Gifting season is here — and picking the perfect holiday gift for your best friend, your boss, or your mother-in-law still feels as stressful as ever.
Maybe you’ve heard the saying “the way to the heart is through the stomach.”
That may be true, but it’s not the only reason to go the edible route with your gifts this year. I mean, hello — not only are these treats one-size-fits-all, they also support local economies. And do we even need to mention the fact that you’re supporting an independent business owner when you order?
Make quick work of your holiday gift list with these 11 hand-picked, handmade gifts from the talented artisans who use Castiron. There are small-batch hot sauces, seasonal pasta, vegan cookies, creative jams…take your pick.
Small Food Businesses to Support This Year
Vegan (And Not-Vegan) Cookies
Every cookie that Lisa bakes is nut-free and soy-free, and most of her flavors are egg and dairy-free. Order a large tasting box to bring to your family’s Christmas gathering or build your own cookie box (just don’t forget to try her cookie of the month, Candied Orange Gingersnap!). Shop Lisa Fay Bakes >
Sourdough With Extra Benefits
Whether you like your bread to be fruity and nutty or savory and herby, Sourdough Heaven has a loaf for you. Andy, the owner of Sourdough Heaven, goes beyond flavor, though — all of his breads are high in fiber, high in protein, low in net carbs with the nutritional and digestive benefits of sourdough fermentation. Shop Sourdough Heaven >
Allergen-Friendly, Plant-Based Confections
Sierra’s cookies, cake jars, chocolate truffles, and cakies — which are what would happen if a cake and a cookie had a baby — are plant-based and vegan by default. All of Sweet Earth Confections’ treats are Top 8 Allergen-friendly, and you can enjoy her gluten-free treats without an inflated price tag. Shop Sweet Earth Confections >
Pasta Making Kits, Fresh Pasta, and Gift Baskets
Garlic leek fettuccine? Carrot and ginger farfalle? Classic pappardelle? You don’t have to choose when you shop at Angel’s Perfect Pasta! Using the finest ingredients and adding love and great attention to detail, Angel is sure to please any pasta lover. Shop Angel's Perfect Pasta >
Beautiful Customized Cookies
Unique, individually-wrapped decorated sugar cookies make any event special — including your holiday parties and New Years Eve celebrations. Brittany’s cookies and hot cocoa bombs are sure to be the star of any special occasion. Shop L&L Creations >
Craft Hot Sauce & BBQ Sauce
Can you take the heat? James launched Prairie Fire Provisions as a way to share the love (and spice) from his backyard ghost pepper plant. Share his ghost pepper and scorpion pepper sauces with the hot sauce lover in your life. Can’t take the heat? Try their new line of BBQ sauces. Shop Prairie Fire Provisions >
Creative Sugar Cookies
Celebrate Christmas with a beautiful set of hand-decorated sugar cookies from Pour Some Sugar on It! Elizabeth’s sugar cookie recipe is a family heirloom — her customers say she makes the best sugar cookies they’ve ever had. You can be the judge. Why not try her cookies for yourself? Shop Pour Some Sugar On It >
Handcrafted Jams and Pickles
Love dark chocolate and cherries? OMGoodness Homestead’s Black Forest jam is right for you. Prefer your carrot cake with raisins? Try Stephanie’s carrot cake jam that’s loaded with freshly shredded carrots, cinnamon and other warm spices, and yes, raisins. No worries, spice lovers: if you like it hot, she’s got you covered too. Shop OMGoodness Homestead >
Truffles, Holiday Cookie Trays, and More
Alyssa at Suzy Belle’s Sweets is an innovative home baker who specializes in gourmet cookies and cookie truffles. Try her seasonal flavors — she’s even put together a holiday cookie truffle tin with white chocolate raspberry and mint chocolate truffles. Shop Suzy Belle's Sweets >
Sweet, Savory, and Soda-Flavored Nuts
Sweet or salty? Why choose? Shop SikeSology for the perfect edible stocking stuffers. Load up on chili lime cashews, root beer-flavored pecans, and English toffee to keep your holiday guests happy in between meals. Shop SikeSology >
Homemade Cookies With a Legacy
SweeetDough owner Silvia is continuing her mother’s legacy from her kitchen to your home. Her gooey cookies come in both vegan and non-vegan varieties. Add M&Ms, peanut butter chips, or other extras to your cookie order to make them truly your own. Shop SweeetDough >
Hungry for more? Meet other artisans selling their craft food on Castiron at castiron.me/artisans.
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Are you still managing your cottage food business’ orders through Instagram DMs, Google Forms, and texts? Make your next round of holiday sales less stressful with a streamlined website for taking orders, managing payments, tracking inventory, and more through Castiron. See just how easy it is to set up an online store with Castiron — it’s free!
