by Kristen Wile

There’s a lot out there that may be easy to grab at your local grocery, but tastes even better when you’re sourcing locally. There’s also the added perk of knowing you’re supporting a local business. These gifts — from subscriptions to shelf staples — were selected with those who go out of their way to support local in mind.

White balsamic vinaigrette, Your Farms Your Table. From the team that brings the city locally sourced, ingredient-driven meals to your doorstep is a growing line of pantry staples. This sweet and tangy vinaigrette does wonders for a winter salad, or grab all three flavors and make your own gift pack. $12.

Coffee sampler box, Enderly Coffee. West side coffee shop Enderly Coffee has a selection of gift boxes made with all kinds of coffee drinkers in mind. Purchase a sampler featuring light, medium, or dark roasts from Enderly, or their direct relationship sample box, to help your friend or family member find their new favorite brew. There’s also a Charlotte sampler pack, featuring Enderly, Nightflyer Roastworks, and Pure Intentions Coffee. $24-$46.

Enderly Coffee’s direct relationship sampler pack. Kristen Wile/UP

Barbecue sauce pack, Sweet Lew’s BBQ. This is one of our go-to gifts. Whether you’re cooking chicken, pork, or ribs, Sweet Lew’s has a sauce to pair with your main protein. Pick up the barbecue restaurant’s signature sauces in a three-pack for the meat-lovers in your life. $25.

Supper Club, Leah & Louise. Several restaurants around town have signed on to meal subscription platform Table22. For the foodie in your life who appreciates a night at home, too, Leah & Louise’s offerings include a monthly meal for two or four, with add-ons available for delivery, bread, and wine. Sign up for one to six months, or a recurring subscription. $70 for two, $120 for four per month.

Cheese club subscription, Orrman’s Cheese Shop. For the friend who loves to try new things, purchase a three-month (or more) subscription to sample new cheeses. Orrman’s Cheese Shop delivers three cheeses to their door each month. Also available for pick-up. $135-$165.

The city’s best food news, Unpretentious Palate. Share the gift of knowledge this holiday season. Gift a one-year subscription to Unpretentious Palate and give a loved one access to the most in-depth food coverage in town, plus restaurant reviews, recipes, event invites, and more. $99.

Bread subscription, Verdant Bread. Since popping up with their rustic loaves, the bakers behind Verdant Bread have gained a loyal following. Sign up a loved one for Verdant Bread’s weekly bread subscription, which gets them a loaf of bread — different each week — to be picked up in Oakwold or Davidson each Wednesday. $25.

Pasta gift pack, Mano Bella Artisan Foods. Selling homemade Italian goods at The Market at 7th Street, Mano Bella’s gift options include selections for biscotti lovers, pasta aficionados, and risotto fans. Various sizes are available, making this a flexible gift stop. $18-$185.

Mano Bella Artisan Foods pasta gift boxes and baskets are available in various sizes. TM Petaccia/UP

Sea of Companions beer, Free Range Brewing. This NoDa brewery sources incredibly close to home — one of the several reasons owner Jason Alexander was named a 2022 UPPY Awards Finalist for his support of the local food scene. Free Range’s Sea of Companions, a Carolina oyster stout, uses North Carolina oysters to create a creamy texture in this unique offering. $18.99 for a four-pack.

Be sure to check out our other 2022 holiday gift guides:

For the cocktail lover
For the home cook
For the host
For the wine lover