The 2024 Delco Foodie Gift Guide

The holidays are truly one of the most magical times of year in Delco, PA. Homes across the county glow with light and warmth, music spills out of shops, and Christmas tree stands pop up out of nowhere, turning parking lots and shopping centers into temporary forests. 

It’s also a season of generosity and giving, from the many food and toy drives and charity fundraisers organized by community and religious groups, to the presents that family and friends exchange as tokens of affection. Because there is such an emphasis on gifts during the holidays, we’re here with a friendly reminder to shop local and support Delco’s many small businesses and local artists and artisans! 

To help you get started on your long list, here are some great gift ideas for the food-lovers in your life, split into four categories:

 

Brilliant Beverages

If you’re looking to delight a coffee fan, you can’t go wrong with a bag of locally roasted beans. As any coffee connoisseur will tell you, fresh-roasted beans just hit different. You’ve got fantastic options in Delco for quality beans; try the Somewhere Blend (balanced and smooth), Rainforest Blend (which supports the Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research’s rainforest conservation programs), or—our favorite—the Delco Blend (unapologetically bold) from House Cup Coffee Roasters in Havertown. Or, head to Media and pop into Burlap and Bean to peruse its many bagged offerings, like Black and Tan (a blend of dark and light roasts), Excalibur (full-bodied and sweet) or Heritage (a signature breakfast blend). For a more elaborate gift, add one of Burlap and Bean’s branded mugs or to-go vessels.

House Cup: 2116 Darby Rd., Havertown; (484) 424-9330.

Burlap and Bean: 455 W Baltimore Ave., Media; (484) 444-2533.

 

 

 

Famously, wine makes a fabulous gift! Bring along a bottle from any of Delco’s wineries as a host gift, or tuck one under the tree as a treat for a lucky someone. To give a gift that keeps on giving, consider the Wine Club from The Inn at Grace Winery. For $65 each quarter (plus tax, shipping and delivery) club members receive two bottles of wine delivered to their home, plus a 15% savings on all wine bottles, tours, tasting and merchandise, 25% discount on cases, plus invites to member-only events and special quarter discounts at Grace Winery’s tasting room and more. They’ll even get access to new releases and receive a newsletter with tasting notes and pairing suggestions. Note: Both the purchaser and recipient must be 21 years or older.

50 Sweetwater Rd., Glen Mills; (610) 459-4711.

 

 

 

Every year, 2SP Brewing in Aston releases two seasonal coffee beers, each made in collaboration with nearby coffee companies. A four-pack is a fun gift for any craft beer fan, and this year, 2SP is selling each beer with a bag of beans and a cute Delco-themed mug! Try Spot Saver (a nod to how we love to save our parking spots after a snow storm), a coffee stout made with Mexican and Colombian dark roasts from Herman’s Coffee for a dark and subtle chocolate-y smooth brew. The Goat is another coffee stout, this time made with coffee from Little Goat Coffee Roasters in Delaware, featuring a light roast from Nicaragua and bold Sumatran dark roast for rich flavors of dark chocolate, dark fruit and subtle floral notes.

120 Concord Rd. #101-103, Aston; (484) 483-7860.

 

 

Savory Snacks

There are plenty of opportunities for noshing during the holiday season, and you can keep that spirit going by gifting a bag or two of the wildly delicious Black Lava Cashews made by the culinary whizzes at DiBruno Bros. One of their most popular items, these perfectly-seasoned nuts are coated in Hawaiian black lava sea salt for a nutty, crunchy, slightly sweet bite. They pair well with aged gouda (but would make a lovely addition to any cheese or charcuterie plate), and are next-level sprinkled over ice cream.

385 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; (484) 581-7888.

 

Last year, we introduced you to Chef Dan McKenna of Barking Dog Garden Patio, an outdoor dining experience in Media. During the off-season, Chef McKenna stays busy making specialty to-go and packaged foods for his neighbors and fans, including his signature Dan Good Jerky. Handcrafted and high-quality (that means no nitrates, nitrites or preservatives), the jerky is available in tasty flavors, like black pepper garlic, wasabi ginger and candied mocha maple. Order online; pick-ups are Monday through Friday and must be scheduled ahead.  

