In case your shopping isn't done, here's a foodie gift guide that features all local vendors so you can give your loved ones a little taste of Tucson.
(FYI: most of these items are all $25 and under, so you don’t have to break the bank.)
Stock up their pantry
Looking for the perfect gift for the chef in your life, or for someone who’s looking to improve their culinary skills? These talented Tucsonans have got your back. So many local vendors have their own hot sauces, spice mixes, and homemade jams, that are sure to add some flair to your meals.
Jabari Sauce: This hot sauce is made by three best friends who grew up in Tucson. Their hot sauce, which is made with Fresno, serrano and habanero peppers, is described as a marriage between Mexican and Louisiana hot sauces.
I’d Smoke That BBQ: Here, you’ll be able to find all kinds of sweet and savory spices that are sure to add some fun flavor to any dish. Smoked spices, BBQ rubs, sugars, and honey are just a few of the goodies I’d Smoke That BBQ makes.
Mouth of the South Salsa: Add some spice to your giftee’s life with this local salsa. They have all kinds of heat levels, and salsa verdes for those who prefer green over red.
Birria bombs from Wild West Carniceria: These pre-made bombs are perfect for those who are want to level up their kitchen game. Just pop one of these in a pot with some meat, and soon you’ll have a delicious bowl of birria in front of you. They also have a birria bomb kit that comes with one bomb, a pack of flour tortillas and a chiltepin salsa seca.
Bring their favorite cafe to their home
2025 was the year of fun drinks. From crazy lattes to the matcha take-over, it seems like many people spent a lot of this year at their favorite cafe. Thankfully, many local coffee/tea spots sell their own blends, making the perfect gifts for your caffeine-addicted friends.
Loose-leaf tea and mugs from Scented Leaf: Scented Leaf is always packed for a reason: Its tea is just too good. On their website, you can buy all kinds of loose-leaf tea that includes flavors like prickly pear and pomegranate raspberry. They also have a 15 oz mug for $15 if your giftee is looking for a new coffee cup. Scented Leaf Tea House has multiple locations, including 308 E. Congress, 943 E. University and 2627 E. Broadway.
Cariño blend from Cariño Coffee: This coffee cart has some of the best drinks in town, so you just know their own blend is delicious. For the serious coffee drinkers, you can pick up the Cariño blend, which has notes of caramel, citrus and chocolate. Main location, 901 S. Sixth Ave.
Coffee from Presta: You can’t think of coffee without thinking of Presta. This cafe also sells all its own blends, so you can have its amazing coffee in the comfort of your own home. Presta Coffee Roasters cafes are at 2502 N. First Ave., 100 S. Avenida del Conventol and 501 E. 9th St.
Cafecito candle from Di Luna: There’s nothing like the hypnotizing smell of freshly brewed coffee. For those who want to transform their house into a cozy cafe, Di Luna has a Cafecito candle that smells like a creamy vanilla latte. Delicious.
Everyone deserves a sweet treat
Candy and rim dip from Dirty T Tamarindo: Dirty T Tamarindo is a candy-lover's dream. It has all kinds of chamoy-covered candy, combining both sweet and spicy flavors. It also has homemade rim dip, chamoy pickle kits and rim dip keychains so you can take your chamoy on the go.
Chocolate bars and bonbons from Tucson Chocolate Factory: Move over Willy Wonka, the Tucson Chocolate Factory is here. This local chocolatier makes the yummiest chocolate with all kinds of desert flavors. Prickly pear caramel, ancho mesquite honey, and lemon agave caramel are a few of the flavors they offer. Yes, they have Dubai chocolate bars, too.
Chocolate from Monsoon Chocolate: Monsoon Chocolate is another fan-favorite. Not only does it make the prettiest chocolate, but it has so many options like malt balls, dark chocolate bars and chiltepin chocolate bars.
Food can be fun, too
Have a foodie friend with quirky taste? No problem. You can find lots of foodie-themed trinkets and merch from local stores.
Tote bag from Holy Focaccia: Not only does Holy Focaccia make amazing bread, it also makes super cute merch. If your friend is a tote-bag lover, Holy Focaccia sells a candy-apple red bag at all their markets.
Food-themed earrings from Las Changuis Tianguis: Las Changuis Tianguis makes all kinds of quirky jewelry like molacajete dangly earrings, concho studs, and fruit studs. (It also has super cute drinkware and tote bags that have foodie designs on them.)
Food-themed hair clips from Pink Moon Mercantile: Ditch the scrunchies and give your friends another cool way to keep their hair out of their face while cooking. Pink Moon Mercantile has various food-themed hair accessories like pasta hair clips and cherry tomato claw clips.
The top stories from the Arizona Daily Star’s Caliente section for this week.
