The holidays are here again and you’re having trouble with that gift list. Wondering what to give Aunt Martha? What would your sister like for a gift? What would make a nice hostess gift for that party next week? Well, the farmers’ market is the place to come for all your holiday gifts. They’re unique, different, California-grown and California-made!
Gift baskets filled with a variety of items can be geared toward the gardener in your life, the beginning cook, the too-busy-to-cook friend and even take-a-break spa baskets for your mother or sister. Here are some great ideas for those on that too-long gift list:
- Fill a basket with California olive oils, balsamic vinegars (from Bistro Blends in Napa), artisan cheeses, fresh-baked breads (from Doré Bakery in Brentwood), and dried fruits and nuts (from Winters Fruit Tree in Winters).
- Make up a basket packed with winter fruit and recipes for making fruit spreads. A set of canning jars and instructions can be added so they can make their own jams.
- You can always make a basket brimming with fresh vegetables (J&M Farms of Gilroy; Esquivel Farms of Watsonville) and soup recipes to make them happy. Add some soup bowls, and you’re set.
- Assemble a basket of handmade lavender soaps, lotions, lip balms, sachets, handmade candles and bath salts (from Delta Moon Soapworks in Antioch). Add a soothing CD of their favorite songs or a good book.
- A big bouquet of gorgeous holiday cut flowers (from Sunrise Nursery of Watsonville) would make a great hostess gift. Pick out some for your own holiday table too.
- Pick up gift packs of dried fruits and nuts, (Winters Fruit Tree in Winters) sauces and jams, all ready to give to your favorite foodie.
- Handmade chocolates, truffles, cookies and cupcakes (from Passion Pastries in Dublin) in a fancy seasonal tin would brighten someone’s holiday. Add some special coffees and they’re in for a real sweet treat!
Don’t forget to deliver a gift to those who need a little sunshine in their lives, such as those in nursing homes or hospitals. Or pick out several bags of oranges and other fresh winter produce and deliver them to a food bank near you to be distributed to those less fortunate. It’s the time of year to give, and what better way than with fresh, homemade items from your local farmers’ market.
Avoid the frantic pace of the shopping mall and the rush of traffic. Take time at the farmers’ market to enjoy your gift-finding sojourn. Stroll the aisles and really savor the season. You won’t find better quality, freshness or variety!
Debra Morris is a promotions coordinator for the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association and writes the Time Is Ripe column. Contact her at debramorris@pcfma.com.
