Stuff for the Stockings: Great Finds at the Co-op!
For me, nothing beats the stocking. The little holiday cornucopia is always the perfect mix of fun, unique, delicious, and utilitarian gifts. For years now, I've been topping off the sock with treasure from the Co-op. I've compiled a list of my favorite finds. Take a look, and find something for your friends, pets, and family!
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Grocery Goodies
Winter Citrus
It may seem unusual today, but citrus is about as traditional as you can get when it comes to stocking stuffers. As the legend goes, an elderly and impoverished old man has no money to use to marry off his three daughters. St. Nicolas, hearing the woes of this family and knowing they will not accept naked charity, hides nine golden balls (three for each daughter) in the man’s stockings which are drying on the mantle. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have any golden balls lying around, so citrus has become the traditional and symbolic substitute. This holiday season look for Satsumas, Clementines, Oroblanco, Meyer Lemons, Kumquats, and Sweet Limes!
Local Honey
Honey is an exemplar of the benefits of buying local. Not only are you supporting local buzznesses, but by supporting local bees you help preserve one of natural farming’s greatest assets. This year, we’ll have some special stocking-sized jars of local honey from Boise Bee’s that make perfect gifts (and great Hot Toddies).
Jams & Preserves
For a taste of Idaho, look for Huckleberry Jam from Wild Beary jams. More worldly palettes might enjoy tangy orange marmalade from Chantine, Scandinavian Delights Lingonberry spread, or Quince preserves from Klonis.
Coffee Beans
For obvious reasons, the perpetual Co-op house favorite continues to be The Chronic from Doma. Flying M and Dawson Taylor, the valley’s coffee roasting giants, have a wide variety of options as well. If you know someone who is struggling to get their Stumptown fix, hook them up with a bag of Holler Mountain. Also popular is the Holiday Blend coming in from Peet’s Coffee.
Treats from Sugar Whipped
Somewhat of a new-comer to the Boise Baking scene - though as Mindy tells it, she’s been baking for others since she was six! From biscotti for the coffee lover, to their otherworldly rice crispy treats, Sugar Whipped has something for everyone.
Tea
Yogi Tea remains one of our more popular brands, and the many varieties they offer make it easy to find the perfect blend for your loved ones. Divine Lotus is a local tea merchant with many unique blends (try the Mate’juana for an elevating boost). Young Mountain Tea offers quality teas in handsome packaging.
Hard Tea
This one’s for the mixologist who has it all. Owl’s Brew Cocktail Mixers are unique blends that turn tea time into happy hour with “the first ever tea crafted for cocktails.” Each variety pairs tea with quality ingredients to make for a drink like no other.
Specialty Ramen
Buying for a college student who’s burnt out on the cheap dried noodles? Stock their stuffing with some rare ramen. Try the Forbidden Rice Noodle with Miso from Rice Ramen, get a kick from Koyo Ramen’s Lemongrass Ginger, or slurp down some Bangkok Curry from Thai Kitchen. Who says college students have to eat poorly?
Hot Sauce
Everyone knows one. That person who drowns their burrito in a biblical deluge of Tapatio, and unleashes a tsunami of Sriracha on their stir-fry. The one who can’t resist nibbling on Carolina Reaper and then sweating out their spicy high. Stock their stocking with the spicy stuff! Look for Habanero Hot Sauce from Secret Aardvark, Dave’s Hot Sauce (available in varying levels of heat), and Brother Bru-Bru’s African Hot Pepper Sauce.
Chocolate
I don’t know about you, but I think any stocking not stuffed with chocolate is a crime against nature. There’s no better place in the valley to shop for chocolate, but our selection can be overwhelming (am I the only one who gets shivers when I walk down aisle 8)? Local company Good Superfoods has a wide selection of bars and the Toasted Coconut is ever-popular. Dream Chocolate’s Dark Chocolate with Almonds and Sea Salt is unreal. Also look for the new smaller size Chocolove bars with fun-size love poem’s included!
Co-op Bakery Goodies
Brownies, cookies, and quick breads, OH MY! Everyone loves our in-house bakery goodies and many of those scrumptious little morsels would make excellent stocking stuffers. Look for our shelf-stable goodies adjacent to the deli meats counter.
Gourmet Oils and Vinegar
I still remember the year I realized the Co-op’s selection of fine oils and aged vinegars was a treasure trove of unique gifts (I remember it well because it was last year). Take some time to parse through the varied offering and you’re sure to find something that is worth of the title “secret ingredient.” We suggest Cucina Viva Balsamic glaze, great for pizza, chicken, salad, and….. ice cream? Also, the deep and pungent flavor of Black or White Truffle oil is sure to impress (it comes in a snazzy lil’ bottle to boot).
