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  3. The Best Artisanal Food Gifts of 2016

The Best Artisanal Food Gifts of 2016

November 06, 2015
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Credit: Courtesy of Earlywood
These unique food gifts showcase artisanal craftsmanship in every form, from handcrafted spoons to homemade barks and specialty salts. These tasty food gifts are not going to be found in your local grocery store, so we picked out some of our favorite brands that are really worth seeking out. For a gift that will impress and leave a splendid taste in your loved ones' mouths, we think you should opt for one of these delicious food gifts.
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Bee Local Hot Honey

Credit: Photo: Bee Local

Move over, sriracha. There's a new must-have condiment in town, and it's buzzed together by our favorite flying bugs: bees! Bee Local Hot Honey is a secret weapon for cooks who love to add a hint of heat and sweat to just about every dish. The makers infuse honey with Scorpion Chili Peppers, which are some of the world's hottest peppers. Drizzle over ice cream, stir into cocktails, or baste chicken over a hot grill. No matter what they do, any recipient on your gift list will be lucky to have this botttle.

$12, beelocal.com

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Runamok Bourbon Maple Syrup

Credit: Photo: Runamok

Add a dash of sophistication (and boozy flavor) to your next stack of pancakes. Runamok Bourbon Maple Syrup is created by aging organic maple syrup in bourbon barrels, which adds a rich flair to the finished product.

$20, runamokmaple.com

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Olympia Provisions Pickle of the Month Club

Credit: Photo: Olympia Provisions

Olympia Provisions uses local produce and ingredients sourced from the Northwest to create their quality pickles. Each month, the recipient of the Pickle of the Month Club will get a 9-ounce jar of various pickled veggies. With picks like fennel, green beans, and giardiniera, they're sure to never be bored with this gift that gives all year long.

$190, olympiaprovisions.com

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Big Spoon Roasters Nut Butter Trio

Credit: Courtesy of Big Spoon Roasters

Based out of Durham, North Carolina, Big Spoon Roasters makes a mean nut butter. Made with all-natural ingredients and none of those fillers and preservatives that you'll find in the grocery store, these nut butters are no joke. With nontraditional flavors like hot peanut, almond cocoa, and chai spice, this variety pack is sure to make your loved ones go nuts!

$40, bigspoonroasters.com

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Sal Del Mar Sea Salt

Credit: Photo: Half Hitch Goods

For the gourmet in your life, this Cortez sea salt is sure to thrill. Packaged in a hand-embroidered bag, each is distinctly unique in color scheme and design. 

$15, halfhitchgoods.com

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Slingshot Coffee Cold Brew Variety Pack

Credit: Courtesy of Slingshot

Founded by a husband-wife team based out of Raleigh, North Carolina, Slingshot Coffee Company has been brewing award winning cups of coffee for over 15 years. In this variety pack, you'll get a bottle of cold brew concentrate, ready-to-drink coffee, as well as ready-to-drink tea. Appeal to the java lovers in your life by offering them is caffeine-filled gift pack.

$19, slingshotcoffeecompany.com

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Fortnum & Mason Preserve Trio

Credit: Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

Offering a strawberry, raspberry, and black cherry preserve jar, these gifts offer a smooth and ever so sweet spread that's great on toasts, breakfast bread, or even a scoop of ice cream. Fortnum & Mason is an artisanal English brand that has been creating products for over 300 years, and we love the soft, aromatic notes that their preserves carry.

$30, williams-sonoma.com

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Mouth Healthy Holiday Tasters

Credit: Courtesy of Mouth

Between the jar of Big Spoon Roasters Ginger Almond Nut Butter and the Allgood Provisions roasted pistachios, we're not sure where to start with this snack-packed gift bag. Each item comes individually wrapped, making the reveal process that much more exciting. Our favorite might be the roasted pumpkin seeds, but we couldn't keep our hands off all the treats.

