Who doesn't love an expertly prepared meal featuring local ingredients? There are many ways to give the gift of local food this winter and we've highlighted some options below as part of the DigInVT Holiday Gift Guide. 2020 has been an interesting year. Now more than ever, we know the importance of buying local. Like all of us, Vermont's restaurant owners, chefs, and staff have faced several challenges, but they've tackled them head on and gotten creative to keep their doors open. Let's support their resiliency by gifting with intention this holiday season! From gift certificates to apparel, you're sure to find an idea that works for someone on your list.
Gift Certificates
Treat your family members or friends to a meal at their favorite local eatery by purchasing a gift certificate!
Maybe you have family that lives out-of-state and they missed their Vermont trip this year - mail them a certificate to use when they can visit again.
This is also a great option for a significant other - treat them to a date night and give yourself a break from cooking after all the holiday meals.
Or buy several gift certificates in different areas so the recipient can explore parts of the state they may not normally travel to.
It's also a nice way to spread out the fun and have a night out to look forward to in the new year! Some restaurants even have a special New Year's Eve Menu planned.
Support your favorite restaurant and/or try a new one. Check out the list of eateries.
Surprise Takeout
Why not surprise your friend, neighbor, partner, or family with takeout?
Maybe your elderly neighbor hasn't been going out much due to the pandemic and they've been craving their favorite dish from a local eatery.
Or perhaps with all the online schooling, your family could use an easy dinner. Celebrate December vacation with pizza!
Staying home and staying safe but still want to celebrate New Year's Eve? Another opportunity for takeout!
Who wouldn't love someone showing up on their doorstep with a hot meal? This is a great way to get in the holiday spirit.
Check out the list of eateries to find out what the offerings are in your area.
Weekend Getaway
Make a weekend out of it! Many Vermont inns have their own built-in dining options. Why not gift a night or weekend away, and include a special meal?
Choose dates and a location to mark a special activity - for example, if someone on your list loves skiing, choose a bed and breakfast close to their favorite ski resort in early spring!
Some also offer add-ons - choose a local cheese plate, a bottle of Vermont wine or cider, or a fresh floral arrangement at check out for that extra special touch.
You may even be able to snag a romance package for the special someone in your life or a seasonal discount! Hotel and inn staff are knowledgable and ready to provide recommendations.
Discover a new part of the state, and check out DigInVT's trail options for ideas of where to stay, explore, eat, and drink!
Find an inn or bed and breakfast with great dining options here.
Restaurant Swag
Pick out a hat, t-shirt, or tote bag for each recipient on your list so they can represent their favorite restaurants!
Or go beyond apparel, and find something a little bit more out of the box - a cookbook featuring Vermont recipes, a spice mix created by a local chef, or branded glassware.
These are great items to add to a stocking, gift alongside a certificate, or give as a standalone present!
Check each individual eatery's website to see what merch they have available.
Here are some ideas gathered by the DigInVT team:
- Support the Vermont Fresh Network (VFN), a non-profit organization that works to build strong partnerships between farmers and chefs by purchasing a t-shirt or tote bag from their New Duds online shop! The proceeds will help VFN continue to offer member programming to support a transparent, resilient, and delicious food system.
- Visit the Doc Ponds online store and choose from a variety of shirts, sweatshirts, hats, glassware, and more featuring the iconic Doc logo!
- For all the bakers in your life, head to King Arthur Baking Company's online shop. In addition to apparel ("bake, eat, repeat"), they offer branded kitchen items like canisters and crocks, measuring spoons and cups, and other baking materials!
- Find a local bookstore on Indie Bound to purchase the Dosa Kitchen cookbook, authored by restauranteurs Nash Patel and Leda Scheintaub.
- Prohibition Pig boasts a full online shop featuring apparel (including baby and child sizes), tote bags, glassware, bbq sauces, and more. Have a dog owner on your list? Order them a Pro Pig leash and collar set, and pair it with a branded frisbee!
- Pre-order and pick up some of Morse Block Deli's delicious sauces, spices, or ferments. We're partial to the hops and honey hot sauce! In addition, find magnets, t-shirts, and more. Bonus - you can treat yourself to a delicious lunch while you're at it!
- While you are shopping at City Market, pick up a NOFA-VT hat, "May All Be Fed," and give a gift that gives back! City Market is supporting the Farm Share Program with these limited edition hats designed by Bonnie Acker. Available at both City Market locations. 100% of proceeds will support half priced CSA shares for limited income Vermonters.
This DigInVT Holiday Gift Guide was made possible by support from the new UVM Office of Engagement. The office is the University’s “front door” for private, public, and non-profit entities looking to partner with UVM to address community needs.
