Specialty food and drink items serve as wonderful gifts for the holidays. They offer a fun interactive experience rather than a material good and are especially perfect for those of us who don’t want any additional clutter in the house. Plus, food-focused gifts are a great way to cater to people’s unique culinary indulgences and show them how much you know and care about them. However, the reality is that we don’t all have the time (or the skill) to make or bake things for our friends and family ourselves.
Luckily, there are a growing number of local markets and specialty shops in Northern Virginia where you can find great foodie presents for every budget. These nine specialty markets have giftable products and knowledgeable staff present to help you guide you and spread the cheer.
Arrowine & Cheese
For the best recommendations for wine and cheese pairings, this is the spot. You can stock up on all the wine, cheese, olives, and nuts you need for your holiday gatherings, and score loads of exceptional items as gifts for your gastronomy-focused friends and family, including high-end olive oil, gourmet chocolates, and ingredients like bitters and shrubs for making cocktails. 4508 Cherry Hill Rd., Arlington
Corso Italian
Sit down for a leisurely Italian lunch or dinner at Corso, then purchase your favorite pasta sauce, bottle of wine, cheese, or even the mostarda that you loved on your cheeseboard to go from its selection of Italian goods. 4024 Campbell Ave., Arlington
Grand Cata
With the largest selection of Latin American wines in the DMV, Grand Cata is the place to go to stock up for your holiday parties as well as to buy the finest wines to serve as gifts for your friends with the most discerning palates. The spot also sells plenty of Central and South American specialty goods like salt from Bolivia and more. 8298 Glass Alley, Ste. 100, Fairfax
Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe
This bakery is a bit of a local landmark, and their items are the perfect hostess gifts. Choose from an assortment of mini French pastries or authentic German stollen. The real star of this season is their selection of handmade marzipan figures that will delight the adults as much as the kids. 2150 N. Culpeper St., Arlington
The Italian Store
If you or someone you know loves everything Italian, you need to visit the Italian Store. You find everything from stocking stuffers to hard-to-find imported specialties, all of which will delight your loved ones. Be sure to pick up one or two of their huge pizzas for dinner while you are there. 5837 Washington Blvd., Arlington; 3123 Langston Blvd., Arlington
King Arthur Baking Pop-Up at Fairfax Corner
This pop-up from the well-known brand is a true bakers’ heaven. From plain flower cookie cutters all the way to stand mixers, you’ll find it right here. 11948 Grand Commons Ave., Fairfax
Penzey’s Spices
Visitors are always blown away by the variety of international spices, seasonings, and more available at this festive shop. For the holidays you can purchase pre-assembled thematic gift boxes, or custom-make one of your own. 513 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Olio2Go
This Fairfax specialty market has more types of olive oil than you could ever imagine, from fine classic versions to flavor-infused specialty options. It also stocks spices, vinegars, and other pantry items like pasta and grains. 8304 Hilltop Rd., Fairfax
The Organic Butcher
Go for the obvious and pick up something the grill masters in your life will love. The signature organic green spice rub would be a great stocking stuffer. (Or you can always give a gift card so they can pick out their own prime cuts of meat.) 6712 Old Dominion Dr., McLean
Feature image of Olio2Go by Rey Lopez
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