Popcorn Bistro
With 153 flavors made fresh daily — all from natural ingredients — this family-owned company based out of Covington assures a flavor for every palate. Gift boxes and tins can be filled with local flavors including Bananas Foster, Mardi Gras Mambo, King Cake, Beignet, Boiled Crawfish, Cajun and Gumbo.
Price: varies depending on the order; $25 to $85.
To buy: PopcornBistro.com or any of the four storefronts in Covington, Hammond, Metairie (Lakeside Mall) and Baton Rouge
NOLA BOARDS
A handcrafted cutting-board business created by New Orleans husband-and-wife team Mandy Simpson and Daren Sumrow, NOLA BOARDS uses domestic and exotic hardwoods to create a wide array of items that can also be customized with engravings or corporate logos starting at $20 per board.
Price: Cutting boards start at $30; bulk discounts are available.
To buy: NolaBoards.com or the company’s storefront at 4304 Magazine Street.
Bonfolk Collective
Created by New Orleanian Janna Hart, Bonfolk Collective offers stylish New Orleans-themed socks perfect for any executive. Plus, with every sock purchase, the company donates a pair to a local shelter — double the giving!
Price: $18-$20
To buy: Bonfolk.com, which also includes a list of stores that sell the socks locally.
Essential New Orleans
In celebration of New Orleans Magazine’s 50th anniversary this year, the publication has published its first-ever hardcover book, “Essential New Orleans,” in which local writers share their love for 15 of the magazine’s favorite city locales.
Price: $24.95
To buy: MyNewOrleans.com/store
La RiviÈre Confiserie
Specializing in imported French treats, La Rivière Confiserie boasts a wide array of sweet and savory options, but among the most popular are the “praslines.” The predecessor of the pralines we know and love, praslines were created in 1636 by taking toasted almonds and caramelizing them in a golden syrup. Originally presented as gifts to the ladies of the French court, they are a sweat treat fit for royalty.
Price: $16 for a tin of praslines to $150 for a “Hat Box” that pairs praslines with other favorite store offerings
To buy: LaRiviereConfiserie.com or the storefront at 3719 Magazine Street
Sweet Olive Soap Works
Following a family tradition, New Orleans native Emily Manger creates handcrafted soaps, along with various bath and body items. Not just for women, the company features soaps for gentlemen in scents including Absinthe, Sazerac® Rye Whiskey Soap and New Orleans Restoration Beer Soap, along with an all-natural shaving soap called Le Loup Garou.
Price: Soaps – $6 to $6.25. Le Loup Garou – $8
To buy: SweetOliveSoapWorks.com, which also includes a list of stores that sell the products locally
Cane River Pecan Co.
Specializing in “tasteful corporate gifts,” Cane River Pecan Co. spreads holiday cheer with boxes and tins of gourmet pecans and cookies in a variety of flavors. The family-owned, more than 45-year-old Louisiana company can also customize tins to include a corporate logo, holiday design or both.
Price: Tins start at $20
To buy: CaneRiverPecan.com
Martin Wine Cellar
Since 1946, Martin Wine Cellar has been a fixture in the Crescent City. In addition to being among the first retailers in the U.S. to offer gourmet food gift baskets, the company also offers businesses the chance to create their own wine labels that are then affixed to their choice of cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, merlot, sparkling or white zinfandel. The minimum order is six bottles per varietal.
Price: depending on the varietal, ranges from $8.19 to $13.19 per bottle
To buy: Phone the store nearest you and ask to speak to customer service. Store locations are available at MartinWine.com/locations