$74, mouth.com

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Olli Charcuterie & Cheese Gift Crate

Credit: Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

From prosciutto, to salami, to Swiss-styled mountain cheese, this crate might be the mother of all artisanal food gifts. Delivered with adequate gel packs and insulation, this gorgeous crate takes the hassle out of selecting individual food items and does all the tricky pairing for you.

$100, williams-sonoma.com

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Jacobsen Starter Salt Set

Credit: Photo: Jacobsen Salt

Food lovers need great salt, and if the only salt you know comes in a shaker on your kitchen table, it's time to open your eyes. Jacobsen's Start Set includes three varieties of their exalted salts, which are hand-harvested on the Oregon Coast: Flake Finishing Sea Salt, Pure Kosher Sea Salt, and Coarse Grinding Sea Salt. Let the food lover in your life explore all the delicious ways salt can change everything on their plate.

$30, jacobsensalt.com

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Old World Kitchen Artisan Coffee Scoop Set

Credit: Photo: Old World Kitchen

If you've never felt the artistry of handcrafted wooden spoons, it's time you did. Old World Kitchen's Artisan Coffee Scoop Set is a wonder to behold and hold. Each spoon is crafted by craftsmen and accurately made so you really can use them as a coffee scoop. The set includes three scoops, Simple Scoop (approximately 5 inches long), Chef's Scoop (approximately 4.5 inches long), and Sunrise Scoop (approximately 3.5 inches long). Pick your preferred wood type, and soon you'll have beautiful, one of a kind art on your table.

$159, poldersoldworldmarket.com

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Cake in a Crate

Credit: Photo: Cake in a Crate

Know a health-conscious cook who just can't give up their sweet tooth? Good news! You now know the perfect gift to give them: Cake in a Crate. These recipe kits include everything a baker needs to make homemade treats, from Salty Date Caramel Scotcheroos to Tahini Cookies. Each kit happens to also be gluten-free, refined sugar-free, soy-free, kosher-friendly, and vegan. Order just one to send to their box, or order a monthly delivery. You can't go wrong.

Starts at $25, cakeinacrate.com

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Tea-rrific! Ice Cream

Credit: Photo: Tearrific

If you have an eye cream fanatic on your gift list, it's time to delight them in a whole new food experience: tea ice cream. Tea-rrific! Ice Cream sources hormone-free cream from New England farms and combines it specialty blends of loose leaf and herbal teas to create unique and delicious ice cream flavors you can't get anywhere else. Order a few pints, and have them shipped to your loved one's doorstep for a gift that will knock their socks off.

Starts at $10, tearrificicecream.com

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Truffle & Salt

Credit: Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

Specialty salts are a great gift idea for the avid cook, and this salt embodies all of the rich, dark flavors of Italian black truffles. Whether you're seasoning meats, popcorn, eggs, or vegetables, a small pinch of truffle salt is sure to enhance and brighten up all of your favorite foods.

$30, williams-sonoma.com

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Sweetdragon Baking Ginger Almond Brittle

Credit: Courtesy of Sweetdragon Baking

Sweetdragon, founded by Hway-ling Hsu, is a baking company that prides itself on using science and chemistry to create the best and tastiest products. Though there are plenty of candy and brittle options to choose from, we couldn't keep away from the aromatic crunchiness of the ginger almond brittle.

$10, sweetdragonbaking.com

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Gaea Black and White Gift Set

Credit: Photo: Gaea

A celebration of Greek cuisine, this hand-painted set is the ideal choice for food lovers. High-quality olive oil and vinegar are included, and they're perfect for creating a superior homemade salad dressing. You can also enjoy them in the simplest of forms, by drizzling of fresh, crusty bread. 

$30, gaeaus.com

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SmashMallow Marshmallows

Credit: Photo Courtesy of SmashMallow

The gourmet marshmallow trend is getting hotter by the month. Now you can buy all-natural marshmallows made with 100% organic sugar and gluten-free ingredients from SmashMallow. These 'mallows aren't the ones you want to drown in chocolate and smash between graham crackers (though that would be delicious). Instead, these marshmallows are meant to be savored. Gift a bag or three of these confections to the friend who loves decadent little sweets or hot cocoa. Flavors include Mint Chocolate Chip, Toasted Coconut Pineapple, Strawberries & Cream, Root Beer Float, Meyer Lemon Chia Seed, Cinnamon Churro, and Espresso Bean.

