Here’s some trivia: Who do you think is the largest national employer?
The answer may surprise you: It’s local businesses!
That’s why, as a local store, we constantly seek new products from local makers and growers to add to our shelves. So this holiday season, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite products that are both local and unique. These gifts make both memorable hostess gifts and presents for relatives and friends seeking a taste or product of North Carolina!
1. Chapel Hill Toffee
Once your relatives have had a taste of this toffee, they will insist you bring it with you every time you visit them! It truly is some of the best we’ve ever had, and it’s made just 25 miles away from our store! In addition, part of the proceeds from every single box of this toffee sold help support research for early detecton for ovarian cancer, in memory of one of the founders’ mom’s, Dina Bray. (Oh, yeah, and it’s gluten-free!)
2. Local Bison Steak
Wait…steak?
Yes!
Steak is not only a different kind of gift, but add bison to that, and you will surely delight and surprise your host. This mouth-watering gift come from the Dr. Kings’ Farms, a ranch in the mountains outside of Asheville, North Carolina. There, the King’s—a multi-generational family of farmers—raise free-ranging bison, yak, elk, and other livestock of wild-hailing species on lush pastures of non-GMO grasses. Dr. Frank King began raising bison, when, as naturopathic doctor, he began to see improvements in his patients health with the switch from beef to bison meat. This meat is responsibly and sustainably-produced and come in cuts like rib eye and filet that rival selections from top steak restaurants.
3. Fresh Honey Comb
Everyone loves the taste of local honey, but have you ever enjoyed the bite of actual honeycomb?
Not many have, and we are proud to be one of the few stores to offer it. Honeycomb Heaven supplies our honeycomb and raise bee just blocks away from our store. It’s the freshest, most raw honey that you can buy, and the folks at Honeycomb Heaven are sustainability and bee-health focused first (Colin, the husband half of the team holds a PhD in Entomology!). They only collect the excess honey that the bees produce, and never “extract” the honey. This honey is the crème de la crème of honey and will please even the most discerning foodies in your life!
4. Porch Fly Candles
Carolina Campfire? Whiskey Root? These candles capture the nostalgic aromas of winter, creating unique scenes unlike any other candles we’ve found. Porch Fly started as tee-shirt company right here in Raleigh, and has since expanded to make products from pint glasses to candles, all while maintaining high standards for quality and creativity.
5. Infused Olive Oil
You’ve probably heard us talk about local Neomega oils, and one of the best ways to gift them is to gift them all! Our 5-bottle infusion gift set satisfies those who like savory, spicy, and herbal and will thrill both the cooking novice and seasoned foodie alike.
6. Small Batch Pepper Jelly
What fits better on a Southern cheese plate than pepper jelly? Spicy and sweet, Two Chicks Farm makes all their jellies and fermented foods in small batches right here in North Carolina.
7. Muscadine Butter
8. Handmade Dog Biscuits
Do you have a few people in your life who insist on no gifts? Well, if they are dog owners, there’s no doubt that this will be a gift they can’t refuse. Using only human-grade and vegan biscuits, Carolina Biscuit Co. makes the perfect treats for the dog lover in your life. They guarantee that your pup can’t eat just one!
9. Mandala Chocolates
Mandala chocolates are not only organic, but sustainably-sourced and many are keto and paleo-approved! Mandala chocolates offer unique, high cocao with powerful flavors and combinations. They focus on creating both delicious and nourishing chocolates that directly support growers with sustainable practices. And they even have a CBD chocolate!
10. Local Kombucha Flight
Have you heard from your health-oriented and foodie friends talk about kombucha? Well, they may just be delighted to try some of the kombuchas that companies in our area are producing. Tribucha, Lyrix Elixirs, and Buchi are all local companies making a splash with their superior products. Not sure which one to choose? Buy a sampling and gift your probiotic-leaning friends a full fermentation flight!
With the gift-giving season upon us, there’s no better way to celebrate than to give the gift of local!!