Local Treasures: A Farmers Market Gift Guide
In a world dominated by mass production and online shopping giants, there’s a refreshing alternative that supports small businesses and brings authenticity to your gift-giving this season. Enter the vibrant world of farmers markets, where the bounty of the harvest meets the warmth of community. We checked in with FRESHFARM staff to see which market goodies are on their holiday shopping lists this season. We hope this local gift guide inspires you to check out the farmers market for your gifting needs and to shop small this holiday season!
BannerBee Company Candles
“During the winter, I always want to light candles. The beeswax candles at BannerBee are so beautiful with so many different fun shapes, and they smell lovely when lit,” notes Julie Margolies, HR & Admin Senior Manager. “It’s a great way to keep a loved one warm and cozy from afar!”
Find BannerBee Company at Arlington and Dupont Circle.
Four Seasons Nursery Wreaths
“Four Seasons Nursery makes the most delicate, exquisite wreaths from dried flowers, herbs, and chiles grown on the farm,” says Deputy Director of Communications Molly Scalise. “The wreaths look equally beautiful on a door or as a dining table centerpiece with a large candle in the middle. They come in a gift box, swaddled in tissue paper to make gifting easy.”
Find Four Seasons Nursery at Downtown Silver Spring and Dupont Circle.
FRESHFARM Gift Cards
“There aren’t many other gift cards that can be used at over 250 small businesses in one go!” comments Katie Wolffe, Senior Markets Manager. “The FRESHFARM gift cards are my go-to for all my challenging-to-shop-for friends and family–especially those who I know want an alternative to the big corporate options. Plus, what other gift card can you use on beer, bacon, soap, eggs, CBD products, mushrooms, or just fruits and veggies?”
Purchase gift cards on the FRESHFARM website. Gift cards can be spent at any FRESHFARM market.
Hidden Gems Farm Soaps
“The soaps and body products from Hidden Gems Farm are wonderful. I always make sure to pick up a few items for friends and family every holiday season,” shares Molly Cullen, Senior Market Operator. “Made with milk from their herd of goats, it’s soothing to the skin with delightful scents!”
Find Hidden Gems at Foggy Bottom and Mosaic.
Quaker Valley Orchards Jams
“Opening a jar of Quaker Valley Orchards jam brings back the freshness of summer in an instant!” comments Tess Kerkhof, Communications Coordinator. “They’ve got something for everyone, from delicious apple butter to tart cherry pie filling.”
Find Quaker Valley at Downtown Silver Spring, Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom, and H Street NE.
Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand Topazio Horticultural Beans (Next Step Produce)
“This red and white speckled bean is a beautiful candy-cane colored gift that is filling and delicious for those cold winter days,” shares Eizel Luna, Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand Program Manager. “Although it loses its color after cooking, I love including this bean in holiday gift baskets for its fun pop of color! Beans are a great sustainable gift because they are nitrogen fixers, naturally improving the quality of soil they are grown in. On top of that, they are packed with fiber and protein!”
Find the Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand at Arlington, Downtown Silver Spring, Dupont Circle, and Mosaic.
Toigo Orchards Bourbon Peaches
Stop by Toigo Orchards for a jar of their bourbon peaches. “Pennsylvania peaches preserved in a bourbon-infused syrup–happy holidays in a jar!” raves Renee Catacalos, Director of Strategic Investments. Enjoy them on their own, with ice cream or oatmeal, and if you like mixing cocktails, definitely hang on to the syrup! It will make a sweet and peachy addition to an Old Fashioned or similar libation.
Find Toigo Orchards at Arlington and Dupont Circle.
Snarfies Pet Treats
“Snarfies handmade premium pet treats are my dog’s favorite, and my mom’s dog will not accept any other treat now,” says Rebecca Chávez, Director of Agricultural Programs. “Snarfies makes treats for both cats and dogs from ingredients the owners grow themselves and source locally.” Get them for your own fur babies or loved ones with fur babies.
Find Snarfies at Cleveland Park (12/7, 12/21), Downtown Silver Spring (12/14), Dupont Circle, Mosaic, Mount Vernon Triangle, and Union Market District (12/15).
