As the pandemic news gets scarier by the day, it’s tempting to stay in our huts and order all holiday gifts through Amazon.com, Harry & David and other major online retailers. And yet, plenty of local spots have made it just as easy to buy online without having to share the air with anyone outside your household.
Allspice Culinarium: This has long been my go-to for fun stocking stuffers and gift boxes for the cooks in my life. Even non-cooks can appreciate gift sets such as the Popcorn Seasoning Set or a Double Chocolate Gift Set (designed for making a killer-good cup of hot cocoa).
Chocolate Storybook: If you love Harry & David’s Tower of Treat gifts, check out the equally stunning gift towers from this West Des Moines chocolate shop. These and other festive and fun gifts can be delivered locally or shipped elsewhere.
Eden: While Amazon overwhelms you with options, this East Village apothecary, with its tight focus on beautifully curated self-care products, brings joy to the online shopping experience. For the cooks on your list, find kitchen and tabletop candles, natural household cleaning products, and thoughtfully chosen cookbooks.
Gong Fu Tea: Go big with a “Tea Wall,” a selection of 17 tins of quality loose-leaf tea beautifully presented in a handmade paper gift box. Or simply select a few ounces of various tea varieties as great stocking stuffers. There are plenty of options in between.
Kitchen Collage: Shop the website for this city’s loveliest selection of kitchenware and tabletop items. Or call and chat with one of the passionate food-loving sales pros for ideas. Either way, in addition to out-of-town shipping, this East Village store offers free local delivery after 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Zanzibar’s Coffee: Delight the coffee-hound in your life with some freshly roasted single-origin coffee beans from this beloved local coffeehouse. The seasonal and limited-edition selections look especially enticing.
Other Ideas: For gift ideas that support local businesses while also supporting local causes, check out Karla Walsh’s recent story, Food Gifts for Good.
