Taste Real's Holiday Food and Gift Guide

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hands holding a gift box with a red bow

Looking for unique gift ideas, decorations or ingredients for your holiday meals? Local farmers, retailers and artisans are ready for your business. Click here for a list of local farm and food businesses. For a list of specific holiday ingredients just scroll down. Happy shopping!

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Beeswax and Honey Products

Beauty and Wellness 

Did you know you can find locally made beauty and wellness products made with local ingredients right here, in Wellington County? Hand-crafted soaps and natural botanical wellness products are a treat and make great gifts. Discover wellness products.

flight of four beers on table

Local Beverages

What would Christmas be without a beverage to accompany the abundance of food? You can gift a bottle of wine or bring along beer or cider to the occasion. Check out our local non-alcoholic options as well. Look for locally crafted beverages.

loaves of artisian bread on display

Bread and Baking

Freshly baked bread and sweets are available at local bakeries to complement your holiday meals. Looking for a specific treat? Get your order in and pick up just before Christmas. Find a bakery near you.

two hands holding ice cream cones

Cheese and Dairy 

Whether you are looking for delicious ingredients for a festive cheeseboard, a last minute gift for a cheese lover or ice cream for dessert, you can find it all here in Wellington County. Find your farm fresh dairy.

Onions being chopped on a chopping board

Caterers

You don't have to do it all. From personalized plates to full size catering, here are some great local caterers to help with your holiday catering needs. It's your time to relax and enjoy! Find your caterer.

family pointing at evergreen trees

Christmas Trees and Decorations 

A favourite holiday tradition for many families, a visit to a Christmas tree farm is an excellent winter outdoor adventure. Find fresh greenery, Christmas planters, wreaths, and more, or make your own decor.

two women making fresh pasty with a rolling machine

Cooking Classes and Workshops 

Looking for a perfect gift for the aspiring chef or anyone who loves cooking? Authentic Indian, Ethiopian/Eritrean or customized classes are on the menu. Find a fantastic instructor.

cookbooks sitting on table with coffee and plant

Local Cookbooks 

What home cook or foodie wouldn’t love to receive a new cookbook for the upcoming holiday season? Get inspired with recipes from our region. Discover local food and farm books.

charcuterie board with cheese, meat and bread

Experiences and Tours 

The perfect gift for culinary adventurers. Food, farm, and brewery tours offer a unique way to get to know a place. Whether you are a visitor or call Guelph Wellington your home, we invite you to learn and discover unique tastes and flavours. Give the gift of an experience.

colourful swiss chard and kohlrabi sitting in baskets on a tabletop at a farmers market

Farmers' Markets 

If Christmas shopping is on your list on Saturdays, why not stop by the farmers' market? There are lots of neat and locally made gift ideas waiting for you. And of course you can get your grocery shopping done, too. How convenient! Visit open farmers' markets.

white and brown alpacas standing in a field

Fibre Products 

Alpaca or sheep wool products make great gifts that are sure to keep your loved ones warm this winter. Socks, scarves, sheepskins, wool, yarn, knitted or felted items, and more - get cozy with locally produced fibre products.

wooden crate full of vegetables

Farm Shares 

Give the gift of local produce for the upcoming season. Winter and Summer CSA's (Community Shared Agriculture) offer direct access to high quality, fresh produce grown by local farmers. Find a farm.

View of a picnic basket from above next to two people legs on a picnic blanket

Gift Boxes and Baskets 

Throw together your own gift basket by purchasing goods from local farmers, markets or retailers. No time or gift-wrapping skills? Why not order a stunning, custom made local food basket. Find your basket maker.

gift certificate on table with christmas lights and decorations

Gift Certificates 

Not just for last minute gift seekers. Gift certificates are great gift option for that special someone - it also helps to support our local businesses. Seek out your favourite local restaurant, food retailer or even ask your farmer.

jar of honey and honeycomb on a table

Honey and Beeswax Gifts 

Honey and Beeswax products make wonderful, unique gifts. From stocking stuffers, to host gifts - you can't go wrong with this local, naturally made favourite. Discover local apiaries.

tin sap buckets hanging on a tree

Maple Syrup 

Stocking stuffer, hostess gift or ingredient for your holiday meal - maple syrup is delicious and versatile. Check your local farm markets for maple syrup or view syrup farms here.

jars of preserves on a shelf

Preserves 

Open a jar of sunshine! Preserves are a great way to extend the local food season and enjoy peaches and salsas in the middle of winter. Look for locally canned fruit and vegetables when shopping for preserves.

close up of granola with dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds

Snacks

Raise your hand if you love snacks! We can’t keep away from these locally made ones. Whether you are looking for a unique gift or just want to treat yourself, we recommend you give these products a try.

quail displayed on a plate with sauce and root vegetables

Specialty Meats 

If you are looking for a more unique ingredient for your holiday meal, Wellington County farms have you covered. You can find Ostrich, Rabbit, and specialty poultry locally. Ask your farmer for availability throughout the year. Try something new.

marinated lamb chops with rosemary

Lamb 

Looking for another festive feast ingredient? Change it up and try lamb. It is definitely a great, versatile choice and best of all, it's easy to find locally year-round. Discover lamb farms and retailers.

chickens

Farm Fresh Poultry 

Where is your bird from? Whatever your food traditions, it's easy to source local. Get your order in and savour local farm fresh poultry on Christmas Day. Here is how you find yours.

beef roast sliced on a cutting board

Beef and Pork 

Turkey not your thing? Select local traditional meats to flavour your holiday feast. From summer sausage to filet mignon, local suppliers have you covered. Discover farms and retailers.

basket full of vegetables on display at a farmers' market

Vegetables and Fruit 

Potatoes, carrots, squash and other winter vegetables are readily available this time of year, and so are sprouts and winter greens. Check with local CSA farms for winter shares or pick up at farmers’ markets or local produce farms.

presents with red bows on table

Unique Gifts 

Local farm and food businesses have incredible gifts available this holiday season. We can almost guarantee that you can find something unique and inspiring for almost anyone on your list. Check out some of the items on our shopping list this year.

Thank you

Thank you for choosing local food this Holiday Season and year-round. By supporting your local farm and food businesses you help to build a more resilient community, keep jobs in town and preserve food choices for future generations.

We wish you a safe, happy Holiday Season and a healthy, flavourful 2025!

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