Shop Local: Gifts for Foodies in Maplewood Brentwood

I may not know much about fashion, sports or tools, but I certainly know my way around my favorite subject – food. Out of all of the groups of people to shop for during the holidays—men, women, children, coworkers—I feel that foodies are the easiest to shop for. Why? Well, a true foodie will eat just about whatever you set in front of them! (Or perhaps that’s just me?)

In any event, Maplewood and Brentwood are filled with of shops to choose the perfect food-related gift for the foodie on your shopping list. Whether you need spice rubs, healing herbs or delicious soups, these shops in Maplewood and Brentwood have got you covered.

And don't forget to check out our previous guides: , and in Maplewood Brentwood.

As much as I love food, I tend to find myself visiting restaurants more often than firing up my own stove. However, when the rare urge to enter the kitchen strikes, Penzey’s is where I buy most of my spices. This specialty spice shop in Maplewood has every seasoning and herb imaginable to bring dishes to the next level. Pick up the Some Like It Hot Gift Box ($21.25) for the spice fanatic on your holiday gift list; the Northwoods Fire Seasoning, Hot Chili Powder, Hot Curry Powder, and Spicy 4/S will have your recipient reaching for the nearest glass of water.

Looking for something a little cooler? Try the Cheese Seasonings Gift Box ($26.95) – these cheesy and light seasonings are perfect for sprinkling over a salad or garlic bread. The item that made me do a double take, however, was the Grill & Broil Mini Gift Box ($11.95). This best-seller contains mini versions of Penzey's most popular seasonings: BBQ 3000, 4/S Seasoning, Cajun Seasoning, and Galena Street Chicken & Rib Rub. Maybe I'll give this cooking thing another shot...

Great oil is indispensable to any serious foodie. When you’re willing to splurge a bit for the good stuff, Vom Fass is the place to visit. With a great variety of oils, wines and liqueurs, this is the perfect one stop shop for the foodie on your holiday list. This local shop is stocked with dozens of infused oils; pick up the Flavors of Spain gift set ($17.49) – it includes extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and pistachio oil. If your foodie is obsessed with olive oil, grab the Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Aged Balsamic Vinegar Set ($34.99). While it is a little pricey, the eight different infused oils included in the set are definitely worth it. For the wine fanatic, the Forth Late Harvest wine ($14.99) would be the perfect stocking stuffer.

Does a spoonful of sugar help the medicine go down? Perhaps, but you might find more luck with a remedy of the herbal variety. Cheryl’s Herbs to the rescue! This has a variety of oils, teas and natural extracts to get you back on your feet. Pick up a satchel of Spice Tea ($4.67); this blend of orange peel, cinnamon bark, and ginger root is delicious hot or cold. Of course you'll need a Tea Infuser ($5.90) to prepare your tea – Cheryl's has got you covered. Is your foodie into natural remedies? Pick up the Headease Mixture ($6.27); this essential oil blends lavender and peppermint into a natural headache cure.  

Maplewood is not the only place with foodie favorites; it’s time to show Brentwood some love! Applegate’s Deli is a great alternative to other fast-casual sandwich chains in the area. Why not pick up a gift card for the foodie on your list? Applegate’s has a fantastic selection of sandwiches, soups and even sweets! The foodie on your list will fall in love with Applegate's famous lobster bisque. Or pick up a red velvet cupcake for an easy stocking stuffer; no one will be able to resist the luscious cream cheese topping on this dessert. Best of all? The cupcakes come straight from local cupcake shop The Cup. Are you getting hungry yet?