Made-in-Massachusetts Local Holiday Gift Guide
Massachusetts boasts more than 7,200 farms spanning nearly 500,000 acres, so you probably won’t be surprised to learn that their agricultural industry is thriving. While this is excellent news for the state and its residents, it’s also great for anyone hoping to shop locally for the holidays this year. If you want to give the gift of the Bay State to someone special on you list, look no further our Massachusetts gift guide is full of unique ideas.
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1. Treats from Eataly Boston
There’s more to the holiday season than candy canes and gingerbread men, as yummy as they may be. Boston is a hotspot for all things foodie thanks to its international culture and renowned history as one of the country’s top port cities. Eataly Boston is your best bet to score an Italian-themed present for the holidays. Choose from olive oils and handcrafted pastas to flower arrangements and caviar. You can’t go wrong with any of the items you pick up from here.
2. Shucker Starter Pack from B&G Oysters
Who doesn’t think about oysters when they think about Massachusetts? The playfully named and mouthwateringly delicious Shucker Starter Pack from B&G Oysters would make a fabulous present for anyone who loves high-quality seafood. This gift set includes an oyster shucking class for two, two oyster knives, a dozen oysters, two glasses of champagne and a copy of The Geography of Oysters.
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3. Goods from Fox & the Knife
Know someone who loves pasta but could use a night off from the hassle of meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning up? Featured on everything from People magazine and Food and Wine to the Boston Globe and the Today Show, Fox & the Knife quickly gained notoriety among Massachusetts restaurants with its phenomenal and flavorful dishes. The best part for you is that you can purchase a pasta dinner gift basket for friends and family complete with house-made pasta and sauces (wild boar bolognese, anyone?).
See more: 8 Mouthwatering Massachusetts Food Festivals
4. Gourmet Hot Cocoa from Harbor Sweets
Is it even winter if you don’t spend a few cold evenings bundled up in a blanket with a hot cup of cocoa? That’s one of the many reasons you should consider splurging on the gourmet hot cocoa from Harbor Sweets. You’re not only giving the gift of chocolate but also helping the ones you love make the most of their cozy winter experience.
5. Caramels from McCrea’s Candies
In the market for incredibly delicious and legendary caramels? That’s the promise at McCrea’s Candies, and people seem to agree it’s the truth. These melt-in-your-mouth caramels are a far cry from your average grocery store impulse purchase. Flavors include everything from tapped maple and rosemary truffle sea salt to ginger fusion and classic vanilla. They also offer plenty of gift pack options.
6. Handcrafted Sriracha from Kitchen Garden Farm
Handcrafted sriracha may seem like a strange present to tuck under the tree, but if you know someone who likes their meals to have a little extra kick, they’re guaranteed to thank you when presented with a bottle of flavorful sauce from Kitchen Garden Farm.
7. Noted Candles
Chilly winter nights call for blankets and hot chocolate, but a candle or two doesn’t hurt either. Noted Candles began as a hobby in a Boston apartment but has since grown in popularity – and product offerings. Their scents range from cactus flower and Fraser fir to lime basil mint and fireside embers. But you can also peruse their gift sets or personalize a candle for those extra special loved ones on your shopping list.
See more: 4 Local Craft Beverages to Try in Massachusetts
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8. Single-Origin Craft Chocolate from Goodnow Farms
Everyone brags about single-origin chocolate, but what does it really mean? Single-origin chocolate is made from one variety of cacao bean from one region. No mixing and matching. This often leads to a more nuanced flavor profile, especially when it’s created by a company like Goodnow Farms. Even Food & Wine says they craft some of the best chocolate in America.