I am super excited about my Holiday Gift Guide this year. EVERYTHING on the gift guide is from a Minnesota small business that you can shop in person in the Twin Cities or online. This year, I am spending most of my dollars locally. For every dollar I spend 70% of that dollar stays in our local community.
enjoy my holiday gift guide picks for 2025.
Hot Sauce Holiday Gift Pack
You know I love hot sauces! Whether its pizza or eggs or chili I put hot sauce on everything. I first met Bernie Dahlen in his commercial kitchen while i was working on another project and he hauled me into his commercial kitchen and started me trying his Double Take hot sauces and salsas! I was hooked! The Hot Sauce Lovers Variety 4-Pack, is the ultimate gift for anyone who craves bold flavor and heat! Each pack includes four distinct sauces— from sweet to tangy—crafted with premium, all-natural ingredients for maximum flavor. Beautifully packaged and ready to gift, it’s the perfect present for anyone who loves hot sauce or enjoys discovering new flavors. Price: $30
Drink Mixes
Charles Lovejoy and I first met when he was crafting his fantastic Bloody Mary’s with his proprietary mix at the Happy Gnome. From there, the product list and Lovejoy’s lineup have grown with three 8-oz handcrafted Bloody Mary blends and their signature rim seasoning and their fantastic hot sauce. Voted as an Oprah favorite thing in 2024, these small-batch bloody mary mixes are perfect for sampling or gifting. Each mix of Lovejoy’s delivers bold, balanced flavor in a curated, bar-quality tasting set. Beautifully packaged and ready to impress, it’s the ultimate introduction to Lovejoy’s craft blends. Try my Shrimp and grits recipe that uses Lovejoy’s mix for a tasty shortcut to one of my family’s favorite dishes! Price: $49.99 with free shipping through 12/18/25.
ORDER THE LOVEJOY’S MIXES Holiday Gift Package
GET THE SHRIMP AND GRITS RECIPE
Spiced Nuts
I fell in love with the Wir Nuts when I smelled the cinnamon wafting from their copper kettle at a local market. The company focuses on creating small-batch, high-quality nuts using authentic German-style roasting techniques. Anyone who knows me knows I love popcorn and their sea salt caramel corn and cinnamon roasted nut mixture is sweet and salty nirvana. This holiday gift two-tin set includes Cinnamon Roasted Nuts, roasted in their authentic German style, and Sea Salt Caramel Popcorn. Buyers can choose from Almonds, Pecans, Cashews, or a mix of all three with a custom gift card and tied with a navy bow. Price: $40
Switchel Cocktail or Mocktail Mix
You know how you meet someone at a farmers market and they are so into their product and getting you to try it you cant walk away? That is how I discovered Switchel. Hobby Farmer Foods Switchel Fizz is a pre-biotic soda made from perfect proportions of Organic Ginger juice, Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey, and then spiced with Turmeric, Cinnamon or Cayenne. For centuries, Switchel has been the go-to beverage for people seeking health, energy, electrolytes and relief from pain and inflammation. At only 90 gluten-free calories, it’s a sophisticated, ready-to-drink mocktail, or an award-winning craft cocktail mixer – It’s like they know me, right? I love this with whiskey as an easy signature cocktail or loaded with blackberries, rosemary and an orange slice for a tasty and unique mocktail
This Switchel Fizz has won so many awards and righly so – its fantastic. (2021 Good Food Awards, Featured drink of the 2023 Julia Child Award Gala, 2024 International Spicy Flave Award Winner, and 2025 International Flave Award Winner). Price: $15
permanent jewelry
Located in the North Loop, Bound Nolo is a woman-owned small business built around meaningful experiences through the expression of permanent jewelry. The trend of permanent jewelry is often chosen to mark:
- Friendships
- Relationships
- Meaningful Birthdays
- Anniversaries or any number of milestones!
Since it’s welded on and not meant to be removed, it feels more meaningful than something you can take off. From Permanent Jewelry to their custom Charm, Hat, and Bead Bars (which are also great for women’s gatherings) make it easy to create or gift something truly unique. Permanent Jewelry starts at $55 with each chain carefully fitted and welded on for a clasp-free, effortless look that moves with you through every season. Whether it’s to celebrate a bond, mark a milestone, or treat yourself, these pieces are a reminder of what you’re bound to—crafted with intention and made to last. Prices: Start at $55
Chai Tea
I came to the idea of Chai tea late but once I got there – I got there in a big way! I love an iced tea Chai Latte. This locally produced Chiya Chai is rooted in their family’s heritage as tea merchants and crafted with care. Chiya Chai brings you authentic chai — made from black tea from their tea garden in Nepal and perfected over 20 years of passion and tradition. Discover four unique flavors, each crafted with premium tea and spices: Original Masala, Ginger Cardamom, Ayurveda Masala, and Masala Unsweetened. Available in elegant glass bottles. 2 Growlers Price: $22
Try the Chai Old Fashioned!
