As we near the holiday season here in Sitka, I get excited for family time spent in the kitchen over big meals and a cozy fireplace crackling away. The gift-giver in me gets excited about a thoughtful present for a person or two, but then the reality of finding the right gift for a dozen people gets overwhelming. This makes finding that perfect gift an even more daunting task. But fear not! Even in the remote wild coasts of Alaska, nearly everything we want is just a few clicks away. When I get stressed about finding the right gift, I go back to what really excites me, and that is always something delicious to eat, drink, or cook with.

My wife and I made some special jars of smoked salmon as gifts, but beyond that I will look to share my favorite pantry items that I know will bring joy to my loved ones throughout the year. Sitka Seafood Market will have plenty of exciting gift boxes available this holiday season as well so keep an eye out. In addition to those, here are my favorite pantry item gifts from small companies that you can feel good about supporting and whose products are truly exceptional.

Fat Gold Olive Oil - While many of you have seen the price of olive oil skyrocket in recent years, these Californian olive oil makers have actually lowered their annual subscription price. Either as an individual bottle or as a quarterly subscription these distinct olive oils bring the flavor and zing from their freshly pressed oils. A truly excellent pairing with good sea salt and lemon in a crudo or any raw preparation with our fish.

Alaska Pure Sea Salt - Longtime Sitka friends of ours, Alaska Pure produces what we think is some of the world’s best salt. Their delicate flake adds excellent flavor without oversalting and their Alder Smoked Sea Salt goes especially well with seafood.

Boonville Barn Collective - Krissy and Gideon grow and produce some seriously addictive dried chilis in Boonville, CA. Their rich, spicy, and sweet Pimente d’Ville makes everything you cook with it better and redefines what you think you know about chili powder. Their Boonville Boil also pairs well with our halibut, cod, and shellfish.

There are so many great and worthy spice companies around today, but two that consistently fill my shelf are the Ferla Blend from Curio Spice, Backyard Blend from Lemaster Family Kitchen, and a salmon rub I developed with Pinch Spice.

Now that you have some gift ideas for your loved ones — and maybe yourself too — you can focus on quality time with friends and family. Cook some great seasonal meals and embrace the season by slowing down and enjoying the small things.