The Cheese Shop’s monthly subscription includes two 8-ounce seasonal cheeses, a perfect gift for the holiday.
Writer: Karla Walsh
Some of the biggest shopping days of the year—Black Friday and Small Business Saturday—are just hours away. But no need to wait. All of these gifts can be purchased at a local shop. We’ve made your list, now check it twice and see who is lucky enough to deserve one of our 2021 gift guide selections.
Best for Those Who Don’t Want “Stuff”
Known for her legendary focaccia and laughter-filled cooking classes, local chef and Italian food expert Alessandra Meschini has assembled at-home recipe kits. Each $45 package includes one of her signature recipes, plus all of the shelf-stable ingredients needed to whip it up at the recipient’s leisure. Opt for that focaccia, pasta with from-scratch tomato sauce, or chocolate and nut biscotti.
Buy it: $45
Best for Cheese Board Devotees
For a gift that keeps on giving, subscribe to the Cheese Shop’s club. Each month, the gift recipient will be treated to two 8-ounce monger-selected seasonal cheeses along with details about the creamery, the cheese-making process and ideal food and drink pairings. No worries if they don’t live within driving distance; the club box can be shipped across the Midwest, or score a 40% discount if they live locally and can snag it in-store.
Buy it: $340 for six months
Best for Wine Aficionados (or Those Who Want to Be)
You’ve seen your loved one’s social media photos and know they often enjoy meals with wine but have no idea what their favorite grape or flavor might be. Enter the Cave’s curated two-pack of wine. Peek at whether they lean toward red, white or rose—or a mix—then choose that from the drop-down menu. Then name your price range ($50 or $75) and the recipient’s “adventure level”—mildly, pretty or so adventurous. Co-owners Nick and Heather Leo and their wine pro team will pull the perfect bottles for you to pick up and deliver.
Buy it: $50 or $75
Gift Idea Speed Round
- For avid home cooks, consider the Olive Tap’s You-Pick-4 Sampler Set of 100-milliliter gourmet oils and vinegars ($37.50).
- For at-home mixologists, buy a bottle of Foundry Distilling Co.’s “The Real Stuff,” a whiskey that pays homage to rural farmers ($30).
- For those who can’t start the day without a cup of coffee, sign them up for DreiBerge Coffee’s monthly bean subscription. Their brick-and-mortar shop closed, but they’re still selling wholesale versions of their top-notch coffees ($18 for 12 ounces per month).
- For the hard-to-shop-for, opt for a gift card to their favorite restaurant—or one of your MVP spots to introduce them to something new.
