Harvesting Joy: A Farmers Market Local 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!
Atwater’s Jam
“Atwater’s award-winning small-batch jams come in such classic flavors as strawberry and more unique creations like pear and star anise,” comments Mike Cleary, Donor Relations Manager. “You can pick one as a hostess gift, a pre-assembled gift box, or opt for a build-your-own box with flavors you think your loved ones will enjoy.”
Find Atwater’s at Arlington, Downtown Silver Spring, Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom, and H Street NE.
BannerBee Company Lip Balm
“I absolutely love BannerBee Company’s lip balm,” raves Carrie Hildebrandt, Grants & Finance Senior Manager. “I got some for my roommate and her family last year and they loved them. They are really great to have on hand in the winter, and in addition to the lip balm itself being excellent, the packaging is super cute. They make a great stocking stuffer!”
Find BannerBee at Arlington and Dupont Circle.
Blú Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee
“Blú offers really flavorful, small-batch roasted Jamaican coffee,” notes Market Operator Jennifer Jones. “I particularly like that it comes from small, family-owned farms in Jamaica. Owner Kentha offers not only whole bean coffee but pods for Nespresso and Keurig, along with coffee-infused candles, body oils, and soaps.”
Find Blú at Oakton.
FRESHFARM Gift Cards
“There aren’t many other gift cards that can be used at over 250 small businesses in one go!” notes Katie Wolffe, Senior Markets Manager. “The FRESHFARM gift cards are my go-to for all my challenging-to-shop-for friends and family. Especially ones 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 Soap Bundles
“Using milk from their herd of goats, Hidden Gems Farm makes moisturizing soaps in a range of enticing scents that are perfect presents,” says Nick Stavey, Director of Incentive Programs. “They have gift sets that are pre-assembled, or you can build your own.”
Find Hidden Gems Farm at Foggy Bottom, Cleveland Park, and Mosaic (December 10 and 24).
Mickley’s Orchard Apple Cider Vinegar
“Mickley’s Orchard and Farm Market gives Keepwell Vinegar, a Pennsylvania-based fermenting company, 100 gallons of apple cider at a time to small-batch ferment and bottle,” says Juliet Glass, Director of Communications. “The finished product is a raw and unpasteurized vinegar with a nice apple finish at the end. It makes a great gift for your beginner cook or your kitchen pro.”
Find Mickley’s Orchard at Mosaic.
Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand Holiday Gift Bag
“I’m excited to offer the holiday bag because it’s a nice assortment of various grains and flours from many of our producers,” says Eizel Luna, Grains Program Manager. “It’s a great gift for somebody beginning their local grain journey as well as the local grain enthusiast and comes with a roomy Common Grain Alliance tote!” The gift bag comes with five different Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand products, but quantities are limited so act fast!
Find the Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand at Arlington, Downtown Silver Spring, Dupont Circle, and Mosaic.
Republic Restoratives Chapman’s Apple Brandy
“I love all of Republic Restoratives products,” notes Market Operator Yuval Lev. “Specifically the Civic Vodka, but everything they make is great. People love their Chapman’s Apple Brandy, which is fermented local apple juice that is then distilled and dual aged in French and American oak.”
Find Republic Restoratives at Dupont Circle, H Street NE (December 9 and 23), Monroe Street (December 9), Mount Vernon Triangle (December 16), and Union Market District (December 10).
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 Columbia Heights (Sat), Dupont, Monroe Street, and Mount Vernon Triangle (December 9 and 23).
Solitude Wool
“One of the skills that I learned during the pandemic was to darn my socks and crochet little animal ‘amigurumi’ for my nephews,” says Angela Farkas, Pop-Up Food Hub Program Manager. “The breed-specific yarn and wool I got from Solitude Wool have increased the quality, warmth, and lifetime of my socks and made the amigurumi all that more special. Your crafty friends will love it.”
Find Solitude Wool at Dupont (December 10 and 17).
