12 Local Gift Ideas for Foodies in St. Louis 2019
St. Louis city has some of the most amazing retail gift shops, yet so many people continue to do their shopping in big box stores. This article really isn’t about the one item we selected to showcase from each business, but more about promoting these small businesses and getting you into these shops to see how hard they all work so hard all year on curating their collections to showcase the their own unique perspective. You really should check out each and every one of the shops on this list. They are all very unique and form the fabric of what St. Louis is all about. Grab your friends and make a shopping date and be proud you are supporting the community by shopping local!
A Box of Haute Cupcakes
from The Sweet Divine
Whether you are invited to a party and need to bring a hostess gift or just want to give a food gift you hope will be share with you, The Sweet Divine never disappoints! Husband and wife team, Jason and Jenna, former winners of the Cupcake Wars, continue to experiment and grow, winning over their guest with deliciously divine flavors. Don’t want to give a food item as a gift? Jenna has been doing a popular Cupcake and Wine Pairing “AirBnb Experience” that would make a wonderful gift.
1801 S 9th St | 314-669-9339 | thesweetdivine.com
Anya’s Fermented Honey Sauce
from Larder & Cupboard
One of our favorite shops in Maplewood, Larder & Cupboard curates specialty foods from all over the world, including some hard to find St. Louis favorites. Every been short on time and needed to grab a quick gift for the foodie in your life? Guaranteed you will find something here – a meaningful specialty food gift from small producers, award-winners, things you won’t be able to find elsewhere in St. Louis. While there, ask if there are any upcoming cooking workshops!
7310 Manchester Road. | 314-300-8995 | larderandcupboard.com
Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels
from Kakao Chocolates
Chocolate lovers will be in awe with a gift from Kakao Chocolate (kah-KAY-o) where the hand-made chocolates and confections are all natural, made without any artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or sweeteners. They dip each of their super creative confections one at a time, in small batches and express their creativity by collaborating with other small businesses. When possible, they use local ingredients including locally roasted coffee and blended tea, Missouri pecans, local honey, beer, liqueurs and liquor, and fruits and vegetables from the farmer’s market.
7272 Manchester Road | 314-645-4446 | kakaochocolate.com
Handcrafted/Fair Trade Tableware
from ZeeBee Market
Julio Zegarra-Ballon started his business with one simple goal —to give customers a fine selection of artisan-made, Fair Trade and Eco-friendly gifts that support the work of marginalized artisans and farmers around the world. This includes a great selection of organic, fairly traded coffee, chocolate, tea and other treats! Today, his business has grown to two locations, South Grand and Maplewood, that makes shopping for a unique gift both delightful and rewarding.
7270 Manchester Rd. | 314-402-0940 | zeebeemarket.com
Sage Lemongrass Soap
from Herbaria
Located in the heart of the old Italian neighborhood, “The Hill,” Herbaria is worth a trip for the fresh, natural smells alone. Store visitors are always wowed by the tantalizing aromas of pure essential oils. Men, women, and children always enjoy the free tour to see how real soap is made and to learn why Herbaria soap is better for your skin. A wide range of wholesome products are produced on premise, including deodorants, bath bombs, bath salts, moisturizers, even insect repellents, and aftershaves.
2016 Marconi Ave | 314-601-3904 | herbariasoap.com
DIY Gift Basket or Gift Card
from Local Harvest
Local Harvest Grocery has been serving the Tower Grove South neighborhood in St. Louis since 2007 with a mission of building a local food community by supplying sustainably-raised, locally grown and produced foods from our region. Nearly all of the meat, eggs, and dairy sold is raised on pasture by local farmers within 150 miles of St. Louis, without the use of added hormones or antibiotics. Most local produce is grown sustainably, if not certified organic. Why not go on a shopping spree and create your own gift basket?
3108 Morganford Rd | 314-865-5260 | localharvestgrocery.com
Ceramic “Bagel” Rocks
from Urban Matter
Urban Matter is a home accessories & gift boutique featuring local makers & artisans, curated treasures and made-by-hand goods. They also offer design services, custom lighting, house made leather goods and a unique off-site indoor/outdoor event space.
3179 S Grand Blvd | 314-456-6941 | urbanmatterstl.com
Handmade Earthenware
From Union Studio
Union Studio in Botanical Grove neighborhood of St. Louis sells artwork created by local artists and hosts classes taught by St. Louis artists. It was opened by Mary Beth Bussen, along with Leah Southerland and Maggie Wheelock who work out of the same space making access to artists and their amazing artwork accessible to everyone and bringing artists and neighbors together.
1605 Tower Grove | 314-771-5398 | stlunionstudio.com
Imo’s Throwback Logo Tee
from Arch Apparel
St. Louisans are a proud bunch and what better way to show your St. Louis Pride than a gift of St. Louis-inspired streetwear from Arch Apparel. Arch Apparel is a lifestyle brand made up of a team of individuals whose goal is to promote the city of St. Louis and all of its unique features, people, and businesses.
2335 S Hanley Rd | 314-601-3122 | archapparel.com
Grapefruit & Tomato Vine Scented Soy Candles
From Maven
Owner Kate Bethel grew up in Maplewood and decided to open her brick and mortar shop offering their Hand-Crafted Soap, Soy Wax Candles, Bath & Body Goods, Skincare, and a line of Men’s Products. They use the finest natural ingredients to ensure quality and sustainability and all of their products are made in their lab by hand in small batches on site.
Kate also teaches soap making class through Dabble – which would make an excelled “experience’’ gift!
7328 Manchester Rd | 314-600-0939 | Mavenstl.com
DIY Classes / Workshop Experience
From Bonboni Mercantile Co
Tucked away in the historic Shaw neighborhood, Bonboni features a collection of boho-chic women’s clothing, vintage home goods, and unique gift items. They blend and layer new, old, crafted and salvaged items to create an experience that delights! The store is housed in a former 120-year-old candy shop, and thus the name BONBONI —a nod to its past.
2246 Klemm St | 314-472-3457 | bonbonistl.com
A Walking Food Tour Experience Gift Card
From EAT Saint Louis Food Tours
Owner Pete Manzo turned his love for St. Louis neighborhoods and its food scene into a growing walking food tour business. Give the gift of a “food tour experience” that incorporates food with historical and cultural stops in unique St. Louis neighborhoods led by local expert guides. Better yet, the ability to book a tour or purchase gift certificates online make this gift a no-brainer for both foodies and non-foodies alike!
Online Only | 800-656-0713 | eatsaintlouis.com