The Ultimate Local Sonoma County Gift Guide-Shop Small!

35+ Food Gifts, local Sonoma County (and beyond)

Finding the “perfect” gift can be a struggle! I’ve got a few tips, tricks and unique places to shop, including a ton of local Sonoma County gift ideas, to make it easier.

To me, the whole point in giving someone a gift is to make them feel special, like you took time to think about them, personally. And, bonus, if you can make it a local gift (Sonoma county, for me!)

Things to think about when gift shopping:

Things they have mentioned to be about activities they enjoy
Colors they like
Food they ate that they loved
Places they dream of going
Things they’ve mentioned wanting to to try
Things they have a hard time with, or struggle with.
All of these clues help with finding a gift that will make someone feel loved and special.

I’m trying to do a good portion of my holiday shopping at small businesses. I’ll shoot for local and black owned, as well. Some gifts will hit all three, some just one. My perfectionist self tends to cringe at the phrase “Progress over perfection”, which I realize is just all the more indication that I need to practice it. So, do your best, what works for you, without adding stress, because I think we can all agree 2020 has added just about enough of that.

Here in the north bay, we’re really lucky with the abundance of local Sonoma county products.

Hopefully you’ll get some unique ideas from my list. Feel free to reach out if you want ideas on pairing things, or need a suggestion for something I haven’t covered.

I’m a big fan of food and beverage gifts. There really isn’t anyone who doesn’t enjoy and/or need food, so I don’t think you can go wrong. Plus, it’s fun to introduce people to local items they might not have heard of before. Whether the person is a foodie, or just enjoys the basics, there are tons of options. Shipping food as become easier than ever now, as well. No time like a pandemic to ship someone a box of cheese! Local Sonoma County cheese is some of the best in the nation (Sorry, Wisconsin family, the truth hurts).

I’ve also included lots of other cool local Sonoma county stuff in other guides, to add to the food, or just because you want to go in a different direction.

I’m going to break up these gift ideas into a few blog posts.

First: Food!

Local Food Gifts (1-12)

Bellwether Farms The first, but not last, local Sonoma county cheese company I’ll mention. To start, try out their ricotta or fromage blanc. I recommend making a cheesecake, or potatoes au gratin.
Grove 45 Olive Oil I haven’t tried this oil yet, but it looks like a winner, from a local Napa county mother/daughter team.
O Olive Oil (and vinegar) This is my go to for vinegar (although their olive oil is great, too). My favorite is their champagne vinegar. I typically have their Champagne and Cabernet on hand. Makes it so easy to make a great salad dressing. Their products are available in many grocery stores, too!
Stemple Creek Ranch Their beef jerky is the best, or if you’re looking for something more, consider sending a box of their meat directly to someone. They are committed to regenerative and sustainable practices, and take an active role in the success of the local farming and ranching scene. Try their burger at Seared, in Petaluma
Central Milling Co. Whether you’re a long time baker, or just jumped on the sourdough bandwagon this year, you’ll love the huge variety of top notch organic flours. You can’t miss with their Organic Artisan Bakers Craft Plus
Sonoma Spice Queen I first discovered this business at the Petaluma East Side Farmer’s Market, and was so excited when she opened her shop. She an amazing selection of organic spices, handcrafted spice mixes, and gift baskets full of local goodies. My spice drawer is basically filled with only Sonoma Spice Queen spices. Such great quality! You can’t beat this local Sonoma county biz
Point Reyes Cheese Farmstead Cheese Co. Another great local cheese company (the perks of living in cow (goat, sheep) country. You might be familiar with their blue cheese, as it is quite acclaimed and often on menus in Sonoma Co and beyond. I also really like their Toma cheese. (They have also paired up with Stemple Creek, and you can add their cheese to a meat order)
Retrograde Roasters I first met the lovely proprietors of this company at the farmers market in Petaluma, probably 8 years ago. Danielle and Ian are the sweetest people, with such a passion for what they do. Although their coffee is wonderful, I also love their other homemade items, especially their jam, made with local fruit. In fact I love it so much, I used it in my wedding cake! I miss seeing them at the farmer’s market, but they now have the greatest coffee shop in Sebastopol, and an awesome online shop. Highly recommend!
Cowgirl Creamery I grew up in West Marin, in a town that no can find without the sign, and is is one of the first specialty local foods I remember learning about (probably as a teenager?). Cowgirl Creamery is a Point Reyes institution. My favorite is the classic, decadent Mt. Tam
Blue Leg Farms I haven’t tried these spice mixes yet, but discovered them while ordering my produce from F.E.E.D Sonoma. Their chili based mixes look perfect for anyone who like a little heat!
Della Fattoria is a well known bakery and restaurant (in downtown Petaluma) for good reason. They know what they are doing! Their breads, pastries, and restaurant fare is all delicious and fresh and would make awesome gifts. They restaurant is a avant-garde chic, but unpretentious. Check out their online mercantile to see what they have to offer. A gift certificate from here would be coveted.
Golden State Pickleworks This is another business I discovered at the farmer’s market. Everything Sam does is awesome. Back in the day, you could stand their sampling everything, exclaiming “Oh, wow, this is SO good! Her flavors have a way of being unique and classic at once. Everything is fermented, from salad dressings to kimchi, to my current obsession, her Pickled Hibiscus Red Onions. I am able to get this in my F.E.E.D. Box, as well.