Purrfect for Pets
Sodapup - Beer Bottle Treat Dispenser
Proudly Made in the USA, from natural rubber. This chew toy is sustainable, non-toxic, and biodegradable. Stuff it with treats and keep your dog entertained for hours. It’s fun, beer-bottle shape makes a hilarious gift for the “boozehound” in your life!
Dr. Science Mouse - Catnip Toy
The secret formula to these adorable cat toys is supreme organic catnip grown in the Sawtooth mountains by Lil’ Bobcat Farm. Each toy is made from durable burlap, double-stitched to stand up to even the most determined “rabbit-kicker.”
Outward Hound - Squeaky Squirrel/Bird/Bee
Totally fun! These little squeakers come as bees, birds or adorable little squirrels! In addition to being perfect stocking stuffers, they work interchangeably with the complete line of Outward Hound Hide-a-Toys.
Lava Lake Lamb - Lamb Chewy Rounds
Made from 100% grass-fed all-natural or certified organic lamb and all-natural potatoes and vegetables, these treats are a healthy reward for a job well done. Lava Lake Lamb raises its grass-fed lamb in the Pioneer Mountains outside Sun Valley, Idaho. These semi-moist treats make a tasty snack for dogs of all ages and sizes.
Idahound - Sheep Crisps
Food as dog intended. These single-ingredient, local, 100% grass fed sheep crisps are an awesome reward for the dog on the go. Their crunchy texture makes them a great training treat too!
Dog For Dog - Dogsbutter Skin & Coat Blend
Dogs love peanut butter, but this one is good for them as well! With every purchase, Dog For Dog donates an equal amount of their DOGSFOOD complete meals to a dog in need.
YEOWWW! - Catnip Cigars
7” long and fully loaded with YEOWWW! organically grown catnip. This wonderful USA made toy will take all the lickin', kickin’ and slobberin' kitty can dish out.
Lucy's Antler Chews- Large Split Antler
Each antler chew is locally cut to size and sanded by hand for safety. The antlers used are naturally shed and collected in the spring throughout the forests of Idaho. Perfect for serious chewers, these antlers are the longest lasting, completely edible chew available. Antlers are softer than bones and don’t splinter, stink or stain.
The Arc - B'arc Bones
B’ARC Peanut Butter bones are an all natural slow-dehydrated biscuit. They are made from only human grade ingredients without the use of preservatives. They are handmade right here in Boise at The Arc. B’ARC bones help to employ a very valuable and talented workforce of people with disabilities.
Vital Essentials - Freeze-dried Minnows
Our most popular cat treat! 100% freeze-dried fish, no preservatives, fillers, or anything artificial.
Kong - Classic Chew Toy
The KONG Classic has been the gold standard of dog toys for over forty years. These super-bouncy, red natural rubber compound is perfect for dogs that like to chew. Fill it with your dog’s favorite canned food and freeze it overnight, or stuff it with peanut butter and treats for hours of fun.
Local collars and leashes (The Chumbi)
These beautiful dog collars and leashes are designed and handcrafted in Boise. The material used is hand woven in upright standing looms by indigenous artisans from the Andes mountains in Ecuador.
Mercantile Magic
Togo Ware Bamboo Utensils
These utensils and the carrying case they come in are perfect for office workers, students, or anyone eating on the go. Plus, they’re made of Bamboo. Bamboo is one of the most sustainable materials on the planet! Technically a grass, bamboo can grow up to three feet in a 24-hour period, and is competitive with wood and steel as a strong building material. Plus, it’s stylish to boot!
Danesco Mini Utensils
A fun and funky set of cooking implements. Each features a stainless steel handle with a silicone head. A great way to add a pop of color and fun to the kitchen. Perfect for newly minted adults or people with tiny hands!
Holiday Flour Sack Towels
I’ve never bought flour in an actual sack; maybe because we figured out the sacks make much better towels! Historical side note: when flour manufacturers in the 1930s realized people were making clothes out of their flour sacks they began printing them with colorful patterns. Perhaps in that tradition, these sack towels are embellished with beautiful holiday designs and deserve a place in your stockings.
Zyliss Swiss Kitchen Knives
I can’t believe what a good value these knives are. They’re sharp and stay that way for years. Plus, they look good! Each knife comes with a blade guard that helps protect the edge and searching fingers.
Le Creuset Stoneware
By far one of the most lusted after brands for foodies everywhere. While their excellent enameled cookware may be much too large for a traditional stocking, their crockware makes for excellent gifts. Look for the multicolored mugs and the centerpiece-worthy butter dishes in their signature “flame” enamel glaze.
