They toil in the sweltering heat of summer and go to great lengths to make things to grow in sub zero temperatures, all in the name of bringing us tasty local produce all year round. Let’s show our city’s farmers some appreciation this holiday season by giving gifts that support their valiant deeds!

Fresh City Farms produce boxes with holiday add ons: Fresh City Farms’ produce box subscriptions contain enough local produce for a week and include some organic imports for variety. Right now, their 3 week ($89.99) or 6 week ($174.99) delivery deals can come with an add on package for the holidays if you really want to treat a pal. “The Holiday Mingle” contains a bottle of biodynamic wine, goat cheese and artisan crackers, “Christmas Morning” has oranges, ancient grain pancake mix, local eggs, Alternative Grounds Coffee, and “The Latke switch Up” contains everything you need to make a mean batch of latkes.  

Brickworks Market gift basket: A variety of local indulgences selected from the vendors of the Brickworks famers market. ($75.00) Or, grab a garden basket of essentials for the green thumbed soul in your life ($125.00). Available to order till December 20th.

Culinarium Ontario produce gift baskets: Culinarium is a gourmet food store (705 Mount Pleasant Rd) and blog that specializes in local products and the passionate folks behind them. Their gift baskets are an assortment of best sellers and staff faves, ranging from $69 – $199. “How Sweet it is” ($69.00) includes treats like red pepper jelly, dark maple syrup, dried cherries, infused honey, and chocolate covered cranberries.

Food Share Holiday Gift Baskets: Mini, small, medium or large baskets range from $30.00 – $175.00 plus the cost of delivery. They contain treasures to stock the holiday pantry for a cocktail party fit for a king – Iranian dates, cherry chutney, salsa, herbed vinegar, roasted peppers, etc. Or, put together a custom basket.

Tour and tastings at Black Creek Brewery: The brewery at Toronto’s historic pioneer village makes all their beers with locally sourced barley, hops and herbs. A tour is only $4.50 and you get 3 samples. The on-site restaurant is also committed to local produce. Read more about one gal’s experience of the brewery tour here. (Said gal is moi.)

Skating and dinner at Dufferin Grove Park: Every Friday night, a community clan gathers around the famous wood-fired bakeoven for dinner made with ingredients from the farmers market. It’s PWYC.

Or, treat your friend to dinner or a gift certificate to a resto that stocks local produce. Here are some faves:

Gilead Cafe and Bistro (4 Gilead Place)
Blue Plate (392 Roncesvalles Ave.)
Splendido (88 Harbord St.)
c5 Restaurant at the ROM (100 Queens Park)
Le Kensington Bistro (256 Augusta Ave.)
Cowbell (1564 Queen St. W)
Veritas Restaurant (234 King St. E)
Burger Bar – organic local produce and local cask ales (319 Augusta Ave.)