INGREDIENTS
Serves 2
• 2 tbsp Chiya Chai Original Masala Chai concentrate
• 2 tbsp simple syrup
• 4 ounces bourbon
• 4 dashes Angostura bitters
• 2 orange peels
• Cinnamon sticks and star anise for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mix in a shaker Chai concentrate, simple syrup, bourbon and bitters.
2. Fill two cups with large ice cubes. Strain mix from the shaker into the glass.
3. Top each drink with an orange peel, cinnamon stick, and star anise.
Candle
Let me create a scene for you… you and your family are gathered around rolling lefse and enjoying each other’s company. Finally, you have finished, spread butter, sugar, and maybe a dash of cinnamon on it, roll it up, and enjoy! Uff-Da Candles are a little funny and smell yummy (even the Lutefisk candle– smell at your own risk lol). Smells are often associated with specific moments or places, and can evoke strong, often emotional, memories.
Bring those memories home with the best-selling Lefse candle! Price: $15
Spices
“Here’s The Deal Spice Company” started as a gift for a young couple’s wedding guests and has bloomed into a delicious company full of premium spiced blends, including that Cinnamon you hear me rave about all the time on the Jason show as well as the Wing and Taco blends and citrusy Sumac and savory Togarashi. The blend that started it all is the OG 127 Blend, and for good reason. With fragrant notes of garlic, rosemary, and thyme, this signature mix of organic herbs and spices adds mouthwatering, savory depth to every dish. From golden roasted potatoes and juicy ribeye to cozy holiday turkey and morning eggs, 127 transforms everyday meals into pure comfort and celebration. Prices Start at: $15
Flour Sampler
Have you heard me sing the praises of Sunrise Flour Mill and their Heritage Baking flours? The Sunrise Flour Mill Heritage Flour Sample Pack is the perfect way to experience the exceptional flavor and performance of Heritage wheat. Heritage wheats generally have:
- A deeper, nuttier, more complex flavor
- More color and aroma
- Chewier, more interesting textures
- and many people report reduced sensitivity, less bloating, and easier digestion.
This may be because heritage wheats are less hybridized, have simpler gluten structures, and contain different protein proportions compared to modern bread wheat. It is Important to point out: They’re not safe for celiac disease.
This gift-ready box includes four 2 lb. bags of our most popular organic heritage flours—Heritage White, Heritage Bread Blend, Heritage Whole Wheat, and Heritage Whole Wheat Bread Blend. Ideal for home bakers or as a thoughtful holiday gift, this sampler highlights the superior taste, nutrition, and digestibility that make heritage wheat truly special. A beautiful, versatile bundle for any kitchen that I feel any baker would love! Price: $44.99
Cocktail Mixers
Looking for a cocktail or mocktail mixer set that’s as fun as it is flavorful? The Mixly Modern Cocktail Kit is locally made and the perfect gift for home bartenders, date nights, or anyone who loves experimenting with cocktail mixer recipes. Each pack includes 4 oz bottles of our favorite handcrafted flavors: Strawberry Pomegranate, Rosemary Lemon Honey, and Pear Honey Vanilla Lime. Price $25
Swarovski Crystal Stud Earrings
Popularity alert: these sparkling stud earrings are not only seasonally festive but also perfect for fashion-forward women! Kristin Exline of Camba Jewelry has been creating out gem-encrusted jewelry since 2009, helping fashionistas all over town add pops of vibrant color to their wardrobe. The 12mm stud earrings are made from hypoallergenic stainless steel and feature genuine Swarovski crystals. The earrings have brilliant sparkling qualities that reflect light from all directions – making them so eye-catching and beautiful! You’ll love how great they look in pictures – I sure do! Price: $30
The Popcorn Box
Looking for the perfect gourmet popcorn holiday gift? The Christmas Movie Night Popcorn Gift Box bundle is the perfect holiday gift for the popcorn lover in your life. Dell Cove®’s festive Christmas Movie Night popcorn kernels has two crowd-favorite seasonings — Buttery Garlic and the extra-fine Movie Popcorn Salt – all packed in an elegant black gift box tied with a red satin ribbon. It’s an easy, ready-to-give treat that makes every holiday movie night more delicious. Whether its a hostess gift or for your favorite movie night gal pal this is a fun gift you will love and enjoy together! Price: $25
Tsunehisa Knives from Vivront