Local Food Gifts (13-24)

13. Lala’s Jam These jams can be found a a variety of local retailers, as well as a her farmstand in Petaluma. (Where she also has many other local treats). Her flavors are really delicious and unique, and she has small sizes, great for adding to a gift basket. Shipping available, too!

14. Farm Chocolate This decadence in a box. If you’re looking for premium local confections, look no further. A true treat. Their ingredients are organic, local, with nothing artificial, and their flavors are delectable. I buy it at Penngrove Market, but you can also order from their website, or contact them for other local vendors.

15. Amphora Nueva Can you tell I like olive oil and think it’s a great gift? I was first introduced to Amphora Nueva Olive Oil by my aunt, who gave me their Blood Orange Oil and Blenheim Apricot Vinegar. Such a great combo! Can’t go wrong with this, and they offer a variety of bottle sizes, which is really nice. There website is currently under renovation, but normally you can see see the polyphenol (the healthy stuff) count of their oils, which I really like. Their staff is super helpful if you call or email, and can suggest awesome pairings for gifting.

16. Essie Spice This company is new to me, but I really want to try the unique spice blends, inspired by the owner ( a black woman) who grew up in Ghana cooking with her grandmother, and then travelled the world, enhancing her culinary skills, and love of spices. And thus was born Essie’s Spice.

17. Rancho Gordo These heirloom bean are pretty notorious (not a sentence I ever imagined typing!). They are a Napa based company. I first learned about them through my dad, who was always intrigued my new and interesting things, and had seen a New York Times article and recipe. They don’t only carry beans, but also popcorn, and other heirloom dried goods. If you like food history and trivia, it is fun to read each item description, and learn where every type of bean you never knew existed, comes from. Give someone a chili making kit for the holidays, or all of the ingredients from one of Rancho Gordo’s own recipes.

18. Berry & Thyme These jams look delicious, with unique flavors, and again have the option of small jars, which I like. This is a Portland, Oregon (my birth city!) based business, owned by a black woman.

19. Petaluma Pie Company This is a cute shop in downtown Petaluma. I tend to enjoy baking my own pies, but this is a nice spot to stop for a slice to eat in the courtyard (or take a pie home to give as gift, or have them ship a pie to a loved one). Sometimes it’s nice to have home baked goods you don’t have to bake yourself!

20. Soma Sourdough This Petaluma based company caught my eye because her fresh sourdough donut holes and fresh sourdough pasta! And she delivers locally! Can’t wait to try these! Ordering asap!

21. Petaluma Toffee Company A delicious local treat! What more do you need to know?!

22. Soulfood Farm Olive Oil I’m so excited to keep finding these local olive oils. There are so many possible variables, and impurities when you buy olive oil from big companies, that it’s really nice to know exactly where your olive oil is coming from. This olive oil has great flavor! They’ve also got other lovely products to purchase for gifts.

23. The Gateway Farm Maple Syrup is the the ultimate Vermont Maple syrup. SO good! I found this company because we enrolled in an online business course together. I love their maple sugar and maple candy, too! Such perfect gifts. They have small bottles, too, if you need stocking stuffers!

24. Front Porch Farm I picked up this Polenta on a whim at the San Rafael Farmer’s market a couple of years ago. I told my sister in law about it, and she said “Oh, yeah, that stuff is the best, it’s what we serve at our restaurant!”. ( And that restaurant is stellar!) Little did I know it’s well known and appreciated, for good reason! It’s delicious! The perfect gift for your Italian food loving chef friend.

