Southern-Made Food Gifts You Should Always Keep On Hand

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Holmsted Fines Chutney
Holmsted Fines Chutney

Gift giving is one of the many things we love about the holiday season, but no one enjoys being caught empty-handed when presented with an unexpected gift. Keep some gourmet food gifts on hand, and you will never experience that awkwardness again. A fresh homemade cake or a tin filled with Christmas cookies is always a welcome gift, but you don't always have time to whip up a baked goodie. You never know when unexpected friends may drop in and you need a spur-of-the-moment gift, or you are invited to a party at the last-minute and want to take a gift. Get a jump-start on the season and take a look at this selection of some of our favorite Southern-made food gifts. Order two or three (or more) items to keep in your pantry for those unforeseen situations when you suddenly need a gift. Giving a food gift such as local honey, artisan grits or regional salt is also a great way to share the Southern culture with friends and family.

Savannah Bee Company Tupelo Honey

Tupelo Honey
Savannah Bee Company

This sweet, mellow honey is perfect in a cup of tea or drizzled over a hot biscuit.

Blackberry Patch Breakfast Gift Crate

Breakfast Gift Crate
Blackberry Patch

Send your guests home with the makings of a comforting, Southern pancake breakfast.

Oliver Pluff & Co. Sun Tea

Sun Tea
Amazon

All you need is water, tea, and the sun to produce a pitcher of this peach-flavored refreshing drink.

Cafe Du Monde Coffee and Chicory

Cafe Du Monde Coffee and Chicory
World Market

Brew a pot of this chicory coffee and fill your home with the wonderful aromas of New Orleans.

French Broad Chocolate Peru 70%

French Broad Chocolate
Amazon

For baking or just nibbling, your foodie friend will love receiving North Carolina's French Broad chocolates as a gift.

Vivian Howard Rub It In Fins & Shells Rub

Vivian Howard’s Run It In Fins and Shells Rub
Amazon

Vivian Howard, of North Carolina's Chef & the Farmer restaurant and star of A Chef's Life on PBS, created this Southern-inspired rub, perfect for peel n' eats, low country boils or your favorite fresh catch.

Mississippi Cheese Straw Factory Traditional Cheddar Cheese Straws in Gift Tin

Mississippi Cheese Straw Factory Cheddar Cheese Straws
Amazon

Straight from Yazoo City, Mississippi, anyone will enjoy receiving this Southern party staple.

McEwen & Sons Stone Ground Grits

McEwen and Sons Organic Grits
McEwen & Sons

The Southern Living Test Kitchen dubbed these Alabama grits the "best grits in the South."

Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning

Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning
World Market

This unique blend of spices will bring that authentic Cajun flavor to all your dishes.

Bulls Bay Saltworks Sea and Salt Chocolate Bar Gift Set

Sea and Salt Chocolate Bar Gift Set
Bulls Bay Saltworks

Two South Carolina favorites, French Broad Chocolates and Bulls Bay Saltworks, have teamed up to bring us this delicious artisan chocolate bar gift set.

Duke's Mayonnaise (8 oz)

Duke's Mayonnaise (8 oz)

Amazon

Your friend may raise her eyebrows when you gift her with a jar of Duke's. But once she adds it to her next bowl of chicken salad, she will sit down and write you a heartfelt thank you note.

Aunt Sally's Creamy Classic Pralines

Aunt Sally’s Creamy Pralines
Amazon

Treat your friends and family to these classic Southern indulgencies—and buy yourself a box, as well.

Goo Goo Cluster Original Chocolate Carton

Goo Goo Cluster Original Chocolate Carton
Amazon

Give these as gifts and your friends will understand why Goo Goos are the South's favorite candy treat.

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