The Gift of Local
The holiday season is just around the corner, and it can feel a bit stressful trying to find a thoughtful gift within your budget. We’ve compiled a few ideas supporting Alberta farmers and local businesses.
Who doesn’t love cheese? Our first gift idea is to make a small (or big) cheese basket. Locally produced cheese can be found in many grocery stores, such as Old School Cheesery and Sylvan Star. Some Cheeseries have a farm store where you can shop if you are in the province or are up for a rural drive. Check out Lakeside Farmstead, 30 minutes north of Edmonton, or Crystal Springs Cheese, 10 minutes from Lethbridge.
Another unique idea is memberships to local buying clubs that source Alberta products. This will make it seem like you’re giving all year round. Have a look at The Cheesery Buying Club or Meuwly’s Charcuterie Club.
Wine is a standard host gift for a party, but have you ever thought about bringing craft beer or locally distilled spirits? We have a fantastic selection of breweries and distilleries in Alberta.
Another cheery idea for any beer lover is tickets to the Alberta Beer Festival. These events are held in several locations and are an entertaining way to get to know our exceptional beer and spirit producers.
We love getting and giving cookbooks, especially if they are created by Canadian chefs. To make the gift extra special, make a recipe in the cookbook and include the dish as part of your gift. Of course, you’ll want it to taste good, so be sure to use local ingredients.
Our favourite cookbooks right now are Best of Bridge Done in One, with recipes by Sylvia Kong and Emily Richards and also Prairie, by Dan Clapson and Twyla Campbell with curated recipes from top chefs across the prairies.
Lastly, you can never go wrong with giving chocolate. Jacek Chocolate Couture is not just a decadent treat but also beautifully packaged. Check out Jacek’s holiday collection and business gifting.
While you are gifting locally, you might also want to buy a little something for yourself because you deserve it!