Local Food Gifts (25-36)

25. Miyokos Creamery If you have ever turned your nose up at Vegan/plant based cheese (raises hand), this is for you. I especially like her soft spreads. They really taste like dairy, and have great ingredients. No weird fillers or oils, like you often find in plant based cheese products. They ship, so send a box directly to someone, or find it in many stores.

26. Marin French Cheese Company When I worked at the fire station, In Hicks Valley, west of Petaluma, and right next to the cheese factory (Marin French Cheese Co. nickname), we routinely, and frequently had people drop by and ask where the Cheese Factory (or, the Cheesecake factory, a common misnomer) was. You can literally see it from the fire station driveway, so the temptation was often to send people on a looping scenic tour of West Marin to get there, haha. We did not do that. We graciously pointed them next door. For obvious reasons, I’m partial to their Brie cheese. But really, it is excellent. They ship their cheese, along with other items but it is also available many retail locations (including Costco sometimes).

27. Spinster Sisters My sister in law brought this blackberry jam to Christmas last year and it the best! They have also have other pantry items that you can add on to your restaurant order, or have shipped to you. Give a gift cert and jar of jam to your favorite Sonoma county friend!

28. Kiss the Flower Honey A great local honey goes so well with many cheeses, and of course tea. It is also available for purchase at Retrograde Roasters. Another great addition to a gift basket, and they have cute tiny jars, too.

29. Anna’s Seafood Yet another company I discovered at the farmer’s market. (They’re not all lettuce and fruit). Anna’s how opened a store in Petaluma, with an amazing selection of local and sustainable seafood. Their smoked salmon, and fresh salmon are a couple of my go-to’s. They have pick up, delivery, and shipping options. Think outside the gift box and give someone a nice piece of salmon, some seasonings . A nice change of pace! Or wrap up a gift certificate so they can shop for their own seafood favs.

30. Achadinha Cheese Company And again, a farmer’s market vendor I was so happy to discover. All of their products are delicious! I typically for their hard cheeses, the Broncha or Cowpricious, and their cheese curds are so flavorful and make the best snack, or pizza topping. A great time to add to a gift basket, or pair with some pasta or pizza dough, for a DIY gift.

31. Perserve Farm Kitchens is a new discovery for me. I’m especially excited to try their Gravenstein Apple Syrup. No added sugar, just apples! I love their mission to reduce food waste, and food miles. I also noticed they offer bottling and labeling, if you have your own product that you want to package up! Their list of services also go beyond this, so definitely check them out.

32. Rainy Day Chocolate Another farmer’s market discovery that has grown to an online shop. This Sonoma County local company makes delicious chocolate confections, and chocolate bars, even a new sugarless bar that I’m excited to try.

33. Nicasio Valley Cheese Company Another great local cheese company. When I was working for the fire department, and stationed at Woodacre, Nicasio was part of our zone, and during out fire safety inspections, we were able to see the cheese making process, which was very cool! Actually, if it is still set up the same way, there is a window between their retail shop and the cheese making area, so you can view some of the process. I really like their Foggy Morning cheese. Gift it with a loaf of bread, and you’re good to go!

34. Tomales Farmstead Creamery I know, I’m inundating you with cheese, but there is just so much cheese done right in my area! I found this cheese for the first time at Greenstring Farm in Petaluma. I really love the Liwa. It’s a fresh, mild spreadable cheese. Would be great with some jam.

35. F.E.E.D Sonoma Early in the pandemic, as I searched for ways to limit my trips to the grocery store and farmer’s market, I learned about the F.E.E.D Sonoma Box, and started having their produce and other items delivered to my door. FEED Sonoma “is a food-hub community of 80+ local farms, supporting ecologically sustainable farming and ranching practices.” You can either buy someone a box, or give them a gift certificate. They also have an option to purchases boxes for donation.

36. Exau Olive Oil I learned about this olive oil a few months ago, and it flies off the shelf (especially since I told Oprah about it!). Skylar, a black woman from California, runs the business with 3rd generation olive oil growing family, from Southern Italy. This is another company you can trust with your olive oil needs! A great oil to use for dressings, finishing soups, etc. pair with a bottle of vinegar and a loaf of bread, and holiday shopping done! Also, their office is in the bay area!

Ok, that should give you a jumpstart in the local sonoma county (and beyond!) food gift arena!

Check out my other blog posts for beverages, jewelry, miscellaneous “stuff”, skincare, and kids items from small, local businesses. I’m also doing posts on other gift ideas, and a list of some additional places to shop.