Bamboo Salad Hands
These hands are made of bamboo and romaine, replace your dirty old human hands today! Just kidding. They are made of stylishly shaped bamboo and they’re perfect for tossing romaine in whatever dressing you desire.
Nordicware Mini Serving Bowls
Nordicware prides itself on its products because they are “unbreakable, light, and nestable.” This set of mini-bowls is perfect for dips or for holding fresh ingredients while you’re cooking, and stows away with a low space profile when your done!
Magazine
If you don’t already know, the Boise Co-op has a mighty selection of magazines. You’ll find something for everyone-- and remember, a magazine is a perfect thing to hide behind during those awkward family conversations.
Wine, Beer, and Baubles
Bottle Openers
The panic, the fear: in your hand is your favorite beer, but-- (OH HORROR!) an opener is nowhere near! We’ve all found ourselves in this situation at one time or another, so it should be self-evident that everyone needs a good bottle opener. For the socially-mobile beer drinker look no further than the True Brud Bottle Opener Ring. Your funky, design-minded friends may prefer a Luchador Bottle opener that’ll pile drive that cap right off! We also have a selection of cast-iron, wall-mounted bottle openers that you can’t possibly misplace. Cheers!
Hyper Portable Flexi Growler
You can’t beat the freshness of draft beer and you can’t beat the portability of this growler. Great for picnics or backpacks!
Beer Koozies
Who doesn’t love a Koozie? I’m still not convinced they keep the beer any cooler, but don’t try and tell me they don’t make it taste better!
Holiday Beers
There’s holiday cheer in these beers! Look for everyone’s seasonal favorite Jubelale, from Deschutes. I also recommend the Falalalala Winter ale from Double Mountain, or Almanac Beer Company’s Pumpkin Pie de Brettaville. If you’re buying for a true brew connoisseur, be sure to chat up one of our beer associates who can give you excellent beer buying guidance.
Wine Charms
Wine glass identification is a common problem with an easy solution. We have tons of styles to choose from so come and check them out!
Tribella Aerator
I’ll level with you, I’m not quite sure what this does. But if I had to guess I’d say the Tribella Aerator harnesses the power of the very air you breathe to make your favorite wines three times as bold and beautiful. Stop by the Wine Shop and ask the fine folks what this does (or if you already know, maybe you could explain it to me).
Rabbit non-slip coasters
Toss out your old slippery coasters and opt for Rabbit’s non-slip coasters. They’re stylish and fun!
Bottle candles
Turn your old beautiful bottles into candle holders (à la Lady and the Tramp)!
Tiny Champagnes & Small Format Wines
The Co-op sports a surprisingly large selection of small format wines and bubbles. You’ll even find specialties like Moscato and Chocolate Wine. Also, don’t forget to look at our other tiny boozey bottles. The Mimosa mini-cans are always a favorite and perfect for sipping on Christmas morning.
GoVinos (unbreakable wine cups)
Do you know a picnicking pro, a bumbling butterfingers, or a stalwart strongman looking for an unbreakable artifact upon which you can test their otherworldly strength? Then GoVinos might just be what you’re looking for. (Please don’t actually try and crush the wine glasses, we already know you can).
Self-Care and Wellness
Candles
Nothing spreads holiday cheer like a candle! My favorite is the Frasier Fir from Thymes, with its spot on pine tree scent. We also have a large selection of incense and oil diffusers to choose from. Pro tip: wrap up candles and other smelly gifts to avoid “scenting” any other edibles you might stow in the stocking.
Kid’s Hats & Gloves
This one is a no-brainer. Plus, our selection of hats and gloves are sustainable, soft, fair trade, and oh-so-warm!
Zum Holiday Soap
Smells so good you’ll want to eat it! But you really shouldn’t. Zum produces several different varieties of holiday soaps, so take your pick. As with our candles and other scented products, be sure to wrap up this gift so you don’t frankinscent a stocking.
Chapstick & Lipbalm
Forget regular old chopsticks and check out our selection of lip-saving salves and sticks. Be sure to check out the beeswax based lip balm from local vendor Apis! Also, look for Dr. Hauschka Lip Balm, our associates say it’s like a spa for your lips!
Hand balm/cream
Hands are one of the first parts of the body to show aging, so protect your loved ones from time’s ravages! One of our staff’s favorite products is the Evening Primrose scented hand cream from Weleda.
Jewelry
The co-op carries beautiful jewelry from an assortment of local producers. All the pieces are as unique as the artisans who made them. A lot of our customers are surprised to hear that we carry jewelry at all! Look for them on display in the wellness counter and in the surrounding area.
