What do you get for someone who has everything? Or for the Secret Santa recipient you just don’t know that well? The answer is simple: something delicious. Edible gifts are a classy, foolproof way to please even the hardest to shop for on your list, and you can guarantee they won’t end up in the regift pile.
Sampler from River-Sea Chocolates
A box of chocolates is a sound gift, especially when the chocolate is locally made in small batches with single-origin cacao. This package deal from River-Sea Chocolates comes with a sample pack of 12 bars ranging from dark and bold to sweet and creamy, alongside a variety pack of decadent truffles. $54.99, 4520 Daly Dr., Ste. 100, Chantilly
Lone Oak Coffee Club
Give a gift that will keep giving with a monthly coffee subscription. Each month, the roasters at Lone Oak Coffee Co. select a roast to be delivered right to club members’ doors. It’s perfect for a coffee fanatic who’s into trying new varietals of sustainably sourced, locally roasted beans. There are options for three-, six-, or 12-month subscriptions. $65–$240, 22 W. Bond St., Winchester
Popcorn from Popcorn Monkey
A tin of specialty popcorn makes for a tasty gift that’s whimsical and nostalgic. Choose from a variety of flavors to cater to your giftee’s preferences: a classic but indulgent dark caramel with pecans; an unexpected blend of maple caramel and cheddar in the Monkey Mix; or the Old Bay–tossed Old Crabby. A novelty tin further personalizes the gift and saves you the hassle of wrapping. $3.99–$175.99 for popcorn, 9407 Main St., Manassas
Panettone at Firehook Bakery
This Italian sweet bread is a yuletide staple, and for good reason — the paper-wrapped sides give it a gift-like appearance, and the pieces of fruit in its light, airy dough make it delicate and sweet. Imported versions from Europe are common, but Firehook Bakery takes on the labor of love to bake its raisin-and-orange version in-house. It will serve as a lovely thank you gift for your holiday host. $15 for one, $28 for two, 430 S. Washington St., Alexandria; 14701 Flint Lee Rd., Chantilly
Build-Your-Own Gift Basket at Cheesetique
Create a gift basket of fine cheeses, cured meats, and wine at Cheesetique to take the charcuterie board planning out of your giftee’s hands. Pick out a prosciutto or salami; a Manchego, gouda, cheddar, or brie; and a bottle of wine to pair. Once you’ve made your selections, have it all wrapped up in a gift basket for an additional $10. Price varies, 2411 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Feature image by East 27 Creative, courtesy River-Sea Chocolates
This story originally ran in our December issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
