The 2016 Holiday Gift Guide for Detroit Food Lovers

Shopping can be painful enough and but somehow holiday shopping is so much worse. Perhaps it’s that added layer of mystery in trying to parse what exactly our loved ones truly want and need. Fortunately, it’s the (exceptionally) rare person that doesn’t enjoy food. With a growing number of artisans and food entrepreneurs in Detroit picking out the right gift is easier — and thanks to the internet — more pleasant than ever.

Avoid circling the mall parking lot this season by seeking out some of these locally-crafted gifts for the food-lover in your life. Some of them might work best as a stocking stuffer or a hosts gift at a party. Others are tailored to wine and beer fans, and most are available online so you don’t even need to leave your couch.

Each suggestion comes with an official Eater stamp of approval, meaning we've personally curated and tested all of these items to make sure their quality is top notch. Still not seeing a good fit? Visit the national guide for a full list of suggestions from across the Eater universe or our past locally-honed gift guides.

Hunt & Noyer Barware

For craft beer and wine connoisseurs, local furniture makers Hunt & Noyer offer a selection of wooden barware. The carriers come in three choices of wood with American tanned leather handles. Fill them with bottles of the recipient’s favorite drink of choice for a practical and beautiful gift. Price: Varies

Anthology Coffee Beans

Coffee obsessives can sample a range of locally-roasted beans through Corktown cafe Anthology Coffee’s subscription. The company offers a variety of mail order options with fresh bags shipped weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly depending on your budget. For a slightly smaller investment, individual bags of African, Southern, and Central American beans are also available for purchase online. Price: Varies

Cyberoptix Accessories

Local accessories maker Cyberoptix offers a line of funky food-themed accessories from ties printed with botanical hops and wheat designs to pepperoni pizza pocket squares. At the company’s new store in Detroit, customers can also find clothing, jewelry, and homegoods inspired by a favorite meal. The online shop even offers an extra holiday time-saver — optional gift wrapping. Price: Varies

The Royce Wine Club

One of this year’s new downtown additions, The Royce just launched a wine club for fans that want to try a range of wines. The pre-paid three-month membership includes three bottles of specially curated wine each month, plus suggested food pairings, a reusable wine tote, and discounts on in-store purchases. Price: $135 (available in-store only)

Dave’s Sweet Tooth Toffee

This absolutely addictive toffee makes a great stocking stuffer or hostess gift. The buttery, crunchy centers are surrounded by a melty, delicious chocolate exterior and come in flavors like peanut butter crunch, chocolate cherry, and (seasonal) pumpkin spice. Consider getting an extra bag for yourself or these sweets might play a disappearing act (into your stomach). Price: Varies

The Art and Craft of Tea

The maker of Joseph Wesley Tea came out with a gorgeous book — The Art and Craft of Tea — last fall that walks tea lover’s through the finer points of the beverage. Chapters define tea varieties and brewing methods down to the chemical level with recipes for traditional preparations from around the world. Each page features gorgeous color photography. Price: $21

Laser Cut Wood Coasters

Detroit-based artist Scott Berels specializes in visual media and sculpture. His custom-made laser cut wood coasters come in cool geometric shapes and are a practical and affordable gift for art fans. Get a set of four coasters by emailing sberels@gmail.com. Price: $30

Wolf Moon Mixers

Cocktail aficionados can craft a tasty mixed drink with Detroit-based brand Wolf Moon Mixers. The flavors are as bright and fresh as the look inside their heavy glass 32-ounce bottles. Because they’re pasteurized the juices don’t require refrigeration and can be wrapped up until your holiday party. The citrus mix pairs well with tequila while the pineapple jalapeño makes for a great rye whiskey cocktail. Price: $15

Ackroyd’s Holiday Gift Box

Redford icon Ackroyd’s Scottish Bakery has been a metro Detroit essential for more than 60 years. It’s hard to resist the shop’s flaky sweet and savory pastries. Send your loved one a box of these buttery cookies this season. Each holiday gift box features a selection of 14 sweets such as tarts, empire biscuits, short breads, and fern cakes. Price: $24

Avalon Baskets

Give friends and family living abroad a taste of Detroit. Avalon International Bread’s mail order gift baskets and monthly clubs come chock full of tasty goodies and locally-made products. This year’s Detroit Lover package (out the week of Thanksgiving) delivers a sampler of coffee, sea salt chocolate chip and molasses cookies, Farnsworth Family Farm bread, chocolate brownies, Germack Pistachios, and more. Price: Varies

Detroit Restaurant Prints

Find some of Detroit’s classic and iconic restaurants — Scotty Simpson’s, Cadieux Cafe, and the dueling downtown Coney’s to name a few — among the black and white prints at City Bird in Cass Corridor. These hand drawn, ink prints are produced on stiff, archival 8-by-10 inch watercolor paper, making them a great gift with or without a frame. Price: $22 (in-store or online)

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