GEZELLIG COOKIES
Cassandra Plas, a Dutch-Canadian expat now living in Orlando, makes stroopwafels. If you know what a stroopwafel is, stop reading and go buy a bunch. If you don't know what a stroopwafel is: It's a gooey layer of caramel sandwiched between two thin, crisp waffle-patterned cookies ... now stop reading and go buy a bunch. You can order online or buy at severaown, listed on the website. gezelligcookies.com
YAUPON BROTHERS TEA
Got a true locavore on your list? If so, they may have resigned themselves to having to cheat when it comes to caffeinated hot beverages. Cheat no more, locavores! Brothers Bryon and Kyle White process Florida yaupon holly, North America's only caffeine-bearing plant, into a delicious and pep-boosting tea that you can buy on their website or at various Central Florida shops. yauponbrothers.com
SMILING GOAT JAMS
Jill Rhodus makes damn good jam. Flavors change with the seasons, but have included blueberry-lavender, persimmon-cardamom and strawberry-ramp – not your run-of-the-mill spreads. We love her local-produce-based preserves on toast, obviously, but they also go wonderfully with savory dishes (like in a grilled cheese or alongside a pork roast) and mixed into cocktails. Check the Smiling Goat website for an extensive list of "mongers"; no online sales. smilinggoatjams.com
GIFT CARDS
OK, we get it – sometimes you just don't have the time or the brain power to think of and buy the perfect gift. It's all right to give a gift card sometimes ... if that gift card supports a local business. P Is for Pie (crazyforpies.com), Buttermilk Bakery (buttermilk-bakery.com) and Valkyrie Doughnuts (valkyriedoughnuts.com) all offer gift cards in various denominations, ensuring a steady supply of sweet treats for your loved ones.