203 E. Baltimore Ave., Media; (484) 724-4389.

 

There is no place quite like The Head Nut, a family-owned business that’s been around since 1945. This bulk-food paradise right on the border of Delco and Montco offers nearly every kind of nut, dried fruit, sweet morsel and crunchy bit you can imagine, not to mention gourmet products, packaged candies, coffees, teas, spices and more! For a budget-friendly gift idea, compose a DIY snack or trail mix made from bulk items purchased here, and pack them up in jars or containers with handmade labels.  

2408 Haverford Rd., Ardmore; (610) 642-3066.

 

 

Sweet Treats

 

Around the holidays, owner/operator Arianne Kline of Wee Marie’s Scottish Shortbread can barely keep her buttery rich cookies in stock, so act fast! A bag or beautifully wrapped box of these shortbreads are a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves a decadent nibble. Made using her grandmother’s beloved recipe, the shortbreads are less sweet than a sugar cookie, and more tender and flaky than other types of shortbread (the secret is in the copious amounts of butter!). Order online for local delivery.

 

During this time of year, Christopher Chocolates is simply packed with fun seasonal specialties that make wonderful gifts for co-workers, friends and family (who doesn’t love candy as a stocking stuffer?). Stop into the charming shop to peruse Hanukkah-themed gummies and gelt, chocolates wrapped like presents, red and green gumdrops, epic gift baskets, and so much more.

3519 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square; (610) 359-1669.

 

 

Nothing builds anticipation for the holidays like an advent calendar—especially when each little window reveals a piece of candy! The advent calendar from Bevan’s Own Make Candy offers up a piece of chocolate, bonbon or other treat every day in December, sure to bring smiles to all. It’s an old-school gift that keeps on giving all month long.

143 E. Baltimore Pike, Media; (610) 566-0581.

 

Younger kids in your life will be psyched to receive the on-trend sweets from TAFF Treats Freeze-Dried Candy. Freeze-dried candy has been all the rage on social media; it’s such a cool transformation of familiar flavors into wild textures! Made right in Brookhaven, this quirky brand specializes in colorful, whimsical products with local references. There’s Down the Shore Taffy, JAWNS (freeze dried Nerd Clusters), and of course our top pick, DELCO Puffs (freeze dried Jolly Ranchers). Order online, shop at its new storefront, or find TAFF Treats at local stockists.

8 W. Brookhaven Rd., Brookhaven. 

 

 

Bonus: Non-Edible Foodie Gifts

Keep your friends’ and family’s kitchen Delco-ified with the adorable local-pride homewares from Three Potato Four: the vintage-looking Delco Milk Glass Mug and sturdy Delco Map Tray. Wouldn’t a cheese plate look great on that?

7 E. State St., Media; (610) 565-3957.

 

Make the season bright (and nice smelling) with candles from The D3LCO Effect. Each of these premium soy wax-based candles represents a cherished Delco-ism, channeled into lovely scents made with essential and fragrance oils. Each is hand poured into a recyclable, sustainable amber glass jar. All of the options are appealing; a few of our favs are Dining Under the Stars (a shoutout to the annual event in Media), Black & White Shake, Nana’s Cookies and Cozy in Chi. Order online for delivery or local pick-up. 

 

Don’t forget the fur babies! The Delco Dog Treat Gift Box from Delco Dog Co. celebrates your favorite pup with colorful hand dipped and decorated treats made with peanut butter dough and coated in yogurt. Shop on Etsy.

 

 

While made in Philly and not Delco, the Pica’s Pizza ornament from Jawnaments is too good to leave out!  

 

 

Happy shopping this year! Please support our local businesses and enjoy a safe, healthy holiday season.

 

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Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA, and we’ve got you covered from Philly to the Brandywine. Find us at 1501 N. Providence Rd., Media, PA, 19063; (610) 565-3679 or online.

— Emily Kovach 

 

Featured photo courtesy of Burlap and Bean