Rachael NarinsAttention holiday shoppers: we're sorry to report, but your time is up. If you need a gift in hand, your current options pretty much include a dash through CVS or a gift card from the grocery store check out line.
Or not.
There's one other solution, and it's a touch more thoughtful. Plus, you can order it without ever leaving your seat. Locally made food gifts that you can order to be delivered monthly. That's right. Food of the month clubs. The gifts that keep on giving (at least for a few months). Here are five options we think anyone would love to receive:
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Southern Pecan Pie; Credit: Porch Pies
Porch Pies
The premise is homemade, Southern-style pies, but they are baked in L.A. and worth sharing no matter where the recipient lives. You can request to have three, six or 12 months of selections like apple crumble or lemon chess pie delivered to the recipient's door on the 15th of each month. As they say, “pie is love.” Prices range from $90 to $340.
Art of Tea; Credit: Art of Tea
Art of Tea
Steve Schwartz' Art of Tea offers thoughtfully curated six- or 12-month subscriptions of top-tier, organic, fair trade, blended teas. They'll work with you to create a bespoke gift package that can be caffeine-free, iced tea, loose-leaf or in classic sachets. Every month your giftee will also include recipes and expert tips on brewing. Prices range from $15 to $18 a month, depending on what you select.
Credit: Laura Ann's Jams
Laura Ann's Jam The JAMFAN Club
Small-batch jam is the perfect way to share the simple, delicious beauty of Southern California's endless array of fruits in a jar. Four times a year, the recipient will get a hand-written card, three jars of jam, a mix CD, (it is the JAMFAN club after all, so you get edible jam and a few musical jams.) jammy recipes and a fan-club only item (like hot sauce or pickles). All that comes for $175. Coolness is free with purchase.
Platine Cookies; Credit: Rachael Narins
Platine Cookies
Platine (it's the French word for platinum) cookie-of-the-month club is a sweet gift, but may also act as a gateway for a new addiction. The treats are made in small batches in a sleek kitchen in Culver City and chef-owner Jamie Cantor offers three, six or nine consecutive month subscriptions. The 18 cookies will be shipped by second-day air on the first of the month in a ribboned box. Monthly selections are listed on their website. Prices range from $99 to $220 dollars.
Credit: Domaine LA
Domain LA Wine Club
Signing up for the flexible $50-a-month Domain LA Wine Club not only means the gift of bottles, but also $1 glasses at the shop's Sunday tasting events. What gift could be better? The selections from their “Gastronomist” or “Naturalist” lists can be picked up at the Melrose Ave. location or shipped for an additional fee. Your card will be charged monthly, until you contact them to end the subscription.
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