Starts at $4, smashmallow.com

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Brooklyn Popcorn Lip Smacker

Credit: Courtesy of Brooklyn Popcorn

Is it really the holiday season if you didn't gift a variety pack of gourmet popcorn? We don't think so. With sour cream & chives, white cheddar, and ranch all packed in the same tin of popcorn, we can't see what other snack you could possibly need. Just make sure you've got some napkins, because this stuff is finger-licking good.

$40, brooklynpopcorn.com

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Cookie DŌ Confections Health Nut Pack

Credit: Courtesy of Cookie DŌ

If you're like us, the cookie dough is the most irresistible part of any cookie-baking experience. That's why we can't get enough of Cookie DŌ, a company based out of New York City that concocts some seriously delicious (and safe to eat) cookie that goes down smoothly, spoonful after spoonful. In the Health Nut pack, you'll get the chewy coconut granola, breakfast banana, peanut butter chickpea, and peanut butter Snickerdoodle, but quite frankly, we're crazy about all their delectable doughs.

$45, cookiedonyc.com

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Round Pond Estate Mini 4-Bottle Oil Gift Set

Credit: Photo: Round Pond Estate

An all-purpose present, everyone appreciates a good oil and vinegar combo. This world-class set includes interesting oil flavors like Meyer Lemon and Italian Varietal, and red wine vinegars like Cabernet and Sangiovese Blend. 

$38, shop.roundpond.com

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Taza Organic Mexicano Chocolate Sampler Gift Set

Credit: Photo: Rodale's

For the chocolate lover on your list, these stone-ground chocolate blends are made the traditional Mexican way and feature bold flavors like cinnamon, chiles, and salted almond. 

$28, rodales.com

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Whole Foods Market Organic Truffles

Credit: Courtesy of Whole Foods Market

Available in dark chocolate hazelnut, caramel, cappuccino, and chocolate, these rich, indulgent truffles are everything that the chocolate-lover in your life needs this holiday season. Prepared with wholesome ingredients and made in France, this is a sweet treat that you can feel good about giving to your friends.

$7, Whole Foods Markets

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Mouth Holiday Sweet & Savory Fix Bite

Credit: Courtesy of Mouth

Say hello to the ultimate crowd-pleasing gift. Piled high with candied pecans, peppermint sticks, chocolate bars, and caramels, there is no shortage of sweet-tooth fixings in this gift bag. On top of all the delectable treats, there's also some savory additions, like cheese coins and pistachio nuts. Take the stress out of picking out a gift that you're not sure if the recipient will enjoy, and opt for this fuss-free, all-in-one goodie bag.

$63, mouth.com

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Malin + Goetz Mojito Candle

Credit: Courtesy of Malin + Goetz

Fresh lime and mint with earthy notes of dark rum come together in this wildly soothing and aromatic candle. Inspired by the ultimate refreshing, zingy cocktail, this cool candle makes for the perfect gift that will last a long time. We think the candle is best enjoyed with a mojito in hand.

$52, malinandgoetz.com

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Firstleaf Wine Club

Credit: Courtesy of Firstleaf

Firstleaf offers a six-bottle wine set that pairs perfectly with holiday dishes. Have it delivered for $79, which includes shipping.

firstleaf.wine/cookgift

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Whole Foods Market Thistle Farms Soy Wax Candle

Credit: Courtesy of Whole Foods Market

Available in geranium & citrus, lavendar & lemon, frankincense & ylang ylang, and fresh pine (and also available as room sprays), these cozy soy wax candles are an easy gift for anyone. And if that wasn't enough, the sale of these essential oil blends will go towards the nation’s largest social enterprise led by women survivors of trafficking, addiction, and prostitution.

