Top Foodie Gifts at Union Square Holiday Market

Decisions, decisions

Chances are there's a foodie on your holiday gift list. Union Square Holiday Market is in full swing through Dec 24th, and offers one stop shopping - plus vital snacking - during the festive season.

Specialty oils, vinegars and salts

The Filling Station - Fill 'er up with gourmet oils ($9.95), vinegars ($9.95) and specialty salts for the chef of the house. Popular oils include nutty butternut squash seed oil (perfect for Thai food), fig dark balsamic vinegar (great on ice cream, fruit, or pork), dark chocolate vinegar (for steaks); and the value priced truffle salt with grated truffles ($10.95). Throw in the trivia board game Foodie Fight ($18.95).

Beer making in a box

Brooklyn Brew Shop - If you can make oatmeal, I'm told you apparently can make a home brew. A $40 starter kit is all you need. It's also reusable and comes in a variety of seasonal wintery brews. Each kit yields a gallon of beer or about 12 bottles. Additional refill bags of ingredients are $15. And there's even a Brew Shop Beer Making book for $20. Cheers.

Handcrafted beef jerky

Kings County Jerky Co. - Artisanal beef jerky is a tasty idea for the discerning carnivores on your list. Kings County offers chewy 100% organic, grass-fed jerky in addictive flavors such as Classic, Korean BBQ (spicy), and Szechuan Ginger. Slices are handcrafted using fresh spices and ingredients. You can also try before you buy. $10 for a 2-oz package.

Salsa!

The Brooklyn Salsa Company - Five varieties of this popular local market staple named for each of the New York City boroughs are perfect stocking stuffers. And you can sample them all before you buy. Make sure you taste the seasonal butternut squash salsa, a delicious holiday best seller. $6 each or a six-pack for $30.

Macaron Parlour - The très elegant hostess gift of the season. Beautiful boxes filled with a rainbow of colors and flavors - from red velvet to classic caramel fleur de sel or candied bacon with maple cream cheese. Gift box prices range from 8 for $20 or 18 for $40.

Exotic spices galore

Spices and Tease - For a spice hoarder like me, this stall is heaven. Dozens of exotic tea and spice blends can be mixed into a 6-tin gift box for $35. Individual tins are $7 each.

No Chewing Allowed - What chocoholic wouldn't want the pure indulgence of a box of traditional French chocolate truffles? A 75-year-old recipe and mouthwatering samples keep this stall a popular one all season long. $12.99/box of 22. 

And while you're working up an appetite shopping, check out Mighty Balls gourmet meatballs, Sigmund Pretzelshop, Crack Pie at Momofuku Milk Bar, apple cider donuts and gingerbread girls + boys at Breezy Hill Orchard, warm Nutella crepes at Bar Suzette, Stuffed Artisan Cannolis, and hot gluehwine (made from 13 fruit juices) and hot apple cider from German Delights.

Market open daily through Dec 24th.
Mon-Fri 11am-8pm
Sat 10am-8pm
Sun 11am-7pm