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Local Gift Ideas for the Food and Drink Lover

Robin Winship

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Robin Winship

Local Gift Ideas for the Food and Drink Lover

This guide is dedicated to all the procrastinators, Christmas Eve mall-goers and last-minute shoppers. You cannot do that this year!

With another lockdown imposed, malls and small retail shops closed and impending delays on deliveries -- it is imperative to get a jump start on that Christmas list. Yes, it may be easier to succumb to Amazon, but we desperately encourage you to support local businesses in whatever way you can. We have compiled a list of food and drink-related gifts for all the gourmands in your life. Whether you're looking for a decadent gift basket, a new and improved cast iron pan or a simple restaurant tee, you'll find it on this list.

Below is a guide to some of our favourite food and drink-related gifts from local restaurants, bars, grocers and artisans.

Haan and Tisha's Really, Really Awesome Holiday Cheer Bag

Brought to you by chef Haan Palcu-Chang of Favorites Thai BBQ and local artist Tisha Myles is this holiday gift bag filled with plenty of goodies from local artisans. Including in the tote (designed by Tisha) is a flower arrangement, candle, chocolate chili chips, wine, nuts and more!

Haan and Tisha's Really, Really Awesome Holiday Cheer Bag

Brought to you by chef Haan Palcu-Chang of Favorites Thai BBQ and local artist Tisha Myles is this holiday gift bag filled with plenty of goodies from local artisans. Including in the tote (designed by Tisha) is a flower arrangement, candle, chocolate chili chips, wine, nuts and more!

Charcuterie Boards by Rustic Designs

This local Hamilton-based business makes one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted charcuterie boards -- ideal for festive spreads! Order through their website or find Rustic Designs at the Cheese Boutique.

Charcuterie Boards by Rustic Designs

This local Hamilton-based business makes one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted charcuterie boards -- ideal for festive spreads! Order through their website or find Rustic Designs at the Cheese Boutique.

Bellwoods Brewery Toque

You can never have too many toques when you live in Canada and why not support an Ossington institution, Bellwoods Brewery.

Bellwoods Brewery Toque

You can never have too many toques when you live in Canada and why not support an Ossington institution, Bellwoods Brewery.

Black Lab Taster Flight

Bring the tasting flight experience home by ordering a Black Lab Brewing Flight Set, including a wooden paddle and four tasting glasses (all marked with a black lab, of course!). Make sure to throw in a couple beers to complete the gift.

Black Lab Taster Flight

Bring the tasting flight experience home by ordering a Black Lab Brewing Flight Set, including a wooden paddle and four tasting glasses (all marked with a black lab, of course!). Make sure to throw in a couple beers to complete the gift.

Cumbraes Gift Baskets

Nothing seems quite as indulgent than receiving a gourmet basket brimming with top-notch products, especially from Cumbraes. Pre-order a curated basket from the Bayview or Queen location of this Toronto butcher by phoning (416) 485-5620. Limited quantities are available.

Cumbraes Gift Baskets

Nothing seems quite as indulgent than receiving a gourmet basket brimming with top-notch products, especially from Cumbraes. Pre-order a curated basket from the Bayview or Queen location of this Toronto butcher by phoning (416) 485-5620. Limited quantities are available.

Matty Matheson's 10" Cast Iron Pan

Celebrity chef Matty Matheson seems to be doing it all these days, so it's no surprise he can add cookware to his long list of achievements. Shop Matheson Cookware for a new and improved cast iron pan -- since we all seem to be cooking these days.

Matty Matheson's 10" Cast Iron Pan

Celebrity chef Matty Matheson seems to be doing it all these days, so it's no surprise he can add cookware to his long list of achievements. Shop Matheson Cookware for a new and improved cast iron pan -- since we all seem to be cooking these days.

Cooking Meat by Peter Sanagan

Get your meat-loving friend Peter Sanagan's cookbook, Cooking Meat, so that they can hone the craft of a well-seared steak or a slowly braised shank.

Cooking Meat by Peter Sanagan

Get your meat-loving friend Peter Sanagan's cookbook, Cooking Meat, so that they can hone the craft of a well-seared steak or a slowly braised shank.

Famiglia Baldassarre 10th Anniversary Cap

Order a Famiglia Baldassarre 10th Anniversary Cap to represent the team behind Toronto's haven for pasta.

