2012 Holiday Gift Guide

Need some gift ideas for your food-loving friends this holiday season? We’ve got you covered.

From locally-made sweets and savories to kitchen appliances and gadgets, we’ve handpicked some of our favorite items we think you’ll love too.

Have a favorite product we didn’t include? Mention it in the comments below and tell us why it’s on your Christmas list!

Treat Your Girlfriends Like Royalty: Arizona Biltmore’s Afternoon Tea

Served Sunday through Thursday until mid May, Afternoon Tea at the Arizona Biltmore is the perfect way to spend some time with your closest friends. Get dolled up if you want as the afternoon will surely create memories you won’t forget.
Read more about the Biltmore’s Afternoon Tea here.

For the Locavore: Black Mesa Ranch Fresh Goat Cheese, $7

If you’re looking for an edible gift, you can’t go wrong with Black Mesa Ranch’s indulgent Goat Cheese. Sold in 6oz logs, pick your flavor or order plain — either way, you’ll be treated to the creamy goodness of fresh, artisan goat cheese. Grab up some seasonal candies and other treats while you’re at it!
Read more about Black Mesa Ranch here.

For the Funky Cook: Chef’n Pinch Pour Beakers

Some of my favorite kitchen gadgets, these beakers (ie. liquid measuring cups) are sold in a set of three, are heat-resistant, dishwasher safe, and can be ‘pinched’ to create a pour spout. Plus, they look pretty neat in your kitchen.
Read more about Chef’n here.

That Friend That Could Use a Night Out: Fox RC Gift Card

With 12 restaurants around the Valley offering various cuisines, you won’t have to worry about picky eaters since you’re giving the gift of food… and choice! As a bonus, for every $100 gift card purchased through December 31, you’ll get a $20 gift card to share or keep for yourself. Purchase online or at a restaurant.
Read more about Fox RC Gift Cards here.

For the Eco-Friendly: Full Circle Home Dishwashing Accessories, $5.99-$7.99

Made from all sustainable and renewable sources, these products are created with fully biodegradable materials so you can feel good about your part in maintaining a happy environment. My favorite items include the Flip Loofah Sponges (these last almost forever!) and the Laid Back Dish Brush.
Read more about Full Circle Home here.

For the Cheese-Lover: Gina’s Homemade Burrata

We all have that one friend with the cheesy jokes and silly impressions. Give the gift of CHEESE this year and they’ll never pick up on the hidden pun! Their locally-made burrata can be found in many kitchens of our own best chefs in the Valley (it’s THAT Good).
Read more about Gina’s Homemade here.

Give the Gift of Rest: Joya Spa Gift Card

Treat a loved one to a spa day at the gorgeous, Moroccan-themed spa at the Montelucia resort — Joya Spa. Easily one of the best spas in the Valley, you can’t go wrong with a Joya gift card (and let’s just say, I’ll be super jealous!). Purchase in-spa or online.
Read more about Joya Spa here.

For the Vegan: PROBAR, $40/12

These organic, meal-replacement bars are 100% vegan, certified non-GMO and raw and available in a variety of surprisingly delicious flavors (like the Koka Moka). A great edible gift for your vegan friends and raw-food fanatics.
Read more about PROBAR here.

For the Fashionista Kitchenista: STYLEVISA.com, $19-$48

Dress up your fashion-forward friend’s kitchen with unique products from STYLEVISA.com. From their Fern Living Harlequin and Velo Tea Towels, Sabre Nouvelle Old Fashion Teaspoons Gift Set, and the Nuance Olive Sticks, you’re sure to find the perfect gift.
Read more about STYLEVISA here.

Sweets for Your Sweet: Sweet-Stops Toffee, $20/half pound gift box

No chocolate lover will deny Sweet-Stops’ toffee goodness packaged in adorable black-and-white striped boxes tied with a red bow. The Pecan Toffee made with fresh pecans and premium, dark Belgian chocolate is to die for. Bonus, it’s locally made!
Read more about Sweet-Stops here.

Bring Dessert to the Holiday Party: Sweet Republic

Need a hostess gift? Since everyone will be bringing a bottle of wine or other traditional gift, mix it up with a pint (or a few) of Sweet Republic’s artisan ice cream in flavors you can’t find anywhere else around town. Your holiday hostess will have an indulgence to dig into long after the party’s over!
Read more about Sweet Republic here.

For the Busy Mom: T-fal ActiFry, $249

Easily the most-used appliance in my kitchen, T-fal’s ActiFry is the ultimate multi-cooker that can whip up a batch of fried rice, stir-fry or even buffalo wings without having to lift a finger. The machine is notorious for its claim of creating golden, crispy French Fries using only 1 tablespoon of oil (and they’re really good!).
Read more about the ActiFry here.

Give the Gift of Whoopie: Whoopie Pie Baking Company, $15/6

Everyone could use a little more whoopie in their lives. Made locally with love, there’s no better sweet treat for the one you love. My favorite is the Sweet & Salty Whoopie (chocolate with salted caramel buttercream fluff, ahh-mazing), but you can’t go wrong with any flavor.
Read more about Whoopie Pie Baking Company here.