$14-22, Whole Foods Markets

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Whole Foods Lump O'Coal Soap and Bag

Credit: Courtesy of Whole Foods Market

Whether your gift recipient has been naughty or nice this year, they are definitely deserving of this "lump o'coal." Each bag is hand sewn, and a portion of the profits go towards providing careers for Burundian women. The bag includes three clarifying and beautifully aromatic facial soaps made from active charcoal for a deep clean you can feel good about.

$10, Whole Foods Markets

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Rodale's Matcha Tea Making Set + Matcha Tea Powder

Credit: Photo Courtesy of Rodale's

Matcha green tea is a powerhouse of antioxidants. It just also happens to be a festive holiday color. This tea boasts a nutty, vegetal flavor that tea lovers are sure to enjoy sip after sip. Whole tea leaves are ground to make matcha powder, so this matcha tea making set includes everything you need for the perfect cup, including a stoneware tea bowl set, bamboo tea whisk, scoop, and tea.

$68, rodales.com

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Counter Culture Coffee Iridescent Blend

Credit: Photo: Counter Culture Coffee

Cult-favorite Counter Culture Coffee brings back their limited-edition blend Iridescent for each holiday season. Sourced from Central America, this coffee is certified organic and carries complex and sweet notes of chocolate and berry. It's the perfect coffee for winter days, so gift this to any avid coffee drinker. The best part: CCC will donated a nickel per pound from Iridsecent and all coffees sold during the holiday season to fund development projects in coffee-growing regions.

$17.75, counterculturecoffee.com

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Earlywood Wooden Spatulas: The Trifecta

Credit: Courtesy of Earlywood

Earlywood specializes in truly unique wooden kitchen tools that you can't find anywhere else. These spatulas and spreaders work differently than all the utensils you currently have in your kitchen. Sharp edges allow you to clean cast iron skillets or peel garlic, thus adding a whole new level of functionality to your kitchenware. Included in this three pack is the flat sauté, the super useful scraper, and the favorite spreader. We can't think of a better gift for the cook in your life who is difficult to shop for.

$35, earlywooddesigns.com

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    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

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    1 of 30 Bee Local Hot Honey
    2 of 30 Runamok Bourbon Maple Syrup
    3 of 30 Olympia Provisions Pickle of the Month Club
    4 of 30 Big Spoon Roasters Nut Butter Trio
    5 of 30 Sal Del Mar Sea Salt
    6 of 30 Slingshot Coffee Cold Brew Variety Pack
    7 of 30 Fortnum & Mason Preserve Trio
    8 of 30 Mouth Healthy Holiday Tasters
    9 of 30 Olli Charcuterie & Cheese Gift Crate
    10 of 30 Jacobsen Starter Salt Set
    11 of 30 Old World Kitchen Artisan Coffee Scoop Set
    12 of 30 Cake in a Crate
    13 of 30 Tea-rrific! Ice Cream
    14 of 30 Truffle & Salt
    15 of 30 Sweetdragon Baking Ginger Almond Brittle
    16 of 30 Gaea Black and White Gift Set
    17 of 30 SmashMallow Marshmallows
    18 of 30 Brooklyn Popcorn Lip Smacker
    19 of 30 Cookie DŌ Confections Health Nut Pack
    20 of 30 Round Pond Estate Mini 4-Bottle Oil Gift Set
    21 of 30 Taza Organic Mexicano Chocolate Sampler Gift Set
    22 of 30 Whole Foods Market Organic Truffles
    23 of 30 Mouth Holiday Sweet & Savory Fix Bite
    24 of 30 Malin + Goetz Mojito Candle
    25 of 30 Firstleaf Wine Club
    26 of 30 Whole Foods Market Thistle Farms Soy Wax Candle
    27 of 30 Whole Foods Lump O'Coal Soap and Bag
    28 of 30 Rodale's Matcha Tea Making Set + Matcha Tea Powder
    29 of 30 Counter Culture Coffee Iridescent Blend
    30 of 30 Earlywood Wooden Spatulas: The Trifecta

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