup seems boring to you, just sample what Spicy Mike has been cooking up. Flavor profiles are creative and add varying degrees of heat to kiss your lips and match your burger style. Newest is a spicy curry for an international twist to top your fries. spicymikes.com
Steve’s Original Sauces in Belmont
Add the S.O.S. Kentucky Bourbon to your pulled pork sandwich. stevesoriginalsauces.com
Naked Hot Sauces in Newmarket
The peppers are sourced locally when possible. Reaper Madness tops the Scoville scale … that’s hot! Others are available with varying intensity, like the sweet crabapple with Thai flavors. Their Awesome Sauce certainly gets a vote for best name.
$11, nakedhotsauces.net
Kits
Local Baskit in Concord
Give the gift of a ready-to-prepare food kit delivered weekly. A variety of plans are available. Gift certificates sold online. Facebook
All Real Meal in Manchester
Enjoy fully prepared locally made meals delivered right to your door. Order a pre-filled cooler bag or pick from a large range of individual meals. Prices vary.
allrealmeal.com
Local Source Shopping
Hannah Grimes Marketplace in Keene
They build custom food-themed gift baskets filled with an array of Upper Valley products from their shop. hannahgrimesmarketplace.com
Common Man Country Store in Ashland
Common Man products include fudge, chocolates, jarred pickled vegetables, Bloody Mary mix and more. (Tip: Markets at Common Man Roadside stops off I-93 northbound and southbound in Hooksett and now Plymouth offer a great selection of New Hampshire-made food products for shoppers on the run.) thecman.com
Tendercrop Farm in Dover
123 Dover Point Rd., Dover
tendercropfarm.com
Squam Lake MarketPlace
863 Route 3, Holderness
squammarket.com
Zeb’s General Store
2675 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway
zebs.com
Robie’s Country Store
9 Riverside St., Hooksett
rootsatrobies.com
Johnson Golden Harvest
412 W. River Rd., Hooksett
johnsongoldenharvest.com
Manchester Craft Market
Mall of New Hampshire, Manchester
manchestercraftmarket.com
Angela’s Pasta and Cheese Shop
815 Chestnut St., Manchester
angelaspastaandcheese.com
Community Food Co-ops
Lebanon, Concord, Keene, Wolfeboro
Other online sources for locally-made and produced food gifts
nhmade.com and nhgiftbaskets.com
