Food and Drink Inspired Stocking Stuffers

Photo by Ellie Shortt

“Scratching your head over gift ideas this holiday season? The answer is simple: think food. Whether your list includes professional or amateur chefs, enthusiasts of all-things edible, or even people who simply enjoy the finer things in life, gastronomically themed gifts are delightful, satisfying, and can even be inexpensive.  Here are some suggestions of food and drink inspired stocking stuffers that will even make Santa drool…

Saltspring Island Soapworks: The bath and body products of this organically minded company sound so delicious, it’s hard not to try a taste. And with ingredients such as vegetable oil, herbs, and extracts from honey and fruit, it might not even be that bad for you, although we’re not recommending it. What we do recommend is their Body Gelato in festive cranberry for that loved one that may need a little rejuvenation.

575 Johnson St Victoria, BC (250) 386-7627 saltspringsoapworks.com

Silk Road : With Chai massage oil and exfoliating green tea masks, Silk Road Tea also has some wonderful rejuvenating products made from edible ingredients. But if you’re looking for something that is compact, leak-free and a hit with almost anyone on your list, go for one of their signature teas. Their tins, containing loose leaves, fit nicely in a stocking and come in such festive flavours as Westcoast Peppermint and Candy Cane.

1624 Government St Victoria, BC (250) 704-2688 silkroadtea.com

Dreamfarm: While this imaginative Australian company has a wide array of inventions to choose from, the Teafu Squeeze Tea Fast Infuser is a stocking sized tool that goes nicely with some loose leaf Silk Road tea. With a variety of colours, this fun gadget will please any tea-lover on your list – especially those who are a little short on time.

*Dreamfarm products (including the Teafu) can be found at the following Victoria locations:

Muffet and Louisa: 1437 Store St, Victoria BC.250-382-3201 www.muffetandlouisa.com

Penna and Co: 130-777 Royal Oak Dr, Victoria BC. 250-727 www.pennakitchen.com

Haute Cuisine: 1210 Broad St, Victoria BC. 250-388-9906

Artisan Edibles: Another pocket sized present that will please the party hosts on your list is one of Artisan Edibles jellies, chutneys, antipastos or dessert sauces. These beautifully packaged jars contain innovative combinations made by all-natural ingredients. For a warming wintry spread try their Apple Fig Ginger Chutney  – a perfect topping for a holiday ham.

895 Dickinson Way Parksville, BC (250) 248-0670 www.artisanedibles.com

(Check out their website for a list of vendors in your area)

Hot Chocolates: For a truly decadent treat that will be popular with the chocoholics on your list, grab a small box of Hot Chocolates’ chocolate truffles. These handmade delights come in a wide variety of flavours including black raspberry, Grand Marnier and Chai. For something truly special, and perhaps a tad romantic, go with a couple of their champagne truffles, made with decadent Belgian chocolate.

368 5th Street Courtenay, BC (250) 338-8211 hotchocolates.ca

(Check out their website for a list of vendors in your area)