Famiglia Baldassarre 10th Anniversary Cap

Order a Famiglia Baldassarre 10th Anniversary Cap to represent the team behind Toronto's haven for pasta.

Mattachioni Food Baskets

Order a curated food gift basket from this Italian bodega, pizzeria and bakery in The Junction by pre-ordering at (416) 519-1010.

Mattachioni Food Baskets

Order a curated food gift basket from this Italian bodega, pizzeria and bakery in The Junction by pre-ordering at (416) 519-1010.

Soma's 2020 Holiday Gift Box

Famed Toronto chocolate maker Soma has all the sweet treats you need for a thoughtful holiday gift. Order their 2020 Holiday Gift Box, priced at $50 for a small box or $75 for a large. Includes a variety of chocolates, bars and drinking chocolate!

Soma's 2020 Holiday Gift Box

Famed Toronto chocolate maker Soma has all the sweet treats you need for a thoughtful holiday gift. Order their 2020 Holiday Gift Box, priced at $50 for a small box or $75 for a large. Includes a variety of chocolates, bars and drinking chocolate!

The Grape Witches Natural Wine Advent Calendar

Wine duo, The Grape Witches are releasing the World's First Natural Wine Advent Calendar. The perfect gift for the wine fanatic in your life, this box consists of natural wines, one cider and a holiday treat from Robinson Bread -- all stuffed into a 12-pack box decorated by local artist Laura Dawe. Advent calendars go on sale this Friday, November 27 at 10 a.m. and ship from Monday, November 30 across Ontario

The Grape Witches Natural Wine Advent Calendar

Wine duo, The Grape Witches are releasing the World's First Natural Wine Advent Calendar. The perfect gift for the wine fanatic in your life, this box consists of natural wines, one cider and a holiday treat from Robinson Bread -- all stuffed into a 12-pack box decorated by local artist Laura Dawe. Advent calendars go on sale this Friday, November 27 at 10 a.m. and ship from Monday, November 30 across Ontario

Mother Cocktail Kits

When a gin and tonic will no longer suffice, get your bartending friend a cocktail kit from Queen West watering hole, Mother. Mix and enjoy the cocktail bar's best libations, like Honey+, which comes with a Patron Silver 50 mL bottle, smoked bee pollen, fresh citrus and lavender honey. Order through their online shop and receive complimentary ice cubes for pickup only.

Mother Cocktail Kits

When a gin and tonic will no longer suffice, get your bartending friend a cocktail kit from Queen West watering hole, Mother. Mix and enjoy the cocktail bar's best libations, like Honey+, which comes with a Patron Silver 50 mL bottle, smoked bee pollen, fresh citrus and lavender honey. Order through their online shop and receive complimentary ice cubes for pickup only.

Spaccio for Connoisseurs

The Mecca for gourmands, purchase this over-the-top food basket from grocer Spaccio. For $275, the basket includes Terroni Peperoncini Piccanti, extra-virgin olive oil, dried pasta, sardines, Parmigiano Reggiano, Jamon Iberico, pesto, chicken liver pate, crostini, a fresh black truffle and more! Orders available for pre-order today for delivery and pickup starting December 3.

Spaccio for Connoisseurs

The Mecca for gourmands, purchase this over-the-top food basket from grocer Spaccio. For $275, the basket includes Terroni Peperoncini Piccanti, extra-virgin olive oil, dried pasta, sardines, Parmigiano Reggiano, Jamon Iberico, pesto, chicken liver pate, crostini, a fresh black truffle and more! Orders available for pre-order today for delivery and pickup starting December 3.

Donna's Tee

Browse Shop Off Menu, a website that features merchandise from local restaurants -- with 100% of profits going directly to that business. We love this eye-catching t-shirt from favourite Landsdowne restaurant, Donna's.

Donna's Tee

Browse Shop Off Menu, a website that features merchandise from local restaurants -- with 100% of profits going directly to that business. We love this eye-catching t-shirt from favourite Landsdowne restaurant, Donna's.

Bar Piquette Tote Bag

There is no finer tote bag in Bar Piquette's words. Order this $12 tote bag for a market-loving friend of yours. Beef up your gift by shopping on their online store and add a selection of wine, beer and pantry staples.

Bar Piquette Tote Bag

There is no finer tote bag in Bar Piquette's words. Order this $12 tote bag for a market-loving friend of yours. Beef up your gift by shopping on their online store and add a selection of wine, beer and pantry staples.