CT Grown Holiday Gift Giving!

We’ve all been there- thinking we’ve got so much time before Christmas and then BAM, Thanksgiving comes and goes and it’s a complete shift from “I’ve got time,” to “I’m SO not prepared!” To help alleviate from the last minute panic mode, we’re here to help guide you in some CT Grown holiday gift giving ideas, so that you can be at peace this holiday season!

November 25th was Small Business Saturday! What better way to kick off your gift giving by shopping at your small local businesses. Some of these small businesses can be found at your local winter farmers markets! By shopping at your local winter farmers markets, you’re not only supporting these small businesses, but also incorporating your Connecticut farms and  producers into your gift giving as well! Click here to find a winter farmers market near you!

Need other options? We’ve got you covered! Here are some CT Grown gift ideas for you this holiday season:

Jam Out!

Harvest season may be over in Connecticut, but that doesn’t mean your options are gone! Every year, part of the harvest goes towards products like jams, jellies, salsas, pickles, relishes, dips, and sauces. YUM! 

Sign Up for a CT Grown Class or Retreat!

That’s right! Oftentimes, farms and producers want to share their love and knowledge to help bring agriculture into people’s homes. They do this by hosting workshops like: gardening classes, culinary classes, beekeeping classes, and daylong or weekend retreats where you can get hands-on experience of cooking and harvesting!

CSA Membership!

In our previous blog, we talked about the importance of supporting your local farms by purchasing the “gift that keeps on giving-” CSAs! Visit our previous blog here to learn more about CSAs.

Send Food in the Mail!

It may sound too good to be true, but more and more CT Grown farms have embraced hosting online stores where you can have your food conveniently delivered or mailed! Some shellfish companies will actually deliver oysters that were caught on the same day. I’m sorry, what?! SO cool. Even more, some meat producers will travel locally to drop off coolers with steaks, and other farms will ship gift boxes with pears, apples, and more! 

Holiday Cheers!

Got any family or friends who love their wine?! Grab a bottle or two at one of the 45 farm wineries in Connecticut! Better yet, you can sign them up for a membership to a wine club or program. Click here to check out a farm winery near you!

Do your loved ones prefer beer, ciders, or spirits instead? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! You can also shop at your local craft brewery, cidery, or distillery to purchase the perfect holiday bottle for your loved ones.

Alternative Options!

• Wood Products Carved by CT Artisans: Coasters, bowls, cutting boards, board games, etc. 

• Gardening Products from local CT Greenhouses: flowers, potting soil, compost, etc. 

• Fiber Products from CT Farmers: blankets, scarves, mittens, sweaters, rugs, stuffed animals, jewelry, etc.

• CT Grown Personal Care Products: lip balms, chapstick, deodorant, lotions, soaps, etc.

• Decor from CT Grown Products: Wreaths, dried flowers, etc.

All of these great gift options can be found at your local CT Farms. If you’re still feeling stuck, head on over to the CT Grown website to search for your local farms, shop, or read up on the most recent blogs! We hope you find something that suits you and your loved ones this holiday season! Happy shopping!