If its the holidays, or any other time of year when you are thinking about giving a gift you may be wanting to give something fresh and local. The best gifts are ones that can be eaten (in my opinion!). Its a gift of health and joy to your loved one, and a gift to the grower or maker at the same time.

But how exactly do you gift a perishable item?

This is often a hurdle with things like fresh greens, my refrigeration required dressings, and frozen products that farmers like myself sell. So here is your guide to overcoming that challenge so that you can share you love of local with those you love.

1. Notecard Under-the-Tree

   For this method, you will arrive at the party with your salad dressing in gift wrapping… you’ll place it in the host’s fridge… then place a notecard under the tree that lets the recipient know their ‘real’ present is in the fridge! They will open it and marvel at it, perhaps give it a taste and plop it back in the fridge while everyone eats dessert. The key to doing this is to take one more step- which is to tape that notecard at the door so that if the recipient leaves the party they will be reminded to gather their gift from the fridge before they depart!

   
   

2. Giftcard

   Want to give the gift of fresh food? Let your loved ones pick out what they would like. Be sure to tell them your favorites too. Gift cards are available as physical cards or as e-gift cards.

   
   

3. Host & Hostess Gift

   Salad dressings & Greens make a great hostess gift, offer to bring the salad, and the dressing and serve it at the next party you are going to. So easy and such a help too.

   
   

4. Adventure Card

   Gift your loves one a day at the market or a trip to a local farm store. Tell them your gift to them is a full day adventure where you gather local ingredients and cook a bangin’ meal together. After all the holidays are really about enjoying our togetherness. Sounds delicious right?

What are some of your favorite ways to give fresh local products as gifts? Leave a comment below!