Hard to believe the holidays are essentially here and it’s time to start thinking about gifts for friends and family. Now more than ever it’s important to support our local businesses so I put together a gift guide featuring products from the area. Many of them offer curbside pickup or delivery as well.

Saratoga Olive Oil has 4 locations or you can order online. For the fall I love combining the fig balsamic and butternut squash oil on a salad. It almost has a PB&J vibe to it. In the warmer months, the strawberry balsamic paired with basil olive oil is light and refreshing.

Hot Crispy Oil- New to the scene and taking off in popularity, HCO is great on so many things like pizza, eggs, bread, pasta, sandwiches or just about anything you top with it.

Sundaes Best Hot Fudge- It’s a good thing they sell some of their jars with spoons because you’re going to want to dive in immediately. Have it warmed on top of ice cream or use it as a dipping sauce for pretzels and graham crackers. You’ll be tempted to start ordering this by the case!

Tara Kitchen Sauces- I love their restaurant but could never duplicate anything they make so having the sauce to use at home takes the guesswork out of making dinner. The Moroccan Apricot & Prune is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. I marinate chicken in it, then skewer the chicken with fresh apricots and onions to throw on the grill. The sugars from the sauce and fruit produce a nice glaze.

Chocolate covered Peppermint Pig -Always a crowd pleaser, the Peppermint Pig is a holiday tradition for many. The Muddy Pig which has half its adorable pink body and snout covered in dark chocolate is the way to go in my opinion. We like to crack it open on Christmas Eve with a bottle of prosecco.

The Whistling Kettle- Check out one of their 3 locations in the Capital Region for breakfast or lunch. While you’re there, peruse the wide selection of loose leaf tea which comes in multiple sizes and is the perfect gift for the tea drinker in your life.

Mrs. London’s- I think the Nebula is one of my favorite desserts in the area. It is milk and dark chocolate mousse over flourless chocolate cake covered with a chocolate glaze and white chocolate swirl. Makes a great hostess gift or dessert for your holiday dinner.

Saratoga Peanut Butter Company- Saratoga Peanut Butter Company makes a nice gift because of their large and exciting list of flavors. I love both the Adirondack Jill and Adirondack Jack which is essentially trail mix in a jar of peanut butter. Keep an out out for their holiday flavors coming soon!

Saratoga Chocolate Co- From bars to bark, truffles and hot chocolate, you can’t go wrong with a sweet treat from this chocolatier. They now have a retail store in Saratoga too.

Detox Box Delivered- Give the gift of health with these local, organic, non-GMO smoothies and cold pressed juices. You can have a box delivered once or sign up for a weekly subscription.

Moving on to Libations

One with Life Tequila- This smooth organic tequila not only tastes great over ice or in a Paloma, but encourages a lifestyle of living in the moment and being “One with Life.” Gift this to your tequila loving friend this holiday and hopefully they will share :)

Druthers Beer- You can’t beat grabbing a 6-pack or growler from Druthers. The All-In IPA and Brevity Wit are always a couple of my go-tos.

Single Cut- Stop in to listen to whatever album they’re spinning and sample a few beers at the northern location of this Queens based brewery. Cool can designs and great selection make Single Cut an awesome choice to bring to a holiday get together or give a 4 pack to your beer loving friend.

Yankee Distillers Whiskey- After you sampled some beer at Single Cut, head next door to Yankee where they offer a selection of whiskey as well as rum and vodka.

Blue Line Gin- This beautifully designed bottle outlining the Adirondack Park contains a smooth gin with notes of white pine and other botanicals complimenting the juniper.

Sparkling Rosé from Galway Rock Winery- They offer both the standard 750 ml and a 6 oz mini. This dry, crisp wine will add a nice sparkle to the holidays.

Pick 6 Vodka- It is gluten free and distilled 6 times for a crisp, smooth taste. If you have a Saratoga fan in your life, they’ll appreciate the label art on the bottle too.

Adirondack Winery- If you’re looking to get out of the house, stop into one of their two locations for a tasting. Grab a bottle of wine or a gift certificate which would be the perfect stocking stuffer!