I have learned alot about knives this year from my friends at Vivront! These Tsunehisa Knives are crafted in Japan for cooks who appreciate tools that age well and perform beautifully. Tsunehisa knives offer refined steel, balanced weight, and everyday confidence… which you know i need – whether you’re chopping vegetables or carving a roast. A dependable upgrade for any home kitchen. Find a great knife selection at Vivront knife and sharpening store at 50th and France Prices start at $120
Art Photographs
All I Want For Christmas is a Barbie Photograph by Minneapolis artist Nicole Houff. I first met Nicole at an art festival, and these photographs are funny, whimsical, and should be in every pop culture princess or Barbie lover’s home. My First Avenue Barbie print is one of my prized possessions. The Fine Art Photograph featuring Ken and Barbie comes in a variety of sizes, starting at $35 for the popular 4” x 6” photo matted to 8” x 10” size. Shop here with FREE USPS Priority Mail shipping. You can also find Nicole’s work at both Dayton’s Holiday Markets in Minneapolis and Southdale. Price Starts $35
Dill Pickle Salt
You heard us rave about the HEPP’S Salt Co. Dill Pickle Sea Salt on the Jason Show at the Minnesota State Fair. HEPP’S Salt Co. Dill Pickle Sea Salt delivers the bold, tangy crunch of classic dill pickles in a bright, flavorful finishing salt. Crafted with premium sea salt and natural dill and vinegar notes, the salt adds an irresistible punch to popcorn, fries, veggies, and grilled favorites. Just a pinch transforms everyday dishes into something fun, vibrant, and full of character. This seasoning is a must-have in my kitchen. I use it on fried chicken and roasted potatoes, and I mix it into sour cream as a chip dip enhancer! This seasoning salt is a must-have for pickle lovers looking to elevate their seasoning game. Price: $10
Gift Set Sampler From Love That Olive
My friend Terri Chaffer, owner of Love That Olive has a bit of reputation as the “gift whisperer.” Tell her who you’re trying to check off you holiday list and she’ll come up with a great solution. And, let’s face it. Guys can be tough to buy for!
This selection of gourmet ingredients to season and slather will level up their favorite steaks, burgers, ribs, chops or chicken! The Love That Olive Bourbon Peppercorn Steak Slather is a simple way to season steak. Terri is known around town for the Love That Olive Mediterranean Balsamic and her amazing Garlic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Add the Love That Olive Aioli with Everything on our Burger Buns or the Fischer & Wieser Smokey Mountain Whiskey Glaze for your next Pork Chop or Chicken Breast and you are serving up some delicious holiday gifts for any of the men in your life.
PRICE: $58
Panettone from cossettas
Have you heard me talk about one of the best new food discoveries I have had? It’s that the best Panettone in the US is being made right down the road in St. Paul at Cossetta’s. Cossetta’s has won the title of “Best Panettone in the United States” at the Panettone World Cup four times in a row! This artisanal bread is crafted entirely by hand by Cossetta’s master bakers, using only the finest ingredients, including a 115-year-old Italian sourdough starter! Each loaf takes 56 hours to create, resulting in a bread that’s remarkably light, airy, and fragrant. I really loved this bread and each bite was better than the last. Available in both traditional and chocolate varieties. Pick yours up at Cossetta’s market or order online at Cossettas.com starting Dec. 1.
Travel makes an excellent gift for yourself or a loved one so join my Turkey Adventure—not the food kind! Turkey is one of the most vibrant, culturally rich, and surprisingly beautiful destinations in the world. The food, the history, the landscapes… it’s a destination that stays with people forever.
With the final payment due for Turkey on January 1, we’re making one last push over the next few weeks, and I’d love your help spreading the word.
To help encourage signups, we’re offering:
- $150 off per person for anyone who joins the trip
- AND if you refer someone, you will also receive $150 off any future trip with Defined Destinations
My travel partner, Defined Destinations, rarely offers discounts, but we really believe in this itinerary and are excited for an intimate, personalized journey
A Taste of Turkey – April 9 – 20, 2026
Our Croatia trip is over half full, so don’t wait to book.
Croatia Small Boat Cruise – October 6 – 17, 2026
This will sell out, so don’t wait – this is my last trip as a group to this destination.
Stephanie’s Dish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
