Local, edible gifts are the best way to surprise someone who has everything

Ahhh, the holiday season: full of warm memories, nostalgia, fabulous parties, lush spreads of decadent food, hopefully a gift or two under the tree and family everywhere. I agree: It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

My favorite days of this season are days spent in the kitchen making baklava, rolling out pie crusts to be filled, and rolling a pot of grape leaves. Preparation for our family Christmas is such a joy. The day of will be filled with 30 or so family members gathered to enjoy the fruits of many days’ labor.

With all that rosy stuff said, there’s the stark reality of long “to-do” lists plus gifts to purchase, wrap and deliver. Gift giving is one of my favorite parts of the season, not because it’s what the season’s about but because I truly enjoy coming up with the perfect gift for each person on my list. Recently, a meme on Facebook popped across my feed that said something along the lines of, “My Christmas list this year includes a sense of purpose, financial security, more sleep, a bottle of wine and maybe some new bras.” As we age, our lists include more practical items and also more grandiose ideas.

Most of us have enough stuff and truly don’t want any more, which is why I love to give edible gifts. Some of my favorites to give and eat are:

Cocoa Dolce’s Grey Salt Caramels: This is a box of 16 of the most delicious treats you could pop into your mouth. The sultry caramel paired with dark chocolate and grey salt will make you happy you have 15 more to savor. A box of 16 is $35. Many other fabulous gifting options available including chocolate Santas for $3.50 each.

Lisa Buckingham’s anything: If you’ve ever been lucky enough to be at a wedding or event where Lisa Buckingham of Wichita’s Buckingham Cakes has made the cake, it’s off-the-charts fabulous. This holiday season, she’s offering Mexican Hot Chocolate Kits for $4.50 each, Chocolate Espresso Caramel Sauce for $8, boxes of 24 mini cupcakes for $36, and more. But don’t delay. You can order from her via email: lisa@buckinghamcakes.com. The last day for pick up is Friday.

Little Lion’s Waffles: This shop makes the most delicious waffles you’ve eaten. Do yourself a favor when you need to get out of the house and either take your company or yourself solo and go have a waffle. The waffles are made fresh-to-order, and they also offer a gluten-free version (which happens to be vegan, too). You’ll thank me later. The shop also offers gift cards, and its homemade ice cream and other goodies are incredible, too.

Elderslie Farm: This year, the fabulous Chef Katharine Elder is offering her delectable blackberry scones, granola, delicious cookies, cheeses and savory items for purchase to gift. Her packaging is so beautifully crafted. There’s nothing more appreciated than items like these for surprise pop-in guests and to just have on hand over the season. Order online at eldersliefarm.com because the cut off is 10 a.m. Thursday for pickup on Saturday.

Urban Prairie: The lost art of canning and preserving is Karin Glenn-Miller’s specialty. A few things she offers: Apple Pie Filling, Roasted Hatch Chile Salsa, pickles, lemon mixed berry jam, vanilla rhubarb with Earl Grey jam and my personal favorite, pumpkin butter. Prices for various items range from $5 - $10. Order by emailing urbanprairiebykgm@gmail.com or through Instagram, @PrairieUrban.

Sweet Sugarlicious: The most beautiful and delicious sugar cookies can be ordered through Wendi at Sweet Sugarlicious. If you peruse her Instagram page, you’ll see she can create whatever your mind can imagine. Plus, they are hands-down the best tasting sugar cookies I’ve ever put in my mouth. You can contact Wendi through Facebook at “Sweet Sugarlicious” or through Instagram @sweetsugarlicious_wendi. She’s filled up for this holiday season, but Wichita has several other makers of beautiful cookies, including Andy Kay’s Cookies and Local Tart bakery.

Wishing all you lovely readers a delicious, heart-warming holiday season remembering the reason for the season.

This story was originally published December 18, 2018 at 11:39 AM.